[Orion] Orion - Lemons to Lemonade

[Bill Tippett]

         The announcement of Orion II's new filtering
scheme reminded me of a thought I had some
time ago.  In fact, the only analog advantage a
O2 might have over the original is the capability of
using the new 300 Hz filter (#2002) in the first filter bank.

         Here is a possibility I proposed to
Ten-Tec, and already received a favorable response
from the company:

1.  Add both Set Point programmability and C.F. Adj.
to the first filter stage in Orion.  (Basically not using
the second stage which includes the current 500/250
slots).

2.  This would allow use of the new 200X series in
Orion with full functionality (C.F. Adj, automatic IF
passband centering and Set Point programmability.

         In my case, I would configure my Orion
filter slots as follows:

250 - disabled
500 - disabled
1000 - Install #2002, adjust C.F and DSP BW Set Point = 300
1800 - Install #2001 (or existing Inrad #762), adjust C.F. and SP = 600
2400 - Install #2000 (or TT 218) and SP = 1800.

The only possible glitch with the above scheme is that
Orion transmits CW through the 2400 Hz filter.  There could
be some issues using an 1800 instead but it's my
guess there would not be anything significant.

         While not having the full 6-slot capability (IMD
free) Orion II will have, this still would allow a very nice
setup for serious CW/SSB contesters or DX-ers.

         I do hope Ten-Tec will seriously consider this!

                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV