[TenTec] Orion logic issue

[Gary J FollettDukes HiFi]

I did reinstall the firmware. I even backloaded to an older version of the firmware, just to determine if this made a difference.

No joy…

It amazes me just how repeatable the failure is, especially the part about the lack of encoder function that is immediately restored when I operate the radio for just a few actions using N4PY software. I think all I need to do is connect, because that action causes the Orion to go to the frequency stored on the C screen. From that point on, everything works.

It’s like the N4PY "wakes up" the CPU so it can respond to the encoders and pushbuttons.

The schematic is not terribly helpful in revealing how the keystroke and encoder signals get into the CPU, nor is it clear how the serial data from the PC gets there either. 

Just conjecture at this point, but it seems like some sort of startup timer is missing its position in the roll call during the boot sequence and the serial data from the PC substitutes for that by setting some flag. 

It would be sort of like my having incorrectly entered bootstrap loader startup information in my old Heath H8 computer, data that tells the 8080 chip that a keyboard was connected.

Of course, the H8 had no error trapping and would have just crashed whereas this more sophisticated CPU seems to be able to go on functioning with some startup data missing.

Has anyone made a printed listing of the startup sequence of the Orion? Is there any “open source” listing of the operating firmware?

Gary

W0DVN


> On Jul 31, 2016, at 6:50 AM, Jeff <w4dd09 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Always start by reburning the firmware.  I have solved some  really odd
> issues by doing this.
> 
> Jeff, W4DD
> 
> On Jul 31, 2016 7:20 AM, "D. Byron Allen" <n4axdxer at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> It does boot up the latest software version, my problem started with out if
> band receive on 40 meters only when I powered the rig up in 40 meters , no
> other band was  this problem seen , i used the rig everyday , then didnt
> use the rig for a week , and then this last symptoms of no operation on any
> band.
> Byron / N4AX
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 30, 2016, at 10:36 PM, Gary J FollettDukes HiFi <
> dukeshifi at comcast.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Sounds like yours is failing to boot up altogether. That’s probably the
> CPU.
>> 
>> Mine does not up and does receiver, I get S meter light and can even hear
> signals. I just can’t adjust volume or operate any encoders or buttons
> except the VFO’.
>> 
>> Gary
>> 
>> 
>>> On Jul 30, 2016, at 10:20 PM, D. Byron Allen <n4axdxer at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> My Orion I just started this last week , no receive on any band , no
> pushbutton control , cant change bands , no s meter signal or s meter
> lights.will not key or transmit. Sent to Ten Tec Friday , see what they
> tell me next week!
>>> Byron / N4AX
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 30, 2016, at 9:29 PM, Gary J FollettDukes HiFi <
> dukeshifi at comcast.net> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> I have an Orion 1 with an odd problem. I thought I’d ask if anyone had
> seen it before prior to an in-depth investigation.
>>>> 
>>>> The radio powers up OK, boots up as it should, sometimes it will even
> receive. The tuning encoders work fine at this point regardless.
>>>> 
>>>> However, none of the small encoders or pushbuttons work.
>>>> 
>>>> However, if I connect the radio to the computer, start N4PY software,
> the radio connects and I can generally make all functions work on the Orion.
>>>> 
>>>> From that point on, all buttons and encoders work fine until I turn the
> radio off. I replaced the battery so that’s not an issue.
>>>> 
>>>> Anyone seen this before?
>>>> 
>>>> Gary
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