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

[RM]

I own an Icom 775DSP and an TenTec Orion.. 

As PY2FR stated, "every radio has shortcomings..........." 

However, I do not share the shortcommings that PY2FR stated.   I am running 
the latest firmware release also and only have the VFO 'digital' sound when 
I 'spin' the VFO knob; there is no digital sound when tuning SSB or CW 
signals.  Per their manual, TenTec provides push to talk for CW on the AUX 
connector on the back.  I do not use PTT on CW and would have to go with 
PY2FR on this one. 

Learning the AGC controls was easy for me, and if you review and understand 
the technical documents that TenTec have posted on their websites you should 
not have any problems (not much harder learning how to properly use the 
RF/Audio/AGC functions on the legacy radios). 

Split Mode, very similar to 'leagacy' radios, except you will not find the 
word Split any where on the front panel.  You push the button setting the 
transmitter to VFO B, and tune the split that you desire.  The only 
disadvantage is that you need to make sure that the VFOB is on the same 
band, and there is not provision for having a predetermined split when you 
move the tranmitter to VFOb. I typicall run my sub reciever on VFO B, which 
is similar to the Icom's 775 reciever Dual Watch. 

Haven't had the Orion crash since the 2nd to last firmware update (note: 
that the Orion is turned on every week night, and turned on friday evenings 
and left on till Sunday night)  I haven't run the 1KW amp yet to see if any 
RFI is getting into the receiver. 

My Orion's shortcoming is the bandscope...........This needs to get its own 
processor and improve its resolution as you narrow down its bandwidth....It 
has great potential as a tool, but not yet. 


Ron ....... NU1U 

Bill Tippett writes: 

> 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 
> 
>  
> 
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