[TenTec] V3.033xe update... thank you to all

Wes Attaway wesattaway at bellsouth.net
Wed Nov 17 21:01:54 EST 2021


Bob:

You need to be sure you have the radio, the microHAM unit, and the computer chassis firmly grounded to a single point ground.  I use the radio's power supply as the single point ground because its ground is directly tied to my outside ground system. 

     -----------------------------------
      Wes Attaway (N5WA)
           Shreveport, LA
     -----------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces+wesattaway=bellsouth.net at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bob, W3IDT
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 5:03 PM
To: tentec at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] V3.033xe update... thank you to all

Bob, K4TAX, was the first to send me the proper 3.033xe update file.
That restored the radio, but with the no sound problem.

Carl, N4PY, and others suggested doing the CLEAR RAM and MASTER RESET 
several times (though I had done it once after the update).
That cleared the no sound problem.

Several have suggested replacing the snaphat battery for the automatic 
Master Reset now done on each power-up and the lack of retaining 
settings via USER1 or USER2.
Though the battery was replaced several years ago, I'll do it again.
I even have a spare.

Latest malady, not seen before, is that I may getting RF into the 
radio... Though I don't see RFI problems with brief full power RTTY and 
CW transmissions, certain combinations of Band, AUX gain, PWR, and SP 
settings cause the radio to once again lose output audio. It's also 
possible that the RFI (if that's the issue) is getting into the radio 
via the MicroHam/MicroKeyer.
Previous owner had a KW amp and un-shielded Tuner next to the radio, and 
never had RFI issues. So, another mystery.
I've put lots of ferrites on all cables.
Maybe a new battery will fix that issue, too.

You are all a great bunch, and I appreciate your help.

Bob, w3idt

.......
. Robert F. Teitel, W3IDT
.
. w3idt at comcast.net
. w3idt at arrl.net
........

On 11/17/2021 4:56 PM, Barry Simpson wrote:
> Hi Bob
> 
> Yes as suggested by Wes the likely culprit for the remaining problem is the
> Snaphat battery needing replacement.
> 
> I am glad that you have now got the rig working properly.
> 
> 73
> 
> Barry  VK2BJ
> 
> On Thu, 18 Nov 2021 at 07:49, Wes Attaway <wesattaway at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
>> While you are doing all this you might want to replace the SnapHat battery.
>>
>>       -----------------------------------
>>        Wes Attaway (N5WA)
>>             Shreveport, LA
>>       -----------------------------------
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces+wesattaway=
>> bellsouth.net at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bob, W3IDT
>> Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 2:18 PM
>> To: n4py3 at earthlink.net; Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] V3.033xe update... almost done
>>
>> Carl, others,
>>
>> I had done the RAM CLEAR and MASTER RESET at least once already after
>> loading the 3.033xe update, but doing it again seems to have cured the
>> no audio issue.
>>
>> Now...
>> Each time I turn on the radio, it says "Master Reset Complete" (in
>> addition to asking about the subRX). And, indeed, it does a Master Reset.
>>
>> Even though I save my CW and SSB settings for JTDX/WSJT in USER1 with
>> the long push. After a power-up and a short USER1 push, the radio says
>> it is restoring the settings but, in fact, it does not do so.
>> So I have to manually do the settings again. Ditto USER2.
>>
>> Any clue?
>>
>> .......
>> . Robert F. Teitel, W3IDT
>> .
>> . w3idt at comcast.net
>> . w3idt at arrl.net
>> ........
>>
>> On 11/17/2021 1:24 PM, Carl Moreschi wrote:
>>> Perform the 3 resets which are:
>>> 1) Power off Orion.
>>> 2) Power On holding the VFO B LCK button.
>>> 3) Continue holding LCK button until the radio says "Battery Failure".
>>> 4) Power off Orion.
>>> 5) Power on holding "Main RX/TX" button.
>>> 6) Continue holding this button until the radio says reset complete.
>>> 7) Do not clear any settings when asked to do so.
>>> 8) Power the Orion off and back on one more time.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Carl Moreschi N4PY
>>> 127 River Moss Way
>>> Hertford, NC 27944
>>> www.n4py.com
>>>
>>> On 11/17/2021 1:12 PM, Bob, W3IDT wrote:
>>>> Barry,
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for your note.
>>>> As per the new note from Bob, k4tax, he sent me several real 566
>>>> update files. (The one I used was inside a "566..." zip, but turned
>>>> out to be for the 565! Why a 565 file inside a 566 zip?)
>>>> Result was a frozen radio.
>>>> Alive now with Bob's update file, except for audio.
>>>>
>>>> Now have no audio. Correct antenna, [AUDIO] set to left=main,
>>>> right=main, [MAIN AF] increases/ decrease "hiss".
>>>> Need to investigate.
>>>> May try an earlier update file.
>>>>
>>>> Bob, w3idt
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> .......
>>>> . Robert F. Teitel, W3IDT
>>>> .
>>>> . w3idt at comcast.net
>>>> . w3idt at arrl.net
>>>> ........
>>>>
>>>> On 11/17/2021 4:56 AM, Barry Simpson wrote:
>>>>> Hi Bob
>>>>>
>>>>> I am not sure from your description where you got your 3.026 file.
>>>>> Did you
>>>>> unzip it first of all ?
>>>>>
>>>>> I think I am using 3,033xe but I will check tomorrow.
>>>>>
>>>>> If it were me, I would do nothing until I had a known working version 3
>>>>> file. I can direct you to or provide you with one of those.
>>>>>
>>>>> Then I would see if I could put the rig into the update mode again
>>>>> which I
>>>>> suspect should be possible. Then I would try to update with the new
>>>>> version
>>>>> 3 file.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have never had a problem updating or regressing to an earlier V3
>>>>> version
>>>>> with any of my four Orion 2's.
>>>>>
>>>>> I will get back to you tomorrow.
>>>>>
>>>>> Barry  VK2BJ
>>>>>
>>>>> On Wed, 17 Nov 2021 at 07:40, Bob, W3IDT <w3idt at comcast.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> After some searching re my FT8 audio problems with the Orion II, I
>>>>>> stumbled upon the need to update the software from version 2 to
>> version
>>>>>> 3. (The radio was bequeathed to me; I am not the original owner.)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1. I found the exe file inside the 566-setup-3.026exe_(1).zip file.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 2a. Used the USER2 + POWER sequence to place the radio in Flash Update
>>>>>> Mode, and ran the program: 10810 lines updated.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 2b. At the end, the display had an truncated Ten-Tec logo:
>>>>>> two vertical black lines, a wider vertical red line, then two more
>>>>>> vertical black lines.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 3a. Used the VFO-B_LCK + POWER sequence to start the "RAM clear"
>>>>>> process.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 3b. Nothing happened after several minutes of holding the VFO-B-LCK
>>>>>> button: No "Battery Failure" message, as per the instructions.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Radio now powers up with the truncated ten-tec logo as in (2b).
>>>>>> And is, of course, dead.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> NOW WHAT??
>>>>>> Was I impatient with the RAM Clear?
>>>>>> Hold VFO-B-LCK longer?
>>>>>> What else?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> .......
>>>>>> . Robert F. Teitel, W3IDT
>>>>>> .
>>>>>> . w3idt at comcast.net
>>>>>> . w3idt at arrl.net
>>>>>> ........
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 11/14/2021 8:26 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
>>>>>>> I would double check the connections between the computer audio
>> output
>>>>>> and the DIN connector on the back of the Orion.    Maybe  for a wiring
>>>>>> error?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Are you using any audio interface? Signalink or such?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 73
>>>>>>> Bob, K4TAX
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Nov 14, 2021, at 6:45 PM, Bob, W3IDT <w3idt at comcast.net> wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Bob,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> TNX for the reply (and your replies to many questions on this list)!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> But...
>>>>>>>>>> Run WSJT-X as a stand-a-lone application
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Should have added that I'm running them stand-alone
>>>>>>>> (either JTDX or WSJT - they behave the same).
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> set the levels set correctly.
>>>>>>>> I think I have everything set for maximum.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> The fact you can get it working using the SP function says the
>>>>>>>>>> audio
>>>>>> is low getting to the radio.
>>>>>>>> Right.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Or the radio AUX gain is set too low.
>>>>>>>> As noted, AUX gain set to 100 (max)
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> The issue maybe the MicroHam/MicroKeyer.
>>>>>>>> That's why it was in the subject line.
>>>>>>>> (it's an older model,
>>>>>>>> but does fine for rig control and RTTY and CW).
>>>>>>>> Haven't tried SSB DVK through it for years.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> W3DQ asked you about the Orion and FT8 some time ago.
>>>>>>>> That's why I included your exchange with him.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Obviously, I'm somewhat ahead of where W3DQ was,
>>>>>>>> actually getting some output (and working people).
>>>>>>>> Oh, Eric, w3dq, is a local, good friend.
>>>>>>>> Now uses a K3 for most operating.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have an FTdx5000, but it lives at the W3LPL super-station
>>>>>>>> for the major contest season. I'm part of the multi-team.
>>>>>>>> And I do SS/SSB from there.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I had a round with Joe Subich, W4TV, about the
>>>>>>>> Microham/MicroKeyer some time ago.
>>>>>>>> Maybe I'll bug him again.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Any additional thoughts would be appreciated.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Bob, w3idt
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> .......
>>>>>>>> . Robert F. Teitel, W3IDT
>>>>>>>> .
>>>>>>>> . w3idt at comcast.net
>>>>>>>> . w3idt at arrl.net
>>>>>>>> ........
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On 11/13/2021 5:01 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
>>>>>>>>> Run WSJT-X as a stand-a-lone application and get the levels set
>>>>>> correctly.   The fact you can get it working using the SP function
>>>>>> says the
>>>>>> audio is low getting to the radio.  Or the radio AUX gain is set too
>>>>>> low.
>>>>>>>>> Bob, K4TAX
>>>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>>>>>> On Nov 13, 2021, at 1:33 PM, Bob, W3IDT <w3idt at comcast.net>
>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>>>> Does any have this combination?
>>>>>>>>>> Or remember anything about this combination?
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Trying to use JTDX/WSJT-X.
>>>>>>>>>> Simple problem is that I can only get about 20 watts out of the
>>>>>>>>>> Orion
>>>>>> II using the TUNE function in JTDX/WSJT with, I think, all controls
>>>>>> set for
>>>>>> "maximum smoke" :
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 1. PC LineOut/Speakers to MH/MK SoundOut.
>>>>>>>>>> (that is correct, though it appears to be reversed.)
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 2. PC [Sound][Speakers] maximum volume both Left and Right.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 3. JTDX/WSJT [Settings][Audio] Output = Speakers;
>>>>>>>>>> Left, Mono, Both -> 20w Power; Right -> no power.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 4. JTDX/WSJT power slider at Maximum.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 5. MH/MK set to special Orion II VOICE = CBA specification
>>>>>>>>>> (to feed PC audio out to Orion II AUX audio in).
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 6. MH/MK internal pot tried at MIN and MAX;
>>>>>>>>>> power varies, MAX is best.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 7. MH/MK external pot at MAX.
>>>>>>>>>> Power varies, MAX is best.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 8. Orion II SP= Off and TX EQ = 0dB
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 9. Orion II [Menu][SSB] Audio Source
>>>>>>>>>> = AUX or BOTH -> 20w power
>>>>>>>>>> = MIC -> no power
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 10. Orion II [Menu][SSB] AUX input gain
>>>>>>>>>> power varies, 100 -> 20 Watts.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Rig / CAT control, RTTY (FSK), and CW work fine, 100W out.
>>>>>>>>>> I can actually work FT8 stations with the 20w,
>>>>>>>>>> including 9J2BS (Zambia) just today.
>>>>>>>>>> But still . . .
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> UPDATE: If I turn the SP up to about 6,
>>>>>>>>>> I get full power out.
>>>>>>>>>> But... SP is a no-no for FT8.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Any thoughts?
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Bob, w3idt
>>>>>>>>>> Oh, and I've studied this old email to W3DQ who had similar
>>>>>>>>>> problems.
>>>>>>>>>> Can't see anything I'm doing wrong.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> .......
>>>>>>>>>> . Robert F. Teitel, W3IDT
>>>>>>>>>> .
>>>>>>>>>> . w3idt at comcast.net
>>>>>>>>>> . w3idt at arrl.net
>>>>>>>>>> ........
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> On 11/10/2021 11:28 AM, Eric Rosenberg wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>> Haven't gone through my notes, but ran across this.
>>>>>>>>>>> Hope it helps a bit!
>>>>>>>>>>> ------ Forwarded Message ------
>>>>>>>>>>> From: "Bob McGraw" <rmcgraw at blomand.net
>>>>>>>>>>> <mailto:rmcgraw at blomand.net
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> To: "Eric Rosenberg" <ericrosenberg.dc at gmail.com <mailto:
>>>>>> ericrosenberg.dc at gmail.com>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: 2/10/2021 1:05:27 PM
>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] FT8/FST4 with an Orion 565
>>>>>>>>>>> Eric:
>>>>>>>>>>> In general you will need an audio interface such as the Tentec
>> 712
>>>>>> {if you can find one}, or a Signalink USB.  There are other brands.
>>>>>> If you
>>>>>> order a new Signalink USB, do get the matching cable for the Tentec
>> ACC
>>>>>> port.   This handles the audio to and from the computer along with a
>>>>>> PTT
>>>>>> command.
>>>>>>>>>>> As to CAT interface, you will need either a RS-232 to USB
>>>>>>>>>>> converter
>>>>>> cable using the FTDI chip or {highly unlikely} your computer has a
>>>>>> RS-232
>>>>>> port.  This communicates control of the radio.
>>>>>>>>>>> Select the Aux TX input to LINE INPUT.  Adjust the Line Gain to
>>>>>> about 35.  Set the PWR to 100 watts and USB mode.  Adjust the Line
>> Gain
>>>>>> and/or the Signalink TX level, and /or the computer software {SPKR]
>>>>>> level
>>>>>> to about 35% or as needed to get about 50 to 75 watts in transmit
>> mode.
>>>>>> Also, be sure you set any Speech Processing to OFF or to zero and
>>>>>> any TX EQ
>>>>>> to flat.  This is a MUST.
>>>>>>>>>>> The CAT command can initiate PTT or you can use the Signalink to
>>>>>> initiate a PTT command.  Don't use both.    Also, do not set TX audio
>>>>>> source to BOTH.   Use only Line input.
>>>>>>>>>>> 73
>>>>>>>>>>> Bob, K4TAX
>>>>>>>>>>>> On 2/9/2021 9:50 PM, Eric Rosenberg wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>> Is there a recommended setup for my Orion and WSJT-X's FT8 and
>>>>>>>>>>>> FST4?
>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks & 73,
>>>>>>>>>>>> Eric W3DQ
>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
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