[TenTec] Orion I with new 2.059d

[Mark DeBord]

I had tried the first couple of V2 firmwares and ended up going back to the 
V1.37xxx due to my operating style. I work mostly CW and SSB.

I loaded the new firmware on the Orion I and am glad to see MUCH improvement 
over the other V2 code.

I even notice features not mentioned, such as the sweep staying active on 
next power up if you were using it prior to power off. I am receiving 
unsolicited GREAT audio reports as well so it looks like they have the TX 
audio fixed. I also like seeing the handful of new menu selected features 
mentioned in other posts. I am also very pleased to see the NOTCH filters 
are working again without raspiness.

I am also glad to see stability continues to stay out front on the V2 code; 
I have not had this version to crash yet which is VERY important to me.

The main issue with me with this version is the very slight raspiness on RX. 
I hear it both on the main receiver as well as the sub-receiver. I am using 
the ICOM SP-20 as a speaker and I have also listened through the Ten Tec 
speaker. The speaker does make a difference; the bassiness will clear it up 
somewhat. I can add more RX EQ (like +10 db) and this will mask it. I can 
also play with the filters on the SP-20 speaker and mask it. I too have to 
turn the volume way up farther than before and wonder if this is associated 
with the raspiness. The more bass I apply, the more I can turn the volume 
down and the less the raspinessis apparent; but of course it is almost too 
basey.

Interestingly though, I can listen through the headphone jack with my Sony 
cans and the raspiness is still there, but not as bad. I can adjust the RX 
EQ to about + 6 db and it is masked. Of course, my volume is a little lower.

I also understand everyone is not hearing the raspiness.

Another issue is AM; output is way low. I sent these two issues into dits n 
bits.


Again, I am very pleased with everything else and am surprised at how much 
improvement this version is (so far).


Mark KA4ICK
Kingsport, TN