[TenTec] O2 S-meter calibration under ver. 3.033

[Ron Castro]

Jack:

The AA6E blog was regarding the 'original' Orion which ran on different
firmware.  Although I haven't tested any of the newer versions of the Orion
II firmware, here are the results of tests I ran on v. 2.039d:

http://www.n6ie.com/Orion%20S%20meter%20descrep.htm

Any transceiver can be adjusted via hardware or firmware to get an S-9
reading at 50 uV, but linearity is the big issue.  My tests showed the O II
was 'stingy' below S-9 and way over-generous above.  Either the firmware
should be changed or TT should silk-screen a new meter face (old school
fix!).  It would also be cool if the reading could be programmed to
compensate for the preamp being turned on or attenuators switched in.

Since I now run my Orion II via remote control at a site several miles from
home using N4PY software, the S-Meter issue is no longer relevant, but still
something I hope has been addressed in more recent firmware updates.  It
would be great to have it programable. Carl's control software is
pre-compensated to give accurate readings based on the digital output from
the O II.

It's probably not a 'can of worms' but rather an interesting discussion by
some of us who are purists and strive for accuracy!

          Ron Castro
           N6IE
    www.N6IE.com

Member:
                      ARRL
     Redwood Empire DX Assn.
 Northern California Contest Club
Northern California DX Foundation

-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jack Dold,
W9OWO
Sent: Thursday, March 7, 2013 7:23 AM
To: 'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'
Subject: [TenTec] O2 S-meter calibration under ver. 3.033

At the risk of opening up old "wounds," I have been questioning the
recommended O2 S-meter calibration since installing the latest firmware
upgrade.  My O2 seemed to be extremely "generous" with S units but not
having sufficient technical data to support any argument, I chose to "suffer
in silence."

 

I finally found information that seems to satisfy my O2 and me.  For what
it's worth and for your own edification, this link offers some "food for
thought."

 

http://blog.aa6e.net/2005/03/ten-tec-orion-s-meter-hamlib.html 

 

73,

Jack-W9OWO

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