[TenTec] ORION Update

[Steve Ellington]

What about the 'remote knob'? 

Steve Ellington N4LQ.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ken Bourne" <kbourne@earthlink.net>
To: "Ten-Tec Reflector" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 2:28 PM
Subject: [TenTec] ORION Update


> 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
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