[Orion] Re: [1000mp] Mark v compared to the Orion + Enhanced S/N at Narrow Filter Bandpass + Audio DSP

[Joe Giacobello]

OK, Chas.  I already commented to an earlier respondent with a similar 
opinion, but I wanted to mention a couple more things things.

I have installed all of the available roofing filters in my Orion.  
There was an article several years ago in QST about enhancing S/N ratio 
by using narrow filter selectivity and adjustment of RF gain.  I had 
been using both of those techniques for many years, but had never heard 
a reasoned, technical explanation for why it works.  On the other hand, 
I have read comments from other competent, experienced hams that have 
said that the article was essentially "hooey."  Despite their comments, 
I cannot be emphatic enough when I tell you that I can bring weak CW 
signals strikingly out of the mud by merely cranking down on the BW 
control on the Orion.  The effect is quite dramatic.  (I should also add 
I can usually obtain similar performance from the MP, but it requires 
utilizing both narrow selectivity, RF gain adjustment and the audio DSP.)

I am also comparing the Orion NR performance against a JPS NIR-12 on the 
audio output.  There is no doubt that the Dynamic Peak feature on the 
NIR-12 improves S/N and copyability even when the Orion's NR is 
activated.  You may want to hang on to your outboard audio DSP unit, if 
you have one.

I'd be interested in hearing other comments on these observations.

73, Joe

Charles Fulp wrote:

>My mkV is on the shelf for now... with INRAD filters...it was fine, but the
>Orion rcvr is better under heavy QRM conditions.
>every day use, not much difference, and the MK V may be more user friendly.
>You are buying the ability to hear stuff under the heaviest of
>QRM (DX pileups and contests mostly)...so far the Orion is the best thing
>you can get...but you have to be real fussy for it to matter once
>you get into the MP class etc.
>
>73 Chas K3WW
>
>
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Joe Giacobello" <k2xx at swva.net>
>To: <1000mp at mailman.qth.net>
>Cc: <orion at contesting.com>
>Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2004 14:12
>Subject: [Orion] Re: [1000mp] Mark v compared to the Orion
>
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>>I am in the midst of comparing my vintage MP vs. my Orion, but I am
>>reluctant to make any final conclusions until I'm confident that I've
>>mastered the proper use and interactions associated with the AGC and RF
>>gain settings.  My comparisons will be primarily on CW.  My preliminary
>>impressions are that the MP compares quite favorably with the Orion on
>>sensitivity and copyability of weak CW signals on 30, 40 and 80M.
>>
>>I haven't really reliably compared selectivity.  My MP has all the
>>available stock Yaesu filters.  At this time my subjective sense is that
>>the Orion may have an edge here, but I don't have any KW signals across
>>town to contend with.
>>
>>73, Joe
>>
>>n3drk wrote:
>>
>>    
>>
>>>What are latest results of the comparisons of these two rigs? Have not
>>>      
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>seen
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>>>anything in awhile and was wondering if any further research has been
>>>      
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>done.
>  
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>>>Thank You
>>>
>>>john
>>>
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