[TenTec] Final Firmware O2

[Bruce McLaughlin]

I also own an Orion II and an Elecraft K-3.  I think one of the problems was
that a big selling point for the Orion was its promise of periodic firmware
upgrades which just never happened.  I think a lot of us felt rather let
down by that.  Although what upgrades there have been have improved the
performance of the radio, there are a number of things that still need
fixing but which don't seem to be addressed.  I think part of the problem
was that TenTec became involved in developing that fancy receiver, primarily
for the military.  Obviously, that was a big potential order and they
devoted the major part of their resources to finishing the development of
that unit.  While I can understand how that could cause delays in working on
the Orion, and they said as much, that receiver has apparently been finished
and on the market for some time now and yet I don't see any clear signs of a
return to Orion development.  I'm sure the Omni VII also contributed to the
paucity of Orion work.  And, as you know, a year or so ago they promised
that an improved sweep board was under development.  They stated that some
firmware had been developed but that the board would have to be reworked
before it could be released.  Although they stated no release date the fact
that it was being developed was mentioned on a number of occasions.
However, there has been nothing but silence ever since and I find that
disappointing as well.
Although I think the Orion II has many fine features, it's after sale
support just can't compare to Elecraft.  Elecraft is extremely responsive to
customer comments, wishes, and the occasional bug.  There are not very many
complaints and I suppose the major reason is the responsiveness of the
company to its customers.

I can't believe that the complaints, such as they were, should have
discouraged TenTec from working on the radio.  If that was the reason, then
I would have serious reservations about purchasing any further TenTec gear.
No radio is perfect and every one of them will draw some complaints,
justified or not.  But I really don't think that's any excuse for not
following through with what after all was a major selling point, i.e.
upgradability in the field through software changes.  I continue to be
hopeful that we will see new Orion II developments.  If not I would have to
think long and hard before buying an Orion III if there is one.  I don't
think anyone likes to buy an orphan but that is what the Orion II seems to
have become.  It would help if TenTec was more candid about what it's plans
are for future Orion development and then demonstrate that it can actually
follow through with them.

Bruce-W8FU

Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 5:20 PM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Final Firmware O2


HI DOUG  MY CALL IS N5BOS GENE NORMAND   I AM THINKING ABOUT BYING A ORION
II WHATS THE PROBLEM WITH ORION II  I  HAVE JUPITER AND IC-746 PRO

THANKS GENE

--- On Tue, 11/10/09, Doug Turnbull <turnbull at net1.ie> wrote:

From: Doug Turnbull <turnbull at net1.ie>
Subject: [TenTec] Final Firmware O2
To: TenTec at contesting.com
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 2:50 PM

     I feel this devoted situation.   Did the complaints on this web site
lead
to disillusionment by the good people at TenTec?   We had an active forum
for the O2 but it was ignored perhaps because it became irrationally
critical at times.   Now we seem to have an Orion II which is no longer
being developed -too bad.   There is great amount that is right about the
OII but it seems to now be frozen.   I now own both OII and K3 like many
other people who read this and the Elecrafter site regularly.   Go to the
Elecrafter site and one finds the owners active engaged with the consumers
in an amazing way.  

 

     I still use my Orion II sometimes in preference to the K3.   For one
thing the external pod of the OII is very useful in contests when one does
not have software controlling the computer.   Both are very good radios but
the Orion II seems to have become a product of the past.   Future
development seems unlikely though I will probably purchase an Orion III if
it ever comes out.   I suppose we complained too much and we have been
dropped.   Perhaps I will be eating humble pie and I would not mind doing
so.   What ever happened to the new PCB to improve the Frequency display did
the threats and hostile comments of some turn the good people of the mother
ship off?   I do know one thing and that is that many of the people who use
to be on this site are not on the Elecrafter site.   It is exciting to own a
radio which is still being developed though not everyone feels this way.

     Well, I remain an Orion II user.   The radio is not for sale and I hope
to see further improvements but am not counting on it.   TenTec lead the way
towards greatly improved receivers.   Thank you TenTec for leading the way.

                                 73 Doug EI2CN

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