Portsdown Stretch 2019 Software Update 201903250

[G8GKQ]

Magi

I think that the latest software update (201904200), released today, may cure some of these problems.

Dave, G8GKQ

[EA3UM]

Hi Noel
Apparently I am the only one who uses the Lime SDR USB for this application.
I have managed to make it work with this version, doing a manual reset every time I move from TX to RX or vice versa.
It occurs to me that a possible provisional solution would be to return to version 201902250, or with the recent version, from the menu of the RPI option 5 (Lime Update) it could work with the previous version of firmware 2.18. and not with the current 2.20
Currently it is a very uncomfortable operation.
Thank you
73
Magi
EA3UM

[EA3UM]

Sorry, I had not seen your recent message about the new version 201904200.
I'm going to try it.
I will inform you of the results.
Thank you
73

[EA3UM]

Hello Noel
With the current version 201904200, the operation of the Lime SDR USB in the project for DATV with the RPI has been greatly improved.
In normal operation, with the mode of modulation in coherence with the chosen FEC, the operation is perfect !.
The start TX, delayed PTT and return to RX act well in all cases.
I have only found one possible failure:
If I set an inconsistent FEC with a certain type of modulation, it causes a TX start-up for 2 seconds, returning to the idle state.
This would not be a problem because there is a reason for inconsistency of the FEC with the modulation chosen, but the Lime enters a state of repetition of this effect, in any configuration, even valid, and a manual reset must be made a manual reset must be done to restore normal operation.
This does not suppose any problem, since operating properly the anomaly does not occur.
I have focused the tests on the cases that I had observed deficiencies, and I have not tested the operation in all the menu options, but I can say that the operation is very satisfactory.
My congratulations for this great work.
Thanks, Noel.
73 Magi
EA3UM

[G8GKQ]

Hi Magi

Dave here (I write most of the software). Pleased that the latest release has cured some of the problems - thanks for letting me know.

Please could you describe the exact settings that cause the failure that you mentioned? If I can reproduce it, I can try to make sure that it does not happen in future.

Dave, G8GKQ

[EA3UM]

Hi Dave
My excuses for the confusion in the name.
I will try to explain the effect in the easiest way.
With any kind of modulation if the chosen FEC is valid, the operation is perfect.
When with any kind of modulation S2QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK .... etc. if the chosen FEC is not valid, the LIME goes to TX for 2 seconds, stop TX, and remains in a state that from this moment repeats this effect, although the modulation class and its FEC are valid.
It is only possible to return to normal operation by resetting the LIME. (cutting the power a few seconds).
I hope you have explained me well.
It seems that the rest works perfect.
73 -Magi
EA3UM

[G8GKQ]

Hi Magi

I understand the problem. I will try to reproduce it and, if I can, prevent it happening (in the next release).

73

Dave

[EA3UM]

Thank you Dave

[g4hiz]

Hola Magi,

I notice that your comment seems to be in relation to S/W 201903250 ? If you update to S/W 201904200, you will find that invalid FEC selections for a particular modulation are greyed-out and 'selecting' one of these greyed-out values causes a default to a valid FEC.

73
Jen G4HIZ

[G8GKQ]

Hi Magi

I have tried to reporoduce the issue that you describe and the only time that I can get my LimeSDR Mini to "lock-up" (even when it is selected as a LimeUSB) is when I cancel the transmit selection during the initial calibration phase (the first 7 seconds).

The switching logic in the console menu corrects any incorrect FEC before it starts the transmit process, so I can't see how what you describe could happen - but I have been wrong in the past!

As Jen says, incorrect FECs are greyed out on the touchscreen menu, but it is not so easy on the console.

Dave, G8GKQ