[1000mp] ORION X FT 1000MP and IC 756 PROII

[Bill Tippett]

PY2FR wrote:

 > have you detected any shortcomings problems with the Orion ?

         Of course...every radio has shortcomings and Orion is no exception.
The most current firmware release (1.367) has shortcomings in several
areas - VFO tuning that sounds "digital", no PTT control on CW (only
Semi-Breakin and QSK), somewhat complex to set up Split operation,
steep learning curve to use Digital AGC and occasional "crashes" are
probably tops on my list.  However, the good news is that many of these
can be improved in future firmware revisions.  Thus far, Ten-Tec has
made many improvements, and the only hardware change (headphone impedance)
was implemented on radios manufactured June 1 and later.

 > pse share with us your positive or negative ( if any) impressions.

         I mainly evaluate radios in contests and trust these as the most
valid tests for my use.  Comments on Orion are embedded in the following
contest summaries:

CQ WW SSB (#1 USA SOSB10):
http://dayton.akorn.net/pipermail/3830/2003-October/082808.html

CQ WW CW (#1 USA SOSB10):
http://dayton.akorn.net/pipermail/3830/2003-December/084360.html

ARRL 160 (I just played in this one):
http://dayton.akorn.net/pipermail/3830/2003-December/084884.html

CQ 160 CW (#4 USA SOHP):
http://dayton.akorn.net/pipermail/3830/2004-January/087156.html

 > Is Orion that much better than the FT 1000MP or the IC 756PRO II ???

         I previously had a 1996 vintage MP but I've never used a PRO II.
Thus far, I like Orion better than the MP, mainly because of the
excellent receiver front-end performance under extreme QRM in contests
and low-band pileups.  I also admit a strong personal bias against
any company that stonewalls serious issues like Yaesu has done with
key clicks in the entire 1000 family.  I believe the first FT-1000D I
used was at W7XR (multi-multi) in the late 80's or early 90's.  Shame
on Yaesu for continuing to manufacture products with known serious
defects for nearly 15 years and doing nothing about it.  One of the
most impressive aspects of Orion has been Ten-Tec's customer focus
and willingness to incorporate customer feedback into Orion.  I
previously commented here on two improvements (31 January post).

 > It is known that Ten Tec has very good customer service maybe the
 > best in the industry.

         Someone recently asked me in a private message about their concerns
with buying a new radio.  Here is what I said about Orion:

         "I feel the same way you do about new products.  Normally
my rule of thumb is never to buy any new product for at least 1
year after introduction.  I decided to take a gamble on Orion (my
first Ten-Tec radio BTW) for the following reasons:

1.  The firmware update capability.
2.  I paid with a Platinum Visa which extends the warranty to 2
years.
3.  Ten-Tec's reputation for service and their relative proximity
(~5 hours away by car).

I shared exactly your exact concern about possible hardware
revisions which would require a return to the factory, but so far,
the only hardware change I am aware of is the headphone
change made back in June.  I have been amazed at the issues
Ten-Tec has been able to address with firmware changes only.
If you made a list of the biggest gripes you have seen, you will
likely see some of these addressed very soon.  Per the rules for
a beta tester, I am not allowed to say anything about these, but
they should be released before too much longer.  Again, these
are all done in firmware and will not require hardware changes."

         Tom, I hope this is of some use...my apologies for copying
previous comments.  It would be a major effort to write a more
complete review of Orion and besides these are already available
from ON4UN, ARRL and the Bavarian Contest Club.

                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV