[TenTec] Orion problem with SteppIR control box...any Seattle-area Orion owners?

[Torrey L. Mitchell]

Recently I received my long awaited Orion.  What a rig!

I was dismayed to discover that the design of the SteppIR control box did not allow automatic control of the elements as the rig frequency changes.  I called SteppIR and they confirmed the problem.  Seems the fixed baud rate of 57,600 from the Orion was not considered in the design of the control box.

To SteppIR's credit, they have been working hard on a serial interface board modification for the Orion.  They've had my control box for almost three weeks now.  They think they have figured out the modification but presently have no Orion to beta-test the fix.  Until they receive an Orion or can use someone else's...my control box and therefore my only beam antenna are not available to me.

Help!  Mike K7IR at SteppIR is looking for an Orion owner in the general Seattle area.  He's wanting to be able to spend an hour or two at some Orion owner's shack to test out the Orion serial board mod.  Any volunteers?  We'd all really appreciate it!

You could email me or email support at steppIR.com or phone me at 515-78-2354 or call SteppIR at 425-391-1999.

Many thanks and 73's,
Torrey N9AUJ