[TenTec] Re: Orion - Jupiter Mic Ground and Other Stuff

[N0KHQ at aol.com]

If you experience a "hum" using an SDR type of rig. You need to check the 
120vac you are using. I strongly suggest that these rigs use a dedicated 120vac 
circuit. I use the same circuit that our clothes washer is using. That way, if 
the washer is not running the circuit is clean. Avoid using multiple 
receptacles for your station.......instant ground loop. Avoid using the same power 
circuits that may be tied into other appliances. Instant TVI and other bad stuff. 
Keep your computer monitor as far away from your station as you can. If you 
cant then you will have to change the monitor refresh rate......try 85hz.

Another thing you will want to do is to use a TT-1251 RF Counterpoise Tuner 
with buried radials for each band/frequency you plan on using. It works!!

If you look inside the Orion, Jupiter and Peg you will notice that the mic + 
and Mic Grnd go to a board, and from there......who knows.

I suggest that a ground wire be attached to the mic connector (on the inside) 
and then grounded to the chassis. The shield of your mic cable will ground to 
the mic cable connector. This will provide a balanced input for your mic.

For more information on grounding and providing power to computer systems 
please visit the Internet and start reading.

If you use an audio transformer such as a Jenson your mic will not be 
physically connected to the rig......it will be connected magnetically.

Once you get a handle on how to provide proper grounding and proper power for 
SDR type rigs your problems will go away.

If you are unhappy with your Orion/Jupiter and you dont want to invest the 
time to correct the above issues then I suggest you send the rig back to TT or 
sell it.

These rigs are computers in an RF environment and should be treated as such.

To those hams that are not experiencing any grounding or power 
issues......thats great.

I'm going to do a small write up and possibly to have it published on the 
Unofficial Ten-Tec site soon.  

Have a good day. :-)


73
John / N0KHQ / St. Louis

Always on 18.130

Antennas:

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http://www.ssb-audio.com/forum/