am I nuts to leave Ten Tec?

[W0BTU]

Ditto.  The Omni-VI is a better rig in many ways than the IC-751A is, although it's also larger and takes up more space.

Hi Steve,
Since the only transmitter I have here is an IC-751A, I'd appreciate hearing why you say that.

[WB2WIK]

Ditto.  The Omni-VI is a better rig in many ways than the IC-751A is, although it's also larger and takes up more space.

Hi Steve,
Since the only transmitter I have here is an IC-751A, I'd appreciate hearing why you say that.

Pretty big difference in technology, there.  The OMNI-VI is 6 years newer.  Operationally, I love the direct pushbutton band selection; switchable (from front panel) separate receive antenna jack;  10 Hz digital readout resolution; 100 memories that store frequency, mode, filter selection, RIT/XIT data and split status; true QSK without waveform alteration to 60 wpm (the 751A is good up to about 20 wpm before it starts clipping the envelope); and other PUI features lacking in the 751A; however in terms of performance, focusing on receive (measurements all by Sherwood Engineering):

OMNI VI 2 kHz dynamic range, measured: 80 dB
IC-751A 2 kHz dynamic range, measured: 64 dB
OMNI VI 20 kHz dynamic range, measured: 97 dB
IC-751A 20 kHz dynamic range, measured: 84 dB
OMNI-VI L.O. noise, 20 kHz spaced, measured: 137 dBc
IC-751A L.O. noise, 20 kHz spaced, measured: 127 dBc
OMNI-VI Blocking dynamic range, measured: 145 dB
IC-751A Blocking dynamic range, measured: 138 dB

The QST review (January 1993) of the OMNI-VI has a remarkable statement which I've found to be quite true: "The Omni VI's synthesizer is one of the very cleanest in any modern transceiver" (page 67 of the review), and this shows up when listening to weak signals on a crowded band.  It's easier to hear them, and less tiring to listen to.

I've had both and would greatly prefer the OMNI-VI for almost any kind of operation, with two limitations: It doesn't have "general coverage" receiving (which the 751A does), and it's larger, and takes up more space than the 751A does.

[KI0P]

I don't think you will be happy with the ICOM on CW. The QSK on the Ten Tec is far superior and will be missed quickly. If you can afford the cost I would keep the Ten Tec get the ICOM and compare them side by side. You can then decide which to keep.



73,
Mike
KI0P

[W0BTU]

Thanks, Steve and Mike.

I now have an IC-765 here as well. Needs some minor adjustments, mostly to the auto tuner.

[NK6Q]

This thread piqued my curiosity, which led me to some online research. 

After giving it some thought: yes, I think you ARE NUTS to leave Ten Tec.  In fact, after reading glowing performance reviews of the Omni VI, I've begun looking around to see if I can pick up its predecessor, the Omni V, which seems like a pretty fair CW rig as well.

Sooooooo, whenever you're ready to chuck the Omni VI, you can just toss it in my direction.

Bill in Pasadena

[WB2WIK]

Thanks, Steve and Mike.

I now have an IC-765 here as well. Needs some minor adjustments, mostly to the auto tuner.

I had an IC-751A and then an IC-761 and an IC-765 years ago.  The IC-765 is the best of the batch.  Keep it.  If working properly, it's absolutely a better rig than the 751A.

[AE6ZW]

I used to be ham radio repair tech, I used IC-751 several times.
I use OMNi-V which is older model than OMNI-VI
OMNI-V is better CW rig than IC-751
beside, if IC-751 broken, you may have difficulty finding parts,  OMNI-V , probably also OMNI-VI repairing those are easy,  large case, plenty of space,  large through holes parts. 
easy to open case, easy access to all of sub assembly PCB, etc.
IC-751 is good radio also by the way.  also like FT-757GX2

[K1CJS]

"Am I nuts to leave ten-tec?"

Well, to go off on a tangent here---NOT IF IT HAS CHEATED ON YOU!  :-)

Sorry!  I just couldn't resist that one!