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Re: [TenTec] Omni 6 Logic Board Failure

To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Omni 6 Logic Board Failure
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson" <geraldj@weather.net>
Reply-to: geraldj@weather.net, Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:30:15 -0600
List-post: <mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
According to the schematics in the downloaded Omni VI manual, the processor is an 80C32 using external memory and ROM. The memory chip is not very common, but Jameco has some. The CPU chip is available from standard distributors, its still a production item. Ditto the EPROM which is the same as used in thousands of Tapr and MJF packet TNCs, 27C256, content of course is specific to the Omni VI but it HAS to be socketed, because there's no provision for programming it on board. That socket is suspect, still good sockets are distributor items. The real time clock chip a DS1285 is no longer made, but Dallas Semi (owned by Maxim) says the DS12885+ or DS12885N+ (wider temperature range) is a direct replacement. There is a lithium cell in a holder to hold up the static RAM which if never replaced is about twice as old as its expected shelf life. Then there are assorted TTL or HC parallel port chips and an 82C55 which is probably commonly available yet. The DSP has its own dedicated A/D and D/A chips which I didn't chase down, but the DSP chip itself (which I think runs from external ROM) is available at distributors. In any case the audio cables to and from the DSP could be connected to work without the DSP for debugging purposes.

Its entirely possible that the later Omni VI+ control board has more surface mount chips, but remembering how well the control boards for the Paragon have responded to resoldering, after I replaced the battery, the sockets, and the on board electrolytics I would attack the board soldering, whether surface mount or not. When there are multiple symptoms, sometimes a shotgun attack is more effective than proving each problem by detailed troubleshooting. Remembering how bad electrolytics mess up Corsair and Corsair II displays...

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 1/17/2011 3:45 PM, mike bryce wrote:
I've been reading this thread here and there and I'm sure I've missed some of 
the finer details

So, my question is simple. The logic board failure. Is it due to the 
microprocessor failure or the
entire pcb? If it's the actual uP, then that's one problem that going to be 
very hard to solve other
than having a second rig for parts.

but if it's the failure of the pcb, then one could be manufactured  and 
improvements made.

Since I don't have one to compare, and unless there are specialized components 
such as
transformer or coils, it doesn't seem to be  a insurmountable problem.

Provided that the uP is not the problem.

someone, steer me in the right direction






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