[TenTec] Orion 2.055 Observations vs Orion II 2.031

[Rick Williams]

Brent thanks for taking the time to put this list together.  Yesterday I
considered posting a similar list but didn't get around to it.  It is
somewhat re-assuring (in a sick way) that the same 2 problems are at the top
of your list as mine!  Others have discussed the possibility that these
functions are now in the audio path and that too is a significant worry.  TX
audio is not on my list but that is because I run it flat and use external
equalization.

Am I correct in assuming that the same major issues that are Orion
(original) related with 2.055 are being encountered by Orion II users with
2.031?  Hopefully, in time, the same solutions will work for both rigs.  In
the interim I'm still working with 2.055 because it is stable.  I have had
NO lock-ups recently (however I also haven't had VFO B on AM while working
CW).

73, 

Rick 
VE7TK

Website:  http://www3.telus.net/ve7tk  





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Subject: 	Re: [TenTec] Orion 2.055 Observations
From: 	"R. Brent Zook" 
Reply-to: 	Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec at contesting.com>
Date: 	Fri, 03 Mar 2006 10:41:34 -0500

The new 2.0 firmware implementation in the Orion just hasn't done it for 
me.  I would like to see comments on the following issues (to see if I 
am correct or just plain wrong), because I don't want to believe what I 
am seeing.

First - the noise reduction in 1.372 (and maybe 1.371) actually reduces 
the noise as seen on the S-meter.  Version 2.055 does not do so.  Does 
this mean that the noise reduction is done at audio, just like adding an 
audio dsp processor?  No wonder the noise reduction in 2.0 doesn't seem 
to make it easier to copy signals - the noise would still mask the 
signal even if you can't hear the noise.

Second - same for the automatic notch.  If there is an s-9 carrier near 
frequency, the auto notch on 2.055 will remove the sound of the carrier, 
and will do so quickly, but the carrier still appears on the s-meter.  
Doesn't this mean that the carrier will still mask other signals?  In 
1.372, it takes longer to get rid of the carrier, but it actually goes 
away, and you can then copy other signals.

Third -- I don't know about the action of the manual notch as I have 
taken 2.0 off of my Orion and hadn't tried it yet.

Fourth - The audio problems on transmit and receive that have been 
discussed ad nauseum on the reflector.  I got the Orion to replace my 
TS-870, and can't go back to a rig that doesn't sound good.

The ability in 1.372 to use auto notch, noise reduction, and manual 
notch at the same time, and to have the functions perform at IF to 
actually remove noise as opposed to covering it up was one of the 
incredible things about the original Orion.  I hope those functions 
aren't lost for good in the new firmware releases.  --Brent N9HZ