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write your own review of the N4PY Ten-Tec Orion Control Software.
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N9SW
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 3, 2003 10:16
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Makes the Orion fly!!!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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More than a few DXers have bought the Orion for its superb specs and operating flexibility, and have been fighting a learning curve and old habits from other rigs that have not had the programmability this one offers. To keep the number of buttons/knobs managable, there are lots of non-intuitive things to learn to maximize its operation. N4PY's Orion control software helps to simplify and actually enhance the features and flexibility of the rig itself, if a reasonably intuitive fashion.
How many times do you run across a station working on his own frequency who suddenly announces "UP3". With most rigs, including the Orion, you'll scramble to get both VFOs on the same band or frequency with A=B, than hit the Split button, and rapidly tune VFO B up 3 kHz, begin calling, and then occasionally hit the A/B switch to momentarily listen on your TX frequency. Hopefully you'll remember to hit A/B again to before transmitting so you're not TXing on the DX frequency and garnering the wrath of the kilocycle cops for your honest mistake. Wouldn't it be nice if you could do the same things in two button pushes, and gain the ability to listen to BOTH frequencies at once through Dual Receive, with DX on the Left and TX Freq. on the right in your headphones, with individually adjustable volumes and selectivity on each? If you own the TenTec 302 pod accessory, this program allows you to program the pod buttons with far more flexibility than the TenTec firmware itself does, so, following N4PY's guidelines, all you'll need to do is push Pod key #1 (SPLIT) followed by #2 through #9 to move TX up 2 to 9 kHz, and set all those other functions. What a blessing!
How about 60m? Simply mouse-click the 60M button switch everything to that band with the settings last used, and step through the proper 5 frequency channels (right-click up, left-click down.
There's lots more flexibility, but that's the idea. I'm not a keyboard control freak, but this is one program that makes me wish I could blank out the front panel display on the Orion to have less distraction and temptation to touch its panel controls, and concentrate on the computer screen. Carl is VERY responsive to suggestions and adjustments to his programs, and has a good dialogue with TenTec to keep up with firmware upgrades and changes. This program is well worth the investment!
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W9XX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 10, 2003 22:36
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Versatile Orion Control from your PC
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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N4PY carries on the tradition of excellent Ten-Tec control software he's shown with the Pegasus radio to the new Orion transceiver. One only has to read eHam reviews of his Pegasus software to appreciate the quality of Carl's work. Carl brings the Orion's front panel to the PC's screen and has added a number of extra control features as well. A trip to his web page discribing this program shows some of the added features too numerous to mention here. One unique feature is his "Smart VFO", that assigns the best receiver to the two VFOs essentually eliminating the ham and only limitation of the main receiver. The tradition of an extensive "Settings" menu allows custom Orion configurations in every mode. If the remote pod is in use, all the buttons but the "E" key have many functions that can be assigned to them. Some of the features of the Orion that require multiple button pushes now require only a single mouse click. CW ops will appreciate the ability to customize all of the AGC speeds, not just a single AGC selection. Control of transverters is incorporated. You like a CW keyboard? One's included. Want a whole flock of CW memories? There's many waiting for your programming.
While the initial software cost may seem high, remember this is a very sophisticated program that really brings extra features to the Orion. As with the Pegasus program, about every month expect a program update with new features suggested by users. Carl must be logged on to the internet 24/7 as a reply to a question seems instantaneous. His help file also leaves no stone unturned in describing every feature in detail. In short, you get more than your moneys worth and that's a sure sign of a quality product.
Visit Carl's web page to see a screen shot of the program and for more detailed information.
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