[TenTec] Orion Battery Operation

[Mike Gorniak]

I've now tested the Orion on a deep cycle marine battery. Although Ten Tec 
recommends a minimum voltage of 12.8 volts, I found that the Transmit and 
Receive functions are fine until the battery drops to 11.1 Volts. The 
display loses contrast below about 12 volts, but can be adjusted via the 
menu and is still quite readable down to 11.1. Of course, a DC to DC 
converter might help things here, for those interested in battery 
operations for Field Day or camping. However, in a pinch, 11.1 volts seems 
to work just fine.  NM7X