Unless something has changed since I asked, this was the response on FSK;
73, -=Rog-K9RB=-
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ten-Tec Inc. Amateur Radio Sales" <sales@tentec.com>
To: "Roger Borowski" <K9RB@bellsouth.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 11:25 AM
Subject: Re: Orion
> At 07:51 PM 1/8/03 -0500, you wrote:
> >Looking through the specs published on the web site,
> >I don't see any true FSK mode. Is that an oversight on my part or is
> >there no provisions for true FSK. I understand that the new digital
> >software RTTY programs use AFSK, but I have yet to find a software
program
> >perform as well as my TNC, which requires true FSK, as most TNC's do. I
> >hope there is an FSK input jack, but with no talk about FSK, I have to
ask.
>
>
> Yes - true FSK operation is supported.
>
> Scott Robbins, W4PA
>
If it has changed, I just lost all interest in an Orion. It also appears
that there are no provisions for QSK keying of a QRO Brand Amplifier with
QSK that requires a 9-12VDC signal from the exciter for optimal switching to
prevent hot keying the amp. The relay keying is -150VDC and besides that,
hot switching does occur when switching the relay at CW speeds. KenYaeCom's
all provide this 12 VDC signal for QSK keying, (or whatever else) and if the
Orion doesn't, thats another issue that just isn't up to 21st century
transceiver design. I believe the Commander Series of Amps, besides the
QRO's, and maybe some others (Acom's?) also key QSK via a 12 VDC signal to
prevent hot keying that the relay in most transceivers usually cause.
Although I'm sure some digging into the circuitry may find a point that can
be used, maybe with the addition of a few switching components for this but
it is a big oversight in my opinion to have to modify a top end rig right
out of the box to work with a non Ten-Tec amplifier,....or maybe it wasn't?
For the non-tech's, maybe they'll just buy the new matching amp.....I'd say
that would not be the case for the majority already owning such a QSK
Amplifier. Another course may be to work with an external keyer modified to
have dual outputs, but that gets into other areas with Logging and contest
software keyboard keying requiring dual outputs also, which starts to get
messy. Speaking of PC control, I wonder where that documentation is and if
it has been released to the ham software designers or when PC control with
all the popular logging and contesting programs will be ready? The
documentation in the Orion manual avoids the subject and that doesn't sit
right either. It seems to me that most people receiving their Orions are
thrilled to have a new toy after waiting so long. It also seems that these
people comprise ragchewers and casual operators who like to compare and
play, and there is nothing wrong with that. But, if the intent of Ten-Tec
was to have a rig that is revolutionary to serious DX'ers and contesters,
who 99.9% utilize PC controls for total station operation as well as
logging, so far, we haven't seen anything really new except stereo, and are
still waiting for some real-world reports, which we probably won't see until
rig control via programs used by contesters and DX'ers becomes reality. I'm
still hopeful but it looks like the early announcement and increasing
pressures for shipping wound up superceding what could have been, with
enough focus and time, a complete revolutionary package that I, and other
contesters and DX'ers had hoped for. 73, -=Rog-K9RB=-
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