All - I found my problem with the insufficient drive into the Aux port of my
Orion. At the same time I received my Orion, I also switched computers.
I'm using a Dell Dimension computer and I finally figured out that the rear
audio port is line level output and is way too low to drive the Orion even
with the audio output cranked full-right. I eventually tried the
front-panel headphone port and it has plenty of drive even with the Aux Gain
set down to about 20 and the computer's audio level turned down a bit. So,
problem solved. Just thought I'd post the solution...
73,
Dave / K8JDC
** Original Message **
I built a cable to connect my Orion (via the Aux I/O connector) to my PK-232
tonight. My PK-232 includes the optional built-in "PSK" soundcard interface
which has worked fine on my Icoms. Even with the Aux input gain turned up
to 100 (using software V1.372) and the computer output full-up, I can't get
enough transmit drive to generate any RF output. I can hear the PSK31
transmission very faintly through the monitor circuit, but I can't increase
the drive enough. There's an adjustment on the PSK circuit card inside the
PK-232, but it's full-up also. The regular PK-232 TNC modes (RTTY, etc.)
have plenty of drive and I can get 100 watts output. The problem only
occurs when the soundcard portion is active. The Aux input is so low that I
can't get the VOX to activate even with the VOX set to the most sensitive
setting. (The soundcard receive is also pretty low, but I think it's
probably good enough to use).
I know the Orion can be used (for soundcard modes) without the interface,
but I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions on this. Can I get more
gain going through the front-panel mic connector? Thanks...
Dave / K8JDC
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