You didn't mention what version of HRD you are using, but this is a known bug in version 5 and the first version 6 release; it was fixed in the latest version 6.

Try connecting with Eagle as the radio selection first. If it connects, close that connection, restart HRD, and then create a new connection with Orion as the selected radio. You might have to do this a time or two...Once the connection is established with Orion as the selected radio, it should connect OK on each restart of HRD.

Good luck!

73, N4UW

The IF output is not mentioned or shown in the Eagle's manual. However, if you look at the photo of the back panel on Ten-Tec's website, you will see a RCA jack labeled AUX1 that is not shown in the manual. This is the IF output. If you look for a used Eagle, be sure to ask if it has the jack. I'm not sure when it was added, but any Eagle made within the last year or so should have it.

The Eagle should work fine with the LP-Pan after changing the crystal, although inserting a buffer amp between them would not hurt. There are some software issues to work around if you desire full rig control from the panadapter software since none of the programs I'm aware of communicate directly with Ten-Tec radios. N4PY or Ham Radio Deluxe will translate rig control commands to a different protocol to make it work. With my Orion 2, I'm using HRD along with VSP MGR, LBP2, NaP3, and CW Skimmer. This setup works well for point-and-click selection of CW signals. If you are primarily a phone op, software setup is not quite as critical, but it is still nice to be able to click on signals on the panadapter display and have your rig go there.

The Ten-Tec Eagle has a 9 MHz IF output that will work with the LP-Pan by changing the crystal. The earliest production run models did not come with a rear-panel jack connection alreay installed but I think it can be added without too much trouble. Used Eagles show up for sale occasionally in your target price range.

Other possible Ten-Tec choices in that range are the Orion and Omni-VI/VI+, which also use 9 MHz as the 1st IF. They did not come with an IF output, but it can be added by installing a Clifton Laboratories buffer amp. He also makes one for the Elecraft K2. Installing the amp is fairly easy on the Omni-VI by splicing into an internal coax jumper, but it is not an IF-DSP type of rig. Installing one on an Orion is a bit more difficult due to having to desolder and remove a shield that covers the tap point. Check out VE7TK's website for more info about the Orion/Orion 2 mod.

Another route to take with an Orion is to add the RX-366 subreceiver board which already has a 9 MHz IF tap installed. The RX-366 is not exactly cheap, though.....

I have tried this on both an Omni-VI and Orion 2, and it works great with the LP-Pan.

The new Ten-Tec Argonaut VI also has the IF output, but it is QRP only and lacks a few other features. (no 12 or 60 meter coverage, no internal antenna tuner) It plus the companion external 100 watt amp is just above your price range.

Good Luck!

73,
Luther N4UW