[TenTec] TenTec] Orion Repaired and Back to V1.373b5

[Dave White]

Al W5IZ said in part:  Let me understand that I bought 2 TenTec Orions, an Orion and an Orion II, and paid for them in full.  The firmware has bugs years after the purchase.  TenTec is aware of the bugs and I should wait for them to do other things before fixing the bugs.  Sorry, companies lose customers by ignoring them in this manner.  I am certain that former TenTec customers have moved to the K3 and will continue to do so.  Perhaps that is a business strategy of TenTec to get the complainers to change loyalties to another supplier and whine on their reflectors instead.  There is certainly a lot of moaning about deliveries on the Elecraft site, so if it is TenTec's stratgegy it is working. 73 de Al, W5IZ

There is this perception that the K3 and Elecraft is the nirvana of HF radio performance and customer service - and that Elecraft have the upper hand in responding to customer needs.  In reality, BOTH TenTec and Elecraft do a superb job of customer support, but not a perfect job.  Witness the Elecraft reflector where customers have been waiting for K2 enhancements and fixes for a  number of years without success (albeit small or insignificant items). Regarding the K3, I'm sure its going to be a stellar radio, but if I had purchased one back in May, and had it delivered in late fall, and was waiting for the DVR or 2nd Receiver option, I might be a little upset that the ship date on the options has slipped again.

To think that TenTec (or Elecraft) are deliberately adopting a strategy of driving whiners to a competitor through (perceived) poor customer service is delusional.

For my part, I have owned (excellent) product from both of these companies and have been very (not completely) satisfied.  I will continue to purchase their wares and enjoy the fruits of their development labours.

Dave White, VE6DRW
dwds at trinustech.com