Rick,
First I am not a contester and no longer a super active Dx'er (you can read my
bio on QRZ.com). Rather I am just, again, having fun with no particular goals
other than to experiment with antennas (home designed and built) and have some
good radios to put at the end of those wires and tubing. I got my Omni VI+
again ( had Corsairs, Omnis and Scouts for years as well Hercs, tuners and rack
mounts by Ten-Tec. I served as a beta tester for the Omni VI+. But, based
upon these experiences I developed a 'taste' for good solid receivers with good
filtering, excellent QSK, excellent service and something that is not recently
introduced due to the old 'bugs need to be sorted out' problems.
So, now my operating on CW and SSB is for fun --- chatting a bit and getting to
know people and learning more than "You're 59 or 5NN" plus 'chasing Dx for the
fun of it' after confirming well over 310 on both CW and SBB on five bands.
I've entered a new stage of operating. But, I still want good ears, nice QSK,
and excellent filtering. The Omni VI+ is my main radio. I am looking for
something to replace the 746 after having to hassle foreign manufacturer's
reapair facilities but never having to hassle Ten-Tecs. Although, I must say my
746 hs been trouble free. Plus, Jack and I went to the same university and
both majored in engineering! We are not contemporaries -- that was more tongue
in cheek despite the fact it is true.
So, I am looking for a good backup to the Omni VI+ without it having to be an
Omni VI+ but has a good front end, excellent QSK, good filtering, can hear well
but not necessarily find the Goldfish in the sharks' tank, is backed by good
service and has no known major problems that have not been rectified. I am
concerned about what I read about some RFI problems with the Jupiter due to it
being in a plastic cabinet. However, I am one who puts ferrite chokes on
everything into every radio all the time as a result of my experiences of
running QRO with multiple antennas and all sorts of interconnections between
everything in my radio room.
I have essentially two stations -- the one here at home and one in Maine where
we split our time. Winters are here in Virginia. So, for Maine, it is the SGC
2020 (which has been through hell and back in my Super Cub on floats -- it
ain't the best radio but it does not draw much power and does a good enough job
for entertainment at night and as a backup emergency radio). It is field tough
and small and draws little current despite that fact that we have Honda Eu
1000s available in most places I fly into ( I do a lot of expedition ferrying)
-- depending upon my gross weight (plane and baggage, fuel and people) I
sometimes take the 897D (with the 100W option available -- important on this
solar cycle downside) and will likely field test the Argo V this summer as
well. The Jupiter caught my ear and 'eye' based upon what I heard from
Jupiters on the air.
I appreciate your comments and hope this clarification helps. I would also
like to thank those of you who reponded to me privately via email.
73,
Greg K2UM
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