[Icom] Re:Omini from Ten Tec

[icom@mailman.qth.net]

Hi Gene,

Yep, I have an Omni VI and an Omni VI+ (actually an Omni 6 with the factory
upgrade to a VI+).  I had an Omni V back when they were still in production
and liked it.  I am about 98% CW and the Omni's do a great job on CW.  Right
now, TenTec is getting $1095 for the Omni V, $1650 for the Omni VI, $1725 for
the Omni VI w/option 1, $1775 for the VI w/option 2, $1895 for the VI w/option
3 and $1975 for the Model 564 VI+.  These are all listed on their last list of
used/demo equipment.  These are all used prices.  Prices from individuals will
vary quite a bit but will be lower than the factory used prices.  If you are 
an 
ARRL member, you can pull down the ARRL reviews on the Internet.  The
only "bug" that I remember on the Omni V was placement of the power supply.
The p/s would cause a hum in the rig if it was placed directly next to the 
rig on 
one particular side.  I don't remember if it was the right or left but was OK 
if 
swapped to the other side or moved further away from the rig.  I ran mine on
an Astron under the bench so never really saw this problem.  Both of my
current Omni's now run off the TenTec supplies (one on a 961 and one on a
962).  The supplies look identical and I don't really know what the 
difference is
in the two models.

Omni power supplies (either the 961 or 962) now are going for $175 at TenTec. 
 That's the unit with the built in speaker. The Omni V does not have any DSP 
functions but does have spots for 4 crystal filters. One in the 9 MHz IF and 3
in the 6.3 MHz IF.  Any filter (or cascaded combo) can be selected for any 
mode.
The VI does have a limited DSP capability and the VI+ has the expanded DSP
capabilities and slots for 5 optional crystal filters (3 in the 9 MHz and 2 
in the 
6.3 MHz IFs)

The V, VI and VI+ all look very similar.  The VI and VI+ only real appearance
differences are in the filter buttons and a couple of the function keys on the
right side of the radio.  None of the Omni's have general coverage if you are
interested in that capability.  The Paragon does have general coverage but I
haven't seen any for sale lately.  The Paragon looks like the Omni V but had
a different receiver design.  Right now, TenTec is getting a number of 
Omni's traded-in on the new Orion and there are a number showing up on the
TenTec reflector for sale (presumably for the same reason).  I've been 
considering the same thing but want to wait a little bit until the Orion has a
bit of a track record.  For your info, TenTec will accept used TenTec gear as
trade-ins on new TenTec rigs as long as the trade-in is in good shape both
electrically and cosmetically.

I think a fairly safe comment is to say that people either love them or 
dislike
them.  I happen to really like them.  They are very easy to understand and
use.  TenTec does have one quirk when it comes to ham gear.  They have
their own ideas as to the proper connector to use for the various external
pieces of equipment such as keys, speakers, etc.  The connectors are even
different for an external keyer and a paddle for the built in keyer.  The 
paddle
is a 1/8" stereo jack and the keyer is a RCA phono jack :>)

I also have an Icom 756PROII and a 746PRO and I would part with them
before the Omni's :>)  In fact, I've offered the PROII for sale on the 
Internet
over this weekend.  I won't feel bad if no one takes it since it is a good rig
but quite complex to set up properly and use.

Hope this helps.  If I can answer any specific question(s), feel free to ask.

73, Mac, KR0I