Scott and gang,
Ironically, I saw this message just after I got back from Kinkos where I had
made several life-sized copies of the Omni VI front panel in order to change
a few things around using real cutting and pasting. Here are my major ideas
for the Omni VII:
1. Place RIT, XIT and Reverse touch switches directly above the RIT knob,
move present RIT knob down to level of main tuning knob. and replace with a
knob larger than the other control knobs, but smaller than the main tuning
knob. Rationale: All RIT functions can be grouped and controlled with one
hand. A distinct feeling knob will help in performing this important
function.
2. Arrange the in-out switches vertically between the two sets of controls
instead of horizonally above the controls. Group controls by like function.
Attenuation should be to right of RF Gain control. AGC switches to left of
RF/AF gain controls. Notch manual/auto to right side of notch/PBT stalk, add
new feature allowing selection of Manual notch or Audio Peaking Filter (APF).
Cluster this selector switch to left of notch/PBT stalk. Add antenna 1/2
selector (I feel a very necessary feature that should be linked to the
microprocessor) and also move ant/aux switch between AF/RF and notch/PBT
stalks. Rationale: allow as much one-hand operation of related controls to
the maximum extent possible.
3. Switch location of Power/Proc and NB/Squelch stalks (along with processor
on/off switch and ALC indicator). Rationale: When reaching for AF and RF
gain, it is possible to mistakenly turn down power or processor levels. I've
done this in conrtests trying to turn down the gain on strong signals.
NB/Squelch controls are rarely used and would have little impact if
mistakenly adjusted.
4. Agree that keyer offers little value-added. Eliminate it and slide the
meter switch and the meter down directly over the Notch/PBT controls. This
will also allow space for the RIT\XIT display to be moved directly over that
control knob -- it is akward being on the far right side of the display.
Also, move frequency display to the left slightly to place the changing
parts of the display (KHZ) more directly above the tuning knob.
5. The soft keys are very user friendly, and I wouldn't do much to them at
all, other than moving the RIT/XIT and Reverse controls.
6. Consider building in a CW computer interface, it takes three parts, but
would allow keying from the computer through a DB9 to DB9 connector, the DB9
being added for serial radio and keying control.
These are the major improvements I'd recommend. Please understand, this
radio in its current form has the best ergonomics I've seen in any radio to
date. I believe, though, that it can be even better. I agree that basic
radio performance and usability are the bottom line. A pig in lipstick is
still a pig! Keep it simple, easy to use and reliable!
I will send you a copy of my "cut and paste" version of the OMNI 7. Keep up
the good work Ten-Tec, we're all behind you!!!!!!!
Paul, KB8N, owner of two Omni VIs
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