[TenTec] Orion I RIT/XIT problem

[John T. Fleming]

I have a theory on the Orion XIT/RIT problem.  I now think the problem is
with the ribbon cable that is connected to J2B in drawing 81917_3.PDF in the
designator A8.  I traced through the encoder for the XIT/RIT and see that it
is indicated as ENC6A and B.  That is ENA_A6_1 and ENA_A6_2 on J2B.  When I
thought reheating the encoder pins cured the problem, actually I was flexing
the cable.  I don't know if Ten-Tec makes these cables, but I am wondering
is there may have been a bad batch of connectors.  My serial number is
06C10363.  I wonder what other serial numbers are having the same problem.
I bought my Orion 9-16-03.

 

To try to confirm this problem, I have removed the case from my Orion and
only have 2 screws on the top and 1 screw on each end of the front panel.
Now it the control quits again, I plan to carefully remove the screws and
just move the front ever so slightly.  If the control works again, I am
going to get a replacement cable and see it the problem is finally resolved.

 

73,

John