Did one last test and yes, the first position 36 and third position 36 watters did not work, but the 24watters in 2nd and 4th position (daisy chain wise) did work.
I'll try measuring the voltage later this weekend when I have some time just to see if there's something funky with this board. But, I got it from a guy who'd bought it for his church but the person in charge of sound and light at the church felt it wasn't big enough for their use, which is why - according to the guy I bought it from - they were selling it after using it 3 times. So hypothetically it should be in proper shape. It did come with the original box, but no instructions.
Btw - I did find and use a properly configured 12 volt adapter and no change in behaviours. I would agree with your assessment.
Interesting. Yeah, if you get some time try to measure the "raw" output from both boards to see if there's a difference, and then measure the output coming from one of your 36w units, with both boards. My thought is that without an O-scope you won't be able to see the problem with any degree of certainty, but it's worth a try!
I don't blame you for not wanting to try another Chauvet board. The only reason I suggest something a little more mainstream than the board you mention is so that there's a wide userbase that can help answer questions if you have them, especially when it comes to programming. That's interesting that they're somehow associated with Yorkville. Many people on these forums use Yorkville products with good results for what they are, myself included. Knowing that Yorkville is a Canadian brand, maybe the Orion products have more of a representation up by you than they do here in the United States? Either way, as long as you get it from a dealer that will honor returns, which it sounds like you are, I don't think you can go wrong. You still won't have the output and capabilities found with an equivalent software controller, but there are pros and cons with going either route. Maybe try bringing one of your 36w lights in and see what they make of it? Have fun!