Slightly off topic...
Yes, Orion has some really amazing stuff within it.
>From the belt to M42 nebula to all of the various other smaller nebulae
contained nearby, it's really something to look at, even with a pair of
70mm binoculars like I've got.
Maybe someday I'll be able to want to afford the radio, but for now, I'll
just gaze skyward for my Orion fix.
On Thu, 10 Apr 2003, WD4K wrote:
> Whomever said that the comments on the performance of the Orion should be
> limited to those who have actually touched one--is profound. I totally
> agree. I put NO faith or credibility in any comments from anyone who is
> commenting on someone's else's opinions who also may not have ever seen an
> Orion, and even less in those that rise up to defend the heresay...as if it
> were credible to begin with.
>
> I have mine..therefore I will comment. I have been a happy SO2R, two
> loaded/Inrad mod/ 1000MP user for a long time. In fact, one of my radios was
> the exact radio that QST product reviewed and one is a recent model. I
> tested the receiver of the Orion against the MP in a side by side test and
> the Orion blew away the MP--hands down. Two stations mid qso had guy come in
> within a kc and the two stations could not continue and had to move. Before
> they did, I adjusted the PBT/BW on the Orion and the offender was GONE. I
> mean GONE--but the beauty was that the existing QSO was still great copy
> with good audio, no degration to speak of. The MP CANNOT do this. I then
> tried the same on CW with two signals literally right on top of each other.
> Again, the Orion totally separated them with no loss in copy of either. I
> could PBT between them and on each..the other was totally gone. I did this
> one whole evening just to see the capabilities--every time I was shocked
> with the Orions receiver. I have not had the time to explore all of the
> capabilities of this rig but so far I am just blown away with its design,
> learning curve and the PERFORMANCE.
>
> I can say positively that after handling the Orion/MP side by side,
> comparing the terrific menu access (the quickest,simpliest,easiest) I have
> ever seen---to the 1000MP that...well, I hate to disparage one of my true
> loves (MP) but it feels like a toy compared to the Orion. When you hear of
> "menu" changes it is NOT holding down several buttons, spinning dials to
> certain numbers, turning dials to more numbers. A couple of seconds using
> the screen display is all it takes--incredibly well designed.
>
> The "BEAUTY" of the Orion that some of you are missing entirely is the fact
> that it IS a work in process. That it may NEVER be completely done. I hope
> it is never, ever done. Bugs, updates, software developments---YES! Yes!
> Bring'em on. I love this ever evolving technology.
> When you buy the MP, Pro or anything else, stick in your filters---you're
> done. That's it. Stuck with a limited capability box. Anything else has to
> be outboard gear all over the place. You have zip/nada ability to improve
> anything about your rig--except to buy the next version--then the
> next---etc. My Orion is evolving while the others are stuck in the mud
> trying to catch up...for lack of a better picture.
>
> I see this much as when TR Log came out. It was kind of like watching the
> Muppets. No matter what was discussed or improved as time passed, there were
> always the two grouches in the balcony who found no good in anything. The
> naysayers got so bad on the TR reflector that I had to unsubscribe. BUT, the
> fact is that regardless of dozens or hundreds of updates, it constantly
> evolves and gets better. I much prefer that to being stuck in the rut with
> hardware or software that is not evolving....which is the same thing as
> preplanned obsolesce, compliments of the big three offshore radio
> manufacturers. They are going to hate the Orion. Lets see--to improve they
> have to build another radio---Orion just downloads....love it.
>
> So while some are hanging outboard eq's/dsp's/receive eq's/blinking lights
> and toilets and who knows whatever else to a limited capability box, and
> while the grouches are spewing grouch chunks on everyone, the Orion will be
> downloading, evolving and keeping one step ahead of the also rans for a long
> long time.
>
> Oh, as far as a being a "positive only" Ten Tec obsessive and blindly loyal
> zealot--this is the only piece of Ten Tec gear that I own. But considering
> the recent service at a prominent amp manufacturer-- and then the wonderful
> folks I have dealt with at Ten Tec, there may be a new Titan on the shelf
> here soon. Thanks to all the guys at Ten Tec who have had the incredible
> foresight to design such a terrific product. 73, Tommy WD4K
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of
> tentec-request@contesting.com
> Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2003 11:01 AM
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: TenTec Digest, Vol 4, Issue 22
>
>
> Send TenTec mailing list submissions to
> tentec@contesting.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
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> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of TenTec digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Orion heartache
> 2. Re: Orion heartache (Jim Reid)
> 3. An oops in my reply about Orion heartache (Jim Reid)
> 4. Re: Orion heartache
> 5. Ten-Tec User Links (Dale L Martin)
> 6. Re: Orion heartache (Ten-Tec Inc. Amateur Radio Sales)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2003 22:22:36 -0500
> From: nq5t@attbi.com
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <3E949D2C.19569.154DEE6@localhost>
> In-Reply-To: <015e01c2ff01$bb330b50$0401a8c0@PS>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
> MIME-Version: 1.0
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT
> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message: 1
>
> > But no useful purpose is
> > served by the misguided efforts of a few who would see nothing but
> > words of praise on this reflector. We learn, and Ten Tec will learn,
> > from errors and omissions - this reflector should be a welcome forum
> > for balanced technical and performance discussions, positive and
> > negative, not a censored platform for presenting only one viewpoint.
>
> Couldn't agree more. At least it is possible to update this radio as
> issues are uncovered, as opposed to waiting for the next new one
> that must be purchased.
>
> Misguided? I have spent many many hours working with Ten-Tec to
> document and resolve items that I found to be issues and problems.
> You won't find those things on the reflector. Public moaning and
> grumbling doesn't benefit anyone. You'll find my issues and those
> of others fixed in the software updates. I didn't have to wait for the
> Pro IV (no specific brand implied).
>
> > For example, a number of new owners have commented upon the
> > random pinning of the S-meter for no apparent reason.
>
> I don't believe this is a "design decision". It will probably be fixed. It
> doesn't "pin", but it is disconcerting. Most likely some DSP artifact.
>
> > Either your radio was a remarkable exception
> > or many new ORION users have just not yet gained the familiarity with
> > the system that you have.
>
> I can guarantee that isn't the case. It's one opinion.
>
> > Given time, the ORION may yet become
> > the radio it was intended to be. Let's all hope so!
>
> George, you really need to buy one ... you might find yourself
> unexpectedly surprised. Dump that offshore junk :-)
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 19:01:38 -1000
> From: "Jim Reid" <jimr.reid@verizon.net>
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <000e01c2ff1e$67f66d20$be344104@NewOne>
> References: <3E949D2C.19569.154DEE6@localhost>
> Content-Type: text/plain;
> charset="iso-8859-1"
> MIME-Version: 1.0
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message: 2
>
>
> > > Given time, the ORION may yet become
> > > the radio it was intended to be. Let's all hope so!
>
> Aloha,
>
> Not precisely sure which of the commenters wrote the above
> lines.
>
> However, no one has as yet commented about the primary
> design focus for the Orion. Which is, absolute superior dynamic
> range! Or, very high IP3 performance. Or, yet again, superior
> performance during very crowded band conditions. The rest of
> the many features discussed so far are just cream on the cake
> for me, hi. Of course such performance features also translate
> into extreme linear operation during "ordinary" QSO situations,
> and I love clean audio, be it CW or SSB.
>
> Dynamic range is the reason for the various design features
> of this rig: the front end filters, the front end pre-amp design,
> the front end ham band only preselectors for the main rcvr,
> the IF frequency design plan, the LO1 power output (high) to
> drive the first mixer, etc., etc. These are the NEW features
> of the Orion design which I believe were the goals of at least
> Doug Smith to actualize. At least those are the items about
> which I read in his postings, and QEX articles of the past
> year or so.
>
> Those features will or will not benefit the "big gun" DX'ers and
> contest operators, or they won't! That will eventually decide
> the BIG fate of the Ten Tec Orion. Certainly not how many
> Hz or kHz per degree of knob twist the rig tunes!! Nor for that
> matter of the other items criticized here at.
>
> Sensitivity is not an issue; selectivity is an issue. Separabiltiy
> from one signal to another is the big issue in crowded bands.
>
> And all the other NEAT features about the multiple antennas,
> separate amps per antenna, etc. Those and operator "usability"
> in real situations are what will make me pleased and desire to
> keep the radio once in is out here on this island.
>
> At least that seems to be what I am looking forward to realizing when
> my Orion finally gets here, hi.
>
> And, I actually plan to operate my Orion using the software
> control that N4PY, Carl Moreschi will eventually develop and
> continue to improve! I probably won't even be using the front
> panel buttons and knobs for more than a couple of months until
> Carl has his applications ready, hi. His certainly is wonderful
> for the Pegasus/RX-340 set up I had here, until turning in the
> Peg in trade toward the Orion, hi. Still using Carl's software
> to operate the Orion (and the number of Hz per knob turn is
> different with Carl's software than the number using the barefoot
> 340!).
>
> Just thoughts during a VERY rainy Wednesday night here in
> KH6 land.
>
> 73, Jim KH7M
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 19:08:26 -1000
> From: "Jim Reid" <jimr.reid@verizon.net>
> To: "Jim Reid" <jimr.reid@verizon.net>, <tentec@contesting.com>
> Subject: [TenTec] An oops in my reply about Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <001501c2ff1f$3b479050$be344104@NewOne>
> Content-Type: text/plain;
> charset="iso-8859-1"
> MIME-Version: 1.0
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message: 3
>
> I typed:
>
> > Still using Carl's software to operate the Orion (and the number
> > of Hz per knob turn is different with Carl's software....
>
> Since I do not yet have an Orion, in the above line I meant
> to type that I use Carl's software everyday controlling my
> Ten Tec RX-340.
>
> 73, Jim KH7M
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 01:02:02 -0500
> From: nq5t@attbi.com
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <3E94C28A.23668.7E3D9A@localhost>
> In-Reply-To: <000e01c2ff1e$67f66d20$be344104@NewOne>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
> MIME-Version: 1.0
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT
> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message: 4
>
> >
> > > > Given time, the ORION may yet become
> > > > the radio it was intended to be. Let's all hope so!
>
> > However, no one has as yet commented about the primary
> > design focus for the Orion. Which is, absolute superior dynamic
> > range! Or, very high IP3 performance. Or, yet again, superior
> > performance during very crowded band conditions.
>
> This all seems to have been missed in discussions concerning the
> color of the display, ad nauseum on tuning step rates, and whether
> the Orion is "milspec"or not (all vastly important of course). The
> "may yet become" comment, of course, is by someone who "was
> told" yada yada.
>
> Everyone has their priorities -- tuning rates, knob turning by electric
> motor to see what happens if a control is turned at 5 rpm for 4 hours
> clockwise (ok, my sarcasm is coming through), promotion of other
> brands (seems to be a trend) , whatever ....
>
> With an exception or two, the guys doing the sniping don't own an
> Orion, have never seen one (ok, digital image excepted), and never
> listened to one. They're waiting for the next radio from Brand X in
> the hopes of retaining bragging rights. They may -- but I have to
> ask whether it will change my life? Is the Orion perfect (whatever
> that means to me or you)? Of course not. Is it getting better by the
> firmware release? Yes.
>
> And think S-E-R-V-I-C-E. You know what that is, unless you've
> been living with one of those "other" radios ....
>
> It's all a waste of internet bits. The Orion (even though it may not
> be perfect) is a mity-fine radio.
>
> (for the record, the Orion has not yet hit my AMEX bill, and I am still,
> as are we all, in the 30-day window, so I'm not just trying to
> rationalize my expenditure)
>
> Grant
>
> ------------------------------
>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 08:11:32 -0500
> From: "Dale L Martin" <kg5u@hal-pc.org>
> To: "Ten-Tec Reflector" <tentec@contesting.com>
> Subject: [TenTec] Ten-Tec User Links
> Message-ID: <LPBBJJHKFOOEGKEBKHOJCEKJENAA.kg5u@hal-pc.org>
> Content-Type: text/plain;
> charset="iso-8859-1"
> MIME-Version: 1.0
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message: 5
>
>
> I've updated the Ten-Tec User Links webpage featuring stations with pictures
> of their Ten-Tec stations.
>
> http://www.hal-pc.org/~kg5u/tentec.html
>
> 73,
> dale, kg5u
>
> ------------------------------
>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 09:52:24 -0400
> From: "Ten-Tec Inc. Amateur Radio Sales" <sales@tentec.com>
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <5.1.0.14.1.20030410093503.00a6f5b0@tentec.com>
> In-Reply-To: <F8LOyDc41W2ufyWOxbC000189f7@hotmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
> MIME-Version: 1.0
> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message: 6
>
> At 04:59 PM 4/9/03 -0400, you wrote:
>
> > Although I stand behind my Orion statements, I never posted them, nor
> > were they intended for public disclosure.
> >
> > There have been eleven Orion firmware updates since v1.328 of March
> > 28th. There are literally hundreds of software bugs in the control
> program.
> > 73, Alan K2WS
>
> Good morning:
>
> I am sorry, but that statement is patently false. There are not 'hundreds
> of bugs'
> in anything that we build. I read the long post here on the reflector,
> and it's
> obvious that you didn't agree with our user-interface design philosophy for
> the Orion.
> There is not a whole lot that can be done to overcome that - and that's why
> we have a 30 day trial period and don't require an advance deposit for
> anything that Ten-Tec builds.
>
> We could just as easily make *fewer* revisions to the Orion firmware and
> not release the revision history - that doesn't strike me as being in sync
> with
> our philosophy of 'telling it like it is' (for lack of a better term).
>
> There have been some comments about "Gee - you better not say anything
> bad on the reflector about Ten-Tec's products, or else...." - I think any
> long-time reader of this forum will have seen everything from blind praise
> to outright hostility over the entire spectrum of what we do. The beauty
> of contesting.com is that it's archived for handy reference later.
>
> 73
> Scott Robbins, W4PA
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> Ten-Tec, Inc., 1185 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862 USA
> Contact Mon-Fri Eastern: Office/Tech (865) 453-7172 9 am-5 pm.
> Repair (865) 428-0364 8-4. Sales (800) 833-7373 9 am-5:30 pm.
> Fax (865) 428-4483 24 hrs. Visit us at <http://www.tentec.com>
> Email: New product sales/product info sales@tentec.com
> Service department service@tentec.com
> While we make every effort to answer email in an expedient manner,
> the telephone is a much more efficient tool for getting a quicker and
> more complete answer to your inquiries. Thanks!
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
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>
> End of TenTec Digest, Vol 4, Issue 22
> *************************************
>
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--
Scott Rosenfeld ARS N7JI
541-684-9970 Eugene, OR Land o' much rain
If you find me on the air, I'm probably in my car
ham@w3eax.umd.edu http://w3eax.umd.edu/~ham
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