[TenTec] Alternative Eagle Form Factor was Re: Status

[Darrell Bellerive VE7IU]

I've been thinking about this idea of a bigger form factor for the 
Eagle, the ensuing discussion, and thought I would post my wish list. 
Perhaps if others join in with their wish lists, John Henry and the new 
owner might consider an alternative form factor for the Eagle. I am not 
suggesting replacing the current Eagle form factor, as many find it 
suitable to their needs, but an alternative, be it a new radio model or 
an alternate Eagle offered concurrently with the existing form factor.

I very much like the performance of my Eagle. I have always like Ten-Tec 
receivers, from my Argo 509, Jupiter, and now Eagle. However, I would 
prefer a larger form factor with more controls.

I tend to use the RF Gain to control the receiver gain, and leave the AF 
Gain at a higher level, so having an easy to use RF Gain control is 
important to me. This was absent on the Jupiter, and the Omni also makes 
the RF Gain a secondary function.

I prefer split to RIT, so I don't miss a RIT control, but I know for 
many that would be very important.

The biggest issue for me though is that FNC button. Buttons should have 
a single function or a second function as a push and hold, but no more 
than two functions. Pushing multiple buttons simultaneously or in 
sequence is not something I am fond of. I am constantly forgetting that 
the FNC button is active (the blink rate is far too slow), and then 
getting VOX instead of NB as an example. Pushing FNC, then a desired 
button, and then FNC to turn it off is too much. Making FNC only active 
until the next button is pressed would help, but the real solution is 
more buttons.

The multi control seems to idle most of the time, and I think using the 
main tuning control as the multi control would be better served. Yes, I 
suspect I might change the frequency inadvertently once in a while, but 
would rather see the existing multi control do something else full time.

Given the choice between the Eagle, Omni VII and the Orion II, I still 
prefer the Eagle controls, as the current Eagle gives me access to the 
AF and RF Gain controls and the BW and PBT controls without having to 
push a button or control. The lack of 6 metres on the Orion is also a 
huge factor for me.

A new Omni VIII or Orion III would have to have at least the concentric 
controls (AF/RF and BW/PBT) of the Eagle and 6 metres to capture my 
attention. Those rotary controls incorporating a pushbutton don't appeal 
to me at all.

So here is my wish list:

A much larger form factor, be it the size of the Omni V/VI/VII or Orion 
would be fine. There is no such thing as too large for me. Given a 
choice between the size of the current Eagle and the size of the old 
Collins Gold Dust Twins, I would choose the size of the Gold Dust Twins, 
floor mount cabinet and all. :-)

Single function controls. Separate AF and RF Gain controls, separate BW 
and PBT controls. The concentric knobs of the Eagle are acceptable, but 
separate controls would be nice. Pushing the control to switch between 
functions like the OMNI VII is not acceptable. A manual notch would be 
the only other control I would use. Perhaps a user programmable control 
that could be set to RIT/Notch/Keyer Speed, etc would be nice.

More pushbuttons. A maximum of two functions per button, one function on 
a quick press, and another for push and hold. The only exception would 
be direct frequency entry, where an enter button is pressed, the 
frequency entered, and the enter button pressed again.
Absolutely no step through buttons. By this I mean the existing BAN, 
MOD, and FAST buttons. The combination band/frequency entry pad like the 
Omni VII/Orion would be great. Separate buttons for each mode and VFO 
step would also be great. A touch screen might be a good alternative to 
buttons for this. But this needs to be a one step operation; One button 
press to select a mode or VFO step size, not press STEP, and then select 
the size.

Years ago, Ten-Tec had it right with the Mic and Headphone jacks on the 
rear panel and SSB Normal and Reverse rather than USB/LSB selection. I 
would love to see that again, but I am quite sure I am in the minority 
on this one.

Leave out the keyer. I use Ultimatic mode and always use an external 
keyer. I know I am also in the minority on this one, but at least do not 
waste a control for a dedicated keyer speed function.

So there is my wish list for an alternative Eagle form factor, I 
encourage others to chime in with their wish lists, and perhaps the new 
owner of Ten-Tec may grant us our wishes!

My biggest wish however, is for Ten-Tec to thrive for many years to come.

73, Darrell VE7IU



On 15-12-04 02:36 AM, Barry N1EU wrote:
> Well said Rick.  What we need is an Eagle with an Omni VI+ front panel!!!
>
> 73, Barry N1EU
>


-- 
Darrell Bellerive
VE7IU