[TenTec] ORION - RF output is not stable

[I2DMI]

Martin, Bob,
thank you for the messages.
 
My idea is a little bit different. 
If that were an only software (s-meter) related problem, the current
absorption should be constant. 
Sometimes the output power reduces approx 10/8W at the beginning of the
transmission, then when reduced the variation continues about (+ and -) 2/3W
values. 
It is more real then apparent because I read all these variation on the
digital display of my antenna tuner (MFJ-993). The RF power-out value
appears like the numbers of a slot machine, with ... some relaxing-stop!
I'll continue testing. My amplifier also doesn't like unstable driving RF !!
 
I hope this problem is not related to some defective component of my
ORION.(one week old!)
 
thank you
Frank - I2DMI
 
-----Original Message-----
 
I spoke to TenTec about this about a month ago and what they told me is
exactly what Martin suggested as the reason for the apparent variation.
It's more apparent than real.
 
Bob W2WG
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Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 1:18 PM
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Cc:  <http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec> ditsnbits at
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Subject: Re: [TenTec] ORION - RF output is not stable
 
I can repeat this in CW mode, especially when
adjusting for moderate power, around 50 W.  The Orion
power meter fluctuates by up to 10% a few times per
second.
 
The good news is that the actual output power is
fairly steady, as seen on my external SWR meter. 
(There are fluctuations at the few percent level,
however.) The problem seems to be in the meter
circuit.  The Orion meter is driven by the firmware
controller (DragonBall) through a digital to analog
converter.  I think what we are seeing is noise in the
power measuring and/or DAC circuits of the Orion.  It
does appear to be cyclical, but that probably relates
to some software cycle.