[TenTec] Who is doing true FSK with the ORION?

[Ralph Jerald 'Jerry'Volpe]

From:<k1zn at cox.net>
Subject: [TenTec] Who is doing true FSK with the ORION?
To:tentec at Contesting.com


Would like to know what controller or interface you are using. thanks,  K1ZN

I am using FSK with the Orion 565 (latest firmware). My controller is an LP printer connector adapter that I built some years back to use CWType. Details of that interface are on that website somewhere. Basically I bought a connector shell from RS, a few resistors, a couple diodes and a few 2N2222 transistors. They all fit in the shell easily. For FSK I am using just a small part of it..... basically one transistor, one diode, and two resistors.

The biggest issue is that there isn't an FSK specific connector on the back of the Orion. The FSK control line is a part of the Accessory jack. The breakout cable that TT sells did not provide access to that line. I built my own breakout box for about $20 that has all of the signals from that Accessory jack.

I use MMTTY, ExtFSK and DLPortIO to add LP port control. I also set up a friend's Orion. I pulled out the FSK line to the extra RCA connector on his Orion. I used a RASCAL kit interface with the appropriate interface cable to the Orion's Accessory jack. Since I didn't use the LP port (his computer didn't have one), I used ExtFSK (didn't need DLPortIO)set to a com port instead. Of course his computer only had USB ports so I added an eBay special Keyspan USB to Serial adapter. There are 'cheaper' adapters, but I never have problems when using a com port as a control port when I use a Keyspan... can't say the same for the cheap adapters.

So that is what I did in two difference installations.

Oh, I also have an isolating switch in mine so I can redirect the computer to the FSK circuit on my Omni-VI+.

73,

Jerry, KG6TT