[TenTec] Orion II

[NJ0IP]

First of all, we're all in the same boat.  Me too.

I guess what I am missing here amongst all the complaints is a suggestion of
what Ten-Tec could have or should have done better.

OK, there was one valid suggestion:  "Ten-Tec should have shipped the Ver.2
firmware to its installed base before announcing Orion II.

Well, the announcement is for a targeted October shipping date.  So I
suppose if the Ver.2 firmware ships to us before the first O2 radio ships,
Ten-Tec has taken proper care of us.

As I see it, for serious DXers or Contesters, assuming you don't use your
band scope (which I don't), the fundamental improvement is the new filter
arrangement.  Well I guess most of us already have the INRAD 600 Hz anyway,
so it just isn't a big issue.  We're still gonna hear as well as an O2.

I don't think the quality of service depends on the interval between product
announcements, so I don't see any damage to Ten-Tec's service reputation
here.  As long as they continue to support my O1 as they've supported my
other Ten-Tec rigs for the past 31 years I've been using them, that's fine
with me.

Think about this:

1. Ten-Tec designed a rig several years ago based on inputs we hams gave
them from ham fest surveys, etc., and at that time we all said we wouldn't
pay for color.  Then they brought the rig to market nearly 2 years before
their main competitors brought their new flagships. After ICOM and Yasue
announced rigs with color for 2x to 4x as much money, we start screaming for
color.

2. The new processor wasn't available at development time.  Should Ten-Tec
have used what was available or waited 2 more years?

3. Changes to the filter scheme and mic connectors were the results of
customer feedback.  Unlike some of its competitors, Ten-Tec actually listens
and reacts.

Now answer this:

1. If you were Ten-Tec, what would you do?

  A.  Do nothing so as not to anger the installed base
  B.  Make the few necessary changes so as to take away the main arguments
for those thinking about Icom or Yasue.

I congratulate Ten-Tec for making the right business decision.
In the meantime I will start saving my pennies for an O2.

That was my 1 cent worth.
Normally I throw in 2 cents, but this time the second penny went into the O2
jar. ;-)

73
Rick


-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Ron Spencer
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 10:30 AM
To: TenTec at contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] Orion II

I've told my friends that one of the beauties of the Orion is its not
obsoleted as new technology or firmware comes out. Its not like the Pro,
Pro2, Pro3 etc. Well now that's no longer true.

However, as long as the new firmware is applicable to the original Orion
(I've read here that it is) and its still supported then I don't feel too
terribly bad. Another $1k or so for a nice color display and a couple other
tweaks is more than I would wish to pay. 

Its nice to see that TenTec recognized that many of us were buying the 600hz
Inrad roofing filter because it could be used in the slot were the extra
preamp didn't kick in and make the change for the O2. 

Will be interesting to see performance numbers. 

Ron
N4XD  

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