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Reviews For: Array Solutions Band Decoder/Relay Driver for Ten Tec Orion

Category: Antenna Switching, Phasing, Controllers

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Review Summary For : Array Solutions Band Decoder/Relay Driver for Ten Tec Orion
Reviews: 3MSRP: $134.00
Description:
The Array Solutions Band Decoder and Relay Driver with Orion band data cable for the Ten Tec Orion radio works with remote coax switch boxes for automatic antenna selection.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.arraysolutions.com/Products/orionlcrd.htm#top%20of%20page
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0035
K8IA Rating: 2007-11-11
Perfecto! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Works slick. Easy to wire peripherals and no problems whatsover. I use mine strictly in automatic mode, driven directly from Band outputs in my Orion II. From unpacking to fully switching my Dunestar 600 Bandpass filter assemblies, total time about 15 minutes.

If you have an Orion or Orion II, you need this.
K2TA Rating: 2004-06-10
Great switch Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It is recommended by Array Solutions that you provide a separate 12-16VDC supply to power the remote antenna relays. I used an old 12VDC wall wart from a wireless telephone. You'll need to supply the rotor control cable and I recommend using 10 conductor cable instead of the usual 8 between the control head and the relay driver box. The extra 2 wires are used to switch the system between AUTO and MANUAL modes and makes for a cleaner installation. The pre-wired Orion cable is professionally done. The painted steel case and PC boards are well made. Once the system is wired and installed it works flawlessly. If you are going to mount this remotely be sure to test wire it on the ground and cycle through the bands in auto and manual mode as you watch the relays close to be sure everything is connected properly.

This is a fantastic system! As the previous reviewer points out some other systems use the band switch information from the amplifier requiring that it be powered up. I can switch between the amp and the barefoot Orion and the Array Solutions system doesn't care. It is so cool to press a button to move to 20 meters and have the green light tell me my Cushcraft A3S is now on the line automatically. Excellent product. Excellent e-mail support. Note: The relay driver board contains 12 relays...enough for 2 control heads and 2 remote antenna relays of 6 positions each. Or you can use the extra 6 relays for other purposes. I highly recommend this system.
N5HTY Rating: 2003-10-07
Makes antenna switching automatic. Works Great! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The Array Soultions Band Decoder and Relay Driver for the Ten Tec Orion radio with the Orion band data cable makes switching bands automatic. You don't have to reach over and manually change the antenna. Works great! Wonderful product.
Some companies that make auto tune amplifiers also sell remote coax switch boxes or a controller for a remote switch box that selects the proper antenna when the amplifiers changes bands. In other words the antenna selector follows the amplifier. With that kind of setup you must have your amplifier on and in operate position.
With the Array Soultions product your antenna selection follows the radio. Your amp can be off or in standby. Much more convenient.