Configuring MicroHam USB Router to share Orion CAT port

It's generally desirable to simultaneously run logging software plus NaP3 panadapter software, both interfaced to the Orion CAT port. I found the best way to share the Orion CAT port was by using the MicroHam USB router, which comes with the various MicroHam products - I use the MicroHam microkeyer.

When you install the software, it will warn you about unplugging any other FTDI USB serial port devices. I found that this didn't help. The Microham software install overwrote the FTDI drivers on two other devices in my system, resulting in yellow exclamation point warnings visible in Device Manager next to those ports and the devices no longer functioned. What you need to do to fix this is to have the correct FTDI drivers on your hard drive for those ports. Right click the port in Device Manager and choose "update driver software." The next part is tricky. If you just follow the prompts, the end result will be this message: “the best driver software for your device is already installed.” What you need to do to get Windows to install the FTDI drivers is:

  1. Choose “Update Driver Software”
  2. Choose “Browse my computer for driver software”
  3. Choose “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer” (DIFFERENT)
  4. Click “Have Disk” button (DIFFERENT)
  5. Select the directory with the correct drivers

While you're in Device Manager, note which COM ports are already assigned. Now that you repaired the pre-existing USB devices, go into the MicroHam USB Router applet under "Virtual Port - Create" and create two Virtual serial ports that haven't been assigned yet. Then, under "Ports" assign one to CAT (for logging program) and one to 2nd CAT (for NaP3). Click the "Set" button next to CAT and choose "Ten-Tec Orion forced 57600 bps."

You should now be able to connect your logging progam to the CAT port and NaP3 to 2nd CAT port and have them both communicate with the Orion.


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