[TenTec] Future TT projects

Sat May 31 11:43:05 EDT 2003

Or how about the following instead:

1. An updated Pegasus (Pegasus II). Use the same
synthesizer, A to D and DSP design of the Orion. Have
several positions for optional roofing filters include
2 as standard 15 and 2.4Khz. Ham bands only perhaps?
The basic goal is to have Orion level of RF
performance. Use Ethernet interfacing only, NO RS-232.
Put it in a box sized like the current
Pegasus/Jupiter, make it horizontal (and black?), no
computer look alike packaging please. Have attachment
fixtures, for an optional front panel.

2. An updated RX320 (RX321). Borrows same basic
designs from the Pegasus II, have Orion sub RX caliber
synthesizer, A to D and DSP. Also optional roofing
filters. Again no RS-232, instead Ethernet only.
Attachment fixtures for panel. Sized like the Argo
V/516.

3. A QRP TX level “black box” radio (Peg II without
100 W PA), - primarily intended for driving
transverters for 50MHz to light. Sized like the Argo
V/516.

4. Simple/low-end control panel, similar to the Argo
V/526. This is strictly a control panel with audio I/O
(mic in, headphones, speaker out jacks) and basic
control microprocessor and displays. It use Ethernet
as well, and includes RS-232. Matching attachment
fixtures for the radio “black box(es)”.

5. Midrange control panel - like the Jupiter/RX350. A
step up in control panel sophistication, same basic
audio I/O and Ethernet connectivity, also includes
RS-232. With attachment fixtures.

6. A higher "midrange" panel like the Orion. Same as
the midrange model but more capable and with better
display etc. Same Ethernet but NO RS-232, ditto for
attachment points.

7 A top end control panel that is like or better than
the 7800. Same audio I/O, a really nice color display,
and plenty of knobs and buttons. Still Ethernet, no
RS-232.

So what would this range of radio building block
components get us?? How about far more capability and
versatility than the stand alone boxes like ALL the
radio like we now have to choose from can give us.

Some configurations:

1. Jupiter replacement - Use the Pegasus II and the
"midrange" panel physically attached to it, = instant
Jupiter II.

2. RX350 replacement - Use the RX321 and the midrange
panel, = RX351.

3. Smallish standalone SWL - RX321 + simple control
panel, done.

4. Mobile HF - Use the Pegasus II, and the "low end"
control panel, Peg II in the trunk and basic panel (or
higher) remoted on dash.

5. Orion replacement (Orion II) = Pegasus II + RX321 +
high midrange panel. 

6. 7800 beater - Use 2 Peg II's, 2 RX321's (or 3 Peg
II’s + 3 RX321’s), add Ethernet switch, use high end
panel for in the shack use, along with a PC of course,
a midrange panel in the den or family room, and a
basic panel out in the workshop. The whole lot
networked together so that any one or all of those
control panels can control or use any one or all of
those radio modules, - you get to decide.

7. The lower and midrange control panels (that have
RS-232) can used as remote panels for the existing
RX320, RX340/331, RX350, Pegasus, Jupiter, Argo V, and
Orion. Since those panels also have Ethernet they can
switch between the RS-232 based older radios and the
new more visionary Ethernet based radios at will, -
with a single touch of a button.

8. Satellite ops would use the low power Xcvr +
transverters, and one or more RX321’s. With or with
out a control panel, - PC control would be king here.

9. Weak signal VFF and up ops like me would have a
small fleet of the low power XCVR modules + RX321’s
and then a collection of transverters. Perhaps a
control panel or two, but lots of PC based software
and several monitors.

10. I won't say a lot more about computer software and
interfacing - this time, other than that it is a
given, - besides I've posted comments (ranted) about
all of that before.

You should all now be getting the general idea of the
various possibilities of layouts and configurations,
those I presented here are just a small sampling of
combinations that would be possible. Given the wide
range combination there should be a "radio" to fit
most any operating desire and/or budget. Single box
radios like we now have are still possible, just mate
the proper pieces, the key is that you would no longer
be STUCK with any ONE configuration.

Now before you detractors out there say that this idea
is too expensive, consider that the RF parts that make
up the radio remain about the same as they are now.
Since you can buy 100Mb Ethernet cards at your local
computer superstore for $10, there's no good economic
reason why they can't be added to radios for
marginally more cost.

To the staff at Ten Tec: I'm not posting this tongue
in cheek, - I'm totally serious. 

Duane
N9DG

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