Ten-Tec OMNI-VI / OMNI-VI+
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| Frequency | TX: 160–10 m (incl WARC), RX: HF general coverage |
| Bands | 160m, 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m |
| TX power | 100 W (0-100W fully adjustable. All solid-state.) |
| Modes | USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM |
| Weight | 10 kg (22 lb) - ~10 kg estimated. Dimensions: 146×375×432 mm (OMNI-VI+). Desktop. |
| Connector | SO-239 |
| Year | 1992 |
| antenna | SO-239 |
| mic | microphone connector |
| key | key/paddle |
| rs232 | RS-232C (computer control) |
| acc | accessory connector |
| ext spkr | external speaker |
| dc in | DC 12-15V 20A |
| power req | DC 12-15V. 2A RX, 20A TX. External PSU required. |
Estimated (unverified): Weight ~10 kg (about 22 lb) is approximate. Dimensions 146 x 375 x 432 mm. Omni VI 1992-96; Omni VI Plus 1997-2002.
A standout receiver for its day. The Omni VI uses a short-range PLL with per-band crystal local oscillators rather than a wide-range synthesizer, and reviewers report notably low phase noise - on the order of 20 dB lower than the Paragon II - with a sensitive receiver and crystal filtering in both IFs. It adds full QSK, a built-in keyer, audio DSP and RS-232C control, all American-made, and is a respected CW and contest rig.
It is an early-1990s design: no 6-meter coverage, no general-coverage transmit, and no spectrum scope, color display or USB audio. An external power supply is required, FM is secondary to its SSB/CW strength, and some filters are optional extras. Service is less certain since Ten-Tec's assets changed hands in 2015-2016.
The Omni VI is one of the finer HF receivers of its era. Its short-range PLL with crystal local oscillators gives very low phase noise (reviewers report around 20 dB lower than the Paragon II), and crystal filtering in both IFs plus Ten-Tec's full QSK make it an excellent CW and contest receiver. The Omni VI Plus refined the DSP and filtering further. It remains a contester's favorite, prized for receiver quality over flashy features.
The Ten-Tec Omni VI is an early-1990s American-made HF transceiver that sat near the top of Ten-Tec's line and earned a strong reputation among CW operators and DXers. It covers the HF amateur bands from 160 through 10 meters including the WARC bands at 100 watts, operating SSB, CW, AM, and FM, and pairs Ten-Tec's celebrated quiet receiver and clean full break-in keying with a comprehensive feature set.
The Omni VI was notable for its receiver quality and flexible filtering, and the later Omni VI Plus revision (Model 564, from 1997) refined it further with additional filtering and enhancements. Robust, serviceable, and backed by Ten-Tec's long-running factory support, it remains a sought-after classic for operators who prize a smooth receiver and outstanding CW manners over flashy displays.
It is a discontinued classic. Compare it with the earlier Corsair and the flagship Orion II.