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[TenTec] Orion Update questions

To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: [TenTec] Orion Update questions
From: "Thomas Tow" <ttow1@charter.net>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 12:13:49 -0600
List-post: <mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
For those who emailed me about the updates. I have no clue whatsoever about
any updates you can do yourself and I never asked them about what they could
or would do. I just sent it in with Carte Blanche to do whatever it took to
make it the most updated top shelf Orion available. I didn't care about the
color screen and I suspect that this version with all of the updates and
Inrads will give the O2 a run for it's money with a LOT less cash out. 
That is my way of doing things since if I have no time to use it, I darn
sure don't have the time to mess with user upgrades. It took I think over a
month to get it back which answers another users question. I am VERY happy
with the work of TEN TEC and have no issue with what it cost. I have heard
the results..Ya get what ya pay for :) 
Heck...Another couple of these emails and I will talk myself into keeping it
and sell the MK 5!   Hi 
Thanks for the emails. 73, Tommy WD4K
www.Nashvillehomesales.net 

-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of tentec-request@contesting.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 11:00 AM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: TenTec Digest, Vol 39, Issue 61

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Today's Topics:

   1.  Roof filters (Bill Tippett)
   2. Re: Pegasus questions (John T. Gwin)
   3. Re: Great Contest Radio? (Kc9cdt@aol.com)
   4. Orion 565 updates (Thomas Tow)
   5. Re: Pegasus questions (John Huffman)
   6. pegasus and grounding (Keith Flint)
   7. Re: Pegasus questions (Ken & Joanne Booher)
   8. Re: Effect of roofing filter selection on Orion II NB
      (Grant Youngman)
   9. Ten-Tec used/demo list 14 March 2006
      (Ten-Tec Inc. Amateur Radio Sales)
  10. Re: Orion 565 updates (Rick Williams)
  11. Re: Sweep on OII (W9MWS@aol.com)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:20:36 -0500
From: Bill Tippett <btippett@alum.mit.edu>
Subject: [TenTec]  Roof filters
To: tentec@contesting.com
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.0.20060314090524.02045298@alumni.wfu.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed;
        x-avg-checked=avg-ok-376610A7

I wrote:
 > TT 1800  - 1400 Hz (in CW mode only, 1900 in SSB)

YT1NT replied:
 >Roofing filter has one BW in CW, another in SSB?

         Correct....measured using Spectrogram
but I have never received an explanation from
Ten-Tec, although I have asked several times.
There is obviously some other effect going on
because the filter clearly cannot change
bandwidth itself, but the effect is the same.
To measure this, I set DSP BW = 6000 to remove
any DSP effects and use a noise generator with
Spectrogram to view the resulting spectrum for
CW versus SSB modes.

         You can actually hear this without any
measurements.  Listen to band noise in CW when
switching between the 1000 and 1800 filters
(remembering to set DSP = 6000) and you will
hear very little change in the character of the
resulting noise (assuming good ears).

         This is very strange behavior but I
actually like it since the 1800 filter in
CW gives a reasonable BW (1400 Hz) for S&P
type operation in contests.

         Anyone else have any explanations for
this?

                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV




------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 08:32:03 -0600
From: "John T. Gwin" <jtgwin@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Pegasus questions
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <004301c64774$10a97fc0$6401a8c0@DJB0YP41>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="iso-8859-1"

"N4PY or Callsign software for my "new" Pegasus?  Whaddya think?"

N4PY, hands down.

-W4SK


------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:40:41 EST
From: Kc9cdt@aol.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Great Contest Radio?
To: tentec@contesting.com
Message-ID: <252.80cb7f1.31482fe9@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

May I suggest you call TT and tell them what you just told us.
They need to know how we feel about this...

73,
Lee


------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 08:52:25 -0600
From: "Thomas Tow" <ttow1@charter.net>
Subject: [TenTec] Orion 565 updates
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <000b01c64776$e96f5b20$6401a8c0@HP>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"

I have tried to get this scanned and sent to several on the list who
requested the info but I will have to type it out. To those who requested
it, sry it took this long.  To those who inquired since my for sale posting,
I have included filter information. 
There was nothing wrong with the Orion # 09C10052 when I returned it, I just
wanted it updated completely. The rig has way less than a couple hundred
hours.  The rig is $3000 with Inrads and $2700 with standard filters.  Won't
sell the filters until the radio buyer has a chance and in case I do not
sell it... and keep it for once a year exercise :)
 
Updated Power Distribution Board (4) #38068 (3) #30662, 
Updated and realigned Synthesizer Board (1)#30650, (1) 30652.
Updated Main RX/TX Bd. (1)#23463, (2)#23477, 91) #23261, (1)#93712,
(1)#30670
Added FSK Mod and CW Jack Insulator to Rear Panel Connector Board. (1)#30150
Updated I.F. Converter Bd. (1)#30698, (1) #28124, (1)#30140, (1)#30662,
(2)#93723
Updated Headphones Circuit  (2) 30120,
Updated CPU/DSP Board (6)#306386, (1)#30646, (1)#23261, (1)#23264, (1)30316,
(1)#28127, (1)#30438.
Updated CPU/DSP Board for 2.0 Firmware
Added RF Filter to Mic Cable (1)#81893
Updated Firmware to version 1.372
Check alignment and operation, OK, 
24 Hour Burn in OK
Total cost inc return shipping was $242.25
If anyone wants to use this list to do some updates, you really need to
contact Ten Tec, I assume no responsibility for the correctness of this list
or who typed it originally.
 
After indepth discussions on Orion Filters with some Orion gurus along with
George at Inrad, the following config is what we determined best for both
contesting and daily use. This is what is currently installed.

6.O standard Ten Tec         Mod 217 500Khz Ten Tec
2.4 Khz Standard                Inrad 760   250 Khz
Inrad 761 1.8
Inrad 762 600

I also have two Top Ten band decoders for the Orion, before someone asks,
one is a spare :)
I will also eventually be selling the entire contest station here...plays
very strong, many top ten USA with #3 USA WPX last year 20M SOHP. Everything
is top quality first class equipment. Interested parties reply off the
reflector. 
73, Tommy WD4K
 




------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:58:37 -0500
From: "John Huffman" <hjohnc@adelphia.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Pegasus questions
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <008d01c64777$c6ad3c00$6501a8c0@John>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
        reply-type=original

Craig -

> N4PY or Callsign software for my "new" Pegasus?  Whaddya think?

N4PY - no contest.

> Also, I've been warned about the rig's RF vulnerability.  My shack is on
> the second floor of my house -- a long way from an earth ground -- with
> a (sorry) two-wire electrical system (floating). My Drake TR-7 was also
> prone to RF crud, but that was cured by simple use of a counterpoise for
> each band of operation.  Will this suffice for the Pegasus?

I'd guess it would, but each situation is different.  Just say good luck
with 
that one.  My Pegasus isn't any more suseptible than my K2, LDG tuner, or
power 
supply.

73 de NA8M
John



------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 07:02:53 -0800
From: Keith Flint <kcflint@frontiernet.net>
Subject: [TenTec] pegasus and grounding
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <4416DB1D.1020900@frontiernet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

A counterpoise did work ok for my pegasus, but not for the digital 
modes, rtty, psk31, amtor, etc.

Go with callsign software if you intend to do any digital modes, it is 
much better, and that g-filter is superb!
Keith
w7zac




------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:10:42 -0500
From: Ken & Joanne Booher <kebooher@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Pegasus questions
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <4416DCF2.4080901@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

     Hands UP Callsign software, being used on my Pegasus, by far the
     best...

           Ken

John T. Gwin wrote:
> "N4PY or Callsign software for my "new" Pegasus?  Whaddya think?"
> 
> N4PY, hands down.
> 
> -W4SK
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> 
> 


------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:48:27 -0600
From: "Grant Youngman" <nq5t@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Effect of roofing filter selection on Orion II
        NB
To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <20060314154903.AD9053193C0@dayton.akorn.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"

>          There are some key points you omitted.
> First AGC must be OFF, otherwise Orion's AGC will readjust 
> the audio output.  

Yes, it was off.

> Second, is the TS-585 a True-RMS 
> responding meter?  A

No, it was just easier to get to.  So this morning, I dug into my storage
closet, and pulled another meter.  It isn't a 339A but it is a true RMS
meter

I redid the measurement, this time with an HP 331A Distortion Analyser

The results are about the same -- 8-10dB measured on 14 Mhz, and around 5-6
dB measured on 7 Mhz where the noise has a  different characteristic.  Last
night, when 40 was much noisier than it is this morning, the improvement was
only on the order of 3dB, but that was measured with a non-RMS meter so I'll
have to take another look at it tonight.


Grant




------------------------------

Message: 9
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 11:16:31 -0500
From: "Ten-Tec Inc. Amateur Radio Sales" <sales@tentec.com>
Subject: [TenTec] Ten-Tec used/demo list 14 March 2006
To: sales@tentec.com, tentec@contesting.com
Message-ID: <4416EC5F.1070601@tentec.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed


Current as of 14 March 2006

The following equipment is available as used equipment direct
from Ten-Tec. 30 day warranty, 10 day trial period, shipping
is additional. Exception: used linears warrantied 30 days
except for final tubes which carry no warranty. Used items
often sell quickly. Please make sure we have the item in stock
before sending payment.

Transceivers:

538AT Jupiter with autotuner, also has RX-350D knob kit installed $1330
550 Pegasus $750
565AT Orion with autotuner $2900

Other items:

417 Titan III amp $3100

The following equipment is available as demo gear and
carries a 1 year parts and labor warranty, 30 day trial
period. What is a 'demo unit'?  Demos are units that have
been evaluated in one of the following manners: at the
factory or hamfests for display purposes, loaned out for
evaluation by commercial customers, or returns on our
30 day risk-free sales policy.  Shipping is additional.

RX-340 HF DSP receiver $3825
302J remote encoder/keypad for Jupiter $125.10
308A gold heat sink fan kit for Argonaut V $13.50
310 fan kit $35.96
422B Centurion linear amplifier $2560.25
565 Orion, no autotuner $3135
565AT Orion with autotuner $3419.05
566AT Orion II with autotuner $4080.25
701 hand mic $26.60
706 desk mic, 4 pin connector $94.95
706A desk mic, 8 pin connector $94.95
963 25 amp switching PS $161.05

Stan Brock, WD?BGS
Amateur Radio Sales


------------------------------

Message: 10
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 08:17:57 -0800
From: "Rick Williams" <rick.williams@telus.net>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion 565 updates
To: "TenTec List" <TenTec@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <000901c64782$db47bc70$7702a8c0@ricksjunk>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"

Thanks for the list of repairs/mods Tommy.  

Am I alone in wondering if Ten-Tec would consider publishing these mods?
For example the FSK mod is published on the RFSquared site as well as, of
course, the "Updated CPU/DSP Board for 2.0 Firmware".  

I for one would love to update my Orion to these standards.  Sending back a
working Orion via FedEX International Air for some updates is not currently
cost effective. It sure would be nice if these mods were published.  Are
they part changes? part additions?  I'm sure some owners, myself included,
would like to update their own Orion if the information was available.

73, 

Rick 
VE7TK

Website:  http://www3.telus.net/ve7tk  

---------------------------------------------------

To:     <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject:        [TenTec] Orion 565 updates
From:   "Thomas Tow" <ttow1@charter.net>
Date:   Tue, 14 Mar 2006 08:52:25 -0600

 
Updated Power Distribution Board (4) #38068 (3) #30662, 
Updated and realigned Synthesizer Board (1)#30650, (1) 30652.
Updated Main RX/TX Bd. (1)#23463, (2)#23477, 91) #23261, (1)#93712,
(1)#30670
Added FSK Mod and CW Jack Insulator to Rear Panel Connector Board. (1)#30150
Updated I.F. Converter Bd. (1)#30698, (1) #28124, (1)#30140, (1)#30662,
(2)#93723
Updated Headphones Circuit  (2) 30120,
Updated CPU/DSP Board (6)#306386, (1)#30646, (1)#23261, (1)#23264, (1)30316,
(1)#28127, (1)#30438.
Updated CPU/DSP Board for 2.0 Firmware
Added RF Filter to Mic Cable (1)#81893
Updated Firmware to version 1.372
Check alignment and operation, OK, 
24 Hour Burn in OK

73, Tommy WD4K
 



------------------------------

Message: 11
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 11:59:04 EST
From: W9MWS@aol.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Sweep on OII
To: tentec@contesting.com
Message-ID: <230.89d520a.31485058@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

 
... but you're such a "stealthy" guy that they'll never see that STEPPIR  
vertical!
 
In a message dated 3/13/2006 10:31:28 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
Kc9cdt@aol.com writes:

Duane,
Yep, I agree, but sometimes it works out OK. In the last DX  contest, most
of 
the time (sometimes those idiots would just keep calling)  only one person 
was 
talking to the DX at a time. When I was able to find  the station the DX was

talking to and be ready to give my call exactly at  the right time I would 
get 
him!

This is especially important when  you don't have the loudest signal due to 
propagation or also in my case  the lack of a great antenna ( The CC&R's
GODS 
rearing their ugly heads  at me).

There are many reasons the on-line realtime update of the sweep  is better 
than what we now have.

73,
Lee  
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing  list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec






------------------------------

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