[TenTec] Pimp My Eagle
Darrell Bellerive
ve7iu at runbox.com
Thu Jan 7 15:24:38 EST 2016
Rick,
I agree with most of your suggestions. My comments:
1) SIZE - The size of the box and number of controls are directly
related to the cost of the radio. Controls are expensive. So be prepared
for a higher price point. I am good with that, others may not be. I
would also like to see a large heatsink and no fan or an optional fan.
2) KNOBS - I like the concentric controls of the Eagle. I much prefer
them over the encoders that spin endlessly. Using pots does complicate
computer control, but there are workarounds. The knobs are big enough
for me just should be spaced out more. Encoders with push buttons are
not desirable in my books.
3) S-METER - True analog meter. Yes!!!
4-6) JACKS - I don't care what the connectors are as long as there are
connectors for key, paddle, amp, bandscope, etc.
7) RIT - I think this would be important to many people. I always use
split, so don't use the RIT.
8) SPLIT - Make it super simple, intuitive, and easy.
9) BUTTONS - Two functions max, but I prefer a long push rather than two
quick pushes.
10) MENU - A menu is fine as long as it is for configuration and not to
set operating parameters.
11) MORE KNOBS - This is where there will be debate. I never use the
built in keyer or RIT so they are wasted controls. Rather put two
additional concentric controls on the front panel that are user
definable in the menu. Let the user set them to be keyer speed, mic
gain, vox delay, RIT, notch, noise reduction, or whatever the user wants
them to be. Use the VFO knob for the multicontrol to set one shot
parameters.
12) KEYPAD - Direct band access and frequency entry as well. Add a keypad.
13-18) I agree.
19. WHAT ELSE? - Stand alone operation without requiring a computer. I
don't want external knobs like the Tmate2. And a SUPER CLEAN
TRANSMITTER!!!!!
I think that Ten-Tec could go a different way here as well. Merge the
Omni VII and the Eagle into the OMNI VIII. Then merge the Argo VI and
Eagle into a combo QRP portable and mobile radio with options for
removable faceplate and power, like the Argo II/Delta II and 555/556
Scout/Argo.
73, Darrell VE7IU
On 16-01-07 08:52 AM, rick at dj0ip.de wrote:
> PLEASE KEEP THIS THREAD FOCUSED ON THE “EAGLE.”
>
> (feel free to start a new thread on O7+ or O3)
>
>
>
> I agree with Brian . . . let’s talk about radios again.
>
>
>
> It seems the current tentative plan is:
>
>
>
> 1) OM7(+) gets a new front plate and face plate, but not a lot of
> changes
>
> 2) (super) Eagle gets new DSP and _ _ _ _ _ _
>
> 3) Argonaut 6 will more or less resume production unchanged
>
> 4) An O3 is in the making, details unknown
>
>
>
> I want to make a suggestions about the future Eagle.
>
>
>
> IMO TEN-TEC made a mistake with the Eagle.
>
> They tried to address three market segments with one product.
>
> 1) A simple easy to use computer for old folks (including me) who
> usually prefer not to even turn the computer on, just because we want to get
> on the radio – but do want high performance.
>
> 2) The mobile hf market
>
> 3) The entry level 100w hf transceiver market
>
>
>
> Result: Jack of all trades, master of none.
>
>
>
> If you read the wish list in the Eagle group, since the beginning there were
> clearly representatives of all three groups expressing wishes for
> improvements. What might benefit one group is often counter-productive for
> the other.
>
>
>
> If Ten-Tec is to succeed, they need to identify the market segment for each
> product and optimize for it.
>
>
>
> Of the three segments I have listed above, I believe Ten-Tec’s best chance
> is in no. 1.
>
>
>
> I don’t think any US based OEM can go big in the entry level segment because
> it is primarily driven by price.
>
>
>
> I also believe a mobile rig today MUST have a removable front panel. Sure
> some people don’t mind having the radio occupy the front passenger space,
> but I prefer to keep it for my XYL. (In fact I have no choice ;-)
>
>
>
> My wish is for the Super Eagle to focus on number 1 above.
>
> As such, I can propose some changes:
>
>
>
> 1) And most important: a bigger box. In all my 15+ years
> participating in Ten-Tec groups, I can’t recall a single instance of anyone
> asking for a smaller box. Yet ALL OEMs seem to think that’s what we want.
> Lots of important things suffer when you reduce the size of the box. You
> have less knobs, more menu adjustable items, smaller loud speaker, smaller
> S-Meter, coils are smaller (lower Q), heat sinks are smaller and fans are
> smaller so you have more noise. Less room for working on the radio, less
> room for back panel jacks (so we must use plugs with 75 pins!). DON’T NEED
> ANY OF THIS. I NEED THE FOLLOWING…
>
> 2) Larger knobs. Concentric knobs are only ok if they are large
> enough.
>
> 3) Larger S-meter. Prefer a true meter, but if not, then at least a
> color-coded LED meter.
>
> 4) ¼ inch connections for things like key and headphones;
>
> 5) Separate jacks for paddle and straight key
>
> 6) PTT and AMP KEY should be RCA Phono (again)
>
> 7) Dedicated RIT control (not the multi-knob)
>
> 8) Simplified VFO mode (i.e. getting in and out of split)
>
> 9) Buttons should have a max of dual function. Push once to enable
> main function, push twice (quickly) to enable secondary function. I don’t
> want to push multiple buttons that may be on opposite sides of the front
> panel.
>
> 10) Exception to menu handling is allowed but only for things that really
> are “set once and forget”, such as defining filter slots and screen color.
>
> 11) Mic gain and CW Speed should be a dedicated knob. I’m OK with it just
> being one knob, but others might prefer concentric.
>
> 12) Band stacking register. Don’t understand why it was left out.
>
> 13) [finally] address the keying timing issues when using a non-Ten-Tec
> linear amplifier. The Pre-dit and Post-dit (hang) time must be adjustable.
> Pre-dit can be inside the “set once and forget” menu, but Post-dit is a
> value I change often. Either make it easy to adjust, OR make it dynamically
> linked to the keyer speed with user adjustable ratio. There are keyers on
> the market that have this feature.
>
> 14) IF output to the real panel. Can be an option, but just plug one
> cable.
>
> 15) Pre-selector output to the real panel. Can be an option, but just 2
> cables.
>
> 16) AUX-RX ANT connection. It’s to the point now that often the low bands
> are only usable with some kind of special small receiving antenna, due to
> all the noise from consumer products.
>
> 17) NO BAND SCOPE. (Use the IF connector on the rear panel). Or use an
> ANT OUT, an external SDR, and Carl’s NP4Y software.
>
> 18) Power Out indicator (not just an ALC LED)
>
> 19) What else?
>
> 20) Bright Red-Orange Dot! ;-)
>
>
>
> I’m sure I have forgotten a few points, but mainly KEEP IT SIMPLE so that
> old eyes and old fingers can use it.
>
>
>
> I intentionally began this thread here rather than in the Eagle group
> because maybe if we get these changes, some of the people here (and not
> currently in the Eagle group) will join us.
>
>
>
> PIMP MY EAGLE!
>
>
>
> 73 - Rick, DJ0IP
>
> (Nr. Frankfurt, Germany)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>
>
> --
> Darrell Bellerive
> VE7IU
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