[TenTec] Orion Review By RSGB

[Ten-Tec Inc. Amateur Radio Sales]

At 09:31 AM 5/19/04 -0400, you wrote:
> >There is a full review of the Orion in the RSGB mag Radcom for June 04.
>
>         Any chance of a RadCom subscriber posting a few key metrics like 
> IMD, BDR, Phase Noise, etc?
>
>                                         73,  Bill  W4ZV

 From the RadCom review:

5 kHz spacing dynamic range, 1 kHz roofing filter, 7 MHz band, 500 Hz DSP 
CW filter
(they measured 20, 6, 2.4, and 1 kHz stock filters only):
91 dB
5 kHz spacing dynamic range, 2.4 kHz roofing filter, 7 MHz band, 500 Hz DSP 
CW filter
94 dB

Unfortunately, their third order intercept testing is 50 kHz spacing, which 
is essentially useless
as a parameter for real-world RX performance (needs to be 5 kHz or lower), 
but the preamp
off numbers were +20 dBm at 14 MHz, +20.5 at 3.5 MHz.  50 kHz spacing two tone
dymanic range 93 dB at 14 MHz, 94 dB at 3.5 MHz.

Phase noise at 2 kHz from the carrier measured at -131 dBc/Hz (this is from 
the text).

The text is kind of like every other Orion review with accolades about the 
top notch
receiver performance, Peter Hart apparently likes the ergonomics a lot because
there are several positive comments to that effect.  Some excerpts (at the risk
of arousing the ire of the RSGB, I suppose):

"The RF performance is really excellent and is unsurpassed in crowded band
conditions."

"With the 1 kHz [roofing] filter, measurements showed it was possible to copy
an S1 signal with an interfering signal 90 dB greater only 500 Hz away.  This
is truly awesome performance."

...and the article conclusion:

"The Orion lives up to its claim as a high performance radio with 
exceptional close-in
dynamic range.  It is likely to appeal particularly to the serious and 
technically-minded
DX chaser or contest operator or someone who desires the very best in terms of
performance.  With its large format panel, clearly laid out controls, 
well-implemented
features and internet upgradeable software it is an excellent radio."

Scott Robbins, W4PA


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