FWIW, to set the record straight, if the Orion does in fact use an LCD
display, it is unfair to compare it with the full-color display on the Icom
PRO and PRO II. Those sets use TFT technology displays, as used in the most
expensive laptop computers and the new flat display monitors. LCD is quite
limited in what and how it can display data and is hardly the technology
one would expect - or should accept - on a new "state of the art" rig.
As to the gold trim, it should be just that - trim. Again, comparing the
PRO, only the name label in small type under the meter is in gold - nothing
else. Gold-flanged knobs, mic jack, heaphone jack, etc. is overstatement .
. . and, to go on and say it, "tacky."
And finally, let me make an "Emperor's new clothes" statement for which I
will put on the flame suit: I am most disappointed with the case design and
construction of the Orion. It appears to be made of relatively cheap
stamped sheet metal and, frankly, the knobs look like something that Radio
Shack sells.
Now, I know that cosmetics and appearance have virtually nothing to do with
performance, but they do affect the user's attitude toward and his
perception of the radio and its performance. At $3300 I expect at the least
the same tasteful and modern cast aluminum panels and case that the
competition manages to afford for the same or a lower price. When I first
saw the Orion pictures, expecially the rear panel view which also shows the
top panel, my first thought was that here was probably an excellent radio
stuck in a cheap looking 1960's cabinet with knobs to match.
I have heard that the auto industry spends almost as much in the
development of a new car model on the styling and body design, etc. as on
the engineering of the chassis, engine, et al. There must be a reason . . .
Lest anyone cast stones in this direction because I do not (yet) own a "big
TenTec" - although I do have the TT 30-meter QRP rig - I am quite
open-minded about buying an Orion, despite is initial negative visual
impact, once I can see detailed specifications and test data as opposed to
a list of features.
Time tells all . . .
73/72/oo, George W5YR - the Yellow Rose of Texas
Fairview, TX 30 mi NE of Dallas in Collin county EM13qe
Amateur Radio W5YR, in the 56th year and it just keeps getting better!
QRP-L 1373 NETXQRP 6 SOC 262 COG 8 FPQRP 404 TEN-X 11771 I-LINK 11735
Icom IC-756PRO #02121 Kachina 505 DSP #91900556 Icom IC-765 #02437
All outgoing email virus-checked by Norton Anti-Virus 2002
Bill Steffey wrote:
>
> I would prefer TT trying to do something with a light grey on dark grey ,
> along the lines of the omni6. That was a classic look. They may have spent
> a bundle on some injection moulds for the Orion, but they still can mess
> with the color.
> Get some grey pellets. Thank God, they aren't stuck with the Gold parts.
> I'll take silver on black, or Black on black, but hold the gold, it did go
> out with pink Cadillacs. ( unless you're the guy who ordered the Lexus
> Dealer's 400$ gold label kit.)
>
> Maybe the fuse on the back is for the phono jack aux 12 vdc..???
>
> I hope the PBT tuning is on the outside , that it one of my top turning knobs;
> then again, maybe BW would take it's place. How bout if the software let
> you switch the inner & outer rings on the 9th menu level .
>
> That font for the frequency has got to go.... my 756 (not pro) has a nice
> arial type font, bolder with no serif stuff, like the dingles on the 1 & 7
> on the demo pix. I believe the new 756 series provides several choices of
> fonts....
> I gotta think TT has a color display awaiting for inclusion later closer
> to release time. It is old tech ....too much good data can be presented by
> using colors.
> Certainly there is a ICOM 756 PRO II in Sevierville, right ??????
>
> Go to color LCD , even if the cool software has to come later !!!
> DUMP THE GOLD THE BLACK LOOKS BETTER WHEN IT'S GRAY....
> Use better machine hardware, while it increases costs , it'll make proper
> fit and finish for the NEW TEN TEC . When I bought my TiTan
> I was very disappointed to see all those sheet
> metal screws. I know it costs more to do it ; but 3300 is ALOT more.
>
> I CAN HERE THEM NOW ON MONDAY:
> "Damn it's difficult when the customer wants to change the scope of the
> product after we finally finished it.
> " a tuner, o xxxx"""
> "Maybe we can leak a pix with grey knobs and soft buttons and see what
> happens...." or grey front with same buttons ..
> " we just can't make those guys ( geeks) happy ."
> " if only they knew the cost advantage the "___"s have on us"
>
> BUT THEY KNOW WE CARE,
> or is it that we have the cash ??????????????
>
> I did buy an Intrepid once, then it was back to the AUDI family.
> I buy American, unless the value, performance or fit & finish is missing.
>
> phew........at least I feel better now.
> bill
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