[TenTec] Orion 2 situation

[Mike Stricker]

Jim Brown reminded us why the Orion 2 is no longer going to be produced....due to components issues.  In my mind, that presents an even larger problem...long term ownership.  If Ten Tec can't get parts to produce radios, what would make us believe that they will be able to repair these radios in the future?  These newer radios are very UNLIKE the tube rigs and hybrid radios of yesteryear.  Those radios had no proprietary components in them and whatever seemed complex at the time, could/can be rebuilt or replaced with modern "systems" like a DDS controlled VFO.  If a particular uC or DSP chip becomes unobtanium, then you wind up with a rather large doorstop unless you buy up other doorstops to make one radio.
Sadly, I suspected this was going to happen because the little issues that remained with the Orion 2 were not being addressed.  I feel fortunate to have owned one for a while but more fortunate to have sold it and gotten out of it unscathed.  The other 2 American manufacturers aren't much different or better.  Flex-Radio recently announced that they would not be producing/supporting the 5000 and when the Elecraft K3 was announced, no further firmware updates to the K2 were made (and there were a couple that should have been to make the radio meet its specifications).
I'm afraid that the reality is that we are all beta testers while we own the radio.  Just when we think they are solid, the manufacturer terminates production/support.  We often rely on their promises and are let down.  Thankfully, I can rely on other aspects of the hobby, like modifying less expensive equipment to suit my own needs.
Mike, WA1SEO