Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: GE/Ericsson/MACom/ Harris Orion

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Base/Mobile (non hand-held)

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : GE/Ericsson/MACom/ Harris Orion
Reviews: 2MSRP:
Description:
Mobile transceiver 40 or 100 watts. Available on VHF Lo, VHF Hi, UHF, 800, 900, and can even be modified for 220
Product is not in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0025
WB8VLC Rating: 2016-07-22
excellent, all models 10 meter to 440 Mhz including 220 MHz Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have various Ge and MaCom branded orions for 10M, 6M, 2M, 220 MHz and 440 MHz and these are simply excellent radios.

I performed and documented the first 220 mod to these radios and it is simply one of the best 220 radios I ever used.

It comes in head to head comparison with my 220 MHz GE RANGR with it's hamflashed S990 control head but I still prefer the Orion 220 MHz model.

Similarly I have 10 meter, 6 meter 2 meter and 440 MHz orions and the sister GE RANGR models in the same band splits but all RANGR's have hamflashed S990 heads but I still prefer my nice compact reliable Orions.

After 9 years of almost daily use with my orion radio stacks I have never had an issue with anyone of these great radios.
K6ZRX Rating: 2015-06-13
Versatile radio with many configuration options Time Owned: more than 12 months.
These radios are simply one of the best mobile radios I have ever seen. You have many options on how to physically configure your system. Two radios can be controlled by one control head, with each radio operating independent form the other. Control head option include a basic "scan" head, a full keypad "systems" head or a hand held control unit which is a combination mic and control head with full keypad. The HHCH makes for an easy installation of a dual band commercial radio in modern cars.

The programming cable is a simple DB-37 to DB-9 cable with no level converter necessary. The radios handle RS-232 levels. The programming software allows you to save "frequency sets" that can be used with other models of radio (other mobiles like the M7100 or HT's like the MP-A or P7100), saving large amounts of time when programming.

With the TX power of a 100 watt radio turned down to around 75, they handle ham duty cycle well. Modification to ham use are simple with only the need to adjust the VCO on some models. 35-50 model takes a little playing with the low pass filter for good operation on 6 meters. TX power is set in software, not the little pot on the PA, so don't touch it! Many models are narrowband capable, and sometimes you get lucky and find one with digital.