[TenTec] Orion, the direction?

[Larry Kayser]

The ongoing discussion about Orion is interesting but is this discussion 
addressing the real issues for Ten Tec?

Lets ask just four questions now and then later review to see the path that 
Ten Tec chooses to take.

Question One.

Will Orion by another "me two" high end transceiver with some features 
marketed by Ten Tec to attempt to differentiate the new product?

Question Two.

Will Orion have a significant unique capability that is real and 
quantifiable beyond the unique Ten Tec ownership of the best QSK going?

Question Three.

Will Orion avoid the recent spate of problems that recent Ten Tec offerings 
have had all the way from chirp (Omni), VFO instability (Scout), Pegasus 
DSP tones in the noise etc?

Question Four.

Five years after introduction will the Orion be the radio of choice for 
those who seek the very best?

I would encourage a vigorous discussion on this forum of what features are 
needed to create a new unique Ten Tec capability in Orion, to not only 
identify capabilities but also to quantify the value to the amateur 
community of the capability.  I further suggest a vigorous discussion of 
the value of a 1000 knobs and buttons, a la FT1000MP Mark IV what ever, 
versus a high level of function integration without the knobs and 
buttons.  The value of a no front panel option a la TS-2000 etc.

Ten Tec has brought some interesting new talent into the development 
process, it is important as I see it, to ensure that the talent is guided 
by economics but also by a commitment to make at least one new major 
contribution to the art.  Equally important is that the talent be 
constrained to avoid a screw up as noted above in recent products.  If the 
notion of "screw up" bothers some, then consider it as "undocumented 
features" of the products.

Larry
VA3LK