I can see that this is yet another thread where people become quickly
'polarized' and somewhat 'territorial' so this is my last posting on
this subject.
There are a few of those version 2.59d 'issues' mentioned a few posts
back that I can't comment on. For one, I haven't used AM as a mode since
the 60s so for me I don't care. If you use AM then you may want to look
into what was said more closely. I don't use my Orion's sub receiver for
AM reception either. I do use it for operating split/dual receive
functions and have had no issues whatsoever. However, for AM reception
I have far better communication receivers.
The Orion's notch filter operates at the audio portion of the DSP chain
of software functionality. With version 2.x firmware the Orion started
using an IF AGC detection scheme which has fewer general design 'issues'
than the AGC derived from audio detection used in version 1.x. Because
of this change the notch function must remain outside the AGC loop. For
my conversations with the engineers involved this is not an issue that
they will 'fix' or change as what ever you might gain in one area you
will loose in the other. Frankly, I am very use to the version 2.x AGC
system and I especially appreciate having the choice of two AGC slope
factors which we didn't have with version 1.x. I don't like 'flat' which
is all we had in version 1.x.
Is the QSK slower? On my best day I have a hard time operating at even
35 wpm for long and I am unable to notice any QSK issues at my operating
speeds so I can't comment of those who can operate faster. Generally I
don't send faster than I can copy and that is my limit. If you send and
receive at far faster speeds and you need to hear in between each dot
(???) then you should look into this.
Low audio output. The audio output from the rear panel audio jack does
appear lower in version 2.059d. This caused me a problem for me too as I
had recently upgraded all my audio cards to M-Audio professional cards
that did not have the preamp gain typically found in standard home audio
cards. As a consequence I had trouble with PSK and RTTY demodulation. I
thought about 'shooting' myself over this obvious Ten-Tec plot... or
holding my breath until they increased the audio in the next update....
or simply tossing out everything else that I really like about 2.059d...
but decided a more healthy and prudent approach was to simply add a
fixed audio amplifier stage into my computer interface. I obtained a
really cool Radio Labs headphone 'stick-on' amplifier module. This
turned out to be a double gift as this module has a right and left
channel with separate gain controls. I run the fixed audio out from my
Orion into both channels and then run one output to my computer
interface and the other into my Mackie mixer panel. I have read that
some feel that the main audio volume is lower with 2.59d. It seems fine
as does the sidetone and Monitor outputs. Don't know how many use
M-Audio sound cards so this lower audio output might not impact very
many Orion owners.
Regarding the Orion 2.59d Speech Processor... I like it. I use a
monitor scope in my station as I like looking at my rf output envelope,
especially when running digital modes such as PSK-31. With the monitor
scope I can also see how my average output power increases with
advancing Speech Processor settings. I run mine at 30 percent which
seems to give me a substantial boost without bringing up the audio
background too noticeably. Audio reports both across town and several
thousand miles away indicate that the Speech Processing is working
nicely. It just works differently than version 1.x. Sometimes different
is not a bad thing once you use it for a while.
I use my Orion reg-chewing, contesting and DXing.... and I use my
computer to control the Orion during contesting. No issues with the
serial interface in my operation. A friend of mine uses his Orion
running version 2.59d to simultaneously control his Alpha 87A and
Steppir controller without issues as well. I have read that there is one
keyer out there that was designed to talk satisfactorily with the Orion
serial interface under version 1.x software that fails with version
2.59d. Trouble is not the Orion but the keyer. The Orion is just doing
the interface closer to proper standards now and that keyer isn't.
Regarding other 'oddities' mentioned in earlier threads... I have not
taken the time to try and recreate each of them as for my operating
style I have yet to experience these issues. What I appreciate is that
I have not had to 'reset' or turn my Orion off and on again even once
since going to version 2.059d. I couldn't say that using any version
1.3x firmware.
Now before you rush out for the tar and feathers..... remember 'this is
just a hobby!' and these are just my findings/experiences.
I don't know how much longer Ten-Tec will continue to support the Orion
565 with firmware updates. I expect that they will have to stop at some
point as always developing in parallel for both Orions will limit what
they can offer with the Orion II at some point. Should Ten-Tec engineers
never go further than version 2.059d I'd be disappointed but once again
I won't have a mounting desire to 'shoot' myself or anyone else.... :)
I'll simply enjoy my Orion for what it is. I expect that we will see a
few more smaller updates during the next year or so but who knows....
AND I am not starting any rumors!
73,
Jerry, KG6TT
Fairfield, CA
--
Ralph Jerald "Jerry" Volpe
Amateur Radio Operator KG6TT
ARRL Member & VE
FISTS 12304
788 Chestnut Drive
Fairfield, CA 94533
kg6tt@arrl.net
510 325-7724
707 399-8838 FAX
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