[TenTec] [Orion] Orion no Tx, no main Rx

[Barry Gross]

Martin, in case you haven't recently, definitely do a master reset of
the Orion.

Does the problem exist without the amp?

It's been a while, but I think I've seen similar behavior in my radio
although I can't recall the details.

73,
Barry N1EU

On 8/28/06, Martin AA6E <aa6e at ewing.homedns.org> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I've had years of mostly happy experience with my barefoot Orion.  So
> recently decided to install an SB-220 amp.  This one has a number of the
> AG6K mods installed for QSK, bias cutoff, low-level keying control,
> anti-parasitics, etc.
>
> I installed the amp and was able to load it up and operate CW on various
> bands and antennas.  No sign of trouble, no RF in shack.  The amp is
> using the Orion's Amp Key output.
>
> What has happened twice now, is that the Orion (1.373b5) is hung up in
> an odd state:
>
> -No main Rx signal (normal noise, however).  Sub Rx is fine on same VFO
> and same antenna input.  No change in main Rx noise with preamp or
> attenuator settings.  Main Rx hears nothing on either antenna input or
> on Rx ant.
>
> -No Tx level. (normal CW sidetone, however)  When you key the rig, the
> Amp Key output is asserted and the panel meter goes to zero.  There is
> no RF out.
>
> At first I thought I had somehow blown something in the Main Rx system
> and was contemplating a shipment to TN.  (Though when the Tx was
> working, I had no indication of trouble with the amp on or amp off.)
>
> I tried all the known Orion resets, power, master, battery, etc.  No
> effect. Changing bands, modes, disconnecting amp control has no effect.
>
> But then I was fiddling with the buttons (couldn't tell you which) and
> the Rx came back!  That was yesterday.  Today the problem has come back...
>
> It kind-of feels like a dead early IF or mixer stage, and I kind-of
> remember having this experience one time a while back without the amp.
>
> So before starting wheels turning with TT, I thought I would ask the
> net-mind for its wisdom.  Is this a known problem?  Can you think of
> other tests to try?
>
> TIA
>
> 73 Martin AA6E
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