Install Problem

The place for discussion about the 4-channel WinterHill DATV Receiver
G0LJF
Posts: 106
Joined: Wed Dec 25, 2019 5:28 pm

Re: Install Problem

Post by G0LJF » Fri Apr 02, 2021 5:59 pm

Right, This is all when locked onto the beacon (and PI no longer responding).

In lock-up mode, the Info A LED flashes whilst "receiving". VLC RX1 bar changed from "scanning" to an IP address.
No packets are then shown as incrementing in the terminal window. All zero.

After a remote WH shutdown the PI chrome browser shows the default raspberry pi web site OK.
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Here are shots of the colour bar (550 and 549). The others show how the VLC title bar changed from search to an IP AT LOCK-UP.

And the Rx packet count stops at zero.

The PIC A LED does flash however after the lock-up.

anything else?
Last edited by G0LJF on Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

g0mjw
Posts: 2325
Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:15 am

Re: Install Problem

Post by g0mjw » Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:01 pm

I wonder what model of PI4 this is as mine have both been fine?

G0LJF
Posts: 106
Joined: Wed Dec 25, 2019 5:28 pm

Re: Install Problem

Post by G0LJF » Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:03 pm

Any way to tell? Its a 4 GB PI4, I bought it about six months back then put Portsdown 4 on it (just the SW), never used it as I have P2020.

my board
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G0LJF
Posts: 106
Joined: Wed Dec 25, 2019 5:28 pm

Re: Install Problem

Post by G0LJF » Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:07 pm

Oh I did see this error message too... on the PI terminal
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g0mjw
Posts: 2325
Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:15 am

Re: Install Problem

Post by g0mjw » Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:07 pm

That's the same as the one I used for the first prototype. I used the cheaper 2 Gb for the second one. I assume the voltage is OK and not dropping. Could you have a wiring fault perhaps? Very odd. Try a different monitor maybe?

Mike

g0mjw
Posts: 2325
Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:15 am

Re: Install Problem

Post by g0mjw » Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:11 pm

I just realised I never tested it with a 4k monitor. Maybe that's the problem, assuming you are using a 4k monitor. I tested with a full HD monitor. Bad HDMI cables can create stange issues. I use mine exclusively in hub mode as I don't want another monitor and keyboard to deal with. It has run for months without crashing.

Mike

G4EWJ
Posts: 1358
Joined: Wed Feb 17, 2010 10:11 am

Re: Install Problem

Post by G4EWJ » Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:17 pm

The noise may suggest that the SPI bus from PIC to RPi is shorted to something and when there is activity on it, the shorting aggravates something else.

Can you disconnect the LNB feed from NIM_A and NIM_B in turn and reboot and see if the problem varies if only PIC_A or PIC_B is in use. Change the LNB jumper matrix as required if you're using the on-board voltage generator.

I assume you have a scope, so I'll give you some pins to look at to see if any of the signals indicate some problem.

Brian

G0LJF
Posts: 106
Joined: Wed Dec 25, 2019 5:28 pm

Re: Install Problem

Post by G0LJF » Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:20 pm

Well I put my scope on all the supply voltages as that was the first thing I thought of as it looks like a noisy PSU.
But to re emphasise the problem is repeatable and only occurs the instant the WH acquires the beacon.

I had assumed it was due to my BiasT in some way so I had the scope on that too - all clear.

The only noise is very narrow impulse spikes are on the 1V1 about a few hundred mV. At 1.67 ms apart.

I am only a one TV house here - I do have PC monitors. I suppose I could try this one (I am looking at it now, but I guess you can't see it at your end).

I think that does HDMI.... worth a try.

Can you disconnect the LNB feed from NIM_A and NIM_B in turn and reboot and see if the problem varies if only PIC_A or PIC_B is in use. Change the LNB jumper matrix as required if you're using the on-board voltage generator.

I did try RX1 and then swapped to RX3 - same instant PI death as soon as the beacon is acquired.
BTW I am NOT using any jumpers or voltage supplies as my LNB is self powered off the bias T.

G4EWJ
Posts: 1358
Joined: Wed Feb 17, 2010 10:11 am

Re: Install Problem

Post by G4EWJ » Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:30 pm

Have a look at the 3.3v waveforms on PIC pins 16,17,21,22. Possibly no activity on 21. If the PIC LEDs are flashing, then SPI data is being transferred, but is probably corrupted as the packet count doesn't increase.

Brian

G0LJF
Posts: 106
Joined: Wed Dec 25, 2019 5:28 pm

Re: Install Problem

Post by G0LJF » Fri Apr 02, 2021 6:39 pm

Hi Brian and Mike,

Please hold your horses....

I took Mike's suggestion to swap to this PC monitor (which has HDMI) from my old Panasonic TV and guess what!

Yes, it all works now.

So 5 house points, and my thanks, to Mike.

And to you Brian (and any other SWLs)....

At least someone else may learn from this.... I hope. Now we know all about TVs and RPis.

Lesson to self - TVs are only for watching dreadful Broadcast TV programmes. Which is what I am going to do now, and get a Beer!

Tnx again.

73, Mike

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