No video on transmit

Discussion about this major DATV Project. See https://wiki.batc.org.uk/The_Portsdown_Transmitter
Roberto48
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:04 pm

Re: No video on transmit

Post by Roberto48 » Fri Oct 26, 2018 12:45 pm

Hi Dave and Steve,

Thanks for reply!

Yes I have done all the tips as described.. And I replaced the I/Q wires as well
Below the answers on the questions:

1. I take it that MiniTioune works with PI6ATV, so the problem must be in the Portsdown?
I can receive pictures from other amateurs without any problem

2. Did your Portsdown work in Ugly mode? (437 MHz 333KS)
That is the strange thing, NO.

3. What video source are you trying to use on the Portsdown?
I'm using the TestCard

4. What Encoder are you trying to use on the Portsdown?
MPEG-2

5. What modulator are you trying to use on the Portsdown? (Filter-modulator Board, DATV Express, Lime?)
FM Board, build on the BATC PCB

6. What Portsdown software version are you using?
The latest version: Jessie 201809151
I tried to install the Stretch version but the Github site was unreachable. Is that maybe the problem...?

Attached a photo of the Info screen.

Rob, PA0RWE
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G8GKQ
Site Admin
Posts: 2798
Joined: Sun Mar 22, 2009 1:21 pm

Re: No video on transmit

Post by G8GKQ » Fri Oct 26, 2018 1:06 pm

Hi Rob

OK. I think that we need to go back to the beginning with this one. Please could you test in "Ugly" mode?

Connect a small wire aerial to your MiniTiouner and put it near the RPi. Select Preset 4 "437-Ugly" on the Touchscreen and tune your MiniTiouner to 437 MHz 333 KS.

Your Portsdown should be ready to transmit with DVB-S, H264, UGLY, 4:3, PiScreen on the top line and $37 MHz, 333, 7/8 70_cm, -10.00 on the next line. Press TX and wait 30 seconds or so. Do you get a picture?

There have been some GitHub issues over the last few days. I think that it is OK now.

Dave

Roberto48
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:04 pm

Re: No video on transmit

Post by Roberto48 » Fri Oct 26, 2018 2:03 pm

Hi Dave,

Same result...No picture
The Carrier- and Timing lock indicators are not very steady. They are moving from 0 to 100% and back.
I also found that I'm using a RPi 3B. Is it a better idea to use the 3B+?

Rob PA0RWE

G8GKQ
Site Admin
Posts: 2798
Joined: Sun Mar 22, 2009 1:21 pm

Re: No video on transmit

Post by G8GKQ » Fri Oct 26, 2018 3:21 pm

Rob

The carrier and timing lock tend to jump around until everything is locked up. Do not try to read too much into them. Next questions:

Does the RF Power meter on MiniTioune increase when you go to transmit?

What do you have connected to your RPi apart from the Power Supply and the ribbon cable to the touchscreen? Anything on USB? Anything on HDMI or AV socket?

What is displayed on the Touchscreen when you go to transmit in Ugly Mode?

The RPi 3B is perfect. No need for a B+.

Dave

Roberto48
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:04 pm

Re: No video on transmit

Post by Roberto48 » Fri Oct 26, 2018 6:50 pm

Hi Dave,

Problem solved....
I have a RPi B3+ where I installed Stretch and the 2018 Portsdown software and.... WORKING on ugly mode.!
I don't know if it is the RPi B3 or the software which gives the problem. I will install Stretch and the 2018 software on that B3 and will let you know if it is working as good as now on the B3+

So far so good...
Thanks anyway for help!

Rob PA0RWE
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G8GKQ
Site Admin
Posts: 2798
Joined: Sun Mar 22, 2009 1:21 pm

Re: No video on transmit

Post by G8GKQ » Fri Oct 26, 2018 7:35 pm

Hi Rob

That's good news. You could try swapping the cards over - they aren't different between the 2 RPi versions.

Dave

Roberto48
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:04 pm

Re: No video on transmit

Post by Roberto48 » Sat Oct 27, 2018 9:30 am

Hi Dave,

I have completely reinstall all the software on the not-working RPi-3B and now it's also working!
So the problem was in the software and not in the RPi hardware.
The complete set-up with FilterModule etc is working great as well!

My weekend is OK now!

73's
Rob PA0RWE

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