Hi Rick,
I first applaud Mike Dishop for his efforts, and really hope that Ten
Tec and Alpha succeed. I agree with you, on your points. One thing that
has changed in the 7 or so years since the Eagle was released is the
improved reciprocal mixing performance of the new radios. While the
Eagle is good, it is no longer in the tier it was in when it came out.
Improving the reciprocal mixing performance would go a long way toward
raising the close in dynamic performance. This is one area where the
direct sampling SDR's have an advantage, for a low cost. Making a rig
similar to the feature set of the Omni VII, or possibly some fewer
features, using the basic Eagle receiver.
Items that are Ten Tec strengths:
*Receiver/Transmitter Audio Performance
*Limited use of deep menu's/ease of use
*Good practical S/N ratio, when using the RF gain properly, the signals
just jump out of the noise. (better than most)
*Filters select-able independent of mode
* Passband tuning that shifts the whole passband in any mode
Items that would set the rig apart form others:
*Packaging - use more commercial type of packaging, possible rack mount
kit. (Commercial Grade)
* Design to be durable, high mean time between failure. (Commercial Grade)
*Design front end for new 630 and 2200 Meter Band, as well as good
performance on the AM broadcast band.
Other desirable items:
* Design for 2 roofing filters per mode SSB/CW and a wide one 15KHz (AM
& FM), and one AM at 6KHz (places for 6 roofing filters if the user
wants. Ship the rig with one 2.4 KHz SSB filter to keep costs down).
*Improved Phase noise/reciprocal mixing performance, minimum 100dB@2KHz
spacing (Reciprocal mixing).
* Provision to connect an SDR to the 9MHz IF, as a pan-adapter. Provide
buffering, to make it plug and play. (BNC connector).
* Provision to add a second receiver, and have a receiver Antenna Port
(SO-239 or BNC). No RCA jack!
*Larger Display than the current Eagle. Meter that is easier to read and
calibrated in both S units and dBm.
I agree with others that there is still a niche market. The 7300 has
really caught on, but a good basic rig with high performance will still
sell. I would argue the main competitor for something like this is
Elecraft, but there are differences on ergonomics and some performance
parameters. I think keeping things simple while having really good
performance (RF and Audio) throughout the covered frequency range is
important. The existing Eagle modified and brought up to date would be a
really good starting point.
I realize that some of these items such as the commercial type of
packing and failure performance may cost more, but will set the rigs
apart from the competition. They could be even offered as two separate
models, or may have a limited market, but I thought I would put it out
there.
I also think that it would be OK to try a run of Eagles, and Argo VI's,
as well as Antenna Tuners and other accessories mentioned to help with
new development, but I feel that revisions should be started, and we
should hopefully see something in the future.
Wishing success going forward to Mike and his crew.
73,
Mike Bates KA0KLQ
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