[TenTec] Ten Tec Orion opinions

Thu Mar 9 00:45:08 EST 2017

John,

Just my few observations as a Orion 565 owner (we don't call em Orion 
1). I've had mine a good few years now and noticed a few things that 
seem to be common to this radio. First you need to check out the Wiki 
for the Orion, I'm sure Google will help there.

Performance wise it's pretty impressive. I have an Elecraft K3 side by 
side with the Orion and it's the Orion that gets the most use. I just 
like that big open space front panel, individual band keys with band 
stacking and the mode dependant soft keys. The true dual receiver makes 
Dxing easy and all the various tweaks means you can adjust it forever. 
The noise blanker seems weak, it might just be mine but my TS-940, after 
I adjusted it, would take out an S9 spark plug arc, as in no meter 
movement. The Orion doesn't do so well for me, with both the software 
and hardware blankers in operation it will have a go at line noise but 
no better than any others I think and of course it only really works if 
you keep the roofing filter set wide. The CW audio peaking filter in the 
latest firmware is great, a real help.

Hardware wise there are a few points to note. The small encoders have 
been seen to be iffy at times. It could just be connections but several 
have noted issues with the actual encoders and these, in original guise 
are not available. A few have had screen problems and again this 
requires some work to get it replaced. Not impossible but original 
screens are not available it seems. A failed processor chip would likely 
render the radio toast, these are pure unobtainium, though I've only 
ever heard of one real fried one. The power connector and fuse is a weak 
point and can cause weird resets and brown outs. The power regulator 
board has electrolytic capacitors that can fail leading to various 
problems. In a JA rig any of the above would likely render the radio 
scrap heap material but with a TenTec it's mostly fixable, processor aside.

It's a big box! I don't know if that was a marketing idea or what but 
it's far bigger than it needs to be. Had the boards been arranged 
vertically they could have kept the front panel the same size but made 
the radio 6 inches deep. Now that would be cool.

It's a TenTec. I had never owned one before this, I have a few more now. 
They work different to other radios, just something about the UI and how 
you approach it that's just not how you would expect it to be if you're 
coming from just plain JA boxes.

These are rigs you can work on and as time goes on that becomes more and 
more likely a necesity but the performance potential makes that 
worthwhile. This will help keep the resale values depressed, so actually 
buying a few for a lifetime of spares could be a good move. I know 
people who have done just that. It's a radio that will demand a fair bit 
from you if you are to get the best out of it but it will reward with 
some super performance. You just wont hear it in the first few hours, 
days, or months but for those with the "Fu" its some radio.

I've kept away from the comments about where the company is heading, 
it's clear that there are all sorts of things happening to try and 
resurrect it to some level of it's former self and it's probably in the 
hands of a guy more likely to succeed than anyone so hopefully there 
will be more to come. The reality is that the current position as seen 
by the ham radio gen-pop likely means that TenTec values could be down, 
at least for a while, get em while you can. There's also a lot of good 
stuff and support on this forum, the unofficial TenTec service centre :)

73

Martin, HS0ZED

On 08/03/2017 23:30, John Geiger wrote:
> HI John,
>
> How about the Orion I?  I read the QST reviews on both and the original
> Orion sounds better in some respects.  That is the model I have been seeing
> good prices on.
>
> 73 John AF5CC
>
> On Wed, Mar 8, 2017 at 2:15 PM, John Bescher via Tentec <
> tentec at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
>
>> I have used my Orion II for almost 8 years now.   Best rig I've ever
>> owned.  More features, clean signal, dependable, more reception capability,
>> more fun.
>>
>>
>> The only common problem is the internal battery which lasts 8 to 10
>> years.  You can change it yourself or send it to Tentec.  Its not a major
>> effort to fix.  It will loose memory and settings when the battery fails.
>> The radio will still operate.
>>
>>
>>
>> The biggest concern, of course, is the parent company. I am keeping my
>> fingers crossed.  Meanwhile Tentec still services their rigs.
>>
>>
>>   Look at all the other ham gear orphaned by manufactures no longer in
>> amateur radio business, yet those rigs are still popular and in demand:
>> Heathkit, Hallicrafters, Collins, National......and all the equipment that
>> is now old and no longer serviced by active vendors.  So, you take a chance.
>>
>>
>> My other rig is a Yaesu FT 1000 D.  Another classic rig, but not in the
>> same league with the Orion II.  Also have a Tentec Eagle and Icom 735, a
>> really old classic as backup backup.
>>
>>
>> If you find a Orion II in good shape and reasonable price, grab it.
>>
>>
>> 73....John Bescher, N4DXI
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: John Geiger <af5cc2 at gmail.com>
>> To: Tentec <Tentec at mailman.qth.net>
>> Sent: Wed, Mar 8, 2017 2:55 pm
>> Subject: [TenTec] Ten Tec Orion opinions
>>
>> I have seen some Ten Tec Orions going for pretty good prices now and wonder
>> what Ten Tec owners think of them.  Are they still pretty good rigs?   Any
>> real downsides to them, or common problems that show up with age on them?
>>
>> 73 John AF5CC
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