BATC Forum

Hi all,

I have been mulling-over whether it would be practical to create a PiHat that contains the NIM and necessary circuitry to operate it, that way a Pi+Hat could become a completely self-contained receiver.

As the FT223H module simply provides GPIO and I2C, it should be possible to use the Pi GPIO/I2C with a (relatively minor) change to the receiver source code. The NIM could also be mounted horizontally so it wouldn't need as much space.

What do people think, is this something that might be useful? If so I will carry-on and see if I can get a proof-of-concept created.

73 Phil M0VSE

Sounds like a great concept. If it could include DC up the coax 12/18v for preamps or LNBs too, and host Portsdown/Longmynd/lime mini it could be a pocket powerhouse.....only problem, we might run out of place names for the various software developments
Gareth G4XAT

Love that concept!

See the other thread on this topic viewtopic.php?f=130&t=6628

This morning Noel and I mapped out a proposed way ahead for the Raspberry Pi and Tuner combination, starting with the Ryde Mk 1.

The difficulty is getting the transport stream out of the tuner and into the Raspberry Pi fast enough. Normal GPIO speeds just aren't good enough. That's why the USB solution is so attractive.

However, one of our members has demonstrated a very promising alternative solution using spi and i2c and we are working on the details needed to take it from a test bench project to something that is easily controllable and user-friendly, and that members can build.

Please give us time to put flesh on the bones of this plan - but rest assured that we have been working on it for over a year and we are confident of seeing a working system within the next year.

More details will be provided as we gain confidence in being able to make these solutions available to our members.

Dave, G8GKQ

Sorry Dave, I 'skimmed' that thread but didn't see the work that has already gone into this.

I am a 'reasonably' proficient C/C++ programmer so I may still do some experimentation, if I can be of any assistance, let me know.

73 Phil M0VSE

No problem Phil. Much of the work is very experimental, so hasn't made it to the Forum thread yet.

Dave