[TenTec] Original Orion Firmware

[AL7CR]

Mr. Henry,

My particular concern is a bug which causes loss of the aux audio output.  This has both been fixed and has returned during recent software revisions.  I would be most unfortunate if it returned as a result of your current efforts.

Equipment:

Model 565 with factory installed V2 modifications


Problem Description:

The aux audio output is lost when the sub receiver is in AM after the first time the transmitter is keyed.  The software must be rebooted to restore sub receiver audio.  This does not occur when the sub receiver is in SSB mode.  I commonly use the sub receiver for SWL and monitoring WWV.  Hence this bug is particularly annoying for my operating style.


Software Version History of Problem:

Version			Problem Status

2.055			exists

2.056			exists

2.059			exists

2.060b			resolved

2.061f			the identical problem returns  :(

2.062a			problem exists

2.063 Xg			problem once again resolved


I have carefully tested for this fault through the above software versions.  It occurs as described during every trial in software versions where it exists and never occurs in versions where it has been resolved.  It is for this reason I am certain it is related to the code rather than a corrupted software installation or a difficulty in my particular transceiver.

I primarily operate using digital modes.  It would be an advantage to be able to change the fixed level of the auxiliary output via a menu item.  I have operated the Orion for many hours with no external isolation interface.  However when connected in this manner optimizing the transmitted signal depends on the dynamic range of the soundcard input.  Many do not have adequate range for this purpose.  While an external buffer amplifier resolves this problem operating without one simplifies the system.

Thank you for your consideration of these issues.  I continue to enjoy my Orion and have always been satisfied by Ten Tec customer support and service.


Dean Shutt
AL7CR

On Aug 16, 2010, at 10:22 AM, Henry, John wrote:

> Hi,
> 
> As many of you know, and we have already announced, we are in the
> process of improving the Original Orion firmware.
> In that regard, I would like to get some more inputs and information.
> 
> What firmware version do you use now?
> Why do you use that version over another?
> I'm mainly looking for answers such as ... v x.xxx works NR better in
> yyy conditions.
> I would like for you to get as specific as possible, so that I make
> sure that the Orion firmware update does satisfy "most needs". If
> those comments are made in this forum, then it will also permit others
> to chime in on that same topic, and may bring out something completely
> different that is really required.
> Note: I said "most needs", reason I said it that way is because we are
> making improvements to a platform used by many end customers with many
> different operating desires, not making custom firmware to satisfy
> individual needs.
> 
> If you want to send me a personal email on this, great, I will look at
> the inputs.
> 
> However, I feel that a very good discussion amongst the end users on
> their needs, and known issues, is a better way to help improve the
> Orion firmware.
> 
> I also want to make one thing clear, the Orion V1 firmware, may be at
> a dead end. The reason I say that is because the Orion V1 firmware is
> at a state now where it is extremely difficult to make even the
> slightest modifications to, let alone add something like a waterfall
> or resolve in depth issues. So the starting firmware version for this
> change has to be one of the V2 versions.
> 
> If you REALLY need to have a feature that is in a V1 style firmware
> operate in a way it does in V1, that is better than it is in the V2
> firmware, then speak up and make sure that you identify exactly what
> feature/control it is, and why you think it is required to be brought
> into V2 as well.
> 
> I don't want the discussion to diverge into we have to have the
> internal high speed sweep, or other feature as a new product, we are
> looking at doing to the Orion V2 firmware, similar that we had done a
> month or so ago to the Orion 2 firmware. Make it better, and a solid
> base to build upon for future enhancements.
> 
> We are committed to making the Orion and Orion II and OMNI-VII and
> Jupiter the best rigs on the market for their price, and we are
> committed to exceeding our customers expectations.
> 
> Thank you,
> John Henry
> TenTec Engineering
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