Please Provide Opinions - Yaesu or TenTec

[chrissim]

Hello:

Since I've always received helpful responses here, I thought I'd go for it again...

Previously, I thought I would purchase a Kenwood TS 480 to replace a Kenwood 430, but after reflection and experience with other hobbies, I realized I should buy something snazzier.

Having owned Ten Tec in the past, I know they manufacture quality stuff. At this point, I've narrowed my choices to two radios: the Yaesu FT DX 3000 and the Ten Tec Omni VII.

One point of favor for the Omni is that it looks nearly identical to the Ten Tec RX 350. It's simple and it excels at what it's designed to do.

I have no experience with Yaesu. Both of these radios are in the same price range, although at a cursory glance the Yaesu may provide better filtering.

This is a radio that will have to last some years. It must be durable. I've checked reviews on eham and the Omni is something in the order of 4.9 while the Yaesu is 4.7

I thoroughly enjoy DX, stateside not so much. The radio will be connected to a DX Engineering MBVE and G5RV.

Thanks for the consideration

 

[AK9R]

I agree that setting your sights higher than the TS-480 is a good idea. It's an older design and doesn't have the the features that the other radios have.

Based on Rob Sherwood's receiver tests, the FTDX-3000 might have a slightly better receiver than the Omni VII. However, since you are a Kenwood guy, take note that the Kenwood TS-590 is rated better than both of them. Also, be prepared for the onslaught of Elecraft K3 fans. Some friends of mine have nothing but good things to say about their K3's and Sherwood rates the K3 very highly.

 

[chrissim]

It's so difficult to make a decision. I would think that at any given price range, they're all about the same in performance. Unfortunately, there isn't any outlet nearby that would have a number of transceivers for testing.

What I do know with certainty is that when I first became interested in astrophotography, I went the frugal route and images suffered as a consequence. I ended up spending much more to do it right, when I should have put the initial funds into doing it right the first time. Lesson: do it right the first time. Help me do it right!

Kenwood could be an option, I also thought about the Flex systems, though after my experience with the Winradio Excalibur, I don't like being dependent on a computer. I also feel that I can hear a difference listening to those using SDR type transceivers. Something about the audio just doesn't sound right. Maybe it's just me. Besides, I like physical knobs and buttons.

Thank you for the response.

 

[prcguy]

I've owned a TenTec Omni VII since they first came out and its a joy to operate and has a very high performance and quiet receiver. For the last few years its been used remotely from across the country.

I have never used the new Yaesu FTDX-3000 but if its anything like the 5000 it probably has a slightly better receiver than the Omni VII. One thing I like about the Omni VII is most anyone can operate it without looking in the instruction manual. The transmit and receive audio are also very nice on the OmniVII and it has the built in option of running remotely from anywhere without any additional hardware. I will admit the remote operation requires a good Internet connection and sometimes is not flawless but I enjoy that feature.
prcguy

 

[WB4CS]

Another vote for Kenwood TS-590S

I've looked and seriously considered the FTDX-3000, it's a sharp radio. Although the TS-590S is very similar in features and performance and a bit cheaper. I'm about to buy an HF rig and am torn between the two, but I've decided to stick with Kenwood and go for the 590S.

I've not had any experience with TenTec, but I've always heard good things about them.

Asking for advice on what radio to get will get you tons of conflicting answers. It's like Chevy VS Ford, Coke VS Pepsi, PC vs MAC, or Alabama or Auburn (or any other teams) football. Even my response isn't much help lol.

If you know someone that has the radios you're looking at, see if you can swing by and test them out on the air. Some of the Ham Radio Outlet stores have most of their inventory set up for testing, if you're close to one of their locations. Although I'm not sure if they have TenTec hardware, but you could probably drive to TN and visit their store if it's not a 1000 mile drive

Good luck!

 

[chrissim]

Thanks for the responses. A question about filtering. How does the Omni handle strong signals outside the frequency being operated? During a recent phone contest, I noticed that many strong signals were simply overwhelming my selected frequency. I believe good roofing filters should handle such a thing. For that matter, how about the Kenwood?

Thanks again. I'm always amazed with what I get out of this forum.

 

[prcguy]

I have not experianced any receiver overload or problems that I could blame on the Omni VII receiver. Even with very strong signals that are a bit too close or running wide band transmit, if you narrow up the Omni VII IF BW they just go away. Unless they are actually producing IMD or otherwise putting energy in the middle of what you want to receive of course.

I also have an Elecraft K3 which has an incredible receiver and the Omni VII hangs right in there with it. There is a good chance I have not experianced bad enough conditions to run either receiver to the limits but I like knowing they have the performance if its ever needed.
prcguy

Thanks for the responses. A question about filtering. How does the Omni handle strong signals outside the frequency being operated? During a recent phone contest, I noticed that many strong signals were simply overwhelming my selected frequency. I believe good roofing filters should handle such a thing. For that matter, how about the Kenwood?

Thanks again. I'm always amazed with what I get out of this forum.

 

[KG4NEL]

I've been rig-shopping in the sub-$3K price range as well, and I keep coming back to the TS-590S.

Does everything I want out of a rig, nothing I don't - had to ask myself how many times I'd really need a full 2nd receiver, or the kind of automation that the K3 lends itself to - probably not many. I've used the Elecraft during Field Day for QRP contesting, and it performs admirably...but double the price admirably?

May actually go all-Kenwood this time; I've never owned anything by them before. I just have to figure out if I can justify the extra $150 or so for the nice display of the D710A