ORION HX Non-Linear Junction Detector

CASE CONTENTS

The ORION HX Deluxe case typically includes the following items:

• 1. ORION 2.4 GHz Antenna* - if purchased
• 2. ORION 900 MHz Antenna* - if purchased
• 3. ORION Handle* - with thumb screws
• 4. Second Harmonic Test Tag - semiconductor
• 5. Third Harmonic Test Tag - corrosive
• 6. 2 Lithium-Ion Batteries
• 7. Headphones
• 8. 15V Power Adapter
• 9. Power Cords
• 10. 6 ft. USB Cable - Type A to Mini-B for software updates
• 11. Lithium-Ion Smart Battery Charger

*Both antenna heads are included only with a Deluxe purchase. The handle may feature a keypad or touch screen depending on model selection. Packaging may vary.

Product Overview

The ORION HX is available in several different models: ORION 2.4 HX, ORION 900 HX, and ORION Deluxe. Packaging, transmit power, and frequency ranges may vary depending on the model purchased.

*US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada (IC)
** Requires unit to be in "Europe-CE" mode

This manual contains proprietary information intended solely for use with the ORION HX Non-Linear Junction Detector.

This document provides guidance and instruction on using the ORION HX Non-Linear Junction Detector for finding hidden electronic devices. The effectiveness of this product and any surveillance countermeasure depends on the threat level and the user's ability to properly operate the equipment.

REI offers a Technical Security training facility. Training courses include classroom instruction and hands-on exercises in "live" environments. The curriculum is designed for beginners and experienced Technical Security Technicians.

Scheduled courses are taught monthly. Visit REI's website (www.reiusa.net) or contact REI (sales@reiusa.net) for training dates.

OWNER'S RECORD

The Serial Number of each ORION HX is located on the bottom of the unit near the battery compartment door. Each head is also serialized. Record these numbers for reference when contacting your dealer or Research Electronics International. Note: Removal or alteration of the serial number voids all warranties.

SERIAL NUMBERS: ________________________

Regulatory Information and Warnings

Revision 2.8

© COPYRIGHT RESEARCH ELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL

REI products are designed for legal commercial applications. Laws and regulations vary by location; it is the sole responsibility of the purchaser and user to comply with all applicable laws and regulations for possession and operation.

WARNING: Users must comply with the radio communication laws of the country where the ORION HX is used.

The ORION 2.4 HX FCC and ORION HX 900 FCC comply with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) the device must not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The ORION 2.4 HX FCC and ORION 900 HX FCC comply with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) the device must not cause interference, and (2) it must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

For Brazil:

The ORION 2.4 HX G and ORION 900 HX G are authorized for use only by agencies, persons, and entities not restricted by US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or Industry Canada.

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.

Product and brand names are used for identification purposes only and are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Patents Pending

PRECAUTIONS

ORION HX

• CAUTION: Modifications not expressly approved by REI may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
• The ORION HX is for professional use only.
• The ORION HX emits radio frequencies. Users must practice good safety procedures:
  • Do not point the antenna at a person's eyes or head.
  • Maintain a distance of at least 28 cm (11 inches) between the antenna and the body of the user or nearby persons.
  • Do not leave the antenna in close proximity to any part of the body for more than 5 minutes.
  • Do not use near flammable fluids or explosives, or in areas where radio communications equipment is prohibited.
  • Do not use near individuals with pacemakers, heart defibrillators, or other life support devices.
• Do not use the ORION if:
  • Cables or plugs are frayed or damaged.
  • The housing is cracked or damaged.
  • The unit appears to require servicing.
• Only use REI-approved power sources, batteries, chargers, and accessories. The supplied power supply is REI #UIB345-15. The supplied battery pack is RRC Power Solutions Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery pack Model #RRC2040 (11.25V, 2950mAh, 33.2Wh). The real-time clock battery is a CR2032 coin cell (3V nominal, 225mAh).
• Do not use the device for normal operation while charging the battery. Disconnect the AC power supply to resume normal operation.
• There are no serviceable parts inside. Contact your dealer or Research Electronics International for repairs. Opening the unit voids the warranty.
• Do not use the AC power battery charger if:
  • Cables or plugs are frayed or damaged.
  • The housing is cracked or damaged.
  • The charger is exposed to rain, liquid, or excessive moisture.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

• CAUTION: RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO INSTRUCTIONS.
• Do not use any ORION battery if:
  • The battery case is cracked or damaged.
  • The battery is excessively hot or warm.
• Avoid shorting the battery, immersing it in water, or exposing it to fire. Avoid excessive physical shock or vibration.
• Only use specified REI battery chargers or products to charge REI batteries.
• There are no serviceable parts inside the battery. Opening or puncturing the unit can be dangerous.
• Using Lithium-Ion batteries in a manner not specified by this guide may override the equipment's built-in protection mechanisms.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Dispose of Lithium-Ion batteries according to local regulations.

OPERATION

Equipment Description

Overview

The ORION HX unit consists of several key components:

1. ANTENNA – Located on the opposite side of the head display.
2. HEAD DISPLAY – Features LED Bar graphs for Transmit Power, 2nd & 3rd Harmonic levels, and a small OLED informational display for status and menu navigation.
3. TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY – Used for controlling the ORION HX and monitoring its operation.
4. HEADPHONE JACK – For connecting headphones to monitor audio output.
5. USB CONNECTOR – For connecting to a PC for software updates.
6. MICRO SD CARD – Used for saving screen shots or user settings.
7. POWER BUTTON – Press to power on. Press and hold to power off.
8. SPEAKER – Used to monitor audio output from the unit.
9. POWER INPUT (under battery door) – For connecting the AC adapter for charging (use only REI supplied AC Adapter).
10. BATTERY DOOR / BATTERY DOOR LATCH – Conceals the battery compartment.

Ports

1. USB Connector – Connect to a PC for software updates.
2. MICRO SD CARD Slot – Save screen shots or user settings.

SET-UP & BASIC OPERATION

The ORION HX is designed for quick and easy deployment. Adjustments to default settings may be needed based on your application.

Battery Usage

Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries are included with your unit.

To insert or switch out a battery:

1. Press the latch on the bottom of the grip housing and raise the battery door at the rear of the unit.
2. Slide the battery into the slot, observing proper contact alignment, until it latches into place.
3. Close the battery door.

The ORION HX has a built-in battery charger. To charge the battery in the unit:

1. Press the latch on the bottom of the grip housing and raise the battery door at the rear of the unit.
2. With the battery inserted, connect the provided AC power supply to the jack above the battery slot and to an AC source. The battery will begin charging. Charging is automatic and stops when the battery is fully charged. The OLED display indicates the battery charge status.

Note: Do not use the device for normal operation while charging. Disconnect the AC power supply to return to normal operation.

Note for long-term storage: To maintain battery health, remove the battery from the device for storage exceeding 90 days. Even when powered off, the unit uses a low stand-by current that can cause deep discharge and damage the battery.

Real-Time Clock Battery

An internal CR2032 coin cell battery powers the real-time clock. This battery should last for years. If the clock stops functioning or user settings are not saved, the Real Time Clock (RTC) battery needs replacement.

To replace the Real Time Clock battery:

1. Open the battery door and remove the main Lithium Ion Battery.
2. Remove the Phillips head screw above the battery compartment.
3. Slide out the battery tray located above the battery compartment. Do not disconnect the attached cable.
4. Locate the CR2032 battery on the right side of the battery tray circuit board.
5. Remove the old CR2032 battery and replace it with a new one. Ensure the positive (+) side faces up, away from the circuit board.
6. Replace the battery tray and secure it with the Phillips head screw. Be careful not to pinch the attached cable. The tray rests on plastic ridges; if positioned correctly, it should slide easily into place.

Note: The internal coin cell is a CR2032 battery with a 3V nominal voltage, 225 mAh nominal capacity, and operates between -30°C to 60°C.

Connecting the ORION HX head

The ORION is provided with a quick-release head. This is useful if your ORION Deluxe package includes multiple heads (e.g., ORION 2.4 and ORION 900) with a single pole/grip handle. The heads are stored separately from the handle in the case.

1. Locate the triangular plate on the pole/grip handle with the captured thumb screws.
2. Align the triangular plate with the triangular recess on the selected ORION head.
3. Hand-tighten the thumb screws to secure the head to the pole/grip handle.

Note: Always power off the ORION before removing the head to avoid undefined behavior.

Procedure

When powered on, the device scans the Transmit, 2nd Harmonic, and 3rd Harmonic spectrums, automatically selecting a quiet frequency to avoid interference. Manual frequency selection is also possible.

Two test tags are included: a semiconductor diode (simulates an electronic device) and a steel wool pack (simulates a corrosive metal-to-metal junction). These can verify proper operation.

Basic procedures for using any Non-Linear Junction Detector include:

1. Detecting a non-linear junction.
2. Discriminating between electronics and false detection.

The ORION HX can be configured in multiple ways to assist with these processes.

Display Screens

Display Screen Layout

Each screen has three main areas:

• Status Bar: Contains status icons indicating the unit's condition. Tapping the camera icon captures a screenshot to the micro SD card.
• Main Area: Displays content that varies depending on the selected screen.
• Navigational/Function Icons: Icons that aid in navigating between screens or provide quick access to functions.

Home Screen

The Home Screen is the default screen upon powering on the unit. It allows quick navigation to main operational modes. Icons provide access to:

• Battery Status Indicator: Shows the battery charging level.
• Screenshot: Captures the current display and saves it to the micro SD card.
• Clock: Displays the current time.
• Headlight Control: Toggles the headlamp on and off.
• Bar Graph Screen: Navigates to the Bar Graph Screen.
• Chart Screen: Navigates to the Chart Screen.
• Frequency Adjust Screen: Navigates to the Frequency Adjust Screen.
• Spectrum View: Navigates to the Spectrum View Screen (not available on all models).
• Audio Mute: Mutes or unmutes the audio.
• Home Screen: Returns to the Home Screen.
• Setup: Accesses the device's setup menu.

Bar Graph Screen

This screen displays indicators found on the head of the device:

• Power Level Indicator/Control: Tap the top half to increase transmit power, the bottom half to decrease. The green bar graph reflects changes.
• Auto Power Level Indicator: Shows the set maximum transmit power level. In auto transmit mode, power reduces when the receiver saturates. In manual mode, power remains constant unless manually changed. Adjusting transmit power in auto mode also adjusts the auto power level. Toggle between auto/manual modes by pressing the power button.
• 2nd Harmonic Indicator: Helps discriminate between electronics and false junctions. For electronics, the 2nd harmonic level is typically higher than the 3rd.
• 3rd Harmonic Indicator: Helps discriminate between electronics and false junctions. For false junctions, the 3rd harmonic level is typically higher than the 2nd. Refer to the Appendix for detailed theory.
• Trip Level Indicator/Control: Tap the top half of the 2nd or 3rd harmonic indicator to increase the trip level for alert tone, vibration, and target indicators ("SEMICOND" or "CORROSIVE"). Tap the bottom half to decrease. The trip level adjusts from 0% to 50% in 5% intervals.
• Mute: Tap to mute audio. The icon changes to indicate mute status. Tap again to unmute.
• Adjust Volume: Tap to adjust volume. The icon changes to Increase/Decrease Volume. Icons revert after a period of inactivity.

Chart Screen

The Chart Screen shows a time-based history of transmit power, 2nd harmonic, and 3rd harmonic levels.

• Time Interval: Sets the duration represented by the horizontal span of the graph (10s, 20s, 30s, 1m). Larger increments show more data.
• Graph: Displays transmit power (green trace), 2nd harmonic (red trace), and 3rd harmonic (yellow trace) over time.
• Indicator Toggles: Tap the indicator toggles (green, red, yellow) to hide or show the corresponding traces on the graph. Hidden traces are indicated by a grey toggle.

Frequency Adjust Screen

This screen displays the ambient RF environment, allowing selection of a quiet channel for the transmit frequency.

• Frequency Adjust Indicator: A waveform symbol indicates frequency adjust mode. Transmit power is off in this mode.
• Auto Frequency Mode: Scans the RF spectrum to find and select a quiet channel, avoiding interference. This operation also occurs on power-up. (Note: Not available on all models).
• Frequency Value: Displays the transmit frequency numerically and via a blue cursor on the spectrum graph. The ORION does not transmit in this mode. Frequency can be adjusted automatically or manually.
• Bandwidth Selection: RF graphs show the ambient RF environment. Tapping an icon on the left activates a graph to monitor RF sources like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for selecting a quiet frequency.
• Frequency Limits: Show the range of the currently selected bandwidth.

Spectrum View Screen

Provides an alternate view of 2nd and 3rd harmonic receive levels using FFT-based spectral representation. This may indicate a hit before it registers on bar graphs. (Note: Not available on all models).

• Spectrum View Graph: Red trace for 2nd harmonic, yellow for 3rd harmonic.
• View Toggle: Switches between overlap and side-by-side views.
• 2nd Harmonic Toggle: Shows/hides the 2nd harmonic trace (overlap view only).
• 3rd Harmonic Toggle: Shows/hides the 3rd harmonic trace (side-by-side view only).

Setup

The ORION unit can be configured for various situations via the setup screens. Use the arrow keys to scroll through screens and tap buttons to make adjustments.

Note: Freq Mode setting is not available on all models. Region setting is only available for ORION 2.4 HX FCC and ORION 900 HX FCC models.

Volume

Adjusts the volume level of audio cues heard through the speaker or headphones. Press BACK to return to the setup menu.

Audio Mode

Configures audible response:

• Type:
  • Tone: Uses synthetic tones to indicate when 2nd or 3rd harmonic levels exceed the trip level. Tone style is configured in setup (page 24).
  • RX2 - AM: 2nd harmonic signal is AM demodulated and output.
  • RX2 - FM: 2nd harmonic signal is FM demodulated and output.
  • RX3 - AM: 3rd harmonic signal is AM demodulated and output.
  • RX3 - FM: 3rd harmonic signal is FM demodulated and output.

  Note: RX2 - AM, RX2 - FM, RX3 - AM, and RX3 - FM are not available in all models.

• Source:
  • HP Only: Audio cues are heard through headphones only; the speaker remains OFF.
  • Speaker/HP: Allows operation with headphones or the built-in speaker. If headphones are connected, the speaker is automatically muted.

Tx Power Mode

• Auto: Transmit power automatically reduces when the receiver saturates. Indicated by the Auto Power Level Indicator on the Bar Graph and Chart screens, and a blinking LED on the head display.
• Manual: Transmit power remains at a set level unless manually changed.

Freq Mode

• Auto: Scans frequency spectrums on power-up to find a quiet channel. Can be initiated from the Frequency Adjust Screen.
• Sweep: Continuously changes transmit frequency sequentially through channels (ORION 2.4 HX G and ORION 900 HX G models only).
• Hop: Continuously changes transmit frequency randomly (ORION 2.4 HX G and ORION 900 HX G models only).
• Manual: Transmit frequency remains unchanged unless manually adjusted via the Frequency Adjust Screen.

Note: Freq Mode is not available in all models.

DSP Gain Level

Configures digital signal processing integration level. Sensitivity increases with DSP Gain (Low to High).

Brightness

Adjusts the brightness of the OLED screen and LED Bar Graphs (Dim, Medium, High).

Tone Style

Four styles for Tone Alerts. Requires Audio Type to be set to "Tone" and volume to be audible.

• 2nd Only: Tone sounds when the 2nd harmonic signal level exceeds the trip level. Frequency increases with signal level.
• 3rd Only: Tone sounds when the 3rd harmonic signal level exceeds the trip level. Frequency increases with signal level.
• 2nd/3rd Same: Tone sounds when either the 2nd or 3rd harmonic signal level exceeds the trip level. Frequency increases with signal level.
• 2nd/3rd Diff: Tone sounds when the 2nd harmonic signal level exceeds the trip level. Frequency increases with signal level. If the 3rd harmonic signal level is higher than the 2nd, a lower frequency tone representing the 3rd harmonic will alternate with the 2nd harmonic tone.

Auto Power Off

Shuts off the unit after a predetermined period of inactivity (5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes). Select "Disabled" to disable the feature. A power-up operation is required to resume full operation.

Haptic Style

Provides vibration cues when 2nd or 3rd harmonic levels exceed trip levels, or when interacting with the touch screen.

• Mode:
  • On - Both: Vibrates for harmonic levels exceeding trip level or touch screen interaction.
  • On - Target: Vibrates only when harmonic levels exceed trip level.
  • On - Touch: Vibrates only during touch screen interaction.
  • Off: No haptic feedback.
• Length:
  • Short: Vibration feedback uses short pulses.
  • Long: Vibration feedback uses longer pulses.

Standby Time

Configures Standby Mode, putting the unit into a low power state after inactivity (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes). Select "Disabled" to disable. Full operation returns upon handling the unit.

Chart Duration

Configures the displayed duration of the chart on the chart screen (10s, 20s, 30s, 1m). Can also be set from the Chart Screen.

Headlight

Toggles the headlight on and off. Can also be controlled from the status bar.

Date/Time

Sets the current date and time. Displayed in the status bar and on screen captures.

Startup

Determines the unit's configuration upon boot-up.

• Screen: Sets the initial screen (Home, Bar Graph, Chart, or Spectrum).
• Settings:
  • Last: Boots up with the same settings as the last power down.
  • Internal: Boots up with user settings saved to the internal profile.

User Settings

Allows saving and recalling configurations (Audio Mode, Tx Power Mode, Freq Mode, Brightness, Tone Style, etc.). Up to 7 configurations can be saved using a micro SD card. Saved profiles appear in the Saved Profile List. Use arrows to scroll; press "Load Settings" to load a profile. To save, press "Save As...", select a profile, and press "OK". Saving to an SD card requires the card to be inserted.

Tools

Provides additional tools for the ORION HX:

• Factory Reset: Restores original factory user settings.
• Touch Calibration: Calibrates the touch screen for proper alignment. Follow on-screen instructions.
• Color Bars: Displays Color Bars for touch screen display evaluation.
• Diagnostics: Performs diagnostic communication tests and displays results.

Keypad Screen

Offers an alternate method for making adjustments.

Info

Displays general information about REI, software versions, and battery status. Select tabs across the top to access information.

Region

This setting is available for ORION 2.4 HX FCC and ORION 900 HX FCC models to comply with regional regulatory restrictions. Operation in modes other than FCC/IC may reduce performance.

The tables below show maximum transmit power and frequency ranges for each region setting.

*Operating with higher power than permitted in Germany violates German law. Units shipped to Germany are preset with the German Country setting.

Additional Features

Screenshot

Capture screenshots for report-writing. Screenshots are saved as PNG files to a micro SD card. Insert a micro SD card into the slot and tap the screenshot icon in the status bar. A "Save Complete" message will appear. The saved file includes date/time, mode, frequency, and power level.

SPECIFICATIONS

TRANSMITTER

• Frequency Bands: 2.404 GHz – 2.472 GHz center (ORION 2.4 HX models); 840 MHz - 960 MHz center (ORION 900 HX G model); 905 MHz - 925 MHz center (ORION 900 HX FCC model).
• Transmit Channels: Manual or Auto selection, over 60 available.
• Maximum Transmit Power: 6.6 W EIRP (ORION 2.4 HX G); 3.3 W EIRP (ORION 2.4 HX FCC); 3.2 W EIRP (ORION 900 HX G); 1.4 W EIRP (ORION 900 HX FCC).
• Power Control: Manual or Auto.
• Detection Modulation: Digital 1.25 MHz BW.

RECEIVER

• Simultaneous 2nd & 3rd harmonic receive: Digitally Correlated.
• Frequency Bands (ORION 2.4 HX): Transmit Band (2.404 GHz – 2.472 GHz); Second Harmonic (4.808 GHz – 4.944 GHz); Third Harmonic (7.212 GHz – 7.416 GHz).
• Frequency Bands (ORION 900 HX G): Transmit Band (840 MHz - 960 MHz); Second Harmonic (1680 MHz – 1920 MHz); Third Harmonic (2520 MHz - 2880 MHz).
• Frequency Bands (ORION 900 HX FCC): Transmit Band (905 MHz - 925 MHz); Second Harmonic (1810 MHz - 1850 MHz); Third Harmonic (2715 MHz - 2775 MHz).
• Sensitivity (ORION 2.4 HX): -140 dBm for both harmonics.
• Sensitivity (ORION 900 HX): -130 dBm for both harmonics.

DISPLAY

• Handle Mounted Touch Screen Controller Display.
• Antenna-Mounted Display.
• Bar Graph Display for transmit power level, 2nd harmonic level, 3rd harmonic level, data field display, and other information (operation mode, low battery, volume, DSP gain, etc.).

MECHANICAL

• Extension Lengths: 16-51 in (40.6 - 129.5 cm).
• Case Dimensions: 6.25 in x 14.9 in x 18.5 in (15.9 cm x 37.8 cm x 47.0 cm).
• ORION 2.4 Dim: 22.4 in x 3.75 in x 3 in (57 cm x 9 cm x 7.5 cm).
• ORION 900 Dim: 23 in x 3.75 in x 3 in (58.4 cm x 9 cm x 7.5 cm).
• Overall Extended Length: 58 in (147 cm).
• ORION 2.4 Weight w/ Battery: 3 lbs (1.4 kg).
• ORION 900 Weight with Battery: 3.6 lbs (1.6 kg).
• Case Weight including ORION 2.4 HX & Accessories: 12 lbs (5.4 kg).
• Case Weight including ORION 900 HX & Accessories: 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg).
• Case Weight including ORION HX Deluxe & Accessories: 12.9 lbs (5.9 kg).

MAIN BATTERY

• Input AC: 100 - 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz.
• Run Time: >4 hours per battery (typical).
• Charge Time: 2.5 hours per battery (typical).
• Batteries: Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery (2 included). Supplied battery pack: RRC Power Solutions Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery pack Model #RRC2040, rated 11.25V, 2950mAh, 33.2Wh.

THERMAL

• Operating Temperature: -10 to 50°C.
• Battery Charging Temperature: 5 to 37°C.
• Storage Temperature: -20 to 60°C.
• Note: Extended storage at temperatures above 40°C can degrade battery and OLED display performance and life.

ORION 2.4 HX G, ORION 900 HX G, and ORION 900 HX FCC are CE marked for Public Safety & Security. ORION 2.4 HX FCC and ORION 900 HX 800 mW are CE marked for commercial availability.

*The frequency bands and maximum transmit power of the ORION 900 HX Commercial CE compliant model are limited due to CE RED regulations.

APPENDIX

Background Theory

The ORION is a Non-Linear Junction Evaluation device designed by Research Electronics International. It detects semiconductor junctions to alert in the presence of electronics, enabling the location of electronic devices in various environments.

The unit operates by radiating RF energy at frequency f₀ and receiving energy at 2f₀ and 3f₀. When the radiated signal encounters a non-linear junction, some energy is re-radiated at these harmonic frequencies. The non-linear characteristic of the junction generates these harmonics.

Observing returned signals at 2f₀ and 3f₀ allows detection of non-linear junctions. A basic diode is the simplest form of an electronic non-linear junction.

The current (i) of a diode can be described by the equation:

i = I_s [e^qv/kT – 1]

Where: i = signal current, I_s = leakage current, q = electron charge, v = voltage, K = Boltzmann's constant, T = temperature in Kelvins.

A plot of this equation for a typical diode shows a non-linear voltage-current characteristic.

Using Taylor Series approximation near the origin:

i = I_s [ (qv/kT) + (qv/kT)²/2 + (qv/kT)³/6 + ... ]

For small signals, this simplifies to:

i ~ I_s [ (qv/kT) + (qv/kT)²/2 ]

The second term generates the 2nd harmonic, and the third term generates the 3rd harmonic.

Electronic devices contain numerous non-linear junctions (diodes, transistors) linked by circuitry. This complexity allows energy to radiate in and out, often resulting in a stronger 2nd harmonic signal than the 3rd.

Other situations, like dissimilar or corroded metals touching, can also produce harmonic signals (passive intermodulation), referred to as false junctions or the "rusty bolt effect".

Junctions in electronic devices are well-defined, while false junctions are less defined and irregular. Electronic device junctions are typically symmetrical in their voltage-current characteristics, producing a strong 2nd harmonic and a weak 3rd. False junctions are often asymmetrical, producing a weak 2nd harmonic and a strong 3rd.

The ORION compares harmonic levels: A (Semiconductor) shows a strong 2nd harmonic and weak 3rd. B (False Junction) shows a weak 2nd harmonic and strong 3rd.

Some semiconductor circuits, like two diodes connected back-to-back, can re-radiate a strong third harmonic, resembling the symmetry of a false junction.

Software Licenses

The ORION HX software is licensed under the LGPL license.

Qt License

The ORION HX software dynamically links to the unmodified Nokia Qt4 Library (© 2011 Nokia Corporation). It is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 with Nokia Qt LGPL exception version 1.1.

The Qt4 library is free software. You can redistribute and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1, as published by the Free Software Foundation.

The Qt4 library is provided "AS IS", without warranties of any kind. The source code for Qt 4.8 SDK is available at: http://download.qt.io/archive/qt/4.8/4.8.0/qt-everywhere-opensource-src-4.8.0.zip

Qwt License

The Qwt library and programs are provided under the GNU LESSER GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE (LGPL) with exceptions for widgets and static linking.

ORION HX is based in part on the Qwt project (http://qwt.sf.net).

GNU Lesser General Public License

This license governs the terms for copying, distribution, and modification of the software library.

NO WARRANTY: The library is provided "AS IS" without warranty. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the library is with the user.