[TenTec] Orion and Soundcard Interface

[k8jdc at sbcglobal.net]

All - I found my problem with the insufficient drive into the Aux port of my 
Orion.  At the same time I received my Orion, I also switched computers. 
I'm using a Dell Dimension computer and I finally figured out that the rear 
audio port is line level output and is way too low to drive the Orion even 
with the audio output cranked full-right.  I eventually tried the 
front-panel headphone port and it has plenty of drive even with the Aux Gain 
set down to about 20 and the computer's audio level turned down a bit.  So, 
problem solved.  Just thought I'd post the solution...

73,
Dave / K8JDC

** Original Message **

I built a cable to connect my Orion (via the Aux I/O connector) to my PK-232 
tonight.  My PK-232 includes the optional built-in "PSK" soundcard interface 
which has worked fine on my Icoms.  Even with the Aux input gain turned up 
to 100 (using software V1.372) and the computer output full-up, I can't get 
enough transmit drive to generate any RF output.  I can hear the PSK31 
transmission very faintly through the monitor circuit, but I can't increase 
the drive enough.  There's an adjustment on the PSK circuit card inside the 
PK-232, but it's full-up also.  The regular PK-232 TNC modes (RTTY, etc.) 
have plenty of drive and I can get 100 watts output.  The problem only 
occurs when the soundcard portion is active.  The Aux input is so low that I 
can't get the VOX to activate even with the VOX set to the most sensitive 
setting.  (The soundcard receive is also pretty low, but I think it's 
probably good enough to use).

I know the Orion can be used (for soundcard modes) without the interface, 
but I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions on this.  Can I get more 
gain going through the front-panel mic connector?  Thanks...

Dave / K8JDC