[TenTec] Ten-Tec and Firmware Development

[fraz1]

Nicely done, Rick.  I hope TT will respond.

Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

73 John K4NP
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick Williams" <ve7asr at yahoo.com>
To: "Ten-Tec Reflector" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:18 PM
Subject: [TenTec] Ten-Tec and Firmware Development


> Well I think we need to ask Ten-Tec for some feedback
> and/or guidance.  As I mentioned in an earlier posting
> the Orion firmware, in my opinion (.. and perhaps many
> others), needs some work.
>
> What we know:
>
> 1) With the release of the Orion a group of Beta
> testers, made up of knowledgeable users, helped
> develop the Version 1 firmware. The Beta testers group
> has been inactive since the release of Version 2
> firmware.
> 2) There were some stability problems with the Version
> 1 firmware and a major stumbling block was the SWEEP
> function.
> 3) With the development of Version 2 firmware the
> SWEEP issue was resolved but several other features
> were lost or, at least as I see it, seemed degraded
> (e.g. AM bug, notch/AGC relationship and Noise
> Reduction algorithms).
> 4) Many Orion 565 users have returned to the
> incomplete Version 1.37x firmware. (This option is not
> available to Orion II users.)
> 5) Version 2 bugs that had a major impact on operating
> were quickly fixed by T-T (e.g. Eight day turn-around
> to fix the 2.061f to 2.062a bug).
> 6) We have seen no development of the Orion firmware
> in the last 10 months EVEN to repair known minor bugs
> (e.g. AM problem).
> 7) We have seen an excellent rapport develop between
> Omni VII users and the Ten-Tec firmware development
> team.
> 8) Ten-Tec has indicated that development resources
> are scarce and other programs have priority since they
> pay the bills.
>
> Here are some thoughts as to what Orion users and
> Ten-Tec might do cooperatively to move the Orion's
> firmware development to the next level?
>
> 1) Re-establish a team of users as a Beta testing
> team.
> 2) Since most of the Omni VII firmware issues have
> been very successfully resolved, Ten-Tec might wish to
> consider re-directing the Omni VII firmware
> development resources to Orion firmware development.
>
> I think ALL Orion users are very proud of the Ten-Tec
> Orion and, without a doubt, it is a superb rig.  In
> addition, messages on this reflector continue to extol
> the benefits of Ten-Tec service.  However, I feel the
> Orion, with it's current firmware, has failed to reach
> its potential.
>
> For a long time the current firmware, with it's
> "warts" kept the Orion at the top of the Sherwood
> receiver test list.  Perhaps now that the Orion has
> been replaced on that list it is time for Ten-Tec to
> get back to their base - the Orion users.  I hope that
> Ten-Tec will consider taking a more active role and
> help move the Orion firmware to where it belongs.
>
> 73,
> Rick
> VE7TK
>
>
>
> 
> ____________________________________________________________________________________
> Looking for last minute shopping deals?
> Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. 
> http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
> -- 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.0/1296 - Release Date: 2/24/2008 
> 12:19 PM
>