[Orion] Resolving the low AUX audio output issue with firmware 5.059d

[Jerry Volpe]

It is somewhat interesting how certain aspects of the Orion's behavior 
can change with different firmware versions. Well I 'm not getting into 
the pros and cons of each variation, instead I am going to make a 
suggestion in passing of what I did to minimize certain variables in the 
future.

Problem Encountered:

I upgraded my shack computers to better M-Audio 2496 sound cards. These 
are very close cousins to the highly sought after Delta-44 series. 
Anyway, the new sound cards came and then I hit a wall. The fixed audio 
out of my Orion under version 2.059d was significantly less than what 
these higher quality sound cards required. Ouch.

Answer:

I obtained a small 'stick-on- headphone amplifier module from Radio 
Design Labs. The model I bought was the ST-SH1 (a new old stock item, 
currently replaced by the ST-SH2). This little black module, about the 
size of a business card and maybe 3/4" thick, has miniature screw 
terminals for balanced or unbalanced stereo audio in, 24 vdc, and left 
and right unbalanced audio out (high or low impedance). It also has 
independent level controls for each channel. Depending on how you 
interconnect (the one page instruction sheet is more than sufficient) 
you can even configure so that it provides ground isolation as well. 
This means you wouldn't need an additional transformer between it and 
your soundcard.  I ran the fixed AUX audio from the back of my Orion to 
both inputs on the ST-SH1, and then one output to my M-Audio sound card 
and the second output to my station's Mackie mixer panel. The separate 
audio level adjusts allowed me to get the exact fixed level I wanted for 
each application.

I don't know what these modules go for new but I obtained mine for less 
than $30 shipped. It was new old stock.

Now, I really don't care what the next firmware version does to the AUX 
output.... I'm ready!

73,
Jerry, KG6TT

-- 
Ralph Jerald "Jerry" Volpe
Amateur Radio Operator KG6TT
ARRL Member & VE
FISTS 12304

788 Chestnut Drive
Fairfield, CA 94533

kg6tt at arrl.net

510 325-7724
707 399-8838 FAX