[50mhz] Re: [VHF] New TenTec OMNI-VII due in October includes 6M!

[Steve Berg]

My main objection to the newest Omni is that it is software defined.  
This means that the operator has to fight their way through menu after 
menu to change parameters which are far easier to adjust using that 
stone age invention called a knob.  I had one of their 6 and 2 meter 
multi-modes.  It was a very nice radio, but did not do anything any 
better than my Argonaut II with the Ten Tec transverters.  It also did 
not have any adjustment on the QSK speed, so that it became annoying to 
use it with my older Mirage 6 meter brick which also has no adjustment 
for keying speed.  I find fast QSK to be annoying.  So, the 6&2 has a 
new home and I am enjoying the Argo II once again.  I really appreciate 
the quality of Ten Tec equipment, and think their tech support is 
great.  But, I prefer the ease of use of predominately analog equipment 
and doubt that the Omni VII is going to be replacing my Omni V and Argo 
II any time soon. Not being a rabid contest operator, I do not need an 
ethernet card built into the rig.  I do not particularly care for 
frivolous bells and whistles.  I recently fought with my handi-talkie 
for days, just to program in a few repeater pairs.  The extra features 
are largely useless, and the essential features are hard to use.  I am 
planning to upgrade to the Elecraft transverters as time and money 
permit, but will be using them with the obsolete and menu-less Argonaut.



Steve WA9JML EN51