[TenTec] Orion Mic Woes - Sounds like RFI but Wasn't

[N0KHQ at aol.com]

Hi Tom and Group,
 
If you want to know if you have the later version of the Orion, take a  
multi-meter and set it to OHMS. One lead will go to the Orion mic connector, the  
other lead will go to the ground wing nut on the back of the Orion. If the 
meter  shows a direct SHORT, you have the later version (this is because the Orion 
mic  connector is chassis grounded). If the meter shows an OPEN or any 
resistance at  all you have the earlier version. (Orion mic connector not chassis  
grounded).
 
Assuming Orion later version: (Orion mic connector grounded to  chassis)
 
There should be 2 wires coming off of the mic Element. Possibly white and  
(red or black). If you look real, real close at where the wires are soldered to  
the element you may see a + sign and a - sign. Maybe! If not, I would  choose 
the white wire as being the Audio hot lead (+ send) and the other  wire would 
be the Audio ground lead (- return) 
 
If I were you, I would purchase some good quality mic cable. This cable  will 
have 2 wires (usually white and red) that are surrounded by a shield  wire. 
Additional wires may be in the cable but they will be by them selves (not  
wrapped within the shield) these wires can be used for PTT or whatever).  Heil 
sells excellent mic cable, very well shielded.
 
The shield of the cable connects between the mic housing case and the mic  
connector on the other end of the mic cable. Thats all it does.
 
One of the wires that is surrounded by the mic cable shield wire will  become 
the audio hot lead + (send) usually white, the other wire will be the  audio 
ground lead - (return) usually red.
 
The Audio + lead (white (send)) will go to Pin #1 on the Orion,  the Audio - 
lead (red (return)) will go to Pin #2 on the Orion. PTT  wire (PTT grounds to 
chassis) (1 wire only) will go to Pin #3 on the  Orion. Inside your mic PTT 
switch you may have to run a wire from  there to the mic housing shield. 
 
Or
 
You can send your Audio in through the rear of the Orion like I do at line  
level and say "to hell with the Orion mic connector". There are 3 ways to  key 
the Orion, 1 is through the rear of the rig. The other is a 1/4" mono phone  
plug inserted into the "CW" on the front of the Orion (requires a Menu  change) 
and 3rd is to use the mic PTT Pin #3.
 
You have a whole lot of choices, just choose the right one for you.
 
Happy Holidays.
 
John / N0KHQ