[TenTec] Re: interface Orion with Writelog

[WB3LGC at aol.com]

I often see a request for help, but when you do a search of the contest.com 
archives, no results are found.  So I am providing my own reply to help others. 
 I did get a few direct replies that were helpful, too.
 
I am using WriteLog with a ten-tec Orion and a MicroHAM USB to DB9
interface.  I knew the Orion and WriteLog are OK, as I used a USB cable with 
RTS/CTS and it works.  I knew the DB9-E is OK, as I made a “loop back” for 
the DB9 connector pin 2 and 3 to make WriteLog think is was seeing the Orion.
I purchased a DB9-E (Elecraft) rather then the DB9-T for Ten-Tec because the “
E” had RCA connector for PTT and the Orion adapter cable also used RCA for 
PTT and audio.  It looked to me like the DB9-T has jumpers between RTS and CTS 
and/or ground to make the Orion talk? (fake out RTS and CTS). So I emailed 
support at microham.com and within 20 minutes I got a reply from Jozef OM7ZZ.  Yes, a 
jumper is needed between RTS and CTS (Pin 7 and 8), but use only with the 
Orion and not the Elecraft.  I made the upgrade and rig and computer now talk.  
Maybe I should have purchased the “T” version first and changed the PTT 
connector to RCA, but it was easier adding the jumpers after all is said and done.
 
BTW, I looked inside the MicroHAM usb to db9 box and it is very well made.  I 
like the LED’s on the front panel.  They helped determine I was talking to 
the Orion and verified the “loop back” was working.  I remember the “old days” 
of computer lights blinking at high rates and being able to tell what was 
going on…  The LED’s help!
 
73, Steve WB3LGC