[TenTec] My Orion Thoughts
Reginald Mackey
k6xr@bak.rr.com
Sun, 10 Mar 2002 09:24:42 -0800
folks have individual differences, needs, and wants! I appreciate the
internal and external matching networks. Even tube rigs had them after the
finals (pi-network), solid state also needs a matching device to match the
widely variable complex impedances encountered in amateur use in amateur
antenna installations. Broadcast stations use them albeit, they are fixed.
It gives flexibility, bandwidth, fast qsy across bands such as 75/80 meters
without having to crank knobs! And compensates for less than optimum
conditions at various installations. It is just as appropriate to use a
non-resonant antenna with a tuner as it is with a resonant antenna and no
tuner. Using my g5rv non-resonant antenna with my rigs internal tuner allows
me to operate 80-10 and even 160 with my home's limited space.
I vote for the tuner even if offered as a option.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dale L Martin" <kg5u@hal-pc.org>
To: "Ten-Tec Reflector" <Tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2002 8:54 AM
Subject: [TenTec] My Orion Thoughts
>
> Internal Tuner?
>
> I don't need no stinkin' internal antenna tuner. I am sure the current
> price is based on T-T's estimates of the value of the radio based on
various
> criteria. Adding an internal tuner can only raise the price of the radio.
> Addition of a tuner is further complicated by the fact that the radio
> transmitter side is switchable between two different bands/antennas almost
> instantly. Would that necessitate two internal tuners or a more complex
> internal tuner capable of handling the switching? Either would have to
> raise the price ($200, 300, 400, 500, more?). An internal tuner is one
more
> thing to go wrong in the radio, T-T service reputation notwithstanding.
>
> I think an external antenna tuner (or tuners) would be a more cost
effective
> and effective way to go. For those of us who rarely use an antenna tuner,
> we would be paying for an unnecessary, unneeded and expensive white
> elephant--can you say appendix? I've never minded the fact that my Omni
> VI's don't have an internal tuner. I rarely use the antenna tuner that is
> on my desktop--12, 17, 30m activities with antennas not for those bands.
If
> I need it, I can switch it in.
>
> Color Scheme
> The color scheme of the radio has little or no influence on my decision to
> buy or not buy a radio. Except for the power supplies and the two Omni's,
> no piece of equipment on my radio desk matches another piece of equipment.
> Personally, I liked the Omni VI color scheme. I can live with whatever
> color scheme Ten-Tec puts forward.
>
> When I buy a car, I'm after the car's performance, feel and comfort more
> than the color. Even though I have a number of color selections to choose
> from, it's not a deal-breaker for me. I'm inside the car when I'm using
it.
> If I cared what people have to look at when they look at my car, I guess
it
> could be. I certainly don't sit in the driveway or garage admiring my
car's
> color scheme. I certainly don't recall ever thinking about the color
scheme
> of my Omni VI's while operating. I doubt I'd do the same with an Orion.
>
> Besides, Home Depot has a great paint section for those who can't tolerate
> the radio's color scheme.
>
> Zero Beat Tools?
> Huh? What difference does being a few Hz 'off frequency' from the other
> station make? The CW bands are not THAT crowded that a few Hz hysteris
> between the two stations will be a problem. If you want to get really
> close, build an external PLL circuit to light an LED when the signal is
> within a few Hz of the PLL's bandpass. Leave that geegaw (and the cost)
off
> the radio. I don't need it. I'm sure many others don't either. Pressing
> and holding the Mode button works for me the few times I use it.
>
> Display Brightness and Color
> Color would be nice, I'm sure. Maybe a switchable color/mono/reverse
> funtionality? More importantly, a (menu-settable?) brightness level
control
> should at least be available. Spending 30 or so hours in front of the
radio
> on a contest weekend and having a bright display in a dimly lit radio room
> boring a hole in my eye's rods and cones is not a pleasing prospect.
>
> Output Power
> The ability to go to 150 watts might be nice. However, I think by
upgrading
> my coax runs, I can make up the 1.7dBm difference 150w vs. 100w makes;
very
> likely for less than the additional cost of the Orion's possible increased
> radio output power. More important to me, powerwise, is the ability to
> REDUCE power output to QRP and/or near-zero levels.
>
> Remote VFO Tuning
> Yes, please. Without it, it's a step backwards.
>
> I, for one, am looking forward to the radio's availability. Whatever
> Ten-Tec ultimately offers in it, I'm confident it will be good.
>
> 73,
> dale, kg5u
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: tentec-admin@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-admin@contesting.com]On
> > Behalf Of Jim
> > Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2002 04:40
> > To: tentec@contesting.com
> > Subject: Re: [TenTec] Tuner in Orion
> >
> >
> > $3300 it should be in the rig, whether you use it or not.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Arthur Bernstein" <n2ka@optonline.net>
> > To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> > Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2002 7:44 PM
> > Subject: [TenTec] Tuner in Orion
> >
> >
> > > The Orion looks big enough to hold a tuner. Perhaps they'll have an
> > > option for an internal auto tuner (a la AT-11 type) similar to the
> > > option offered for the Jupiter.
> > > Just a thought.
> > > Art, N2KA
> > >
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> >
> >
> >
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