[TenTec] Re: About the incivility of our posts

[K3BU at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/26/04 1:39:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
w1ael at mindspring.com writes:
>>That said, at least a few of us have felt that some of your notes were 
somewhat ill-tempered (not to mention technically deficient - sorry) and 
we responded in kind. <<

OK, let me elaborate.
I am for exchange of ideas, arguments, discussing problems, explaining or 
learning. 
What I did, I presented my opinion on receiver sensitivity and need for it 
going down to 160. Right now at my home QTH I have simple antennas, but I 
designed and operated my Razor beams (Quad-Yagi see 
http://members.aol.com/ve3bmv/Razors.htm) and low bands from VE1ZZ QTH. I placed in the top spots in the 
contests. I saw and used the need for maximum sensitivity when using high 
performance antennas (beaming JA with Razors, the band noise drops to ZERO, thanks to 
sharp pattern and discrimination against noise around). My modified Drake R4B 
is somewhere < 0.1 uV and I needed to crank it up for full sensitivity in many 
situations. I related that as requirement by contesters. Ten-Tec is aiming 
Orion at contesters. There was a discussion about not needing the sensitivity on 
low bands. I am relating and pointing out that there is a need and rig should 
not be crippled just because "average ham has noise on low bands" using 
"normal" antennas. Can you point out any other rig that cripples the sensitivity on 
low bands to make it sound "quiet"? 

Instead of arguing or exploring why do we need sensitivity, you flatly 
dismiss me and my reasoning. Just like W4PA knows better that we do not need PTT 
line on the mike connector for CW. Instead of just leaving it there, the Orion 
was "improved" in a such way that even Ten-Tec can't bring it back. That's where 
"they know better" comes from. Then the remarks that Orion is not for me 
(because I am so backward?) I have been creaming world records and designed 
equipment long before Scott got smell of burning transformers. 

My reference to "TT cult" applies to those who blindly defend shortcomings 
and problems and attack those who bring the attention to deficiencies and 
request improvement or provide suggestions. You cultists do not see the improvements 
and better radios as a result of our comments. If you are happy with status 
quo, then fine, but do not push and advertise something for contesters, when 
the contesters tell you what is wrong or what could/should be improved if you 
want us to keep buying TT radios.

Are you happy with banging power meter? With "hang time" on the meter? I see 
it is the "feature" - it was "improved", made longer in the first published 
software update. Why in the world do I want the meter to sit there, not moving 
when I am talking or sending CW? I want to see the meter to move as the signal 
is going out, so I can judge the average power, make sure there are no 
oscillations or too much background noise. Then the power calibration, manual says 
5%, linear scale on the meter is way off. Takes 5c scale and adjusting the meter 
range to about 130W to avoid banging to the stop. This is not rocket science, 
this is known since first meters were around. Is it worthy $3.6k radio? Not 
in my book. I will bet that meters will be at some point breaking or bending 
their needles, they can only take so much. 

The point is that world has progressed, if Ten-Tec wants to cater to serious 
operator's market, then they better try to keep up with competition. Dollar 
improvement here and there can make huge difference. Otherwise they will be 
sentenced to the "homebrewy" category - curiosity. That's why TT radios were not 
flooding contester's shacks in past. You wanna keep it as the radio for cultist 
that will praise doesn't matter what? Fine, it is there. You wanna have it 
truly top notch, contester's prime rig, then lot of stuff should be addressed. 
Personal tirades and ridicules will not achieve that. You will only repel those 
who would be potential customers and want to see the TT radios succeed. 
Competition doesn't sleep.
Internet is a great thing, but sometimes few rotten apples can spoil it for 
others. Why should I argue and take snotty remarks, if I can pick subject, 
write nice article, (get paid) and let those who appreciate it, enjoy it. Those 
who don't, can skip it.

In the past, I was rather selfish, I kept the modification and developments 
to myself, trying to have an edge over others in the contests. It worked, my 
results prove it. Now, when I am trying to help and share some of my expertise, 
I get what I get. I really do not need this, sorry that at the times I might 
seem a bit harsh, but I bite back. 
This is one more attempt at shedding some light in hope that some people will 
wake up from the cult euphoria. Enjoy whatever turns you on, I mean it 
generally.

You goys want to discuss topics in a civil manner, I am here and I gladly 
help and share what I know. Many can attest to that in our private exchanges. You 
want to ad hominem remarks, I am outta here. 

73 Yuri