[TenTec] Thoughts on the Orion and Comments Posted Here

[Eric Rosenberg]

While I suspect these should go to the new reflector, my comments
relate to any new radio or equipment announcement. 

I'm of two minds regarding the Orion. 

First, the cost of this specific radio.  Lots of $$ at play here,
although in theory, the upgrades to this sort of radio would
be in software, not hardware.  Somehow, I doubt that's really
the case.  I'm sure that within a year there will be hardware
hacks for additional capabilities (more antenna inputs, more
I/O access, transverse access, et al). 

What's disappointing about all these radios is that they seem
to try to do everything in one box and make compromises along
the way so that while the "bottom line" spec is met, only one
specific item might stand out as being worth the money, while
the remaining items are, well, there -- but no great shakes.


There are some other issues that I have with this radio -- again,
sight unseen but after having read all of the traffic on it so
far.

The notion of "all those filters" while intriguing, is a bit
of a red-herring.  You may remember that about 8 years ago, Ten
Tec's Argonaut II and Delta II radios had what they called "Jones
Filters" which, too, were continuously variable.  I used a Delta
II for a while and found that the variable nature of the filters
was a detriment instead of a benefit.  Too much tweaking, too
much fiddling.  I like the set-it-and-forget-it mode of operating.
 Switch in the fixed bandwidth filter and then tweak it as per
your specific need works for me. 

Cost relative to other competitors or Ten Tec's other offerings.
 This radio isn't inexpensive. And Ten Tec has eliminated the
next radio down in its model line (the Omni 6 Plus, my current
radio).  What does that mean for those wanting to get into the
hobby or for someone who doesn't want the whizzy latest-and-greatest?
 I'm disappointed that Ten Tec has discontinued everything else,
with the apparent exception of the 516 QRP rig.  What happened
to the $500-$1000 100w small radio that I can take on the road,
control from my computer and run easily from anywhere.  The last
one I can think of that fit the bill for was the Yaesu FT-890
(which I owned and then foolishly sold), which was great for
this purpose. 

Interoperability.  This is equivalent to systems engineering.
 Ten Tec has discontinued the Hercules II which seemed perfect
for the new radio.  What they really need to do is come out with
a full line of radio and peripherals/accessories, not just a
radio itself.  Their competitors have done this to great benefit.


Finally, this is the sort of radio -- although I suspect that
this applies to any large investment -- that you have to drive
before you buy.  Unless you go to the Ten Tec store in Sevierville,
this won't be possible, as Ten Tec doesn't sell through retail
outlets.  My own experience with radios has led me to the conclusion
that as with cameras and cars, while they are all very similar,
feel and touch play an incredibly important role in a purchasing
decision and resultant ultimate satisfaction with a product.
 To my taste, however that may be defined or classified, Icom
radios don't sound or feel good; Yaesu HF rigs sound good to
my ear, but their ergonomics are terrible.  I like the feel of
the Kenwood TS-850 (HF) and TS-790A (satellite) rigs.  I disliked
the Ten Tec Delta II, but love the Paragon and Omni-6 Plus. 

And so it goes...

Eric W3DQ