Dave, it's horses for courses (different strokes for different folks). I
dislike the TS-850 mostly because of ergonomics. I have poor eyesight and
find the knobs very tiny and difficult to use. I don't like black or dark
gray radios (my biggest gripe against the Orion).
If you lived in Europe, you would quickly change your mind about which is
the better radio. Without some filters (either preselector or Dunestar,
etc.), the TS-850 is an expert in producing "Wave Salid" (as they call it in
Germany) on 40m. I think the term "Cement Mixer" which Richy mentioned
might be a close approximation to what you hear - though it surprised me
that someone heard that on the other side of the Atlantic. I still think
Richy's 850 was broken.
I'm an active member of the BCC who [unfortunatley] many years ago chose the
850 as their standard radio. As a result I am forced to use them a lot more
than I care to. Having said that, we still get excellent results out of the
radio - although most of the ones I've used have been modified. One thing
it does have is probably the best autotuner on the market.
I liked the 57 Chevy's and the 67 Corvettes and the old SL Mercedes. Like
the Drake Line, S-Line, TS-850/930, you can't buy them anymore. Though it's
fun to dream of our toys of the past, if you are in the market for a good
new or almost new radio, there's not much choice for serious DXers or
Contesters. I think Ten-Tec will rule the next 3 or 4 years until the JA
vendors wake up and listen to typical hams.
73
Rick
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Dave Edwards
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 8:05 AM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Re: [TenTec] Omni VI+ destined as a classic?
I have since sold it..and the 440sat I had at the same time. But, it was a
very solid, reliable rig.
I never had to refer to the manual when operating. On SSB receive...it
sounded beautiful...closest to my KWM2A that any rig comes. If that
beautiful audio made you think it was too broad...you could switch to a
tighter filter...or turn down the width knob. The main tuning knob was
smooth, without wobbles or tight spots, the blue flourescent readout was
always dead on, computer control allowed access to everything (s meter,
memorys, filters etc.) and, with ANY software...the tight filter always
selected the tight filter...RTTY always selected RTTY..etc....never a
glitch!
The built in autotuner operated without any intervention...and practically
instantly!
The RF output was always the same..exactly...any band, any year!
Reports of audio quality were always superb...no FMing, or a little raspy,
or a little tinny or a little high or a little muffled. The keyer was
predictable and flawless, Even FM on 10 meters sounded as good as any 2
meter FM rig you could come by. Never had to 'reset the processor' or turn
it off and back on again etc.
But QSK (in my book) it did not have. Neither does the OMNI VI+!
The Argonaut V does...and so does the Elecraft K1.
If I hear a relay, I am always thinking if it is gonna click before I start
sending again...That is what I consider non-QSK.
....Dave
----- Original Message -----
From: <nz7c@cox.net>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>; <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 10:35 AM
Subject: Re: Re: [TenTec] Omni VI+ destined as a classic?
> Hi Dave -
> I would enjoy hearing why you would go back to the 850S. There seem to be
a lot of people in the world that have the same opinion. I've never operated
an 850S and would like to know what you enjoyed about it? I agree that
despite specs - some rigs just grab us more than others - ergonomics or
whatever - so I would like to hear your thoughts on the 850. Thanks Dave.
> 73/Tim NZ7C
> ============================================================
> From: "Dave Edwards" <kd2e@comcast.net>
> Date: 2004/07/19 Mon AM 10:10:18 EDT
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Omni VI+ destined as a classic?
>
> Well, years ago, I was shopping to replace my lowly FT757GX.
> I wanted to check out the OMNI V, but couldn't. (mail guarantee thing that
I
> did not want to bother with).
> So, I picked up a Kenwood 850S. I had it 'till a few years ago when I got
a
> 1000D.
> Several months ago, I got an OMNI VI+....still always wanted one!
> It is a nice rig...a keeper because of the easy knob placement, large
> display, attactive and pretty good QSK.
> But, if I had to do it all over again...I'd go back in time and get the
850s
> again...its just a better rig!
> And, the 1000D is miles above either one of them.
> Specs may show my error, but in the time spent in front of them...tuning
and
> operating...that is my finding.
> ....Dave
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <nz7c@cox.net>
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Friday, July 09, 2004 11:47 PM
> Subject: [TenTec] Omni VI+ destined as a classic?
>
>
> > I have a feeling that the Omni VI+ is and will be the last and greatest
> crystal filtered cw rig and will take a definite position of honor in the
> history of ham radio. Anybody care to suggest how you think the Omni's
will
> be regarded 10, 15 years from now? Just a fun question :-)
> > 73/Tim NZ7C
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > TenTec mailing list
> > TenTec@contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
> _______________________________________________
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> ============================================================
>
>
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