[Orion] MP vs. Orion: Correcting the record

[Joe Giacobello]

Back a couple of months ago, I was involved in an exchange regarding 
various firmware versions and the RX performance of the Orion vs my 
FT-1000MP.  At the time, my MP was consistently demonstrating better 
receive performance (S/N and general CW copyability) than the Orion, and 
the differences were often dramatic.

In my last post on the issue, I commented that there were clearly 
several known hardware problems with my Orion, but I didn't think that 
they were related to the receive function.  I sent the Orion in for 
repair and got it back several weeks ago.  Since that time I have made 
numerous comparisons with the MP on 80 and 160M weak signals and the two 
receivers are basically equivalent regarding S/N.  From the repair 
invoice, it appears that there was a short to the logic board and I 
assume that's where the problem resided.  Frankly, I had done similar 
A/B comparisons with the MP several years ago when I first got the Orion 
and found them to be equivalent in weak signal sensitivity.  I should 
have remembered that.

I have since gone back to FW 1.373b5 and have been using it for about 
two weeks now and it seems to be generally satisfactory.  I typically am 
using 12-18 dB attenuation on all bands.

I am most appreciative for the suggestions and help regarding my 
problems provided by several members of the list at the time.


73, Joe
K2XX