[TenTec] [PVRC] An Orion II Reality Check

[alsopb]

Too bad the spec changes didn't include putting the Orion on a "size" 
diet.  The box is entirely too large (especially depth).  Does one 
really need to be able to store a pair of shoes within the box?

73 de Brian/K3KO

Eric Rosenberg wrote:
> After reading the flood of email crossing my screen, it occurred to me 
> that many, if not most writers did not take the time to read and 
> understand the original posting from Ten Tec.
> 
> I spoke with Scott Robbins this afternoon for clarification, and learned 
> the following, some of which has been mentioned in postings here on the 
> reflector.
> 
> ---------------
> 
> - The processor used in the Orion has been discontinued and is no longer 
> available.  Ten Tec was therefore forced to discontinue the production 
> of the Orion in its present form.  They had no say in the matter and had 
> to make a choice to a) drop out of the high-end transceiver market, b) 
> design an completely new radio, or c) modify the design of the Orion 
> with a new processor.
> 
> This is an unfortunate, and sadly, not an uncommon occurance in the 
> commercial world.  [I have personally had this happen while in the midst 
> of a large government contract. To say we scrambled for a solution is a 
> gross understatement.  Our decision on moving forward was almost exactly 
> the same as Ten Tec's in this instance.]
> 
> - The decision to continue the production of the Orion would be 
> contingent upon the availability of a compatible, available processor.
> 
> - The decision to discontinue building the Orion in its original 
> configuration does not in any way imply or infer that Ten Tec has 
> orphaned or abandoned this radio.  Ten Tec will continue to support the 
> hardware and software for the original Orion.
> 
> - In its continued support of the original Orion, the firmware for the 
> Orion will track that of the Orion II.  Note that they will both have 
> version 2.0.  [It is my understanding that this will continue into the 
> future].
> 
> - Continuing the Orion with a new/different processor allowed Ten Tec to 
> add functions that were either not possible or considered to be less 
> important with the original processor [this characterization is my 
> editorial interpretation].   Note the term FUNCTION and not PERFORMANCE.
> 
> - An upgrade for Orion owners was considered, and a cost/benefit 
> analysis was produced.  The cost to facilitate the new processor and the 
> variable line-output enhancement [I specifically asked about this item] 
> required extensive hardware retrofitting, driving the cost to over $1000.
> 
> - When one lines up the features of the Orion and Orion II, you will 
> note that the hardware changes in the Orion II are functional. The radio 
> will look the same.  An 8-pin mike connector, a color display and how it 
> works, the variable line level output and the filter switching do not 
> change or upgrade the RF characteristics (receiver and transmitter) of 
> the radio.
> 
> - The change in the physical filters is a result of newer technology. 
> The performance of these new filters will be at the same level as the 
> presently available INRAD after-market filters.
> 
> Likewise, it is my understanding from both reading the email and 
> speaking with Scott that the DSP code changes have not changed the 
> receiver specifications.
> 
> - This new version of the Orion presents an incremental upgrade to the 
> original Orion.  The market is not those of us who already own an 
> Orion.  It's targeted to the ham who's looking to buy a new high-end 
> radio. The potential Icom Pro III buyer, who's willing and able to pay 
> $4000 for a new radio.
> 
> - The email announcing this radio was sent to the Ten Tec email 
> reflector before being released to the general public in a conscious 
> attempt by Ten Tec to inform its current customers of what was going to 
> happen before hearing about it from a secondary source.
> 
> ---------------
> 
> My personal feeling is that Ten Tec made the correct business decision 
> based on the situation it faced.
> 
> I do not believe Ten Tec has violated its corporate policy to support 
> all existing products.
> 
> I believe this is an incremental product entry, not a new radio as was 
> the Orion when compared to the then top-of-the-line Omni VI Plus.
> 
> When the dust settles, I am certain that Ten Tec will have more 
> information for all of us.
> 
> In the meantime and to reiterate the words of N1EU, sit down, take a 
> DEEP breath and chill!
> 
> 73,
> Eric W3DQ
> Washington, DC
> 
> 
>