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

[Edward Crawford]

Are you familiar with the SteppIR Fluid Motion Yagi? It has variable length elements which change length to tune the match as you change frequency or bands sort of like the screwdriver mobile antennas, and you can change the front to the back or back to front without turning the antenna. Apparently they are trying to interface the SteppIR control box to automatically frequency or band track with the Orion, and the guy wants to use someone's Orion to test the interface.
I think this is about as non technical answer as you can get as I don't have either one and don't know how they work.

73. Ed/w4wvw
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ron Pletter<mailto:ron at plet.net> 
  To: tentec at contesting.com<mailto:tentec at contesting.com> 
  Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2004 9:05 PM
  Subject: RE: [TenTec] Orion problem with SteppIR control box...anySeattle-area Orion owners?


  Although I don't own an Orion, but merely an Omni VI+, I have subscribed to
  this reflector for many years now, mainly because I learn so much by reading
  the postings of those more learned than I.  However the referenced posting
  went zoom right over my head.  Could someone explain the problem in 4th
  grade, OK, 6th grade language.

  Much appreciated

  Ron KG2BN

  -----Original Message-----
  From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com<mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com>
  [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Torrey L. Mitchell
  Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2004 12:40 PM
  To: tentec at contesting.com<mailto:tentec at contesting.com>
  Subject: [TenTec] Orion problem with SteppIR control box...any
  Seattle-area Orion owners?


  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<mailto: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
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