[TenTec] Orion vs. Yaesu FT-1000D

[Don]

Ed,

I have been in the process of comparing the "D" to the Orion for about a week
now. For ten years I have been a "devotee" of the 1000D. Many other radios have
been in my shack as possible replacements to the "D", but none have bested it.
It has been, and continues to be, a rock solid radio, that at the time of its
appearance on the ham radio scene, was probably as revolutionary as the 
Orion is today.

Perhaps some of your questions about the Orion would be answered at the
TenTec website, by downloading and reading the Orion Manual.

Here's a few things that the Orion does that the "D" doesn't:

1. Tailor your audio, both transmit and receive.
2. Digital Voice Recorder.
3. CW memories.
4. Way more filter selections, and sharper skirts.
5. Adjustable AGC circuit.
6. Auto notch
7. Selectable tuning speeds.
8. Binaural Audio
9. More flexibility for antenna selections.
10. Band scope.
11. And of course, get an updated radio by downloading it over the web. 
(Firmware updates)

Now, on the subjective side...

To date, in side by side tests, there hasn't been a signal that I could 
copy on the Orion
that I couldn't copy on the "D". They both have excellent receivers. The 
difference is that the
audio coming from the Orion, CW notes are crisper, and SSB seems more 
intelligible. Close in
QRM is easier to negate with the Orion.

On transmitted audio, I am told by people who know my voice that I sound 
great on both
radios, but that I sound "louder" on the "D". I'm waiting for a different 
mic to arrive to see
if I can't even up the sound.

I have also been told that I have some faint key clicks on the "D", but 
none on the Orion.

They are both big radios, which I prefer over little, tightly laid out 
rigs. The "D" has a more
quality feel to all of the front panel controls, especially the tuning dials.

Part of the hobby to me has been trying out different radios, always 
looking for something
better. I'll probably keep my "D" forever. To me its as important a part of 
ham radio
history as Drake twins, or Collins. But I think that in the Orion I found a 
radio to take the
place of my 1000D at the primary operating position of my shack.

Hope this helps.

73 de Don
W0DJC





At 01:48 PM 1/21/2004, you wrote:
>I know this comparison has been made, but wondering if upgrading to the Orion
>will make that much of a difference...Thanks.
>
>Ed NI6S
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