[TenTec] RE; IC-7800, TS-850S, OMNI VI+, etc.

[Arthur Bernstein <n2ka@optonline.net>]

I've been following the continuing  discussions about comparisons 
between the IC-7800, Orion, OMNI VI, TS-850 and the like.
First, let me say I've owned an OMNI VI (Ver. 3) since before it was 
nicely updated by Tentec. I think its a great radio, though it does have 
some faults. When it comes to a combination of performance and ease of 
use, I've never operated a radio any better. I'm primarily a weak 
signal, 160 meter operator with some strong signal work on 20 meters 
too. I'm not an engineer, nor do I have the ability to do dynamic 
testing of a radio, but I do understand the specifications splashed 
about on the various radios on the market. I nearly bought a TS-850S, 
but  purchased an FT-990 instead. It didn't last long with me and was 
replaced by an OMNI VI within one month of purchase. GOOD MOVE.

What struck me about the description given by one gentleman about his 
TS-850 was its pedestrian, appliance operator review. He really liked 
his radio. Nothing wrong with that! Perhaps the old adage of ignorance 
(nothing personal, please) being bliss is accurate with radios. If you 
don't know what to expect or what you are missing, you may think what 
you have is tops. And, in fact, for your particular mode of operation, 
it may be all you really need!! For those of us who are more demanding, 
critical and perhaps more technical in our expectations, there are many 
radios behind in the dust.
As a segue toward the IC-7800 discussion. I read the "reviews" in QST. I 
think, for the most part, these "reviews" lacked the meat of earlier 
reviews. They seemed to have a greater bent toward the less technical 
amongst us. They smacked of many of the old CQ "reviews" which I often 
felt were rehashings of the manufacturer's literature. They were well 
written, but didn't tell us much  more than the manufacturer's 
literature did. Kind of schilling for the manufacturer?
Finally, one last comment about DSP. Remember, I'm not an engineer. The 
latest and greatest DSP (I don't want to hear about 24, 32 bit, 
etc.)--where is being placed? Pre or post detector? I know that post 
detection DSP (as in external AF DSP boxes) suffer from AGC vagaries and 
the ensuing pumping in the receiver from close in strong signals. Has 
this been overcome with newer DSP applications? I beleive the OMNI VI 
has its limited DSP in the audio chain. I can see where roofing filters 
can help in eliminating strong  close in signals pre detection. The 
roofing filter concept  was introduced to me in the '70's with my self 
modified R-4C.
Sorry for the ramble. Just need to put in my 12 cents worth.
73,
Art, N2KA..

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