Ten Tec 588 HF AMATEUR RADIO TRANSCEIVER User Manual Chapter 1 YOUR NEW OMNI VII

Ten Tec Inc HF AMATEUR RADIO TRANSCEIVER Chapter 1 YOUR NEW OMNI VII

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USERS MANUAL

Section 1 – YOUR NEW OMNI-VII

Our aim in designing and producing OMNI-

VII was to meet the demands of increasingly

intense competition in DXing and contesting,

while adding many non-performance related

features that the active ham can also

appreciate. OMNI-VII offers superb

reception and transmission of CW, SSB,

digital modes, FM, and AM on all 10 HF

amateur bands and 50 MHz.

UNPACKING OMNI-VII

Examine OMNI-VII for signs of shipping

damage. Should any damage be apparent,

notify the delivering carrier immediately,

stating the full extent of the damage.

Retain all damaged cartons. Liability for

shipping damage rests with the carrier. We

recommend that you keep the carton and

fillers in the event that storage, moving, or

shipment becomes necessary.

The hardware and accessories listed in

Figure 1-1 come standard with your OMNI-

VII. Make sure that you have not

overlooked anything.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

The OMNI-VII is a firmware updateable

transceiver. Features and functions on the

transceiver can change as time passes

when new firmware revisions are issued via

Ten-Tec’s www.rfsquared.com firmware

download website. The latest version of the

OMNI-VII manual is posted in .pdf format on

the OMNI-VII section of the Ten-Tec website

at www.tentec.com. Schematic diagrams

are not included in this manual but are

available for download from the

www.rfsquared.com firmware website.

This manual was written by

Scott E. Robbins, W4PA.

Qty Part # Description

1 #27074 Mini-ATC Blade

Fuse, 25 Amp.

1 #35003 Phono Plug

1 #35363 8-pin Microphone

Connector

1 #35165 2-pin Power

Connector Shell

2 #41020 Female Power Pins

1 #35017 Phone Plug, 3-

circuit

1 #38040 .050 Hex Wrench

1 #38088 .062 Hex Wrench

1 #38313 T10 Torx Wrench

1 #46172 Serial Cable

1 #46176 Accessory Cable.

5-pin DIN to phono

female

1 #74020 Warranty Card

1 #74409 User’s Manual

1 #86095 DC Power Cord

Figure 1-1 OMNI-VII Packing Kit

CONNECTING A POWER SUPPLY

The OMNI-VII transceiver requires a source

of well-filtered and regulated DC voltage.

The supply voltage can range from +12.8 to

+15.0 Vdc but +13.8 Vdc is the optimum

value. The voltage source must be capable

of supplying 22 amperes continuous duty.

We recommend using the included DC

power cable (P/N 86095). We have also

included spare connector pins (P/N 41020)

and a spare 2 pin power connector shell

(P/N 35165) for building your own cable.

The power supply plug will attach in only

one direction to the polarized two-pin DC

connector on the OMNI-VII rear panel. Use

no less than #14 gauge (#12 recommended)

stranded wires for three-foot long

connections to accommodate the required

current demand during transmit. Use

heavier gauge wire for longer power supply

leads.

NOTE: always enable the power source first

and then the transceiver. If a generator or

alternator supports the dc source, always

turn off the transceiver before starting or

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shutting off the dc source equipment. These

recharging devices often generate large

voltage spikes that can damage the

transceiver.

A WORD ABOUT GROUNDING

A good ground system is essential for

optimum operation of any HF transmitter.

The best solution is to connect all the station

equipment chassis together using a heavy

gauge of flat ground braid. Use a short

length of braid to connect to a ground rod. If

you are not using a linear amplifier, a less

ideal ground may suffice. A ground

connection to a copper cold water pipe was

often suitable, but that is now a violation of

the National Electrical Code. Be aware that

many modern water connections use plastic

pipe, and are not suitable ground

connections.

Antenna type and its proximity to the station

are also factors in choosing ground

methods. With good resonant antennas

located away from the station, the AC

ground in your house wiring might be

adequate.

PHILOSOPHY OF DESIGN

Ten-Tec’s goal with the OMNI-VII

transceiver was to provide an HF transceiver

that meets several disparate criteria. 1) Be

easy for the average amateur to operate.

2) Have a feature set that experienced

amateurs expect a top of the line piece of

equipment to include. 3) Offer Amateur

Radio’s first completely Ethernet controllable

HF rig, with an eye to remote operation

becoming more and more popular as time

passes. 4) Include general coverage HF

receive capability plus 50 MHz.

The filtering system in the OMNI-VII uses

what we refer to as “distributed” roofing

filters. The definition of roofing filters varies;

in Amateur Radio terms the term has come

to mean a crystal or mechanical filter that

allows for the preservation of available

receiver performance for realistic on-the-air

situations, as opposed to lab conditions

when only two signals at a given spacing are

present for test purposes.

General coverage HF transceivers today are

of an upconverting, VHF level first I-F,

followed by two or three more conversion

stages. This VHF I-F first stage is

somewhat problematic due to physics to

create an adequate mode-appropriate

roofing filter. At the same time, some

amateurs are reluctant to use a ham bands-

only HF transceiver that may have a low

frequency first I-F and be generally more

suited to high performance applications than

a general coverage HF rig.

The question was how to combine a general

coverage receiver with a mode-appropriate

system of filtering appropriate for high-end

Amateur Radio receiver performance.

We refer to the roofing filters in the OMNI-VII

as “distributed” because filters are spread

across both the first and second I-F stages.

The conversion stages in the OMNI-VII are

70 MHz first I-F, 455 kHz second I-F, 12 kHz

(DSP) third I-F. Monolithic filters at 20 and 6

kHz are present at the first I-F stage.

Selectable second I-F filters at bandwidths

of 2.5 kHz, 500 Hz (optional) and 300 Hz

(optional) can be cascaded with the first I-F

monolithic filter at 6 kHz bandwidth.

Bandwidth filtering is done in DSP at the

third I-F and is controlled by the BW encoder

on the transceiver front panel.

The net effect of using 455 kHz second I-F

filters plus the 6 kHz monolithic at the first

I-F is to increase blocking dynamic range

over what the receiver would be capable of

without the second I-F filters installed. Third

order intercept point essentially remains

constant. The front-end AGC in the

transceiver is after the 455 kHz I-F filters;

having them installed prevents the radio

from attempting AGC action on a signal that

is outside the bandwidth of the 455 kHz I-F

filter.

Non-CW operators will not require additional

filters; additional filters can be installed

optionally by CW operators to see the

benefit of this filter arrangement to a mode

appropriate bandwidth if desired.

50 MHz transceive operation at 100 watts

output power is included in the OMNI-VII.

Additional receive capability to 48 MHz has

been provided for monitoring of VHF

European TV coverage and other signals of

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interest that may indicate to the serious 6

meter operator when a band opening is

underway. Repeater operation via the

SPLIT capability is provided for, as are

CTCSS tones and retaining both of these in

the transceiver memories.

The remote control capability of the OMNI-

VII is unprecedented in Amateur Radio.

While remote operation of HF equipment

has been done via the Internet or data links

for several years prior, OMNI-VII is the first

transceiver that allows direct connection to a

high-speed router via Ethernet without a

computer for remote operation.

Additionally, we have made available a

graphical user interface for controlling the

radio remotely, the source code for the GUI,

and programming instructions for the

transceiver available on our firmware update

site www.rfsquared.com.

RADIO STATE VS. NET STATE

OMNI-VII operationally at first glance is not

much different from other HF transceivers.

However, within this product lies the ability

to remotely control it from virtually any high-

speed Internet access point.

RADIO STATE is what we describe as the

“traditional” operation of the OMNI-VII.

Turning knobs, pushing buttons just as with

any other Amateur Radio transceiver. How

the screen looks and the radio operates in

RADIO STATE is described in detail in

sections 2 through 5 of this manual.

RADIO STATE is also used for “local”

control of the OMNI-VII with a PC. Local

control is connecting the radio directly to a

computer via either the Ethernet or RS-232

ports on the rear panel. The transceiver

then can be controlled by the user from the

local PC, from the front panel controls, or

both.

NET STATE is when the transceiver is

placed into service as a remote device via

the Internet. NET STATE disables many

transceiver functions from local control and

disables some (like VOX operation and the

internal CW keyer) altogether. NET STATE

also alters the layout of the radio screen to

give you a much more utilitarian user

interface. The intention is to give a user in

local proximity enough information and

access to controls to troubleshoot and

adjust, while keeping in mind that the true

operation will not be done in front of the

radio.

The default is RADIO STATE. To toggle to

NET STATE, turn the transceiver off. Press

and hold the 2 button on the band change

keypad. Turn power on, continuing to hold

the 2 button down. After a few seconds, the

NET STATE version of the screen will

appear and you can release the button. For

the curious: go ahead and have a look. You

don’t have to have the radio connected to

anything or plan to use it remotely to put the

radio into NET STATE.

To return to RADIO STATE, turn power off,

press and hold the 1 button on the band

change keypad. Turn power on, continuing

to hold the 1 button down. After a few

seconds, the RADIO STATE version of the

screen will appear and you can release the

button.

When powered off in either RADIO STATE

or NET STATE, the radio will retain the

same STATE setting until changed from the

front panel by the user. In case of power

failure in NET STATE remote operation, the

transceiver will always come back up in NET

STATE when power is restored.

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Section 2 – OMNI-VII FRONT

PANEL CONTROLS AND THEIR

FUNCTIONS

Section 2 of the OMNI-VII manual covers

the various controls and connectors on the

front and rear panels, with an explanation of

the each control and how it is used for

operation of the radio.

(1) POWER

This switch turns the transceiver power on

and off.

(2) PHONES

This jack uses a ¼” receptacle for plugging

headphones into OMNI-VII. Either stereo or

mono headphones may be used, nominal

impedance 16 ohms, though ‘phones using

an impedance of 8 to 16 ohms load will be

useable with the transceiver. Headphones

above 16 ohms (like 32) can be used

without damage to the transceiver but audio

output to the headphones may be reduced.

(3) KEY

The front panel provides a ¼” stereo jack for

connection of a key, external keyer, or

paddles. See Figure 2-1 for proper wiring.

OMNI-VII on initial power-up has the internal

keyer disabled. To use the internal keyer in

a CW mode, press the SP button (‘SPeed’)

and then rotate the MULTI knob for an

appropriate CW speed (Note: In SSB

modes, SP is used for speech processing

and displays a different value).

common

Key or dit

dah

Figure 2-1

Paddle Wiring for Using Internal Keyer

Pin 3 on the ACC 1 connector on the rear

panel also allows you to connect an

independent keyer or computer to share CW

keying.

This would be useful if using the output of a

computer program for transmitting CW (like

contest logging software) while also desiring

a paddle to be connected to the radio for

using the internal keyer. Connect the CW

keying output of the computer logging

program to PTT pin (3) on the ACC 1 jack,

and then connect your paddle to the front

panel KEY jack. See the description of (31)

ACC 1 in Section 3 of this manual.

(4) MULTI ENCODER

The front panel MULTI knob is used for

adjusting a variety of transceiver functions.

Pushing various buttons on the

circumference of the screen enables

functions that are then value-adjusted by the

MULTI knob. Display letters in green on the

transceiver screen indicate either the item

being adjusted and itself value or the item

itself. Example: pressing the PWR button

to adjust power changes the green display

to read POWER 20W – turning the MULTI

knob adjusts power level up or down.

Example 2: pressing the NR button

changes the green display to read SET NR

but the NR value is shown just above the

NR button.

Several items that are found inside the

transceiver menu are adjusted using the

MULTI knob. These items can be accessed

by pressing the MULTI encoder towards the

front panel of the transceiver. The OMNI-VII

will cycle through various menu items

allowing them to be adjusted without

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accessing the menu itself. Note not all

menu items are accessible via this method.

(5) PBT/BW ENCODER

Receiver bandwidth (BW) and passband

tuning (PBT) are adjustable using this

encoder.

To adjust BW or PBT value: A green LED

indicator is next to the BW and PBT legends

on the front of the radio above the encoder.

Press the encoder to switch between BW

and PBT.

The BW control is used to set the value of

the DSP bandwidth filters. A value for each

filter is shown on the screen next to the

encoder itself. BW 2800 indicates a DSP

bandwidth value of 2800 Hz. There are 34

selectable DSP filters from a minimum of

200 Hz to 9 kHz maximum. Filtering is

selectable independent of mode.

Depending on whether or not AUTO has

been selected in the I-F FILTER menu

function, the BW control can also

automatically engage or disengage the

Collins mechanical filters. See I-F FILTER

in Section 4 of the manual.

PBT is adjustable + or – 2.5 kHz from

center. PBT can easily be cleared to zero.

When the PBT LED is lit next to the

encoder, press the encoder in and hold for

two seconds. The PBT value will revert to

zero.

(6) AF/RF ENCODER

AF GAIN (AUDIO) and RF GAIN are

adjustable using this encoder.

Press the encoder to toggle between the two

items. Turn the knob clockwise to increase,

counter-clockwise to decrease.

Values for AUDIO and RF GAIN are shown

in blue on the screen next to the encoder.

Limiting receiver sensitivity with the RF

GAIN control is also reflected on the s-

meter.

For true manual control of receiver gain, turn

AGC to OFF and use the RF GAIN control to

limit receiver response.

(7) MIC

Front panel jack used for connection of a

microphone. The OMNI-VII features the

common 8 pin microphone jack used by

many amateur radio transceivers. Most

dynamic or electret microphones can be

used. When adapting a microphone, please

refer to the wiring diagrams in Figures 2-2

and 2-3.

We include a spare 8-pin microphone

connector (P/N 35363) with the packing kit

to allow rewiring of your current mic for use

with OMNI-VII The pinout for the 8 pin mic

connector on the front of the OMNI-VII is

shown in Figure 2-2. Recommended wiring

is shown in Figure 2-3.

Figure 2-2. Front view, mic connector, on

front panel of OMNI-VII

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Figure 2-3. Recommended mic cable

wiring.

Pin 2 (+9 Vdc) need only be connected if the

microphone element in use is an electret

condenser requiring a polarizing voltage.

Keeping chassis ground and mic signal

ground separated are done to reduce the

possibility of introducing stray hum or RFI

into the transmit audio signal.

Note we recommend that the case of the

microphone also be tied to chassis ground

on the transceiver via pin 5. This is to help

assure stray RF does not have a path to be

coupled into transmit audio.

Some microphones are not wired to

separate microphone signal ground from

chassis ground, and the two are tied

together. We recommend separate pins for

use for mic negative signal and chassis

ground as shown in Figure 2-3.

(8) TUNE

The TUNE button, when pressed, will

transmit a CW carrier at approximately 20

watts output power to allow either the

internal automatic antenna tuner to tune (if

installed) or for user adjustment of an

external antenna tuner or linear amplifier.

It may be desirable to have keydown CW

carrier output at the power output level set

by using the PWR control (button 9). To do

so, press the PWR button immediately after

pushing the TUNE button. Power output will

move from the low power setting to

whatever level the PWR control has been

set at with the MULTI knob. Repeat

operation will require pushing TUNE then

PWR again for the higher output value.

(9) PWR

This button is used for setting RF power

output on OMNI-VII. Press the PWR button

and turn the MULTI knob to adjust value

from 1 to 100. The value set from 1 to 100

will roughly correspond to power output in

watts but this will vary a few watts

depending on band and load impedance.

ALC control is present from 5 to 100 watts

output - no ALC control below 5 watts

although power output can be dropped

below that level.

The PWR button also interacts with the

TUNE button (8) for key down power output

for tuning an antenna tuner or linear

amplifier. See the description of TUNE

immediately preceding this section.

(10) V>M and (11) M>V

The V>M and M>V buttons are used to store

and retrieve frequencies into and out of the

memory system.

To store a frequency from VFO A to a

memory location, press V>M. At the top of

the screen SAVE TO MEMORY and a memory

number will appear at the top of the screen.

Turn the MULTI knob to scroll through the

available memory locations. There are 100

available memories. When your desired

memory number has been selected, press

V>M again to save.

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Memories will save both VFO frequencies,

mode, DSP BW setting, whether split is

turned on, and FM CTCSS tone in use.

If you want to exit the memory save function

above WITHOUT saving the memory to a

location, instead of pressing V>M the

second time to save the memory, press

M>V while the screen still reads SAVE TO

MEMORY at the top to exit.

To recall memories, press M>V. After

pressing M>V, RECALL MEMORY and a

memory location number will appear at the

top of the screen. Turn the MULTI knob to

scroll through the memories. To select a

memory to be imported to the VFO, press

M>V again.

If you want to exit the memory recall function

above WITHOUT recalling a memory

location to VFO A, instead of pressing M>V

the second time to recall the memory, press

V>M while the screen still reads SAVE TO

MEMORY at the top to exit.

Note that the M>V function for memory

information recall is also dependent on what

the function RECALL SUB in the menu is set

to. Pushing M>V by default only recalls the

VFO A frequency, mode, and DSP BW filter

in use. To recall all information stored (both

VFO’s, mode, DSP BW filter, split, FM

CTCSS tone), RECALL SUB must be set to

ON. See RECALL SUB in Section 4.

(12) MODE

Mode selection for VFO A on the transceiver

is done by pushing MODE. At the top of the

screen below the row of 7 buttons the

available modes will appear: USB, LSB,

UCW, LCW, AM, FM, FSK. Use the top row

of buttons above the main screen to select

the desired mode. The selected mode for

VFO A is shown on the screen directly

below the MODE button.

If the MODE button is pushed and you do

not want to change modes, wait 5 seconds.

The mode indicators at the top of the screen

will disappear and the OMNI-VII will return to

usual operation.

VFO B can be on a separate mode from

VFO A. Modes can be transferred from

VFO A to VFO B by using the A=B or A/B

buttons to exchange VFO information. See

(18) A=B, A>B, SPL, REV.

(13) STEP

The tuning step size is adjustable in seven

different steps, 1, 10, 100 Hz and 1, 5, 10,

and 100 kHz.

At the top of the screen below the row of 7

buttons the available step sizes will appear:

1, 10, 100, 1k, 5k, 10k, .1M (100 kHz). Use

the top row of buttons above the main

screen to select the desired step size.

If the STEP button is pushed and you do not

want to change step size, wait 5 seconds.

The step indicators at the top of the screen

will disappear and the OMNI-VII will return to

usual operation.

You can quickly jump back and forth

between the next highest step size by

pressing and holding the STEP button down

for two seconds. “x10” will appear on the

screen just below the step size. Example:

with 10 Hz step size selected, press and

hold the STEP button. “x10” appears on the

screen, and the radio now tunes in 100 Hz

steps (the next available step size) . To

revert to 10 Hz steps, press and hold the

STEP button again and “x10” will disappear.

When the rig is powered off, the “x10”

setting will not be retained.

(14) ANT

OMNI-VII is equipped with three SO-239

antenna connectors on the rear panel. Two

are for transceiver operation (labeled ANT 1

and ANT 2), the third (labeled AUX) is for

connection of a receive-only antenna.

Pressing ANT toggles between ANT 1 and

ANT 2. To access the receiver-only

antenna, press and hold the ANT button for

2 seconds. The legend AUXRX will appear

on the screen below and to the right of the

button. This indicator flashes red to remind

the operator the AUX antenna is in use.

When selected, transceiver operation is

receiving via the AUX antenna and

transmitting via ANT 1 or ANT 2 depending

on which is selected.

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When AUX is in use on receive, switching

back and forth between ANT 1 and ANT 2

for transmit requires the AUXRX antenna be

turned off, then the transmit antenna

selected, then the AUX antenna re-selected.

The optional internal automatic antenna

tuner, if installed, is operable on either of the

ANT 1 and ANT 2 connectors.

(15) SWP

This button enables the momentary SWEEP

feature included on OMNI-VII.

Press the SWP button. The transceiver will

momentarily sweep a given range of

frequencies determined by the value set on

the SWEEP RANGE line item in the menu.

See SWEEP RANGE in Section 4 of the

manual.

The center frequency of the sweep is

whatever frequency the transceiver is set to

on VFO A when the SWP button is pushed.

A red cursor will appear on the center of the

display. Turn the main tuning knob to tune

to signals seen on the scope.

A series of green vertical lines will be

present with an indication of the frequency

range between them. Example: When

SWEEP RANGE is set to 150 kHz, each

division is + or – 15 kHz, for a total of 75

kHz of swept spectrum on each side of the

starting frequency. If the starting frequency

is 28.500 MHz with a sweep range of 150

kHz, each of the first green markers will be

at 28.485 MHz and 28.515 MHz. The total

sweep from end to end is 28.425 MHz to

28.575 MHz, a total of 150 kHz.

The divisions will also be noted by -15k and

+15k above each of the first green vertical

lines in this example.

Press SWP again to clear the sweep

display.

(16) AGC

Automatic gain control (AGC) is used to

automatically provide a somewhat uniform

output at the audio level of varying signal

strengths that appear at the input of the

receiver I-F chain.

Generally, SLOW and MED are used for

voice modes, and MED or FAST for CW

mode. Advanced users may want to disable

AGC altogether by selecting OFF and

control the receiver gain manually using the

RF GAIN control – see (6) AF/RF

ENCODER as described elsewhere in this

manual.

To select AGC setting, press the AGC

button to cycle through the available

choices. OMNI-VII has four selectable AGC

settings: OFF, SLOW, MED, and FAST.

(17) BAND CHANGE AND DIRECT

FREQUENCY ENTRY KEYPAD

The 11 available amateur radio bands

useable by OMNI-VII are delineated in blue

print on the band change keypad buttons.

To select one of the 10 HF amateur bands

or the 50 MHz band, press the appropriate

band button.

The last mode and setting of DSP BW are

recalled for that band when moving from

band to band. The last bandstacking

use.

OMNI-VII is equipped with four bandstacking

registers. Bandstacking registers allow

various combinations of mode and filter

bandwidth on the same amateur band to be

“stored”. To access the registers, press the

appropriate band change button for a band

already in use. When using 28 MHz, for

example, press the 28 MHz button again.

The four bandstacking registers are labeled

on the screen as A B C D just to the lower

left of the band change keypad.

Direct frequency entry is possible for the

main VFO using the keypad. To direct enter

a frequency, press ENT. The main display

will change to blue and a series of dashed

lines. Enter the frequency using the

numbers and decimal point. If entering a

frequency followed by a series of zeros, the

zeros can be automatically entered by

pressing ENT again to finish the entry.

Example: To move to 14.200.000, press

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ENT, 1, 4, 2, ENT and the frequency display

will fill out to 14.200.000 automatically.

(18) A=B, A>B, SPL, REV

These four buttons control VFO A and B

functions on the transceiver.

The large main frequency display on the

screen is always VFO A – the smaller

frequency display below it is VFO B.

A=B takes the frequency and mode

information from VFO A and transfers it to

VFO B. The mode display for VFO B is

shown immediately to the right of the smaller

frequency display.

A/B flips the frequencies and modes

between the two VFO’s.

SPL is used for split frequency operation.

Press SPL and the VFO B frequency display

turns to red and the Tx indicator on the

screen moves next to it. In SPLIT mode,

receiving is always on VFO A and

transmitting is always VFO B.

When in split mode, the REV button allows

monitoring and/or tuning of VFO B while the

button is held down. Press and hold to

monitor VFO B. The main tuning knob can

also be turned while holding down the REV

button to adjust frequency.

Notes: The REV function can be used even

when OMNI-VII is not in split mode if

momentarily monitoring the VFO B

frequency is desired. When REV is in use,

the A=B and A/B buttons are disabled.

(19) MAIN TUNING KNOB

The large tuning knob is for adjusting

frequency when the transceiver is in normal

use.

When the transceiver menu system is

enabled, the main tuning knob is used to

scroll up and down through the various line

items. See also (20) MNU.

There is an adjustable rate control in the

menu for controlling the rate the knob tunes

through selected step sizes. See VFO ENC

RATE in Section 4.

The main tuning knob has an adjustable

drag feature and can be removed from the

front panel if needed. See DRAG

ADJUSTMENT FOR THE MAIN TUNING

KNOB in Section 5 of this manual.

(20) MNU

The MNU button is used for two functions.

A quick push of the MNU button enters or

exits the transceiver menu system. The

function of all menu items can be found in

Section 4 of this manual.

The MNU button can also be used to lock

the main frequency tuning knob. Press and

hold for 2 seconds. The red LED above the

MNU button will light, indicating the tuning

knob lock is in use. To disable, press and

hold MNU for 2 seconds. The LED will go

dark and the main tuning knob will be again

in use.

While the lock function is in use, the menus

can still be accessed by momentarily

pushing the MNU button.

To exit the menu, press MNU.

Tip: the menu system can also be exited by

pressing the MULTI encoder or any other

transceiver button.

(21) TX, ALC, RX

These are indicator LED’s.

In receive mode, the green RX LED will be

lit. When transmitting, the TX and/or ALC

LED’s will light. In AM and FM modes, the

TX and ALC lights will be lit constantly while

transmitting.

In CW modes, the TX and ALC LED’s will

blink on and off with each character

transmitted.

In LSB and USB modes, the TX LED will be

lit as long as the radio is in transmit. The

ALC light is used to adjust proper mic gain.

See (25) MIC/MON.

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(22) RIT, XIT, RIT/XIT ENCODER

The knob located directly below the RIT and

XIT buttons at far right is used for

adjustment of RIT or XIT value.

To turn RIT and/or XIT on, press the

appropriate button. When RIT is pressed,

RIT+0000 will appear on the screen. When

XIT is added by pressing XIT, the display

will change to read RIT/XIT+0000.

When turned on, RIT can quickly be cleared

to zero by pressing the RIT button. Same

applies to the XIT button. If both are in use

simultaneously, pushing either button will

clear to zero.

RIT and/or XIT value will be retained and

brought back up if other than zero when they

are turned off.

To exit RIT and/or XIT, press and hold the

appropriate button for two seconds.

(23) ALT

Buttons 24 through 29 are dual function

buttons. The functions indicated in white

lettering are primary functions (meaning

when the button is pushed, that function is

active). The functions indicated in yellow

lettering are alternate functions and are

accessed by first pressing the ALT button.

Press ALT. The horizontal lines that

separate the transceiver functions shown at

the bottom of the screen will move

downward and turn yellow and ALT will

appear on the screen at lower left.

There is a window of 5 seconds for a button

to be pushed, selecting an ALT function

after the ALT button is pushed. If no

function is selected, ALT disappears from

the screen and the radio returns to regular

operation.

(24) NR/AN

The primary function of this button is NR

(noise reduction). Press NR. SET NR will

appear in green letters on the screen next to

the MULTI knob. Use the MULTI knob to

adjust value. The NR value is shown on the

screen just above the button.

There are 9 different settings, and each of

the 9 are used to determine how

aggressively (quickly) the NR adapts and

identifies what is signal and what is noise.

Once the noise reduction value has been set

for a given signal, no further adjustment of

the noise reduction control is needed.

Turning the NR to a higher value adjusts

only how fast it adapts to a given signal vs.

noise situation.

The alternate function is AN (automatic

notch). Press ALT then AN. SET AN will

appear in green letters on the screen next to

the MULTI knob. Use the MULTI knob to

adjust value. The AN value is shown on the

screen just above the button.

The automatic notch filter is used for

notching out carriers in USB and LSB

modes. Multiple carriers will be notched by

the automatic filter. Higher values indicate

more aggressive action by the autonotch for

suppressing undesired carriers

(25) MIC/MON

The primary function of this button is MIC

(microphone gain). Press MIC. MIC GN

and the set percentage value will appear in

green letters on the screen next to the

MULTI knob. Turn the MULTI knob to adjust

the value.

In LSB, USB, and AM modes, mic gain on

the OMNI-VII is set properly by turning the

MULTI knob while speaking into the

microphone. The red ALC LED will flash.

When the light is flashing consistently on

voice peaks the proper mic gain level has

been set. There is some variability here

depending on the microphone used and how

loud you are speaking into the microphone.

In FM mode, mic gain set to the proper level

in an SSB mode will also function properly.

The ALC light used to adjust mic gain in

SSB modes is lit constantly while

transmitting FM.

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The alternate function of this button is MON,

allowing monitoring of transmitted audio.

(26) ATTN/PRE

OMNI-VII is equipped with both a step

attenuator and on/off preamp.

The primary function of this button is the

engage the step attenuator on receive.

Press ATTN. The attenuator cycles among

6 dB, 12 dB and 18 dB of receive

attenuation and then reverts to OFF.

The alternate function is a 20 dB boost

on/off preamp. Both noise and signal levels

are brought up 20 dB when the preamp is

activated. Press ALT then PRE. When on,

the preamp designator PRE will be reverse

highlighted in green.

Please note that use of a preamp stage

always degrades overall receiver

performance.

(27) NCH/NB

The primary function of this button is to

activate a manual notch filter. The notch

filter is in the receiver chain post-AGC and

post-DSP filtering.

After pushing NCH, NCH FRQ and the notch

frequency in Hz will be shown in green

lettering next to the MULTI knob on the

screen. Notch freq is adjustable in 40 Hz

steps from 20 – 4000 Hz.

Notch width is adjustable – while NCH FRQ

is shown on the display, press the MULTI

encoder or the NCH button again. The

display will read NCH WID and the current

width value. The width is adjustable 10 –

300 Hz in 10 Hz steps.

As notch is post-AGC, signal strength of

notched signals will still be shown on the S-

meter.

Tip: If pressing the MULTI encoder to cycle

through NCH FRQ to NCH WID – more

pushing of the encoder will start cycling

through the available menu choices present

on the MULTI knob (See (4) MULTI

ENCODER) and will NOT return to the notch

settings. Repeat pushing of the NCH button

will cycle through notch frequency, notch

width and OFF with OFF returning the

MULTI encoder to the last used function

before NCH was pushed.

The alternate function of this button is NB –

noise blanker. OMNI-VII is equipped with a

DSP noise blanker with seven selectable

stages of aggressiveness. Press ALT then

NB and turn the MULTI knob to set level.

(28) SPO/S-T

OMNI-VII is equipped with adjustable CW

sidetone and autotracking CW offset. This

feature is called SPOT and is the primary

function of this button.

Pressing and holding the SPOT button will

produce a tone at the value set by the

operator (default is 700 Hz). This tone can

be matched to the received tone of an on-air

CW signal to achieve zero beat. Press and

hold the SPOT button while tuning in a CW

signal. When the tone of the received signal

and SPOT match, you are on the proper

frequency.

To adjust the SPOT frequency, press SPOT

and then turn the MULTI knob. S-T FRQ

and the value or SPOTVOL and its value will

appear on the screen. Turn the MULTI knob

to adjust. This can be done while holding

the SPOT button down to hear the tone or

the spot volume as it tracks. Press SPOT

again to toggle between S-T FRQ and

SPOTVOL. S-T FRQ and SPOTVOL can

also be adjusted even without hearing the

tone if the SPOT button is not being held

down. The adjustable range is from 0 to

1270 Hz. This is also adjustable via the

menu system.

The alternate function of this button is

sidetone volume (S-T). Press ALT then S-T.

Turn the MULTI knob to adjust sidetone

volume. Sidetone volume is adjusted

independent of the spot volume described

above.

This feature is also adjustable via the menu

system.

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(29) SP/VOX

The primary function of this button (SP) is

determined by which mode is selected on

the transceiver.

In CW modes, the SP button is used to turn

the CW keyer on and off. Press SP. The

display above the SP button will change

from OFF to either A or B depending on

whether the keyer has been configured for

Curtis mode A or B via the menu system.

See CW KEYER in Section 4. Curtis mode

A and B cannot be toggled without going

into the menu – SP will only turn the keyer

on in the selected mode or off.

After pressing SP, the green description line

on the screen next to the MULTI knob will

change to read KEY SPD WPM with the

keyer speed value. Turn the MULTI knob to

adjust the keyer speed.

The alternate function of the button is to

enable VOX (voice activated transmit) in all

other modes. Press ALT then VOX. The

VOX annunciator on the screen will highlight.

Speak into the microphone to transmit.

Note: there are menu settings which affect

the ability or inability for VOX to operate with

desired action. VOX trip, Anti-VOX, and

VOX hang are all adjustable via the menu

system. See VOX TRIP, ANTI-VOX, and

VOX HANG in Section 4.

Section 3 – OMNI-VII REAR

PANEL CONTROLS AND THEIR

FUNCTIONS

(30) SPKR

This jack is for connection of an external

speaker. When connected using a standard

1/4” phone plug, the internal speaker in

OMNI-VII s disabled. Tip of the 1/4” phone

plug is audio, sleeve is ground.

Requirements for an external speaker

connected to OMNI-VII is minimum 4 watts

power handling, 4 ohms minimum

impedance load.

(31) ACC 1

(32) ACC 2

No connection. For future use.

(33) REM POD

The REM POD jack is used for connection

of the model 302R accessory remote

encoder/keypad, allowing armchair tuning

and control of transceiver functions. See

REMOTE F1, REMOTE F2, and REMOTE

F3 in Sectrion 4 for information on control

functions.

(34) SERIAL

The serial data connector is used for both

loading Flash-ROM updates into the

transceiver and for computer control of

radio. One of the great features about

OMNI-VII is that the latest version of the

radio is always available from our firmware

update website.

Complete computer control of the OMNI-VII

is possible via the SERIAL connector.

A programmers reference guide and the

latest version of the radio firmware are

located on Ten-Tec’s firmware update site at

www.rfsquared.com

Brief instructions on firmware updating your

transceiver are provided in UPDATING

OMNI-VII OVER THE INTERNET in Section

(35) AMP KEY

OMNI-VII is equipped with an open-collector

transistor amplifier keying output, accessible

via the AMP KEY jack.

AMP KEY is typically used as a non-QSK

keying connection for a linear amplifier.

However, it is acceptable to connect QSK

linear amplifiers that do not employ a full

break-in keying loop to this jack as well.

RF appears at an antenna connector

approximately 15 mS after AMP KEY closes.

Amplifier keying is independent of antenna

selection, meaning that an amplifier

interfaced to AMP KEY can be routed via

either the ANT 1 or ANT 2 jack.

An adjustable delay (titled EXT T/R DELY

in the menu) gives the operator the ability to

keep the amplifier keyed longer, preventing

drop outs between words of SSB VOX or

CW operation. See EXT T/R DELY in

section 5.

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Your external amplifier key line should not

apply more than +100V (output inactive) nor

should it draw more than 250 mA (output

active). Many older linear amplifiers like

those manufactured by Collins, Drake, and

Heathkit have high voltage on the keying

line. Such amplifiers require a relay or

transistor switch between the OMNI-VII’s

AMP KEY jack and the amplifier keying line.

If you are unsure if your amplifier is suitable,

please consult the operator’s manual for

your amplifier or contact the Ten-Tec service

department.

See CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL

LINEAR AMPLIFIER in Section 5 for a

complete description on interfacing a linear

to the OMNI-VII.

(36 & 37) TX EN / TX OUT

Many QSK linear amplifiers are equipped

with a full break-in keying loop to assure

proper sequencing of amplifier keying when

operating full break-in CW. TX EN and TX

OUT are used for a full break-in linear

amplifier keying loop. Do not connect more

than 15 Vdc and 100 mA to the TX EN or TX

OUT jacks.

TX EN and TX OUT should be connected to

the corresponding QSK loop IN and OUT

jacks on your amp. On a Ten-Tec QSK

amp, TX EN is connected to KEY OUT and

TX OUT is connected to KEY IN via shielded

cables (consult the operator’s manual of

your non-Ten-Tec QSK amp for the proper

loop information).

To use the full break-in keying loop, it must

be enabled from the menu. Note: If the loop

is turned on, and no connections are made it

will prevent the OMNI-VII from transmitting.

See CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL

LINEAR AMPLIFIER in Section 5 for a

complete description on interfacing a linear

to the OMNI-VII.

Tip: TX EN can also act as a transmit inhibit

input if it is desirable to prevent OMNI-VII

from transmitting until other station

accessories have been switched. When the

loop is on, no RF will be transmitted until a

closure to ground is present at the TX EN

jack, whether from a keying loop or from

some other external source.

(38 & 39) SPARE

No connection. For future use.

(40) DC IN

This is the dc input connector. OMNI-VII

requires 23 amps at +13.8 Vdc nominal for

100 watts output power. The supply voltage

can range from +12.8 to +15.0 Vdc but

+13.8 Vdc is the optimum value. We

recommend using the included dc power

cable (P/N 86095). We have also included

spare connector pins (P/N 41020) and a

spare two-pin power connector shell (P/N

35165) for building your own cable. The

power supply plug will attach in only one

direction to the polarized two-pin dc

connector on the rear panel. Use no less

than #14 gauge (#12 recommended)

stranded wires for three-foot long

connections to accommodate the high

current demand during transmit. Use

heavier gauge wire for longer power supply

leads.

(41) DC OUT

This jack provides +13.8 Vdc output for

connection of accessory equipment. A

maximum of 500 mA current draw is

possible. The jack has voltage present only

when transceiver power is turned on.

(42) FUSE 25 A

OMNI-VII is equipped with a 25-ampere

blade-type automotive fuse. A replacement

has also been provided in the transceiver

packing kit.

(43) (GROUND TERMINAL)

The wingnut-equipped post is for connection

of station ground or counterpoise. See A

WORD ABOUT GROUNDING in Section 1.

(44) ETHERNET

Rear panel jack for connecting OMNI-VII to

a router.

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Section 4 – USING THE MENU

The OMNI-VII is equipped with a single

menu, accessible by pressing the MNU

button. It is our philosophy that most

frequently used controls on an HF

transceiver should be accessible via buttons

and knobs on the front panel while leaving

less often used items in a menu system.

Each line item in the menu will be described

in this section in the order they appear on

the menu screen, as of the initial release of

the transceiver firmware.

Press MNU to access the menu. Scroll

down through the menu items by using the

large main tuning knob. To change the

value on an individual line item, turn the

MULTI knob.

AUTO TUNER

Available settings: ON, OFF.

This menu item is used to turn on or disable

the optional internal automatic antenna tuner

(if installed). When set to ON, the tuner can

be activated by pressing the TUNE button.

When set to OFF, the tuner is disabled until

set to ON in the menu – it cannot be

reactivated from the front panel.

See OPERATING THE AUTOMATIC

ANTENNA TUNER (IF INSTALLED) in

Section 5 for complete autotuner

instructions.

TX METER

Available settings: PWR, SWR.

OMNI-VII has a power and SWR bargraph

meter on the screen. This bargraph meter is

used to display received S-units in receive

mode. In transmit mode, the meter can be

configured to show either power output or

SWR by toggling this menu option.

TRANSMITTER

Available settings: ON, OFF

OMNI-VII’s transmitter can be disabled by

changing this line item to OFF.

SB TX FILTER

Available settings: 1000-4000 Hz in 200 Hz

steps.

The SB TX FILTER control determines the

bandwidth of a transmitted SSB signal. It is

selectable in 200 Hz steps from 1000-4000

Hz. The upper and lower ends of the

transmitted bandwidth are determined by

this value and the TX ROLL OFF menu item.

Example: If SB TX FILTER is set to 2400

Hz and TX ROLL OFF is set at 200 Hz, the

SSB transmit response is 200-2600 Hz.

We recommend you read and understand

FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE SOUND

OF SSB TRANSMIT AUDIO AND THEIR

ADJUSTMENT as described in section 5

before experimenting with this control.

TX ROLL OFF

Available settings: 0-310 Hz in 10 Hz steps.

TX ROLL OFF determines where the low

end frequency response of an SSB transmit

signal begins to attenuate. It is selectable in

10 Hz steps from 0-310 Hz. Example: If SB

TX FILTER is set to 2400 Hz and TX ROLL

OFF is set at 200 Hz, the SSB transmit

response is 200-2600 Hz.

We recommend you read and understand

FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE SOUND OF

SSB TRANSMIT AUDIO AND THEIR

ADJUSTMENT as described in section 5

before experimenting with this control.

KEYING LOOP

Available settings: ON, OFF.

The KEYING LOOP menu item is used to

enable the TX EN / TX OUT QSK keying

loop as described in Section 3 under (36 &

37) TX EN / TX OUT. The interface

instructions for using these jacks are

provided there and in Section 5 under

CONNECTING A LINEAR AMPLIFIER.

Note: If the loop is turned ON and no

connections are made it will prevent the

OMNI-VII from transmitting.

AUDIO SOURCE

Available settings: MIC, LINE, BOTH.

The AUDIO SOURCE menu item is used to

determine which audio input is used for

transmitting. Set to MIC, the OMNI-VII uses

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into audio fed into the front panel

microphone jack for transmitting. Set to

LINE, audio input is only accepted via the

rear panel ACC 1 jack line level input. Set

to BOTH, the OMNI-VII will accept either line

level audio input via ACC 1 or via the mic

jack.

Note: If set to BOTH and a microphone is

connected, you will feed audio through the

microphone when PTT is activated, even if

the PTT is activated via the rear panel (in

digital modes, for example)!

EXT T/R DELY

Available settings: 0 to 100%

EXT T/R DELY (delay) provides “hang time”

for a non-QSK linear amplifier that has been

connected to the AMP KEY jack on the rear

of the OMNI-VII. This will prevent the

amplifier from dropping out between words

of a CW or SSB transmission. See the

description of (35) AMP KEY in Section 3

and CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL

LINEAR AMPLIFIER in Section 5.

FM TX CTCSS

Available settings: OFF, or any of the 40

standard CTCSS access tones.

CTCSS (Continuous Tone Controlled

Squelch System) transmits a sub audible

tone in the range of 67 to 254 Hz encoded

with voice audio. FM repeaters on the 28

and 50 MHz bands frequently will employ

the use of a CTCSS tone for access. To

select a tone, turn the MULTI knob. The

tone frequencies, in HZ, will be displayed.

FM TX CTCSS is active in FM mode only. If

a value is selected and the radio is in any

other mode, this line item is ignored by the

transceiver and the tone will not be

transmitted.

RECALL SUB

Available settings: ON, OFF.

RECALL SUB is related to the memory

storage system in the transceiver that uses

the V>M and M>V buttons. See also (10)

V>M and (11) M>V in Section 2.

When set to ON, a memory recalled using

the M>V button will not only recall the VFO

A frequency, mode, and DSP BW filter, it will

also recall VFO B frequency, if the split

frequency was turned on (using the SPL

button), and the FM CTCSS tone in use.

This function is primarily for saving 6 and 10

meter FM repeater splits and tones into the

memories.

Set to OFF, the memory system will recall

VFO A frequency, DSP BW, and mode only.

RECALL SUB does not need to be set to

ON to save the VFO B frequency, FM

CTCSS tone, and split into memory. The

memory system will do this automatically.

They will not be recalled until RECALL SUB

is set to ON.

SIDETONE FRQ

Available settings: 0-1270 Hz in 10 Hz

steps.

The SIDETONE FRQ menu line item is used

to set CW sidetone and the autotracking CW

offset frequency.

Pressing and holding the SPOT button will

produce a tone at the SIDETONE FRQ

value set by the operator. This tone can be

matched to the received tone of an on-air

CW signal to achieve zero beat. Press and

hold the SPOT button while tuning in a CW

signal. When the tones match, you are on

the proper frequency.

This menu line item is also adjustable from

the front panel without entering the menu by

pressing ALT then S-T. See (28) SPO/S-T

in Section 3.

SIDETONE VOL

Available settings: 0 to 100%.

SIDETONE VOL duplicates the S-T

adjustment that is selectable by pushing the

SPO/S-T button on the front panel. See (28)

SPO/S-T.

SPOT VOLUME

Available settings: 0 to 100%.

SPOT VOLUME duplicates the SPOTVOL

adjustment that is selectable by pushing the

SPO/S-T button on the front panel. See (28)

SPO/S-T.

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CW QSK DELAY

Available settings: 0 to 100%

CW QSK DELAY allows slowing down or

partially defeating the full break-in CW

capability of the OMNI-VII.

A higher value represents more

transmit/receive delay between individual

transmitted CW characters. A setting of 0%

is full break-in CW. A delay of 100% is

approximately a 1 second recovery time

before receive audio is restored.

Please note that this control is not used for

“hanging” the transmitter for keying an

external linear amplifier. That function is

done with EXT T/R DELY, described

elsewhere in this section.

CW WEIGHTING

Available settings: 0 to 24%

CW WEIGHTING refers to the length of a

space between two transmitted dits in CW

versus the dit itself. At a setting of 0%, the

transmitted dit the space after it before the

next dit or dah is transmitted are of equal

length. Adjusting this value upward

subtracts length from the available space

and adds it to the dit, to make the dit length

longer and the space between characters

shorter. The upper value of 24% refers to

24% of the space time being added to the

transmitted dit. Higher values past 24% (if

they had been made available) would

continue to shorten the space until all that

was transmitted is a continuous carrier at

100%.

CW KEYER

Available settings: OFF, MODE A, MODE B

The OMNI-VII’s internal keyer can be

configured for either Curtis mode A or mode

B keying. Turn the MULTI knob to select or

to turn the keyer off.

The CW keyer can also be turned off from

the front panel using the SP button but

mode A or mode B can only be selected via

the menu. See (29) SP/VOX in Section 3.

CW RISE/FALL

Available settings: 3 to 10 ms.

CW RISE/FALL allows the operator to adjust

the rise and fall time of the transmitted CW

envelope. The adjustable values are 3 ms

to 10 ms, depending on whether the internal

keyer or external keying is used, and the

speed at which the internal keyer is set. The

default value is 5 ms. Lower values like 3

ms will result in a “harder” keying sound with

a quicker slope from keying initiation to full

envelope and back. Higher values result in

more gentler slopes for the CW transmit

envelope on the “make” and “break” and

result in a softer transmitted CW note.

AUTO SWEEP

Available settings: ON, OFF.

The momentary sweep scope on OMNI-VII

can automatically re-sweep without pushing

the SWP button.

When turned to ON, once the red cursor

present on the sweep display is moved to

either edge of the shown swept range, the

sweep function will re-enable without

pushing the SWP button again.

SWEEP RANGE

Available settings: 3, 30, 300 kHz.

The SWEEP RANGE setting determines

what range of frequencies are swept when

the SWP button is pushed.

See (15) SWP in section 3 of the manual for

complete information on how the momentary

spectrum sweep operates on OMNI-VII.

VOX TRIP

ANTI-VOX

VOX HANG

FSK TX DATA

Available settings: MARK HIGH, MARK

LOW.

FSK TX DATA is used to to determine

whether the MARK tone in FSK operation is

on the high tone (2295 Hz) or low tone

(2125 Hz). The standard is for FSK to use

the low tone for MARK. FSK direct to the

radio from a computer sound card (no TNC)

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should have this set to ‘high’ so tones will

not be inverted. See the description for FSK

OPERATION in Section 5.

REMOTE F1, REMOTE F2,

REMOTE F3

Available settings: STEP, MODE, REV,

A/B, SWEEP

REMOTE F1, REMOTE F2, and REMOTE

F3 refer to the control of radio functions

available via the F1, F2, and F3 buttons on

the accessory model 302R remote

encoder/keypad available for OMNI-VII. If

you do not have the 302R connected, they

will have no function.

To scroll through the available choices for

each of REMOTE F1, REMOTE F2, and

REMOTE F3, turn the MULTI knob.

STEP duplicates the function of the STEP

button on the front panel. See (13) STEP in

Section 2. Unlike the front panel STEP

button, the step sizes available are selected

via repeat pushing of the F1, F2, or F3

button depending on which is being used.

The radio will cycle through the seven

available step sizes.

MODE duplicates the function of the MODE

button on the front panel. Unlike the front

panel MODE button, the modes available

are selected via repeat pushing of the F1,

F2, or F3 button depending on which is

being used. The radio will cycle through the

seven available modes. See also (12)

MODE in Section 2.

REV duplicates the function of the front

panel REV button. See (18) A=B, A>B,

SPL, REV in Section 2.

A/B duplicates the function of the front panel

A/B button. See (18) A=B, A>B, SPL, REV

in Section 2.

SWEEP duplicates the function of the front

panel SWP button. See (15) SWP in

Section 2.

REMOTE ENC

Available settings: VFO-A, VFO-B, RIT/XIT,

PBT/BW

REMOTE ENC is used for the accessory

302R remote encoder/keypad. The 302R’s

main tuning knob can be used to tune either

VFO-A or VFO-B by selecting the

appropriate VFO on this menu line item.

The 302R main tuning knob can also be

used for RIT/XIT or PBT/BW operation by

selecting RIT/XIT or PBT/BW on this menu

line item.

PBT/BW operation will depend on which of

PBT or BW is selected by pressing the

PBT/BW encoder on the front panel of the

transceiver.

POD ENC RATE

Available settings: FAST, SLOW.

Unlike tuning STEP as set via the STEP

button, the POD ENC RATE control is used

to determine how many steps per revolution

the optional 302R remote encoder/keypad

tuning knob makes.

The FAST rate is slightly less than 2x the

SLOW rate.

Set to SLOW and 10 Hz steps (the most

commonly selected step size), one knob

revolution tunes approximately 1.2 kHz.

Set to FAST and 10 Hz steps, one knob

revolution tunes approximately 2 kHz.

VFO ENC RATE

Available settings: FAST, SLOW.

Unlike tuning STEP as set via the STEP

button, the VFO ENC RATE control is used

to determine how many steps per revolution

the main tuning knob makes.

The FAST rate is slightly less than 2x the

SLOW rate.

Set to SLOW and 10 Hz steps (the most

commonly selected step size), one knob

revolution tunes approximately 1.2 kHz.

Set to FAST and 10 Hz steps, one knob

revolution tunes approximately 2 kHz.

RIT ENC RATE

RIT and XIT tuning steps are fixed at 10 Hz.

The RIT ENC RATE control is used to

determine how many steps per revolution

the RIT/XIT tuning knob makes.

The FAST rate is 4x the SLOW rate.

Set to SLOW, one knob revolution tunes

RIT/XIT approximately 90 Hz.

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Set to FAST, one knob revolution tunes

RIT/XIT approximately 360 Hz.

VFO SPDSHIFT

Available settings: ON, OFF.

The main tuning knob on the OMNI-VII is

equipped with a feature called VFO SPEED

SHIFT. When set to ON, turning the VFO

knob very fast will result in larger movement

up or down the band than would have been

possible with the step size and VFO ENC

RATE set at given values.

Example: With step size set at 10 Hz and

VFO ENC RATE to SLOW, one complete

knob revolution at a normal tuning speed for

listening to the band will cover

approximately 1.2 kHz. If VFO SPEED

SHIFT is ON, turning the knob very fast will

tune approximately 4 kHz per revolution.

This is to allow the operator to quickly move

from one part of a band to another without

changing step size or VFO rate.

DISPLAY

Available settings: 0 to 100%

DISPLAY controls the intensity of the

backlighting on the display screen. Lower

values are darker lighting, higher values are

brighter lighting. At 0%, the screen lettering

is almost unreadable on a dark background.

At 100%, the screen is “washed out” in light.

The default value is 50%.

SPEECH PROC

Available settings: 0 to 100%

SPEECH PROC duplicates the front panel-

accessible SP function in the menus. See

(29) SP/VOX in Section 2.

I-F FILTER

Available settings: 20 kHz, 6 kHz, 2.5 kHz,

500 Hz, 300 Hz, AUTO.

The OMNI-VII can be equipped with a series

of filters (2.5 kHz, 500 Hz, 300 Hz) that are

present at the 455 kHz I-F. Filters at the 70

MHz I-F are stock at 20 and 6 kHz BW.

The 20 and 6 kHz first I-F filters, and the 2.5

kHz second I-F filter are standard

equipment. 500 Hz (model 2031) and 300

Hz (model 2032) are sold as options. See I-

F FILTER AND DSP BANDWIDTH FILTER

THEORY AND USE in Section 5 for a

complete explanation of the use of these

filters in conjunction with the DSP bandwidth

filtering.

Each I-F FILTER can be selected

independently or AUTO can be employed to

automatically select a filter when that filters

bandwidth threshold is crossed.

Example: Set I-F FILTER to AUTO and exit

the menu. Turn the BW knob to adjust BW

to 2000 Hz. The filter selected will be shown

as IF 2.5 kHz on the screen. Turn BW

knob clockwise to increase value. As you

pass 2500 Hz to the 2700 Hz DSP BW filter,

the OMNI-VII automatically selects the next

highest I-F filter value (in this case, 6 kHz).

Turn the BW knob counterclockwise to

decrease the DSP BW value and the filters

available will automatically decrease as the

threshold of each is passed.

Any available I-F filter can also be selected

manually. Using the same example as

above, select 2.5 kHz on the I-F FILTER

MENU item. Exit the menu and turn the BW

knob. As 2500 Hz is passed going upward,

the 2.5 kHz filter remains in use.

Note: The filtering architecture of the OMNI-

VII is set up to provide maximum value from

the available filtering choices (“distributed

roofing filters”). When one of the 455 kHz I-

F filters at bandwidths of 2.5 kHz, 500 Hz, or

300 Hz is engaged, the 6 kHz roofing filter at

the first I-F also remains in use and is

cascaded with the selected second I-F filter.

Note: Optional 500 Hz and 300 Hz filters

must be enabled in the menu before use.

Tip: When set to AUTO, the IF filter

bandwidth value shown on the screen is in

green lettering. When an individual I-F filter

is selected, the bandwidth value is shown in

white.

ENABLE 300Hz, ENABLE 500 Hz

Available settings: YES, NO

Collins mechanical 455 kHz I-F filters at 500

Hz (model 2031) and 300 Hz (model 2032)

are available as options. These filters must

be enabled in the menu to be used after

installing.

After installation, turn the MULTI knob to

select YES for any filter installed.

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Selecting YES for a filter that is not installed

will result in the receiver muting when that

filter is either manually selected or engaged

with the AUTO function under I-F FILTER.

An installed optional 500 Hz or 300 Hz filter

can be disengaged by selecting NO. For

example, if the optional 500 Hz filter is

installed, ENABLE 500 Hz is set to NO, and

I-F FILTER is set to AUTO, when turning the

BW control lower than 500 Hz the 500 Hz

I-F filter will not engage and will remain at

2.5 kHz.

How to install optional I-F filters is covered

under INSTALLATION OF OPTIONAL

COLLINS™ MECHANICAL FILTERS in

Section 5.

Section 5 – OPERATION AND

ACCESSORY CONNECTION

EXAMPLES

OPERATING THE AUTOMATIC

ANTENNA TUNER (IF INSTALLED)

First, enter the menu system by pressing

MNU and assure that line item AUTO

TUNER is set to ON.

The matching range of the tuner is

approximately 6 to 800 ohms or a 10:1

maximum SWR up to 30 MHz. On 50 MHz,

the maximum tuning range of the tuner is

approximately a 3:1 maximum SWR.

While the tuner will tune many HF antenna

installations, some multi-band wire antennas

are capable of exhibiting a feedpoint

impedance of several thousand ohms and

are unsuitable to be tuned with the

autotuner. An example would be an 80

meter ¼ wave dipole fed on 40 meters. The

ARRL Antenna Book and antenna design

websites like W4RNL’s www.cebik.com can

also provide a wealth of useful information

about effective antennas for use with OMNI-

VII.

To use the internal tuner, press TUNE. A

carrier at approximately 20 watts output

power will be transmitted and the tuner will

actuate. It takes 1 to 3 seconds to tune

depending on frequency and load

impedance.

Once tuned, the legend TUNED will appear

at the upper left corner of the screen. To

bypass the tuner, press TUNE again and the

legend will change to BYPASS.

The tuner will usually stop at a value of 1.5:1

SWR or lower. Occasionally it may present

a slightly higher SWR after tuning. This is

normal, and the transceiver will still transmit

at full output power with no foldback.

The tuner has 100 tune memories. The user

must hit TUNE each time he returns to a

previously used frequency to recall the tuner

settings. Instead of taking 1 to 3 seconds to

tune, a previous frequency in the tuner

memory will tune in a shorter amount of

time. If user changes bands and does not

hit tune before transmitting, the tuner is in

bypass mode and SWR is that of the

antenna connected.

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The automatic antenna tuner will operate on

either ANT 1 or ANT 2 depending on which

has been selected with the front panel ANT

button. The tuner will NOT memorize

settings per antenna, only per frequency for

the last antenna used.

CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL

LINEAR AMPLIFIER

There are three possible types of

connections for a linear amplifier depending

on whether your amplifier is a QSK linear

amplifier and whether, if so, it employs the

use of a full break-in keying loop.

Non-QSK linear amplifiers or QSK linears

that do not employ the use of a keying loop

are keyed from the AMP KEY jack. Connect

the PTT keying line of your linear amplifier to

the AMP KEY jack using a shielded cable

with RCA-style male phono connectors at

each end. The AMP KEY keying output is a

open collector transistor output. See the

warning later in this section about attaching

older linear amplifiers that may have high

voltage present on the PTT line before using

your amplifier.

Some QSK linear amplifiers incorporate the

use of a full break-in keying loop. Ten-Tec

transceivers and linear amplifiers use a full

break-in keying loop to assure proper

sequencing of the keying between the radio

and the amplifier.

To use the OMNI-VII with a full break-in

linear amplifier incorporating a keying loop,

use the TX EN and TX OUT jacks. TX EN

on the transceiver is connected to KEY OUT

on the amplifier, TX OUT on the transceiver

is connected to KEY IN on the amplifier.

Place the amp in QSK mode. The amplifier

will be used in all modes in the QSK

position. The keying loop voltage and

current limits are 15 Vdc and 100 mA.

The keying loop in the OMNI-VII must be

enabled through the menu. For menu line

item KEYING LOOP, select ON. Please

note that if KEYING LOOP is turned ON and

no ability to complete the loop is present (i.e.

no connection, or a connection that is not

closing properly) the radio will not transmit.

OMNI-VII is equipped with a T/R delay

feature (EXT T/R DELY) accessible via the

menu that operates on both the AMP KEY

connection and the TX EN / TX OUT keying

loop. This gives the operator the ability to

have the amplifier keyed longer by the radio,

preventing drop outs between words of SSB

or CW operation.

Linear amplifiers can be used on either of

the ANT 1 or ANT 2 antenna jacks on the

rear panel.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The AMP KEY line

should not have applied to them more than

+100V (output inactive) nor should it draw

more than 250 mA (output active). Many

older linear amplifiers like those

manufactured by Collins, Drake, and

Heathkit have a higher voltage on the

keyline. Such amplifiers require a relay or

transistor switch between the OMNI-VII AMP

KEY jack and the amplifier PTT input. A

sample plug-and-play device that can be

used between OMNI-VII and your amplifier

is the Ameritron ARB-704 interface box. If

you are unsure if your amplifier is suitable

for use as-is with the OMNI-VII, please

consult the operator’s manual for your

amplifier or contact the Ten-Tec service

department at (865) 428-0364 or

service@tentec.com

TUNING UP AN EXTERNAL

LINEAR AMPLIFIER

The TUNE button on the front panel can be

used for initial linear amplifier tune-up. If an

automatic antenna tuner is installed in your

OMNI-VII, go into the menu and disable it

with the AUTO TUNER line item. Pressing

the TUNE button will provide approximately

20 watts of keydown CW carrier output to be

used for an initial tune-up of your linear.

It may be desirable to increase the keydown

power output when tuning your amplifier. To

do so, press the PWR button after pushing

the TUNE button. Power output will move

from the low power setting to whatever level

the PWR control has been set at with the

MULTI knob. Repeat operation will require

pushing TUNE then PWR again for the

higher output value.

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INSTALLATION OF OPTIONAL

COLLINS™ MECHANICAL

FILTERS

Collins mechanical I-F filters for the 455 kHz

I-F at 500 and 300 Hz bandwidth are

available as optional equipment.

To install optional filters: Turn transceiver

power off and remove DC power cable.

Remove the four side case screws.

Remove the 5 Torx screws from the rear

perimeter of the top cover. A Torx wrench to

remove them is supplied in the transceiver

packing kit.

Place the radio on the table with the front

facing you.

Slide the top cover of the radio just back

enough to get the metal lip out from under

the plastic face of the transceiver. Remove

the top cover by lifting SLOWLY to your right

– the cable running to the transceiver

internal speaker is attached to the underside

of the top cover. Pulling hard on the cover

or pulling to the left can break the speaker

wire. Set the top cover against the right side

of the open radio.

The filter slots are on the RF board – this

board is the center and left front of the rig.

The filter slots are 6 inches back from the

front of the radio near the left side and the

open slots on the board are marked ‘500 Hz’

and ‘300 Hz’. The filters have three pins

oriented in a slight V pattern. Insert the filter

pins into the sockets on the board. Replace

top cover and top cover screws.

Optional 500 and 300 Hz filters must be

turned on in the menu before they will

activate. See ENABLE 500 Hz, ENABLE

300Hz in Section 4.

I-F FILTER AND DSP BANDWIDTH

FILTER THEORY AND USE

OMNI-VII is equipped with a series of

“distributed roofing filters” at the 70 MHz first

I-F and 455 kHz second I-F.

There are stock filters at 20 kHz and 6 kHz

bandwidth at the first I-F and 2.5 kHz

bandwidth at the second I-F. Optional filters

at 500 Hz and 300 Hz bandwidths can be

also installed in the second I-F.

Some basic discussion on what is and what

is not important for optimum receiver

performance.

Certainly an HF receiver must have

adequate sensitivity to hear signals. The

receiver also must have reasonable dynamic

range to hear weak signals in the presence

of loud signals (the definition of dynamic

range being the ratio between the strongest

signal that can be handled without front-end

distortion and the weakest detectable

signal).

It’s no difficult feat to achieve these

requirements – most any HF receiver used

for ham radio purposes today, on face value

has adequate (or even too much) sensitivity

and enough dynamic range that a single

loud signal that appears on an HF frequency

doesn’t immediately overload the receiver.

The problems start, potentially, when there

are multiple loud signals within a small

distance of a desired frequency. You may

be listening to 14.200 MHz, but that S9+40

signal on 14.210 that you’re not hearing? It

still has the potential to compromise overall

receiver performance, even when it’s not on

the frequency you’re listening to. You might

not even realize it – a loud signal 10 kHz up

the band limits dynamic range, making a

weak signal you want to hear at

14.200…just not be there. You’d never

know – the receiver may sound “fine”, but no

signal will be on the frequency you’re

listening to. Worse perhaps would be not

only is no desired signal present, but that

loud signal and other ones near it might

even be throwing spurious distortion

products onto the frequency of interest.

What to do? Loud signals are a fact of life in

ham radio.

The answer is: find a way to protect the

overall receive chain, within the limits of the

design of the radio, to maintain adequate

sensitivity, dynamic range and third order

intercept point.

What does third order intercept point sound

like? It doesn’t sound like anything – you

can’t hear it, because it’s calculated from a

formula that uses both the minimum

discernable signal and dynamic range to

predict a “point” at which the radio will go

non-linear and break into distortion.

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Lately in Amateur Radio some “gaming” of

the system has taken place with other

manufacturers’ transceivers offering an

“intercept optimize” or similar control on the

radio. That must be great, right? Optimize

intercept point and the radio will behave

nicely in the presence of loud signals. The

answer is: it sure will. And the reason it will

is that controls like this LIMIT THE

SENSITIVITY (or minimum discernable

signal) IN ORDER TO PUSH THE

INTERCEPT POINT HIGHER! Yes, the

receiver won’t crunch in the presence of

loud signals – and you sure won’t hear any

weak ones on the band either!

A read of recent ARRL Product Reviews

would be instructive. Look at the minimum

discernable signal number and third order

intercept with optimization features on and

off – sensitivity drops off and third order

intercept increases. Interesting, isn’t it?

The most optimal receiver protection

scheme is one that does not affect receiver

sensitivity, and maintains dynamic range

even in the presence of nearby undesired

loud signals.

A 6 kHz roofing filter can help limit undesired

signals from having an impact on overall

receiver performance. OMNI-VII uses a 6

kHz wide monolithic filter at the first I-F of 70

MHz. A 20 kHz wide filter has also been

included, but this filter is of little practical

value for maintaining receiver performance –

it is for allowing AM and FM operation only.

Filters at the 455 kHz I-F are 2.5 kHz

(standard), 500 Hz and 300 Hz (both

optional). These filters are cascaded

together with the 6 kHz wide 70 MHz first I-F

filter when one of then is in use.

The net effect of using 455 kHz second I-F

filters plus the 6 kHz monolithic at the first

I-F is to increase blocking dynamic range

over what the receiver would be capable of

without the second I-F filters installed. Third

order intercept point essentially remains

constant. The front-end AGC in the

transceiver is after the 455 kHz I-F filters;

having them installed prevents the radio

from attempting AGC action on a signal that

is outside the bandwidth of the 455 kHz I-F

filter.

These filters are not to be confused with

bandwidth filtering, which is done in DSP

and is adjusted from the front panel BW

control. 6 kHz first I-F filer + 455 kHz I-F

filter + DSP BW filter at the third I-F should

be adequate under most circumstances to

keep the receiver linear and maintain the

ability to hear weak signals in the presence

of multiple loud ones.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE

SOUND OF SSB TRANSMIT

AUDIO AND THEIR ADJUSTMENT

One of the features of the OMNI-VII is

flexibility afforded the operator for the

desired sound of SSB transmit audio.

Many possible settings are available so that

operators with different styles (or

philosophies) can adjust the radio the way

they want it to sound. Obviously, the

operator who favors rich, full-sounding

transmit audio is not going to have the same

needs as the DXer who wants maximum

“oomph” to try and break a SSB pileup.

There are several controls that interact on

OMNI-VII for SSB transmit audio. Every

operator is different; we use different

microphones, the timbre of voices are

different, distance from the microphone will

vary. What we intend below is to describe

what is used to tailor transmit SSB audio,

and then encourage the operator to

experiment with the settings to find the

sound they want.

A monitor function as been provided for the

operator to listen to the sound of actual

transmitted SSB audio. We recommend

using headphones while using the monitor

circuit to prevent microphone/speaker

feedback. See the description of (25)

MIC/MON.

There are four radio controls used for SSB

transmit audio. 1) Transmit bandwidth,

which is adjusted using the SB TX FILTER

control in the menu. 2) Low frequency

rolloff, adjusted with the TX ROLL OFF

control in the menu. 3) Mic gain, adjusted

via the front panel MIC/MON button. 4)

Speech processing, adjusted via the front

panel SP/VOX button.

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Transmit bandwidth is both the frequency

response of the transmitted signal and the

amount of spectrum occupied by that signal.

Typical communications-grade audio for

SSB is in the 2.4 to 2.7 kHz range. Some

“hi-fi” SSB enthusiasts have been

experimenting with larger transmit

bandwidths in an effort to improve the

quality of audio transmitted. OMNI-VII has

been provided with the ability to transmit on

SSB with a maximum bandwidth of 4.4 kHz.

Please see the note toward the end of this

section about wide SSB transmit bandwidths

and their potential ramifications.

Set SB TX FILTER in the menu to an

appropriate value based on your operating

preferences. For communications-grade

audio, we recommend starting the transmit

bandwidth at 2400 Hz. For more well-

rounded transmit audio, start the transmit

bandwidth at 3.0 kHz (3000 Hz).

The next control to adjust is TX ROLL OFF,

also found in the menu. TX ROLL OFF

refers to “low frequency rolloff”. This control

interacts with SB TX FILTER determine your

frequency response.

For example, if SB TX FILTER set to 3000

Hz, and TX ROLL OFF is set to 150 Hz, the

response envelope for your transmitted SSB

signal is approximately a low of 150 Hz and

a high of 3150 Hz for a total bandwidth of

3000 Hz. Using the same 3000 Hz SB TX

FILTER setting, if the TX ROLL OFF s

changed to 50 Hz, the response envelope is

now a low of 50 Hz to a high of 3050 Hz, for

a total bandwidth of 3000 Hz. You can think

of the TX ROLL OFF control as where the

“bass response” from your voice and the

transmit bandwidth is attenuated.

The two most-used SSB transmit controls

will be mic gain (accessible from the

MIC/MON button on the front panel) and the

speech processor (accessible from the

SP/VOX button on the front panel).

Mic gain is set by pressing the MIC button

and talking into the microphone. When you

have reached proper ALC, the red ALC LED

located next to the S-meter on the front of

the radio will flash on voice peaks. Adjust

the mic gain upward until the ALC light is

flashing on and off while you are

transmitting. Different microphones will

require more or less gain.

Speech processing (SP) is provided to give

the operator more “punch” to the transmitted

signal. Speech processing increases the

average amplitude relative to the peaks for

an increase in average power transmitted.

Press the SP button (if desired) and use the

MULTI knob to adjust the speech processing

level. Speech processing is generally not

used for higher-fidelity SSB audio; its use is

primarily for added intelligibility for

communications-grade SSB audio. It is also

possible with high levels of speech

processing and combinations of microphone

and other settings available to send the

transmitter into distorted SSB output. Use

the monitor function to listen to what you are

transmitting and avoid this.

The speech processor used in the OMNI-VII

is a true RF compressor, DSP generated.

Human voices have peak-to-average ratios

as high as 15 dB. At 100 watts PEP output,

the average output power might be as little

as 3 watts! RF compression raises the

average output power and tends to improve

intelligibility by bringing out subtle parts of

speech. With a digitally generated RF

speech processor, we have the advantage

of calculating the RF envelope before the

modulation is performed. Microphone audio

is sampled and converted to an analytic

signal, and an equation is used to compute

the envelope.

Note on wide SSB transmit bandwidths:

Audio fidelity generally improves with the

use of wider SSB transmit filtering. Using a

3.0 kHz or higher bandwidth will have a

more “well-rounded” audio response than a

narrower bandwidth. As transmit bandwidth

widens, so does the potential for

interference with stations using adjacent

frequencies.

Part 97 of the FCC regulations governing

amateur radio operation does not specify a

maximum transmit bandwidth usable by

amateurs for SSB communication.

However, FCC regulation 97.307(a) requires

amateur stations not to occupy more

bandwidth than is necessary for the

emission type being transmitted in

accordance with good amateur practice.

Regulation 97.307(b) requires that

emissions outside the necessary bandwidth

must not cause splatter interference to

operations on adjacent frequencies.

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While these are broad regulations subject to

interpretation, the responsibility for

complying with the regulations rests with the

operator. Using an SSB transmit bandwidth

wider than necessary for communications

and causing interference to adjacent

stations while doing so is specifically what

these regulations are addressing. In

summary, what may be an acceptable

bandwidth on a given band at a given time

may not be on another band at another time.

FSK OPERATION

Selection of the FSK mode will allow the

OMNI-VII to operate true FSK RTTY. The

FSK circuitry is controlled through the ACC

1 jack on the rear panel of the transceiver.

Pin 5 on the ACC 1 rear panel jack is the

MARK/SPACE or FSK input. This input is

typically connected to the FSK output on a

modem or terminal unit. The OMNI-VII

receives FSK using lower sideband. The

center of the filter passband is preset so any

bandwidth filter used will be centered on the

standard FSK MARK/SPACE 2125/2295 Hz

tones.

The OMNI-VII display indicates the transmit

MARK frequency. There is also user control

called FSK TX DATA in the menu for

selecting whether the MARK is the low tone

or high tone (the standard is low tone). This

allows the transceiver to be used with either

TTL or open-collector keying schemes.

The monitor function is available in FSK

mode and may be used to monitor the

transmitted tones. See (25) MIC/MON is

Section 2.

OPERATING SPLIT FREQUENCY

Operating split frequency is commonly used

in DX operation on the HF amateur radio

bands. Stations will often transmit on a

clear frequency while listening for callers on

another nearby frequency.

Let’s say a DX station is calling on 14.195

MHz and is telling callers “listening up 5 to

10”. You in turn should call on 14.200 to

14.205 MHz and listen for a reply on 14.195.

With the transceiver VFO A on 14.195.000,

press A=B. Now both VFO’s are on

14.195.000. Press and hold the REV button

while turning the main tuning knob. When

the display reads 14.200.000, release the

REV button. Now press SPL to engage split

frequency operation. The icon that reads

“Tx” next to the VFO A display will drop

down next to the displayed VFO B frequency

and the VFO B frequency will change to red

digits. You are now ready to transmit on

14.200 MHz and listen on 14.195 MHz.

When a DX station in this example is

“listening up 5 to 10”, it may be useful to

listen to your TRANSMIT frequency in

between DX station transmissions to

ascertain where the DX station is listening.

By pressing the REV button, you can listen

to your transmit frequency. As above, you

can also move the main tuning knob to tune

around while holding the REV button.

Release REV, and you are ready to

transmit.

EXTERNAL CW OUTPUT PLUS

CW KEYER OPERATION FROM

PADDLES

Some contest logging programs use

computer generated CW for transmission of

contest data (CQ’s, reports, etc.) but do not

employ the ability to send CW through any

device other than input from the computer

keyboard.

It is useful in this situation to be able to have

both an external keyer (in this case, the

computer) and the internal keyer in the

OMNI-VII both simultaneously available.

The “external keyer” is used for contest

CQ’s and information, while a paddle

connected to the internal keyer can be used

by the operator for quickly repeating

necessary information.

Pin 3 on the ACC 1 connector on the OMNI-

VIII rear panel is a PTT connection. In CW

modes, this can allow the radio to be keyed

by an external device in CW mode.

DRAG ADJUSTMENT FOR THE

MAIN TUNING KNOB

The main tuning knob is equipped with a

drag control. To adjust the drag on the main

tuning knob, hold the silver skirt still while

rotating the knob about a quarter turn.

There will be a gentle “click” feel as the knob

is loosened or tightened. Counter-clockwise

twisting will loosen them and clockwise

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twisting will increase the drag. Loosen them

up or increase the drag to your preference.

MASTER RESET

On rare occasions, it may be possible to

confuse the microprocessor in the

transceiver to the point where a master reset

may be necessary to restore operating state.

A master reset often needs to be done after

an upgrade for the transceiver is sent via the

serial port interface (see UPDATING OMNI-

VII OVER THE INTERNET elsewhere in this

section).

To perform a master reset, turn transceiver

power off. Press and hold the MNU button

down. Turn transceiver power on, and

continue to hold the MNU button until the

message “MASTER RESET” appears

towards the upper left of the radio screen.

This should take about 5 seconds after

turning radio power on.

DIAGNOSTIC AND IP DATA

ENTRY SCREEN

Note that we recommend you use and

familiarize yourself with transceiver

operation before getting involved with

parameter changes in this section.

In the initial screen on powering on the

transceiver, you will see a rainbow test

pattern screen and a WELCOME message.

There is a diagnostic screen that can be

accessed for checking encoder functions,

setting gateway and radio IP addresses for

remote operation, UDP port, a password to

prevent unauthorized users from gaining

access to your radio remotely, and a MAC

address.

To access the diagnostic screen – turn

transceiver power off. Press and hold the

RIT button. Turn power on, continuing to

hold the RIT button down until KEY IS

PRESSED appears on the screen with the

rainbow test pattern. Release the RIT

button and KEY WAS PRESSED will

appear, along with hexadecimal information

on the right side of the screen.

Encoder function can be tested by turning

the encoders. Each encoder (5 of them

including the main tuning knob) are labeled

A through E. Turn the main tuning knob

(“E”). ENCODER E R or E L will appear

depending on whether you have turned the

encoder to the right or left. Hexidecimal

information for each encoder will be shown

to indicate the encoder is pulsing properly.

Press MNU while in the diagnostic screen.

A WELCOME message will appear with a

cursor, and five other lines for remote

operation functions will appear: GATEWAY

IP, RADIO IP, UDP PORT, PASS CODE,

MAC ADDR.

The WELCOME message is a 10 position

alphanumeric tag that can be used to

display your callsign or other information.

The blue cursor is moved by turning the

main tuning knob. To adjust each character

position, turn the MULTI knob.

GATEWAY IP, RADIO IP, UDP PORT,

PASS CODE, and MAC ADR are explained

in detail.

To save any changes made, press the MNU

button. To abandon any changes made,

press any other button. Note “abandon”

refers only to a highlighted item being

adjusted and does not return all settings to

the state they may have been in prior to

entering the diagnostic screen.

After saving changes with MNU, to exit the

diagnostic screen turn transceiver power off

and then back on again.

After changes have been saved by pressing

MNU, if you decide you want to make more

changes before powering off the rig, press

MNU again.

# SIGN ON THE SCREEN

To the left of the A B C D bandstacking

sign occasionally turn on and off. This

indicates that your current settings have

been stored in flash memory. This is to

ensure when the transceiver is powered off

that settings have been saved and will be

retained when the transceiver is next turned

on.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

While we cannot cover every possible

problem, here are some hints for dealing

with some potential difficulties. Check the

obvious. Is your dc power source okay?

Check power supply, cable and

connector(s). Is the 25 ampere fuse loose or

missing? Antenna problems? Try a dummy

load. Is a proper antenna connected?

Is any external antenna switch connected

and properly set? Have you checked OMNI-

VII’s control settings? Have you double-

checked OMNI-VII’s many control settings,

including those in the menu, for your

intended mode of operation?

Problem: No audio from receiver

Is the AUDIO (AF) turned up?

Is RF GAIN turned down (receiver will mute,

and S-meter will read a higher value than

band noise).

Is squelch activated? SQL will appear in

block letters on the screen. Press the

MULTI encoder to cycle through available

choices and check SQUELCH level.

Is the speaker wire internal to the rig broken

or disconnected? (have you pulled the

covers off recently?) Try headphones to see

if audio returns.

Is NR off? Under some circumstances,

noise reduction can cover band noise

completely, leading the user to think no

audio is coming from the speaker.

Problem: Distorted SSB transmit

Be certain the mic gain is set properly. The

ALC LED should flash on voice peaks, but

not remain continuously lit in SSB modes.

Check the setting of the speech processor.

An excessively high setting can reduce

audio quality.

A frequent cause of a distorted SSB signal is

inadequate RF grounding resulting in RF

feedback. Common RF grounding problems

are no ground connection, or too long a lead

to a good ground. Many problems relate to

the lack of an RF station ground, as

contrasted with a safety ground connection.

We recommend bonding all equipment

chassis together with short heavy metal

braid or strap. Make these connections from

chassis ground lug to chassis ground lug

and connect the last piece in the chain

feeding the antenna to a good earth ground.

This lead needs to be as short as possible.

Lengths near ¼ wavelength on any band

used can be particularly troublesome when

the far end is connected to earth.

Another potential cause of distorted SSB

arises when the station is in the near field of

the antenna. This is a problem many

apartment dwellers face.

Distorted SSB transmit can result from

chassis ground and signal ground from the

microphone being tied together to a

common connection. This is a common

problem with third-party microphones.

Assure the chassis ground and signal

ground from the microphone are separated.

Problem: No transmit, receive

OK.

Check in the menu to assure

TRANSMITTER is set to ON.

If KEYING LOOP is set to ON in the menu

and the keying loop is either not in use or is

making a faulty connection through

accessory equipment, the radio will not

transmit.

Is the gain setting correct for the microphone

input or ACC 1 jack as appropriate?

Is the POWER control turned all the way

down? Press PWR and check.

If no transmit in digital modes, are you sure

a PTT signal is being sent from your TNC or

computer to the appropriate jack on the

OMNI-VII?

Problem: No operation in VOX

Is “VOX” highlighted at the bottom of the

screen? If not, VOX is turned off.

Check the OMNI-VII menu to see if the

items for VOX are active and set properly. If

any of the three settings is at zero, VOX will

not operate.

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The mic element in other (non-Ten-Tec)

microphones must be active (open) when

used in VOX mode with OMNI-VII. This

generally means locking the PTT on the

microphone after putting the radio into VOX

mode – but every mic is different. Consult

the operation manual of your microphone.

If the above do not solve your problem,

please consult with our service department

(865) 428-0364 or service@tentec.com

NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV

INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT.

SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE

EQUIPMENT.

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Ten Tec 588 HF AMATEUR RADIO TRANSCEIVER User Manual Chapter 1 YOUR NEW OMNI VII

Ten Tec Inc HF AMATEUR RADIO TRANSCEIVER Chapter 1 YOUR NEW OMNI VII

USERS MANUAL

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