New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Discussion about this major DATV Project. See https://wiki.batc.org.uk/The_Portsdown_Transmitter
G8GKQ
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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by G8GKQ » Wed Aug 26, 2020 2:46 pm

I have been working with Martin G4FKK to diagnose his Portsdown problems. The main issue was that he had previously programmed his LimeSDR Mini with the LimeDVB software and, of course, the Portsdown only drives it correctly when set to transmit using Lime DVB,

There are still some outstanding issues that have us mystified, but his Portsdown is basically working.

Dave, G8GKQ

g8lce
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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by g8lce » Thu Aug 27, 2020 10:11 am

Hi Dave,

You may not have implemented the WiFi yet but setting it up through the console worked!
Just like most people I don't read the instructions or WiKi when there are lots of buttons to push! (I do use Google though to find manuals etc. when mending things) You could put the manual straight into the SD card and an option on menu 3.
While thinking about the WiFi don't forget the AstroPi3 system that sets the WiFi of that RPi into a hotspot.
I only mention these things incase while resting and relaxing from working on the software you have a lightbulb moment and think of a solution.
I find that can often be the case.
If you need something tested or broken send me a list.

Martin G8LCE

F1CJN_alain
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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by F1CJN_alain » Thu Aug 27, 2020 12:55 pm

Hello
Do you project to later add the C130E logitech USB cam with integrated H264 encoder ?
Best 73's
Alain F1CJN

M0SKM
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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by M0SKM » Thu Aug 27, 2020 1:22 pm

G8GKQ wrote:
Mon Aug 24, 2020 5:27 pm
I have just issued a corrected Portsdown 4 software release 202008231. In this release, the band and PTT GPIO outputs work without the Langstone software needing to be installed.

If you have already built the software and your GPIO outputs are not working, I suggest loading the Langstone software, or alternatively you can install the fix:

Code: Select all

cd /tmp
wget https://project-downloads.drogon.net/wiringpi-latest.deb
sudo dpkg -i wiringpi-latest.deb
cd /home/pi
Dave, G8GKQ
Hi Dave,

Still not getting an RPi GPIO PTT voltage in Portsdown 4 Pluto mode.
First I entered the above code and rechecked, still no PTT on pin 40.
Next I used a new memory card and installed Portsdown and Langstone, PTT is OK in Langstone but no luck in Portsdown.

73 Steve
Find me on D Star through GB7BP

G8GKQ
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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by G8GKQ » Fri Aug 28, 2020 9:39 pm

Hi Steve

My apologies. Your lack of a PTT signal with the Pluto caused some head scratching here, but I have now found the cause. My test/development rig has a Pluto buried inside it which has the Pluto PTT relay modification. This was paralleled with the Portsdown PTT relay, so I had not noticed that the Portsdown PTT was not operating.

The next update (hopefully to be released in the next few days) will have the required code to switch the Portsdown PTT on about 8 seconds after transmit is selected with the Pluto connected. That time delay means that the Pluto calibration will not be transmitted.

Dave

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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by G8GKQ » Fri Aug 28, 2020 9:44 pm

Alain

Adding support for webcams without being able to test them is very difficult. However, I can give it a try if you send me the webcam's response to the following commands:

Code: Select all

lsusb
v4l2-ctl --list-devices
v4l2-ctl -d /dev/video0 --list-formats-ext
v4l2-ctl -d /dev/video1 --list-formats-ext
arecord -l
arecord -f S16_LE -c 2 -r 60000 -D hw:1,0 -d 5 testS16_LE.wav
arecord -f S16_LE -c 1 -r 60000 -D hw:1,0 -d 5 testS16_LE.wav
Dave

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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by F1CJN_alain » Sat Aug 29, 2020 9:18 am

Hi Dave

Sorry, I don't have yet the C930e cam. (sorry for the C130e ! )
I have asked this question because we need a new webcam for the F4KLO club, and as the encoding delay of the portsdown 4 is very short with the (old) C920 cam with integrated H264 encoder, we would like to keep the same level of performance.

I have also tested the portsdown 4 to 66K with very good results for image, sound and encoding delay. Thanks for your work.
73's
Alain F1CJN

M0SKM
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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by M0SKM » Sat Aug 29, 2020 10:46 am

G8GKQ wrote:
Fri Aug 28, 2020 9:39 pm
Hi Steve

My apologies. Your lack of a PTT signal with the Pluto caused some head scratching here, but I have now found the cause. My test/development rig has a Pluto buried inside it which has the Pluto PTT relay modification. This was paralleled with the Portsdown PTT relay, so I had not noticed that the Portsdown PTT was not operating.

The next update (hopefully to be released in the next few days) will have the required code to switch the Portsdown PTT on about 8 seconds after transmit is selected with the Pluto connected. That time delay means that the Pluto calibration will not be transmitted.

Dave
Thanks Dave; I'm pleased it wasn't me.
Another issue I have is the time it takes Portsdown/Pluto to stop transmitting after I ask it to stop, I timed it at 18.5 seconds.
Talking to Arthur G4CPE he also mentioned the lengthy delay, this issue may already be on your list.
Portsdown+Langstone is an excellent project, thanks to all concerned.

73 Steve
Find me on D Star through GB7BP

SV2RR
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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by SV2RR » Sat Aug 29, 2020 12:54 pm

I am new to Portsdown 4, i have complete the installation with the latest firmware and everything works fine with my LimeSDR mini, the only problem i have is the Inverted Pi Camera Video which is horizontal. How to change it to vertical? Any solution please?

Thank you
Greg, SV2RR

G8GKQ
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Re: New Portsdown 4 Software Release 202008230

Post by G8GKQ » Sat Aug 29, 2020 8:35 pm

Hi

It is not possible to rotate the Pi Camera video by 90 degrees. You need to change the mounting for the camera. If you are using a SmartiPi Touch 2 case, the modification was described in CQ-TVThis was described in CQ-TV 267 page 9.

Dave

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