Langstone Across LAN

[M0DTS]

I wonder if anyone else is thinking about using this setup across a network?

My idea (and i'm sure many others) is to have the pluto/multiple PA/LNA in a box at the top of the mast connected by screened network cable back to the pi. This takes us back to the uWave Group idea many years ago!

Anyway, i've had a look into Langstone code and adjusted the appropriate IP address to the networked PLUTO but it's not happy...hi
>> Changed IP in SSB_TRX.py and LangstoneGUI.c.

Just checking if there is something i've missed before digging further?
It has got to be possible as i can connect to the PLUTO from SDR# over the network at 0.5Ms without any trouble.

Thanks
Rob

[g4eml]

Hi Rob,

I have never tried it but in theory it should work. All of the comms to the Pluto is via the network address. As you found, both the GNU Radio python module and the GUI program talk to the Pluto so the address needs changing in several places. At the moment the band select bits and PTT output are from the pi GPIO but they could be duplicated on the Pluto IO pins.

Colin

[M0DTS]

Ok thanks,

Got it working now, had to increase the buffer size on the iio source/sink to 0x8000 in SSB_TRX.py.
Headset had to be configured in there too, 'aplay -L' command will list device names for audio devices.
Mine had to be "hw:CARD=LX3000,DEV=0" for LifeChat Headset.

Not easy testing at present as i'm working without correct screen and no touch!
Just wiring up ptt pin so i can test if it tx's properly over lan.

Rob

[M0DTS]

Yes it works in Tx over the lan too, very cool
Will now wait for the proper screen and a fresh PLUTO for this build.

Note the Tx part does not work if you have Evariste's DATV firmware running, Tx is already being used.

I have some code to do FFT and create a waterfall bitmap, see here: http://www.m0dts.co.uk/?item=167
But probably easier to start from scratch using gnuradio fft block and then a custom 'waterfall' block, will have a think about that the next few days while i'm at work.

Rob

[g4eml]

Hi Rob,

The idea of having the RF remote from the controller is not something I thought of but it does make sense.

I am using Evariste’s firmware on my Pluto without issues. But that is over USB, I can’t see why network should be any different.

A custom GNU radio block would be good. If it just did the FFT and then output the values for each frequency bin to a pipe. It would be easy to read those into the GUI and display a waterfall. Assuming the Pi can handle the extra workload.

I have several other projects on the go at the moment but I will get back to Langstone soon.

Colin.

[M0DTS]

Ok on the firmware, i had a really old version on where pluto_dvb runs right from the start i think so that's probably why.

It looks like the Rx LO leaks through onto the Tx port, a shift in Rx freq while transmitting will be worthwhile or even disable rx LO?
I'll have to read up on the device/iio interface, it's the fist time i've looked into the pluto as a 'radio' !

We all have multiple projects, i'll get distracted again very soon but this one has only just come up on the radar...

Rob

[M0DTS]

Please ignore my previous comments on the LO leakage.
Finally figured out that my PLUTO has a damaged Tx Balun and was fairly low output (i thought this was just normal as i had nothing to compare with)
I had the analyser attenuation wound out so i could see other spurs/signals not normally noticed!

Rob

[G1LPS Terry]

Ive tried two otg to LAN adapters and neither work.
Could anyone please suggest a one that's proven to work.

Thanks
Terry

[g4eml]

The Lan adapters with micro USB plugs I have tried do not work in OTG mode. I think they are intended for things like the Raspberry Pi zero which has USB micro connectors. The OTG pin in the connector is not configured.

I am using an ethernet adapter with full size USB plug and a proper OTG adapter cable. Not as neat as a single cable but it works.

This page on the Analog devices wiki lists their recommended chipsets.
https://wiki.analog.com/university/tool ... on_support

[g0mjw]

I m also using this along with a Y cable that allows for powering the adaptor and the Pluto from a single 5V supply.