[TenTec] ORION Update

[Ken Bourne]

I had an interesting chat with Scott Robbins, W4PA, Ten-Tec's Amateur 
Radio Product Manager, on Friday about the ORION.  Scott was gracious 
with his time (in spite of a very heavy schedule), and enhanced my 
already positive impression about Ten-Tec.

Scott answered many questions about the ORION, and I posted the new 
information at http://www.qsl.net/w6hk/orion.htm.  (I hope I didn't 
misunderstand anything!)  There is some exciting news about all-mode 
squelch, separate audio outputs for each receiver, traditional and 
"profile" (super) memories, optional internal antenna tuner, 
dimensions, etc.  Other matters are still being considered, such as 
the display (color vs mono), cabinet construction, etc., which I have 
retained on the Wish List on the above Web site.  Portions of the 
ORION are still under development, and Ten-Tec is paying close 
attention to our "wants" wherever possible and practical.  I removed 
some items from the Wish List, such as higher-than-100-W RF output 
power and other items that simply will not be incorporated in the 
ORION.  

Regarding RF power, the ORION's output will be a ROBUST 100 watts, 
100% duty cycle, into ANY SWR!  A higher output is not possible, due 
to the 13.8 Vdc power supply and choice of output device for optimum 
HF operation.  Regarding HF-only operation (no 6 meters), that 
decision was based on the type of transmitter output stage for 
optimum HF operation (a different output device would be more costly, 
and would compromise the overall HF performance).  I suspect that 
receiver specs would also have been compromised (and be made more 
costly) by expanding operation to 6 meters.  External transverters 
are the best route to take, and Scott indicated that the frequency 
display would be configurable to show the actual transverter 
operating frequency!

Scott made it obvious that Ten-Tec does not want to make compromises 
in the ORION.  They want it to be the best amateur HF transceiver in 
the world, regarding specifications, features, and appearance, at a 
reasonable price.  I expect they will achieve that goal!  They have 
been listening to our requirements (and to Scott's own requirements 
as a champion contester), and have encouraged us to submit our ideas. 
That's great marketing, and gives us the impression that the ORION is 
OUR radio!  (By the way, I have no ties whatsoever to Ten-Tec.  I am 
simply impressed with the way they do 
business, and admittedly am obsessed with the ORION!)

If you spot any mistakes on the Web site, or if you wish to make 
additions to the Wish List, please let 
me know.  I'll keep it updated with any further information that I 
receive.  Also, share your ideas on this 
reflector, especially since Scott reads them.

Ken Bourne, W6HK
http://www.qsl.net/w6hk/orion.htm