[TenTec] ORION II CW pile up readability

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

Denny speaks the facts on the radio.  The radio does require a different 
thinking method and user approach in order to attain the outstanding 
performance abilities.  One thing that I find typical is simply the fact the 
radio offers a host of user selectable parameters.  It is entirely possible 
to set these parameters such that the performance is actually compromised 
for the mode, band and signal conditions.  This is not the radio's fault.

A fast AGC on CW, specially the fast attack, release will do just as 
described.  A slower release and less RF gain will make a difference.  Also, 
I don't understand having the preamp on and then select some value of 
attenuation and then have the RF gain at max.  Sure seems counterproductive. 
With the new breed of  radios most require a significant amount of RF Gain 
reduction.  Unless there is a transmitter operating within a few miles or 
less of the receiver, the attenuator is not needed.  Set the audio gain to a 
comfortable level for your headphones or speaker and use the RF gain such 
that the signals will pop out of the noise and background.  As I said, 
different thinking and methodology in operations.

Great performing radio.  Try it, you'll like it.

73
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dennis OConnor" <ad4hk2004 at yahoo.com>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:27 AM
Subject: [TenTec] ORION II CW pile up readability


> I'm beginning to feel like a broken record on this subject...
>  Turn the AGC off... Turn off the NB, etc... Get rid of all the 'cover up' 
> processing crap as it only adds distortion to the mix...
>  Go to the 300 cycle roofing filter...
>  Turn the RF gain down until you don't hear anything...
>  Turn the audio gain relatively high - lots of hiss...
>  Now advance the RF gain until you hear signals...
>  Ride the RF gain as your audio gain...
>  You should be able to separate the signals in the pile...
>
>  Now, there will be times when the DX is so mixed with other signals, 
> buckshot, amp slop, white noise, and qrn, that you cannot copy them.. 
> This is not solvable with todays technology - but I find the O2 to far 
> exceed the 1000D, MKV, Omni, etc. in this high noise environment so for 
> the moment it is the best answer..
>
>
>
> denny / k8do
>
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