[TenTec] Beauty of Orion
Mark Erbaugh
mark at microenh.com
Thu Apr 10 15:35:09 EDT 2003
I do have to put in a comment here. People are touting the ability of the
firmware in the Orion to be upgraded. This is true, and is a feature that
was first used by TT with the Pegasus. However, the upgrades are only
available if TT chooses to make them available. It has been well over a year
( 1/15/2002 ) since we have seen a firmware update for the Pegasus. How long
will it be before the Orion is relegated to the back burner and updates stop
coming?
Mark
----- Original Message -----
From: "WD4K" <Ttow1 at charter.net>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2003 13:21 PM
Subject: [TenTec] Beauty of Orion
> Whomever said that the comments on the performance of the Orion should be
> limited to those who have actually touched one--is profound. I totally
> agree. I put NO faith or credibility in any comments from anyone who is
> commenting on someone's else's opinions who also may not have ever seen an
> Orion, and even less in those that rise up to defend the heresay...as if
it
> were credible to begin with.
>
> I have mine..therefore I will comment. I have been a happy SO2R, two
> loaded/Inrad mod/ 1000MP user for a long time. In fact, one of my radios
was
> the exact radio that QST product reviewed and one is a recent model. I
> tested the receiver of the Orion against the MP in a side by side test and
> the Orion blew away the MP--hands down. Two stations mid qso had guy come
in
> within a kc and the two stations could not continue and had to move.
Before
> they did, I adjusted the PBT/BW on the Orion and the offender was GONE. I
> mean GONE--but the beauty was that the existing QSO was still great copy
> with good audio, no degration to speak of. The MP CANNOT do this. I then
> tried the same on CW with two signals literally right on top of each
other.
> Again, the Orion totally separated them with no loss in copy of either. I
> could PBT between them and on each..the other was totally gone. I did this
> one whole evening just to see the capabilities--every time I was shocked
> with the Orions receiver. I have not had the time to explore all of the
> capabilities of this rig but so far I am just blown away with its design,
> learning curve and the PERFORMANCE.
>
> I can say positively that after handling the Orion/MP side by side,
> comparing the terrific menu access (the quickest,simpliest,easiest) I have
> ever seen---to the 1000MP that...well, I hate to disparage one of my true
> loves (MP) but it feels like a toy compared to the Orion. When you hear of
> "menu" changes it is NOT holding down several buttons, spinning dials to
> certain numbers, turning dials to more numbers. A couple of seconds using
> the screen display is all it takes--incredibly well designed.
>
> The "BEAUTY" of the Orion that some of you are missing entirely is the
fact
> that it IS a work in process. That it may NEVER be completely done. I hope
> it is never, ever done. Bugs, updates, software developments---YES! Yes!
> Bring'em on. I love this ever evolving technology.
> When you buy the MP, Pro or anything else, stick in your filters---you're
> done. That's it. Stuck with a limited capability box. Anything else has to
> be outboard gear all over the place. You have zip/nada ability to improve
> anything about your rig--except to buy the next version--then the
> next---etc. My Orion is evolving while the others are stuck in the mud
> trying to catch up...for lack of a better picture.
>
> I see this much as when TR Log came out. It was kind of like watching the
> Muppets. No matter what was discussed or improved as time passed, there
were
> always the two grouches in the balcony who found no good in anything. The
> naysayers got so bad on the TR reflector that I had to unsubscribe. BUT,
the
> fact is that regardless of dozens or hundreds of updates, it constantly
> evolves and gets better. I much prefer that to being stuck in the rut with
> hardware or software that is not evolving....which is the same thing as
> preplanned obsolesce, compliments of the big three offshore radio
> manufacturers. They are going to hate the Orion. Lets see--to improve they
> have to build another radio---Orion just downloads....love it.
>
> So while some are hanging outboard eq's/dsp's/receive eq's/blinking lights
> and toilets and who knows whatever else to a limited capability box, and
> while the grouches are spewing grouch chunks on everyone, the Orion will
be
> downloading, evolving and keeping one step ahead of the also rans for a
long
> long time.
>
> Oh, as far as a being a "positive only" Ten Tec obsessive and blindly
loyal
> zealot--this is the only piece of Ten Tec gear that I own. But considering
> the recent service at a prominent amp manufacturer-- and then the
wonderful
> folks I have dealt with at Ten Tec, there may be a new Titan on the shelf
> here soon. Thanks to all the guys at Ten Tec who have had the incredible
> foresight to design such a terrific product. 73, Tommy WD4K
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of
> tentec-request at contesting.com
> Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2003 11:01 AM
> To: tentec at contesting.com
> Subject: TenTec Digest, Vol 4, Issue 22
>
>
> Send TenTec mailing list submissions to
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>
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> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of TenTec digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Orion heartache
> 2. Re: Orion heartache (Jim Reid)
> 3. An oops in my reply about Orion heartache (Jim Reid)
> 4. Re: Orion heartache
> 5. Ten-Tec User Links (Dale L Martin)
> 6. Re: Orion heartache (Ten-Tec Inc. Amateur Radio Sales)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2003 22:22:36 -0500
> From: nq5t at attbi.com
> To: tentec at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <3E949D2C.19569.154DEE6 at localhost>
> In-Reply-To: <015e01c2ff01$bb330b50$0401a8c0 at PS>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
> MIME-Version: 1.0
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> Reply-To: tentec at contesting.com
> Message: 1
>
> > But no useful purpose is
> > served by the misguided efforts of a few who would see nothing but
> > words of praise on this reflector. We learn, and Ten Tec will learn,
> > from errors and omissions - this reflector should be a welcome forum
> > for balanced technical and performance discussions, positive and
> > negative, not a censored platform for presenting only one viewpoint.
>
> Couldn't agree more. At least it is possible to update this radio as
> issues are uncovered, as opposed to waiting for the next new one
> that must be purchased.
>
> Misguided? I have spent many many hours working with Ten-Tec to
> document and resolve items that I found to be issues and problems.
> You won't find those things on the reflector. Public moaning and
> grumbling doesn't benefit anyone. You'll find my issues and those
> of others fixed in the software updates. I didn't have to wait for the
> Pro IV (no specific brand implied).
>
> > For example, a number of new owners have commented upon the
> > random pinning of the S-meter for no apparent reason.
>
> I don't believe this is a "design decision". It will probably be fixed.
It
> doesn't "pin", but it is disconcerting. Most likely some DSP artifact.
>
> > Either your radio was a remarkable exception
> > or many new ORION users have just not yet gained the familiarity with
> > the system that you have.
>
> I can guarantee that isn't the case. It's one opinion.
>
> > Given time, the ORION may yet become
> > the radio it was intended to be. Let's all hope so!
>
> George, you really need to buy one ... you might find yourself
> unexpectedly surprised. Dump that offshore junk :-)
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 19:01:38 -1000
> From: "Jim Reid" <jimr.reid at verizon.net>
> To: <tentec at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <000e01c2ff1e$67f66d20$be344104 at NewOne>
> References: <3E949D2C.19569.154DEE6 at localhost>
> Content-Type: text/plain;
> charset="iso-8859-1"
> MIME-Version: 1.0
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> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec at contesting.com
> Message: 2
>
>
> > > Given time, the ORION may yet become
> > > the radio it was intended to be. Let's all hope so!
>
> Aloha,
>
> Not precisely sure which of the commenters wrote the above
> lines.
>
> However, no one has as yet commented about the primary
> design focus for the Orion. Which is, absolute superior dynamic
> range! Or, very high IP3 performance. Or, yet again, superior
> performance during very crowded band conditions. The rest of
> the many features discussed so far are just cream on the cake
> for me, hi. Of course such performance features also translate
> into extreme linear operation during "ordinary" QSO situations,
> and I love clean audio, be it CW or SSB.
>
> Dynamic range is the reason for the various design features
> of this rig: the front end filters, the front end pre-amp design,
> the front end ham band only preselectors for the main rcvr,
> the IF frequency design plan, the LO1 power output (high) to
> drive the first mixer, etc., etc. These are the NEW features
> of the Orion design which I believe were the goals of at least
> Doug Smith to actualize. At least those are the items about
> which I read in his postings, and QEX articles of the past
> year or so.
>
> Those features will or will not benefit the "big gun" DX'ers and
> contest operators, or they won't! That will eventually decide
> the BIG fate of the Ten Tec Orion. Certainly not how many
> Hz or kHz per degree of knob twist the rig tunes!! Nor for that
> matter of the other items criticized here at.
>
> Sensitivity is not an issue; selectivity is an issue. Separabiltiy
> from one signal to another is the big issue in crowded bands.
>
> And all the other NEAT features about the multiple antennas,
> separate amps per antenna, etc. Those and operator "usability"
> in real situations are what will make me pleased and desire to
> keep the radio once in is out here on this island.
>
> At least that seems to be what I am looking forward to realizing when
> my Orion finally gets here, hi.
>
> And, I actually plan to operate my Orion using the software
> control that N4PY, Carl Moreschi will eventually develop and
> continue to improve! I probably won't even be using the front
> panel buttons and knobs for more than a couple of months until
> Carl has his applications ready, hi. His certainly is wonderful
> for the Pegasus/RX-340 set up I had here, until turning in the
> Peg in trade toward the Orion, hi. Still using Carl's software
> to operate the Orion (and the number of Hz per knob turn is
> different with Carl's software than the number using the barefoot
> 340!).
>
> Just thoughts during a VERY rainy Wednesday night here in
> KH6 land.
>
> 73, Jim KH7M
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 19:08:26 -1000
> From: "Jim Reid" <jimr.reid at verizon.net>
> To: "Jim Reid" <jimr.reid at verizon.net>, <tentec at contesting.com>
> Subject: [TenTec] An oops in my reply about Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <001501c2ff1f$3b479050$be344104 at NewOne>
> Content-Type: text/plain;
> charset="iso-8859-1"
> MIME-Version: 1.0
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> Reply-To: tentec at contesting.com
> Message: 3
>
> I typed:
>
> > Still using Carl's software to operate the Orion (and the number
> > of Hz per knob turn is different with Carl's software....
>
> Since I do not yet have an Orion, in the above line I meant
> to type that I use Carl's software everyday controlling my
> Ten Tec RX-340.
>
> 73, Jim KH7M
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 01:02:02 -0500
> From: nq5t at attbi.com
> To: tentec at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <3E94C28A.23668.7E3D9A at localhost>
> In-Reply-To: <000e01c2ff1e$67f66d20$be344104 at NewOne>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
> MIME-Version: 1.0
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT
> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec at contesting.com
> Message: 4
>
> >
> > > > Given time, the ORION may yet become
> > > > the radio it was intended to be. Let's all hope so!
>
> > However, no one has as yet commented about the primary
> > design focus for the Orion. Which is, absolute superior dynamic
> > range! Or, very high IP3 performance. Or, yet again, superior
> > performance during very crowded band conditions.
>
> This all seems to have been missed in discussions concerning the
> color of the display, ad nauseum on tuning step rates, and whether
> the Orion is "milspec"or not (all vastly important of course). The
> "may yet become" comment, of course, is by someone who "was
> told" yada yada.
>
> Everyone has their priorities -- tuning rates, knob turning by electric
> motor to see what happens if a control is turned at 5 rpm for 4 hours
> clockwise (ok, my sarcasm is coming through), promotion of other
> brands (seems to be a trend) , whatever ....
>
> With an exception or two, the guys doing the sniping don't own an
> Orion, have never seen one (ok, digital image excepted), and never
> listened to one. They're waiting for the next radio from Brand X in
> the hopes of retaining bragging rights. They may -- but I have to
> ask whether it will change my life? Is the Orion perfect (whatever
> that means to me or you)? Of course not. Is it getting better by the
> firmware release? Yes.
>
> And think S-E-R-V-I-C-E. You know what that is, unless you've
> been living with one of those "other" radios ....
>
> It's all a waste of internet bits. The Orion (even though it may not
> be perfect) is a mity-fine radio.
>
> (for the record, the Orion has not yet hit my AMEX bill, and I am still,
> as are we all, in the 30-day window, so I'm not just trying to
> rationalize my expenditure)
>
> Grant
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 08:11:32 -0500
> From: "Dale L Martin" <kg5u at hal-pc.org>
> To: "Ten-Tec Reflector" <tentec at contesting.com>
> Subject: [TenTec] Ten-Tec User Links
> Message-ID: <LPBBJJHKFOOEGKEBKHOJCEKJENAA.kg5u at hal-pc.org>
> Content-Type: text/plain;
> charset="iso-8859-1"
> MIME-Version: 1.0
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> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec at contesting.com
> Message: 5
>
>
> I've updated the Ten-Tec User Links webpage featuring stations with
pictures
> of their Ten-Tec stations.
>
> http://www.hal-pc.org/~kg5u/tentec.html
>
> 73,
> dale, kg5u
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 09:52:24 -0400
> From: "Ten-Tec Inc. Amateur Radio Sales" <sales at tentec.com>
> To: tentec at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion heartache
> Message-ID: <5.1.0.14.1.20030410093503.00a6f5b0 at tentec.com>
> In-Reply-To: <F8LOyDc41W2ufyWOxbC000189f7 at hotmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
> MIME-Version: 1.0
> Precedence: list
> Reply-To: tentec at contesting.com
> Message: 6
>
> At 04:59 PM 4/9/03 -0400, you wrote:
>
> > Although I stand behind my Orion statements, I never posted them, nor
> > were they intended for public disclosure.
> >
> > There have been eleven Orion firmware updates since v1.328 of March
> > 28th. There are literally hundreds of software bugs in the control
> program.
> > 73, Alan K2WS
>
> Good morning:
>
> I am sorry, but that statement is patently false. There are not 'hundreds
> of bugs'
> in anything that we build. I read the long post here on the reflector,
> and it's
> obvious that you didn't agree with our user-interface design philosophy
for
> the Orion.
> There is not a whole lot that can be done to overcome that - and that's
why
> we have a 30 day trial period and don't require an advance deposit for
> anything that Ten-Tec builds.
>
> We could just as easily make *fewer* revisions to the Orion firmware and
> not release the revision history - that doesn't strike me as being in sync
> with
> our philosophy of 'telling it like it is' (for lack of a better term).
>
> There have been some comments about "Gee - you better not say anything
> bad on the reflector about Ten-Tec's products, or else...." - I think any
> long-time reader of this forum will have seen everything from blind praise
> to outright hostility over the entire spectrum of what we do. The beauty
> of contesting.com is that it's archived for handy reference later.
>
> 73
> Scott Robbins, W4PA
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> Ten-Tec, Inc., 1185 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862 USA
> Contact Mon-Fri Eastern: Office/Tech (865) 453-7172 9 am-5 pm.
> Repair (865) 428-0364 8-4. Sales (800) 833-7373 9 am-5:30 pm.
> Fax (865) 428-4483 24 hrs. Visit us at <http://www.tentec.com>
> Email: New product sales/product info sales at tentec.com
> Service department
service at tentec.com
> While we make every effort to answer email in an expedient manner,
> the telephone is a much more efficient tool for getting a quicker and
> more complete answer to your inquiries. Thanks!
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
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