How to identify which Orion MKxxx you have (was: Naming of 7000 MKII)

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K4IBC
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How to identify which Orion MKxxx you have (was: Naming of 7000 MKII)

Postby K4IBC » Tue Jan 17, 2023 10:12 am

Since users started calling MKII made after July 2022, MKIII and Apache Labs releasing an actual MKIII in January 2023, it would seem prudent to stop calling any radio that is not actually marked a MKIII a MKIII.

Instead I would like to suggest that anyone with a radio made after July 2022 and before January 2023 should call it a MKIIB and those previous to July 2022 call their radios MKIIA.

This will help years from now to differentiate the different models. It is already confusing enough for new users. It is not as clear as some think on what is the proper Firmware and Software to use.

In a few weeks hopefully things will level out and all the firmware will be posted and labeled on the TAPR github.
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w-u-2-o
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Re: Naming of 7000 MKII

Postby w-u-2-o » Tue Jan 17, 2023 11:43 am

The firmware is already posted and labeled on GitHub.
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rbduck
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Re: Naming of 7000 MKII

Postby rbduck » Tue Jan 17, 2023 7:13 pm

I'm glad this subject has came up. I have noted and read several topics in this area.. I've not found and answer. I have searched.

My question surrounds the Mfg. Tag on back of the units. The one on mine is paper and states it was Made in India. The Mod number is listed as 7000DLEmkII The Ser num is also listed as 7000DLEmkIIxxx but ending with a three digit number. Do the last three numbers make up the serial number? How can I tell by the tag which of the three categories my 7000DLE mkII (black) falls into?

I'm trying to establish which one my 7000 is and which firmware matches (for sure). I've had mine for a while and know which firmware I am running, but I don't think I have all the versions firmware is acceptable in mine. I'm trying to be careful.

Thank you all, for your time!
73
Ruben
NB4R
Apache-Labs Anan 7000DLE MKII Black -- Thetis 2.10.3.6 dev_2 -- Windows 11
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w-u-2-o
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Re: Naming of 7000 MKII

Postby w-u-2-o » Tue Jan 17, 2023 7:58 pm

Hardware using the EP4CGX150F896 Cyclone IV series FPGA

- ANAN-8000DLE (original version, 200W, not MKII)
- ANAN-7000DLE (original version, not MKII or MKIII)
- ANAN-7000DLE MKII, no serial number or serial number lower than DX8300497A
- Andromeda with serial number lower than DX8300497A (only 5 units built)

Hardware using the EP4CE115F29C8N Cyclone IV series FPGA

- ANAN-7000DLE MKII serial number DX8300497A or higher
- Andromeda with serial number ending in -CIV

Hardware using the 5CEFA9F31 Cyclone V series FPGA

- ANAN-7000DLE MKIII all serial numbers
- Andromeda serial number ending in -CV
- ANAN-8000DLE MKII (500W)

IMHO, if you have a serial number that is not clearly delineated, especially if you know the unit was delivered prior to July 2022, then you fall into the first category above with the original Cyclone IV EP4CGX family FPGA.

The only way to know for sure and certain is to open the unit, take the heatsink off of the FPGA, and read the part number. But I certainly don't recommend that! It might also be possible by looking at board revision information printed on the printed circuit boards, but I don't have that information.

Another way to know would be to use Thetis 2.9.0.6 or later, go into Setup > General > H/W Select and read what it says for firmware version. As of 18 Jan 2023 the latest would be:
Capture.JPG
Capture.JPG (21.43 KiB) Viewed 1803 times
NOTE (1): there are some experimental versions with higher rev. numbers that were not widely distributed, but they are all lower than 2.1.26.

Unfortunately Joe, K5SO, kept the same version number for two of the P1 versions, so that's not very helpful. Rick, N1GP, was responsible for the remaining versions.

Finally, one more method to determine which FPGA it is is to simply try each version of firmware. Only the correct firmware version will run on a given FPGA. The wrong version will completely fail to run. There will be no partial functionality to confuse you. Using Bootloader you cannot "brick" your hardware. Just keep loading firmware until you get one that works. The only risk with this approach is that if you are not practiced in the use of Bootloader it is possible to screw up loading the correct firmware thus leaving you feeling like you hopelessly broke the thing. The forum certainly contains many messages looking for help with Bootloader.
kg4wqp
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Re: Naming of 7000 MKII

Postby kg4wqp » Tue Jan 17, 2023 8:12 pm

Yes WU2O, you are correct. By using the bootloader, you will not brick your radio and if you try them all one will work when others will not. FROM PERSONAL experience, loading each one when you did not know that you have the cyclone V MkIII was the easiest option. What are you out about 30 or so minutes?! The topics posted now as friend N4QNT has posted, the firmware needs a little work like all radios but they are working as fast as possible. And for the guy still wondering..... READ the post completely. They are helpful. Thanks to WU2O and W5WC (Doug) for helping me get the MKIII up and running again.
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rbduck
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Re: Naming of 7000 MKII

Postby rbduck » Tue Jan 17, 2023 8:37 pm

w-u-2-o wrote:Hardware using the EP4CGX150F896 Cyclone IV series FPGA

- ANAN-8000DLE (original version, 200W, not MKII)
- ANAN-7000DLE (original version, not MKII or MKIII)
- ANAN-7000DLE MKII, no serial number or serial number lower than DX8300497A
- Andromeda with serial number lower than DX8300497A (only 5 units built)

Hardware using the EP4CE115F29C8N Cyclone IV series FPGA

- ANAN-7000DLE MKII serial number DX8300497A or higher
- Andromeda with serial number ending in -CIV

Hardware using the 5CEFA9F31 Cyclone V series FPGA

- ANAN-7000DLE MKIII all serial numbers
- Andromeda serial number ending in -CV
- ANAN-8000DLE MKII (500W)

IMHO, if you have a serial number that is not clearly delineated, especially if you know the unit was delivered prior to July 2022, then you fall into the first category above with the original Cyclone IV EP4CGX family FPGA.

The only way to know for sure and certain is to open the unit, take the heatsink off of the FPGA, and read the part number. But I certainly don't recommend that! It might also be possible by looking at board revision information printed on the printed circuit boards, but I don't have that information.

Another way to know would be to use Thetis 2.9.0.6 or later, go into Setup > General > H/W Select and read what it says for firmware version. However I need to sort out what versions are shown and I don't have every type of hardware here to do that with. But maybe with some help we can sort that out.

Finally, one more method to determine which FPGA it is is to simply try each version of firmware. Only the correct firmware version will run on a given FPGA. The wrong version will completely fail to run. There will be no partial functionality to confuse you. Using Bootloader you cannot "brick" your hardware. Just keep loading firmware until you get one that works. The only risk with this approach is that if you are not practiced in the use of Bootloader it is possible to screw up loading the correct firmware thus leaving you feeling like you hopelessly broke the thing. The forum certainly contains many messages looking for help with Bootloader.


This answers questions I had. I took delivery of my radio in December 2019. Therefore I am in that first group. I am also trying to get a history of my specific radio. I know that is something that may prove difficult. I am enjoying operating the transceiver to this day. At this point, others keep hinting at Pure Signal or something similar. Nothing I can verify. Others may have. Thank you for the information about what to look for inside the radio. I'm not cracking it open until there is a problem. :")

Thank you for filling in the blanks.
73
Ruben
NB4R
Apache-Labs Anan 7000DLE MKII Black -- Thetis 2.10.3.6 dev_2 -- Windows 11
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w-u-2-o
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Re: Naming of 7000 MKII

Postby w-u-2-o » Wed Jan 18, 2023 9:56 pm

Added a firmware version matrix above that might also be helpful...
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w-u-2-o
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Re: Naming of 7000 MKII

Postby w-u-2-o » Wed Jan 18, 2023 11:35 pm

Corrected a mistake in the table above. Bad proofreading! :oops:

Many thanks to Mark, K1LSB for catching that.
vk1hx
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Andromeda firmware identification

Postby vk1hx » Thu Jan 19, 2023 5:25 am

Hi all,

Created this topic as the firmware topics were closed.

I am dealing and an Andromeda (difficult beast) and wanting to identify what version of Orion board/chipset it is for correct firmware updates.
There is NO Apache Labs label showing serial number anywhere on the box. It was shipped new from Melbourne Australia new in June 2022. I've taken the top cover off to identify what is written on the Orion board. It says Orion MK-III HF & 6M 2W SDR Transceiver, Copyright - 2021, Apache Labs Pty Ltd.

Am I correct in thinking this and an Orion MK3 board? When I run Thetis it says Orion MK2 and Protocol v2.7 (which I presume is Protocol v1)

Here are some photos of the board. How do I find a serial number for this unit without the outside label.

2023-01-19 162445.jpg
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2023-01-19 171736.jpg
2023-01-19 171736.jpg (632.62 KiB) Viewed 1837 times
Attachments
2023-01-19 171911.jpg
2023-01-19 171911.jpg (736.25 KiB) Viewed 1837 times
73, Phil - VK1HX
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w-u-2-o
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Re: Andromeda firmware identification

Postby w-u-2-o » Thu Jan 19, 2023 1:11 pm

vk1hx wrote:Hi all,

Created this topic as the firmware topics were closed.

This one was open, and is perfect for this post.

viewtopic.php?f=46&t=4466

I'm probably going to merge this topic with the other one.

I am dealing and an Andromeda (difficult beast)

Difficult? How?

Am I correct in thinking this and an Orion MK3 board?

That's what it says ;) Because this is an Andromeda shipped before Jan 2023 and because it says "MKIII" on the board it has a EP4CE series FPGA on it.

When I run Thetis it says Orion MK2 and Protocol v2.7 (which I presume is Protocol v1)

That is correct.

Here are some photos of the board. How do I find a serial number for this unit without the outside label.

If Apache neglected to put a serial number label on it then you are SOL. Maybe Apache might be able to tell you what the serial number is if you contact them, but I doubt it.

At any rate you now know what board you have, and even if you load the wrong firmware by accident you can't hurt it, it just won't run.
vk1hx
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Re: Andromeda firmware identification

Postby vk1hx » Thu Jan 19, 2023 1:30 pm

Thanks Scott for the reply.

Which firmware (P1 and P2) should I am to try?
73, Phil - VK1HX
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w-u-2-o
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Re: Andromeda firmware identification

Postby w-u-2-o » Thu Jan 19, 2023 2:40 pm

vk1hx wrote:Thanks Scott for the reply.

Which firmware (P1 and P2) should I am to try?

You already have the latest P1 in there, so you've tried it already. If you want to try P2, then see the chart above. P2 firmware can be found here:

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=4462&p=22993

If you have trouble loading firmware there are dozens of topics discussing that exact problem, you should be able to search one out.
vk1hx
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Re: How to identify which Orion MKxxx you have (was: Naming of 7000 MKII)

Postby vk1hx » Thu Jan 19, 2023 9:51 pm

Thanks Scott,

Yeah, I am all good with loading the firmware etc. I guess I was after a view/opinion on which version users were having more success with.
I've upgraded the firmware in the andromeda with Metis_Orion_MKll_Protocol_2_v2.1.26c listed under EP4CE FPGA series chipset which appears so far to be working.

One thing I have found is the bootloader switch is dodgy, I had to remove the bootloader connector off the Orion board in order to get the radio to run Thetis. I was getting the error cannot start, check that the power is on message. Once I removed the bootloader connector it worked immediately. Looks like I need to replace the switch.

Cheers
73, Phil - VK1HX

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