I REALLY don't want to sell off this station as it is the best station I
have ever had (the Elecraft K2 not withstanding). However, I have come to
the conclusion that I have waaaaayyyyyy too much gear. Therefore, I need to
downsize.
Up for sale is my Paragon-1, matching PSU (961 I think) and mic. Also
included is an LDG 200 W autotuner (bought new at the time I got the
Paragon). I procured this radio (subsequently the power supply and mic)
about 9 months ago.
I have over $1300 in this station. I would like to get $1000 for everything.
The Paragon has been upgraded with the Gihel chip. The Paragon has the
RS-232 board, which is very hard to find. Also, the Paragon has a full set
of IF filters installed. This radio was aligned by Ten-Tec about 2 weeks
before I bought it. I have the original manuals for the radio and the tuner.
This is a great radio station. I just can't justify keeping it when I need
to downsize the station due to an upcoming move.
$1000 takes the entire station. I will not split it up, so please don't ask.
This radio is a 9.5 on a 10 scale. I will ship via FedEx, and insure the
entire shipment for $1300.
If you are interested PLEASE contact me off-line and I will provide
pictures. This is a great station, and whoever gets it will be pleased.
73 Rich K7SZ
----- Original Message -----
From: <tentec-request@contesting.com>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 7:29 PM
Subject: TenTec Digest, Vol 43, Issue 9
> Send TenTec mailing list submissions to
> tentec@contesting.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> tentec-request@contesting.com
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> tentec-owner@contesting.com
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of TenTec digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Lousy eHam review (wo8l@aol.com)
> 2. Re: Lousy eHam review (jmalloy)
> 3. Lousy eHam review (John Rippey)
> 4. Re: Lousy eham review (Brad Bradford)
> 5. Re: Lousy eHam review? (William Lee)
> 6. Re: Lousy eHam review? (jack)
> 7. Re: Lousy eHam review? (Donald Watters)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 03 Jul 2006 20:11:33 -0400
> From: wo8l@aol.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <8C86D158A7979C8-1454-1B80@MBLK-R07.sysops.aol.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Hi,
>
> I hope the guy who wrote the review will take my e-mail address and sell
> me the rig for $100.
>
> 73s,
>
> Rick
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Rippey <jrippey@3n.net>
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Sent: Sat, 1 Jul 2006 19:21:42 -0700
> Subject: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review
>
>
> I just read a review on eHam.net of the Jupiter. The ham gives it a
> "0" and calls it "junk." No specifics, just "junk." He complains that
> his first review disappeared from the eHam web site, and I hope it
> was done on purpose. What possible value is such a dumb "review"?
>
> 73,
> John, W3ULS
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and
> IM. All on demand. Always Free.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:47:03 -0400
> From: jmalloy <jmalloy@stny.rr.com>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <44A9F2C7.7000808@stny.rr.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> Toby Pennington wrote:
>> I was just forwarded an email from the poster of the Lousy eHam Review
>> describing his experience with the Jupiter and Ten Tec. He seemed to
>> have
>> some very real issues with the Jupiter including RF problems which could
>> not
>> be resolved. His ground system was installed under his house when it was
>> built, and all his other rigs worked very well and he has quite a few
>> well
>> known rigs. Other issues involved how he was handled by Ten Tec
>> personel.
>> It seems like someone may have dropped the ball at TT to some extent.
>>
>> I have had really bad rf problems before and it can drive you nutty
>> trying
>> to fix it. The guy was fed up and it shows in his post. Happy July 4th
>> all!
>>
> I don't know what the problem is (I have my thoughts about it, though)
> with some people and the Jupiter, but I had one for a few years before
> trading it in on the Orion and I thought it was a pretty good radio.
> Transmit audio was very nicely adjustable, receive audio was plentiful,
> and the software was field updatable and stable. No RF or grounding
> problems here and I used it on all bands, modes and power levels with
> nary a problem (and believe me, I didn't have a very advanced antenna
> system at the time (still have a basic, but better one) or grounding
> system -- a G5RV and a pipe 8' in the ground!). I'm not a DX'er but
> worked numerous countries on all the upper bands (okay, maybe the
> sunspots had something to do with it!). As far as I was concerned, it
> was and, as far as I know, a great radio -- for its price point.
>
> Maybe some people expect more.
>
> 73,
>
> Joe, W2RBA
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 13:23:36 -0700
> From: John Rippey <jrippey@3n.net>
> Subject: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <33410901-4CF8-4A7B-A3A6-E924DE2DE9C9@3n.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> I appreciate all of the comments. Even though the reviewer may have
> had some valid issues with the Jupiter, I cannot but feel sorry for
> any brand-new hams who might stumble across his "review." Totally
> unhelpful and full of bile. What is a newbie to think?
>
> Aren't we supposed to be attempting to bring new blood into the
> hobby? This kind of posting cannot be helpful in that regard. Oh,
> well . . .
>
> A satisfied Jupiter owner wishing a Happy Fourth to all.
>
> 73,
> John, W3ULS
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Tue, 04 Jul 2006 13:06:59 -0500
> From: "Brad Bradford" <y2kbrad@hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eham review
> To: tentec@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <BAY109-F2896530510A86631E567DAFA710@phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
>
> Well, I just read the E-review on the Jupiter being rated "JUNK". I've
> learned a couple of things worth mentioning:
>
> 1. from the work go??? Did he mean the WORD go or can he NOT SPELL WORD -
> Dah!!
>
> 2. If a person is POSTING their comments, and WON't comment on his/her
> findings, then it must have been that time of the month, so how can you
> intelligently interpret what ISN't there? Dah!!
>
> 3. Now it has been OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED, "THAT YOU CAN HOLD AN EXTRA CLASS
> LICENSE AND BE A IDIOT AT THE SAME TIME!! Dah!!
>
> But I do agree that the Jupiter is "JUNK"!!
>
> "J" Stands for Jupiter
>
> "U" United States Engineered and Manufactured
>
> "N" New "SDR" Technology
>
> "K" Stands for a KEEPER!!
>
>
> His comments, albeit may not be appreciated, THANK GOD this is America,
> and
> he has the right to say so. Thank GOD the Constitution DOES NOT state
> that
> you have to be INTELLIGENT to be PROTECTED!!
>
> Guess I'll go listen to Rush Limbaugh and watch the Simpson's on TV!! No,
> I'm going to turn on my JUPITER and listen in the Extra Class segment of
> the
> bands and maybe I'll learn something!! Dah!!
>
>
> Brad Bradford
> W9GOD / NNN0PKC Navy Marine Corps MARS
>
> <html><DIV><FONT color=#009966>With appreciation(!!) </FONT></DIV>
> <DIV><FONT color=#009966></FONT></DIV><FONT color=#009966>Very truly
> yours,
> </FONT>
> <DIV></DIV>
> <DIV><FONT color=#009966></FONT></DIV><FONT color=#009966><IMG height=12
> src="http://graphics.hotmail.com/emsmile.gif"; width=12>Brad Bradford<IMG
> height=12 src="http://graphics.hotmail.com/emsmile.gif";
> width=12></FONT></html>
>
>
>
>
>>From: "Phil Chambley, Sr." <k4dpk@comcast.net>
>>Reply-To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
>>To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
>>Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eham review
>>Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 22:12:42 -0400
>>
>>Occasionally, one happens to buy a radio that is just a little smarter
>>than
>>the buyer.
>>
>>Phil
>>VFO Stabilizers and PEP adapters for wattmeters...Check out
>>http://home.comcast.net/~k4dpk
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "Rob Atkinson, K5UJ" <k5uj@hotmail.com>
>>To: <tentec@contesting.com>
>>Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 10:05 PM
>>Subject: [TenTec] Lousy eham review
>>
>>
>>I read that one a day or two ago. At the time I thought it probably came
>>from an inexperienced ham. Could be wrong but to me that's the way it
>>looked. I'm not a big jupiter fan but this kind of review is not useful.
>>
>>rob / k5uj
>>
>>_________________________________________________________________
>>Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
>>http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>----
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>TenTec mailing list
>>TenTec@contesting.com
>>http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>TenTec mailing list
>>TenTec@contesting.com
>>http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 14:58:54 -0500
> From: "William Lee" <n5wrx@stx.rr.com>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review?
> To: <kg6tt@arrl.net>, "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment"
> <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <001401c69fa4$47c05dc0$6501a8c0@PACKARDBELL>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> Jerry, now that was a good objective review of your experiences and
> opinions
> about Ten Tec radios.
> Well worded and a good read.
> Thanks.
> I am a Ten Tec fan and enjoy my Paragon and Pegasus but have been strongly
> considering the Orion.
> The only thing that has kept me from buying one has been the cost HI Hi.
> However, I have been hearing more and more good things about the Omni VI+.
>
> Is the VI+ reciever really that much better than the Paragon or is it a
> matter of features and controls?
>
> Perhaps I should find a good VI + (within my curent budget) and wait a
> year
> or so to see where the Orion will go.
>
> William Lee N5WRX
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jerry Volpe" <kg6tt@arrl.net>
> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 12:41 PM
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review?
>
>
>> It is too bad that the poster did not bother to try to explain himself.
>> And of course the '0' rating is a dead giveaway of someone who is having
>> a very bad day. :) However I think there is a tendency to 'circle the
>> wagons' whenever someone speaks out against the fold!
>>
>> I don't think that there is anyone who actually knows me that could say
>> that I am not a Ten-Tec fan. I currently have and use twelve different
>> Ten-Tec transceivers and amplifiers in my shack and had my first Ten-Tec
>> well over 30 years ago. And I always enjoy an opportunity to 'share the
>> Ten-Tec' experience with others. It was rather amazing to see two very
>> experienced CW contesters at Field Day who had never seen a Ten-Tec
>> before. They were amazed at how well the Omni-IV+ worked... how
>> intuitive too. Fact is that there are probably hundreds of thousands of
>> hams in the US who have never actually seen a Ten-Tec in person. Shame.
>> Having said that, and getting back on topic, let me add my own
>> observations and experiences regarding the Jupiter and more importantly
>> perhaps some recent shifts in attitudes and abilities at Ten-Tec. Some
>> of my own 'Jupiter' experiences genuinely soured me a bit and have
>> actually kept me from investing in an Orion as yet.
>>
>> 1. I bought a new Jupiter a bit over two years ago and used it as my
>> primary rig for six months. Used it every day. Fought the RF demons et
>> al. There were aspects of the Jupiter that I did appreciate.
>> Nevertheless I had many dissatisfactions. Far too many for a rig that
>> cost me nearly $2000 delivered (ps, speaker, keypad, etc). So when
>> someone volunteered an even trade.... my Jupiter for their Omni-VI+ it
>> didn't take me long to say yes and I have never looked back! I LOVE the
>> Omni-VI+. It nicely fills the need in my shack for a serious DX and
>> contest machine. There is simply no comparison between it and the
>> Jupiter. Now of course Ten-Tec will be the first to say you can't
>> compare Apples and Oranges. Yet I say you can as the same money a ham
>> has to spend for the Jupiter will net them the Omni-VI+ (topic for a
>> different discussion).
>>
>> In fact, of all the Ten-Tec rigs that I have owned then sold or traded
>> only two come to mind as non-regrets.... the Jupiter and its brother the
>> RX-350. Never-the-less I would not give either a '0' rating, but
>> probably a '3' and feel comfortable doing so. Had Ten-Tec sold these for
>> about $400 less I would probably rate them a '4'. Remember, my opinion.
>>
>> 2. This part bothers me far more than the quirks of the Jupiter.... the
>> subtle but very apparent shift in attitudes at Ten-Tec these last years.
>> Technical support and development appears to be generally strong, yet
>> there is a sense that they are 'over tasked' and I think it shows at
>> times. In addition there appears to be a slow reduction of Ten-Tec
>> offerings as well. Inside information suggests that a key developer
>> responsible for the core of Ten-Tec's DSP technology left the company.
>> This had to have an impact. It did when I worked as an engineer at
>> Heathkit and someone with a unique skillset to a product development
>> left the company. It is also my sense that the Orion project seriously
>> depleted other Ten-Tec enterprises for the past perhaps three years,
>> maybe four.... and to me that is unfortunate. I guess for Orion and
>> Orion II owners though it only seems fair. I have my doubts though as
>> there are far larger markets that could be addressed more effectively.
>>
>> Lastly there is a sense of marketing insincerity taking place at
>> Ten-Tec. Who writes their ad copy??? One only needs to look at the
>> Jupiter (and previous Pegasus) ads and the trumpeted statements like
>> "Never Gets Old...... New Updates"... blah, blah, blah. Yet those of us
>> who bought the RX-350 (which hasn't seen an update since 2002 and has
>> definite 'bugs'.... yes BUGs) only to be told that development ceased on
>> this product some time back yet the 'forward thinking' ads continue....
>> And the Pegasus?... And the Jupiter? Yes there was finally a mild
>> firmware update to the Jupiter earlier this year, but it was rather mild
>> and inconsequential overall. Oh let us not forget the original Orion
>> owners who would still like to finally benefit from the version 2
>> firmware work and have a genuinely stable and reliable Orion (1), but
>> there most certainly hasn't been a lock-step in development between the
>> two transceivers. Maybe this means nothing. Maybe it simply means that
>> there are limited resources and the lion's share goes to the darling of
>> the moment. Maybe it explains why so many Orion owners are dumping a one
>> or two year old transceiver to buy the newer version. My gosh! We have
>> become Icom!
>>
>> Have a great Fourth of July!
>>
>> Jerry, KG6TT
>> Fairfield, CA
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TenTec mailing list
>> TenTec@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 17:16:11 -0600
> From: "jack" <jfriend31@comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review?
> To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <000601c69fbf$d9366b30$7dbe0a18@homes5bvzdaouw>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> don't wait! i like the Orion (1) so much i have two (2) of them! bought
> the
> second when i decided i have two antennas so i need 2 Orions!
> jack ak7o
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "William Lee" <n5wrx@stx.rr.com>
> To: <kg6tt@arrl.net>; "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment"
> <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 1:58 PM
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review?
>
>
>> Jerry, now that was a good objective review of your experiences and
>> opinions
>> about Ten Tec radios.
>> Well worded and a good read.
>> Thanks.
>> I am a Ten Tec fan and enjoy my Paragon and Pegasus but have been
>> strongly
>> considering the Orion.
>> The only thing that has kept me from buying one has been the cost HI Hi.
>> However, I have been hearing more and more good things about the Omni
>> VI+.
>>
>> Is the VI+ reciever really that much better than the Paragon or is it a
>> matter of features and controls?
>>
>> Perhaps I should find a good VI + (within my curent budget) and wait a
>> year
>> or so to see where the Orion will go.
>>
>> William Lee N5WRX
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Jerry Volpe" <kg6tt@arrl.net>
>> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 12:41 PM
>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review?
>>
>>
>>> It is too bad that the poster did not bother to try to explain himself.
>>> And of course the '0' rating is a dead giveaway of someone who is having
>>> a very bad day. :) However I think there is a tendency to 'circle the
>>> wagons' whenever someone speaks out against the fold!
>>>
>>> I don't think that there is anyone who actually knows me that could say
>>> that I am not a Ten-Tec fan. I currently have and use twelve different
>>> Ten-Tec transceivers and amplifiers in my shack and had my first Ten-Tec
>>> well over 30 years ago. And I always enjoy an opportunity to 'share the
>>> Ten-Tec' experience with others. It was rather amazing to see two very
>>> experienced CW contesters at Field Day who had never seen a Ten-Tec
>>> before. They were amazed at how well the Omni-IV+ worked... how
>>> intuitive too. Fact is that there are probably hundreds of thousands of
>>> hams in the US who have never actually seen a Ten-Tec in person. Shame.
>>> Having said that, and getting back on topic, let me add my own
>>> observations and experiences regarding the Jupiter and more importantly
>>> perhaps some recent shifts in attitudes and abilities at Ten-Tec. Some
>>> of my own 'Jupiter' experiences genuinely soured me a bit and have
>>> actually kept me from investing in an Orion as yet.
>>>
>>> 1. I bought a new Jupiter a bit over two years ago and used it as my
>>> primary rig for six months. Used it every day. Fought the RF demons et
>>> al. There were aspects of the Jupiter that I did appreciate.
>>> Nevertheless I had many dissatisfactions. Far too many for a rig that
>>> cost me nearly $2000 delivered (ps, speaker, keypad, etc). So when
>>> someone volunteered an even trade.... my Jupiter for their Omni-VI+ it
>>> didn't take me long to say yes and I have never looked back! I LOVE the
>>> Omni-VI+. It nicely fills the need in my shack for a serious DX and
>>> contest machine. There is simply no comparison between it and the
>>> Jupiter. Now of course Ten-Tec will be the first to say you can't
>>> compare Apples and Oranges. Yet I say you can as the same money a ham
>>> has to spend for the Jupiter will net them the Omni-VI+ (topic for a
>>> different discussion).
>>>
>>> In fact, of all the Ten-Tec rigs that I have owned then sold or traded
>>> only two come to mind as non-regrets.... the Jupiter and its brother the
>>> RX-350. Never-the-less I would not give either a '0' rating, but
>>> probably a '3' and feel comfortable doing so. Had Ten-Tec sold these for
>>> about $400 less I would probably rate them a '4'. Remember, my opinion.
>>>
>>> 2. This part bothers me far more than the quirks of the Jupiter.... the
>>> subtle but very apparent shift in attitudes at Ten-Tec these last years.
>>> Technical support and development appears to be generally strong, yet
>>> there is a sense that they are 'over tasked' and I think it shows at
>>> times. In addition there appears to be a slow reduction of Ten-Tec
>>> offerings as well. Inside information suggests that a key developer
>>> responsible for the core of Ten-Tec's DSP technology left the company.
>>> This had to have an impact. It did when I worked as an engineer at
>>> Heathkit and someone with a unique skillset to a product development
>>> left the company. It is also my sense that the Orion project seriously
>>> depleted other Ten-Tec enterprises for the past perhaps three years,
>>> maybe four.... and to me that is unfortunate. I guess for Orion and
>>> Orion II owners though it only seems fair. I have my doubts though as
>>> there are far larger markets that could be addressed more effectively.
>>>
>>> Lastly there is a sense of marketing insincerity taking place at
>>> Ten-Tec. Who writes their ad copy??? One only needs to look at the
>>> Jupiter (and previous Pegasus) ads and the trumpeted statements like
>>> "Never Gets Old...... New Updates"... blah, blah, blah. Yet those of us
>>> who bought the RX-350 (which hasn't seen an update since 2002 and has
>>> definite 'bugs'.... yes BUGs) only to be told that development ceased on
>>> this product some time back yet the 'forward thinking' ads continue....
>>> And the Pegasus?... And the Jupiter? Yes there was finally a mild
>>> firmware update to the Jupiter earlier this year, but it was rather mild
>>> and inconsequential overall. Oh let us not forget the original Orion
>>> owners who would still like to finally benefit from the version 2
>>> firmware work and have a genuinely stable and reliable Orion (1), but
>>> there most certainly hasn't been a lock-step in development between the
>>> two transceivers. Maybe this means nothing. Maybe it simply means that
>>> there are limited resources and the lion's share goes to the darling of
>>> the moment. Maybe it explains why so many Orion owners are dumping a one
>>> or two year old transceiver to buy the newer version. My gosh! We have
>>> become Icom!
>>>
>>> Have a great Fourth of July!
>>>
>>> Jerry, KG6TT
>>> Fairfield, CA
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> TenTec mailing list
>>> TenTec@contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TenTec mailing list
>> TenTec@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 20:29:52 -0300
> From: "Donald Watters" <dwatters@ns.sympatico.ca>
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review?
> To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <003d01c69fc1$c06f1e10$0a02a8c0@DJQ2BX41>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> Lee -
>
> Should you decide on an OMNI 6 plus, by all means get a late model that
> has
> the factory installed VCXO and surface mounted components. The late rigs
> have very few birdies unlike the earlier production which has many..
>
> I had an early model that I was very fortunate to sell before I got a late
> model
> direct from T-T. Good luck, OM.
>
> 73 Don, VE1BN
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "William Lee" <n5wrx@stx.rr.com>
> To: <kg6tt@arrl.net>; "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment"
> <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 4:58 PM
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review?
>
>
>> Jerry, now that was a good objective review of your experiences and
>> opinions
>> about Ten Tec radios.
>> Well worded and a good read.
>> Thanks.
>> I am a Ten Tec fan and enjoy my Paragon and Pegasus but have been
>> strongly
>> considering the Orion.
>> The only thing that has kept me from buying one has been the cost HI Hi.
>> However, I have been hearing more and more good things about the Omni
>> VI+.
>>
>> Is the VI+ reciever really that much better than the Paragon or is it a
>> matter of features and controls?
>>
>> Perhaps I should find a good VI + (within my curent budget) and wait a
>> year
>> or so to see where the Orion will go.
>>
>> William Lee N5WRX
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Jerry Volpe" <kg6tt@arrl.net>
>> To: <tentec@contesting.com>
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 12:41 PM
>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Lousy eHam review?
>>
>>
>>> It is too bad that the poster did not bother to try to explain himself.
>>> And of course the '0' rating is a dead giveaway of someone who is having
>>> a very bad day. :) However I think there is a tendency to 'circle the
>>> wagons' whenever someone speaks out against the fold!
>>>
>>> I don't think that there is anyone who actually knows me that could say
>>> that I am not a Ten-Tec fan. I currently have and use twelve different
>>> Ten-Tec transceivers and amplifiers in my shack and had my first Ten-Tec
>>> well over 30 years ago. And I always enjoy an opportunity to 'share the
>>> Ten-Tec' experience with others. It was rather amazing to see two very
>>> experienced CW contesters at Field Day who had never seen a Ten-Tec
>>> before. They were amazed at how well the Omni-IV+ worked... how
>>> intuitive too. Fact is that there are probably hundreds of thousands of
>>> hams in the US who have never actually seen a Ten-Tec in person. Shame.
>>> Having said that, and getting back on topic, let me add my own
>>> observations and experiences regarding the Jupiter and more importantly
>>> perhaps some recent shifts in attitudes and abilities at Ten-Tec. Some
>>> of my own 'Jupiter' experiences genuinely soured me a bit and have
>>> actually kept me from investing in an Orion as yet.
>>>
>>> 1. I bought a new Jupiter a bit over two years ago and used it as my
>>> primary rig for six months. Used it every day. Fought the RF demons et
>>> al. There were aspects of the Jupiter that I did appreciate.
>>> Nevertheless I had many dissatisfactions. Far too many for a rig that
>>> cost me nearly $2000 delivered (ps, speaker, keypad, etc). So when
>>> someone volunteered an even trade.... my Jupiter for their Omni-VI+ it
>>> didn't take me long to say yes and I have never looked back! I LOVE the
>>> Omni-VI+. It nicely fills the need in my shack for a serious DX and
>>> contest machine. There is simply no comparison between it and the
>>> Jupiter. Now of course Ten-Tec will be the first to say you can't
>>> compare Apples and Oranges. Yet I say you can as the same money a ham
>>> has to spend for the Jupiter will net them the Omni-VI+ (topic for a
>>> different discussion).
>>>
>>> In fact, of all the Ten-Tec rigs that I have owned then sold or traded
>>> only two come to mind as non-regrets.... the Jupiter and its brother the
>>> RX-350. Never-the-less I would not give either a '0' rating, but
>>> probably a '3' and feel comfortable doing so. Had Ten-Tec sold these for
>>> about $400 less I would probably rate them a '4'. Remember, my opinion.
>>>
>>> 2. This part bothers me far more than the quirks of the Jupiter.... the
>>> subtle but very apparent shift in attitudes at Ten-Tec these last years.
>>> Technical support and development appears to be generally strong, yet
>>> there is a sense that they are 'over tasked' and I think it shows at
>>> times. In addition there appears to be a slow reduction of Ten-Tec
>>> offerings as well. Inside information suggests that a key developer
>>> responsible for the core of Ten-Tec's DSP technology left the company.
>>> This had to have an impact. It did when I worked as an engineer at
>>> Heathkit and someone with a unique skillset to a product development
>>> left the company. It is also my sense that the Orion project seriously
>>> depleted other Ten-Tec enterprises for the past perhaps three years,
>>> maybe four.... and to me that is unfortunate. I guess for Orion and
>>> Orion II owners though it only seems fair. I have my doubts though as
>>> there are far larger markets that could be addressed more effectively.
>>>
>>> Lastly there is a sense of marketing insincerity taking place at
>>> Ten-Tec. Who writes their ad copy??? One only needs to look at the
>>> Jupiter (and previous Pegasus) ads and the trumpeted statements like
>>> "Never Gets Old...... New Updates"... blah, blah, blah. Yet those of us
>>> who bought the RX-350 (which hasn't seen an update since 2002 and has
>>> definite 'bugs'.... yes BUGs) only to be told that development ceased on
>>> this product some time back yet the 'forward thinking' ads continue....
>>> And the Pegasus?... And the Jupiter? Yes there was finally a mild
>>> firmware update to the Jupiter earlier this year, but it was rather mild
>>> and inconsequential overall. Oh let us not forget the original Orion
>>> owners who would still like to finally benefit from the version 2
>>> firmware work and have a genuinely stable and reliable Orion (1), but
>>> there most certainly hasn't been a lock-step in development between the
>>> two transceivers. Maybe this means nothing. Maybe it simply means that
>>> there are limited resources and the lion's share goes to the darling of
>>> the moment. Maybe it explains why so many Orion owners are dumping a one
>>> or two year old transceiver to buy the newer version. My gosh! We have
>>> become Icom!
>>>
>>> Have a great Fourth of July!
>>>
>>> Jerry, KG6TT
>>> Fairfield, CA
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> TenTec mailing list
>>> TenTec@contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>>
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>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
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> End of TenTec Digest, Vol 43, Issue 9
> *************************************
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