The ongoing discussion about Orion is interesting but is this discussion
addressing the real issues for Ten Tec?
Lets ask just four questions now and then later review to see the path that
Ten Tec chooses to take.
Question One.
Will Orion by another "me two" high end transceiver with some features
marketed by Ten Tec to attempt to differentiate the new product?
Question Two.
Will Orion have a significant unique capability that is real and
quantifiable beyond the unique Ten Tec ownership of the best QSK going?
Question Three.
Will Orion avoid the recent spate of problems that recent Ten Tec offerings
have had all the way from chirp (Omni), VFO instability (Scout), Pegasus
DSP tones in the noise etc?
Question Four.
Five years after introduction will the Orion be the radio of choice for
those who seek the very best?
I would encourage a vigorous discussion on this forum of what features are
needed to create a new unique Ten Tec capability in Orion, to not only
identify capabilities but also to quantify the value to the amateur
community of the capability. I further suggest a vigorous discussion of
the value of a 1000 knobs and buttons, a la FT1000MP Mark IV what ever,
versus a high level of function integration without the knobs and
buttons. The value of a no front panel option a la TS-2000 etc.
Ten Tec has brought some interesting new talent into the development
process, it is important as I see it, to ensure that the talent is guided
by economics but also by a commitment to make at least one new major
contribution to the art. Equally important is that the talent be
constrained to avoid a screw up as noted above in recent products. If the
notion of "screw up" bothers some, then consider it as "undocumented
features" of the products.
Larry
VA3LK
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