K3 and Omni VII.

[Dave Agsten]

Let me start off by stating that I'm not looking for a
spec by spec comparison of these two radios. The jury
is already in on that. I hope I can just keep a few
shots from firing by saying that first.

I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has both the
Omni VII and a K3. I'd like to know from an operating
perspective what you think of both radios. I know they
each have their strengths and a few weaknesses. I'm
interested in A/B, side by side testing, during real
operating conditions. Does one hear better than the
other? Is one easier to operate? I know this is a
personal thing, but I'd like to hear about it. Also,
anything else that comes to mind would be appreciated.

I had an OMNI V back when they first came out. It was
a great radio at the time and probably can still hold
its own against most of what's out there now. I've
just always wanted to buy another Ten-Tec and did look
for a V for awhile. With the VII out there now, that
would seem the way to go at this point. I do have a
second K3, a QRP version, on order.

Another reason for looking at the Omni VII is that I'm
very interested in buying as much American made gear
for my shack as I can. I have a 756 PRO III that is
the last of my Japanese stuff. All that's saving it at
this point is the real-time bandscope. I'm still
considering either selling it or trading it in.

Please respond off list if you think this might
generate a lot of flack. That's not my intention at
all. I'm just beating the bushes for information.

Tnx es 73,
Dave N8AG


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[Michael Harvey]

The Ten Tec is a very nice transceiver. I have looked at both K3 and Omni VII specs in detail and according to those, the K3 has the advantage. I won't dig into IMD or dynamic blocking specs as all those are available on the net. There were some things that jumped out at me when comparing the two that I thought I would share in plain english with the reflector:
 
The Omni VII takes a snap shot of the spectrum and does not display real time on its band scope like the ProIII. Of course the K3 does not have a band scope but I think it is a novelty since I have never used it during a contest or other wise. It looks cool but then so does a spectrum analyzer which serves a real function!
 
The Omni VII does have general coverage on the receiver which is an option on the K3. Past Omni's were ham bands only. This does not mean a lot to me as I hardly ever use a general coverage. I would rather have ham bands only.
 
The Omni does have rack mount plates which would be nice in my shack. I could probably build them for a K3 cheaper that I could buy them from Ten Tec though.
 
Adding options later is simpler with the K3. If you order a Omni VII without an internal antenna tuner, You can't order just the internal tuner and put it in yourself. I suppose a desktop antenna tuner would be a better option unless you wanted to use it portable.
 
The K3 looks more modern with performance that matches. The Omni VII really kinda looks cheaply made in my opnion. They are getting better though! The K3 competes with radios costing almost 4 tims as much, and is half the size.
 
The Omni VII has a lot of reviews on EHAM and still has a 5.0 rating. This does not mean much but I do enjoy reading what problems others have had with their experience with certian products. One can make a pretty good decision as to an honest review or someone who is just upset with the item or company and wants to rant. Ten Tec has a very loyal following and good but customer support even if the service is a bit pricey.
 
I would not mind owning either of these trancievers as I mostly operate CW and enjoy the quiet receiver on Ten Tec radios. I have listened to but never operated a K3. If it betters the receiver in my K2 which watching the reflector seems to be the case, then I would go with the K3. I don't think I would be disappointed with either radio.Mike
 
AB0TX
 
K2 4841
Ten Tec Scout SN ?_______________________________________________
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[WA6L]

Hi, Dave,

I have owned several Ten-Tec rigs in the past and loved them all.  I still have an Argonaut V that I use for QRP.

I, like you, agonized over the K3 vs. Omni VII issue.  I, like you, had ordered a K3 and came close to cancelling the order a dozen times.  One day it was the K3, the next the Omni VII.  I was having a heck of a time waiting for my delivery date.

Well, with the K3 finally here, I can say that I am so, so glad that I waited.  The K3 is the finest rig I have ever owned.

Yes, I could be saying the same thing about my Omni VII if I had gone that route.  But one thing that bothered me about the Omni is that you were limited on your options.  Two filters and the ATU -- those are your options.

The K3 can be customized to meet your needs, and can be changed fairly easily and cheaply.  The ATU can be added any time.  It is the same with the filters and the general coverage receiive.  And when the KRX3 comes out, you have a second receiver that not only beats the pants off the Omni VII, but the Orion itself.

The receiver on the K3 is incredibly quiet.  Thise specs that you read about are actually noticeable when you are operating the rig.  The QSK is the best I have heard -- if not better than Ten-Tec then certainly every bit as good.  I have not done a feature-per-feature comparison between the two rigs, but I can't imagine a single feature that is lacking on the K3.

So, my advice is to be patient a bit longer and go for the K3.  I really don't think you will be disappointed.

73,

John, WA6L

Dave Agsten wrote

Let me start off by stating that I'm not looking for a
spec by spec comparison of these two radios. The jury
is already in on that. I hope I can just keep a few
shots from firing by saying that first.

Please respond off list if you think this might
generate a lot of flack. That's not my intention at
all. I'm just beating the bushes for information.

Tnx es 73,
Dave N8AG