[TenTec] Orion logic issue

[Wes Attaway (N5WA)]

I don't think the N4PY software is "waking up" anything.  What it is doing
is bypassing a lot of the functions supplied by the manual encoder and
button functions.

You have some kind of problem with signals going through the encoders and
buttons that appear to not be working.

Unless someone can come up with something that you can T-shoot then it may
be simpler to send the radio in for repairs.

   -------------------
Wes Attaway (N5WA)
(318) 393-3289 - Shreveport, LA
Computer/Cellphone Forensics
AttawayForensics.com
   -------------------
-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Gary J
FollettDukes HiFi
Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2016 10:10 AM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Orion logic issue

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
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> TenTec mailing list
>>>> TenTec at contesting.com
>>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> TenTec mailing list
>>> TenTec at contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> TenTec mailing list
>> TenTec at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec

_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec