[TenTec] Orion in contests

[Rob Atkinson, K5UJ]

A few more responses re the Orion operability issue:
<<<I went from an Omni D to a Jupiter and now the Orion.  If you have 
operated
other Ten-Tec rigs, they are very similar since the same engineering
concepts carry forward.  I just bought a 706MKIIG, my first low band
Japanese rig in 47 years.  I am still trying to figure it out.  The approach
is different.  It is going to take some time.  The same would apply if you
switch from a Yeacomwood to a Ten-Tec.>>>

I found the Orion in no way similar to the Omni VI.   This was only my 
experience and others obviously had completely different ones.   Allow me to 
be the first one to say that I may not be the smartest cookie here and that 
may have something to do with it.  Up until the software rigs, Ten Tec was 
well known for making rigs with very clean, uncluttered front panels.   Just 
the basic necessary controls.  I believe that was one of the reasons for 
their following.  It was with me anyway.  I found the Orion bewildering, but 
enough about that; I think I've made my point.  I merely was trying to say 
that I didn't find it to be a rig that you could power up, attach a feedline 
and mic (or key), select a mode, tune in someone and have a qso and not have 
to look at a manual first.  It's also certainly possible there was something 
wrong with the unit I looked at which added to the difficulty.

<<<During my recent visit to Ten-Tec during the hamfest, I had the 
opportunity
to sit down at the table in front of the Orion when no one else was using it 
and
play with it for a short while. Having never before operated any such menu 
driven
radio, and having been given no instruction, I found it was very to navigate 
thru the menu,
and even figure out how to make changes to the pertinent settings that would
be used on a regular basis. And as Ron has already pointed out it was very 
easy
to make band excursions and mode changes.>>>

<<<I suspect that within a few minutes, the operators would become 
accustomed enough to the Orion that it wouldn't be a problem, especially if 
they are semi-experienced operators.>>>

Perhaps.  (Getting back to the original Orion in Contests topic)  Another 
factor is probably reliability.
I know only a few serious contesters, some only remotely.  But I can well 
imagine that the owner of a large multi multi station has a lot do to 
between contests in the way of maintenance:  antennas, rotators, towers, 
feedlines, amps, PCs, switching and RF shielding to name a few.   He is 
probably interested in eliminating as many unpredictable variables as 
possible.  Now, if he has five positions, with 1000Ds let's say, and no 
problems and he's winning contests, how interested is he in rocking the boat 
and chancing a new rig?  To put it another way, Pick one:  Brand X is older, 
not the latest technology and best specs and performance, but reliable, and 
bulletproof on in-shack inter-station RFI.   On contest day when the guys 
fly in to operate the Xs will be ready.  Brand Y is really hot--hear stuff 
you never heard before etc. but you may have to reboot it, do a master 
reset, not sure if it will work with your logger or not.  I have a feeling 
right now, most would go with X.  BTW, I also think there are a lot of folks 
on the fence waiting for the QST review.

Best regardseses,

Rob Atkinson
K5UJ

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