Orion radios?

[RolnCode3]

I use Motorolas at work and know all about programming issues there. I have two Kenwoods which I can program myself.

I've seen Orions here and on eBay. Was wondering if anyone has any good links for more info on them. I've looked before and didn't find much. Do different models/series require different equipment (such as Kenwood x30 vs. x90 series)? How difficult is it to acquire programming cables and software? If there's any threads already can someone point to them?

Thanks

[rfradioconsult]

Orions are a very good and stable product; they are popular with amateurs and others. Check out the GE Orion at Yahoo groups for a lot of godd information including the DOS programming software EDACS3; the programming cables are availibe, one source is Price Industries.

[el_pichirulo]

You may have an issues with software. Moto sells per platform package at a reasonable price, but MACOM one lump sum for multiple radios. I guess it depends exactly what you are trying to program also. COneventional only versus trunking.

The cables I use, besides factory, are from Price Industries, they carry an excellent product. As for manuals and specifications, try Hall Electronics, Inc.. Very informative...

[RolnCode3]

Thanks for the replies. Conventional only. Nobody around here uses edacs. Moto type 2, or conventional.

[ElroyJetson]

The conventional only software is about 250 dollars. The trunking capable software (EDACS trunking) is about 10 times that.

It's not tough to get the conventional version. Contact New London Technologies and they can hook you up with it.


Elroy

[stateboy]

I have one Ericsson-labled VHF highband Orion, and generally prefer it over any of the Motorola Spectra gear I have since it completely spanks the Spectra series.

I have a "System" head on mine plus a FedSig SS2000-ERCSN and Pyramid SVR200 vehicular repeater attached to it. In this configuration I can have a full light/warning system and portable radio access to the car, all in a control head half the size of a comparable x9 Motorola control head. The Orion is capable of at least twice the amount of channels in a Spectra, is narrow-band compliant (if flashed for it) and frankly is just more radio.

The Pyramid repeater I have is also an Ericsson-labeled unit, from when Pyramid was the OE supplier of VRS units to GE/Ericsson. The repeater is user-programmable and is 1/8th the size of the Motorola VRS. Even though the SS2000 and VRS are two separate units, they still take up less space than a Motorola VRS/siren combo and are 200% more useful. The FedSig SS2000-ERCSN is basically a non-signalmaster SmartSiren that is controlled by the Orion's serial bus. You run a serial cable from the control head options cable to the SS2000, program what control head buttons control which features and you're done. The radio also has programmable macros that allow custom control of features and external options, which comes in handy if you choose to set them up.

Bottom line, the Orion is a diamond in the rough...especially when you load it out with options or start exploring the dual tray/head etc. combo's. I'll also endorse the Price Industries cable for programming...never an issue with mine and they built well.