Build your own USB tuner- will work with Minitioune

[G1LPS Terry]

The Eardatek NIM modules are now in the BATC shop.
Here's the info needed to build a usb tuner.
regards
Terry G1LPS

[G1LPS Terry]

DIFFERENT NAMES USED BETWEEN MANUFACTURES

This 1v circuit is recommended for a low S/N

[G1LPS Terry]

post of multi nim circuit deleted to save confusion

[g8gtz]

Thanks Terry,

Brian, G4EWJ, is also designing a PCB which we intend to sell in the shop but it will probably be at least 6-8 weeks before we get them in stock, so on with the Vero / strip board!!

73

Noel

[F6DZP]

Hello,

You can now download the software that will run with your MiniTiouner in the Download section of vivadatv forum:
http://www.vivadatv.org/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=390

Informations and observations about MiniTioune can be put here:
http://www.vivadatv.org/viewtopic.php?f ... 1095#p1095

Thank you to post your remarks that can help me to improve MiniTioune.

Jean-Pierre F6DZP

[G4KLB]

Minitiounev0.1e working very well.
Have tested from 333Ks to 4Ms so far
MPEG2 and H264
So not only useful for RBDATV

[g8gtz]

I now have it running using components from the shop and a big piece of Veroboard

Notes I have made are as follows:

Follow latest hardware instructions ONLY (below). Note, there have been many changes, destroy burn or eat any info you have printed/downloaded and only use the diagrams below.

Take great care when wiring the 8 data bus wires they do not follow a pattern...

Note 74HC10 is fed from 3.3v

Check 5v, 3.3v and 1v supplies before connecting up the silicon.

Use a separate 5v PSU for testing.

Download the software from http://www.vivadatv.org/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=390 – you need to be a member but there’s a lot of useful information on here.

You then need to install the latest USB drivers BEFORE connecting the hardware.

If you have previously run a FTDI USB module on your PC (such as for Digilite) you must remove the old drivers first. Download the FTDI removal tool from here: http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Utiliti ... r_v1.4.zip

Read the instruction here: http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Utiliti ... eadme.html Note that the USB module used is the 0x6010 for the dual channel devices (2232C/D/H Chips).

Once you have a clean machine, download CDM v2.12.00 WHQL Certified.exe from here http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/CDM/CDM ... tified.exe

Plug in your Minitiouner board and it should recognise the hardware as NIM tuner and allow Windows to install the drivers.

You can check the driver version using Windows Control Panel > system à Device Manager > USB bus controller > USB serial Converter A – Right click > properties > Driver = you must see “driver version 2.12.0.0”

Finally you can run the Minitutioune program!

This is early beta software!

Note if you unplug the hardware it will crash!!!

Note the current version does not decode the video – you need to run VLC (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.en_GB.html) .

Tune Minitioune in to the signal and then press the UDP button. Run VLC and configure as follows: media > open Network stream > udp://@:1234 You should get video and audio decodes.

You can now run Tutioune on a laptop!!!

Thanks to Terry, Colin and Jean Pierre for all their hard work.

73

Noel - G8GTZ

[KenW6HHC]

<Noel G8GTZ wrote> Note we currently only have 4 USB modules available - if you are planning to order one with a tuner please let us know so we can order some more if needed.

I have been far too busy and missed any of the last four USB Modules in the BATC Shop. I am interested in purchasing a USB module for the great MiniTiouner project. I have just ordered my EarDATEK NIM tuner module from your online Shop.

MNY TNX...de Ken W6HHC

[g8gtz]

Hi Ken,

I've ordered another 10 today so they should be in early next week.

Noel

[M0DTS]

I found i needed to add the two VIO power connections(3.3v) on the USB FTDI module.
Without that it appears as a FT4232H instead of 2232H and does not work (my FTDI module is dated 2010 rev 1.1)

My 1v supply is using 1.8v regulator with 1n4001 diode on it's output to a 22uF cap and 47R to ground, when in use it's 0.997v and seems ok, will test tomorrow on a 'dx' signal!

Who needs veroboard?! it is cut with the dremel to get some pads to solder so, the rest is wires.

Otherwise all is well and MiniTioune decoding test signals at 120KS from DATV Express no problem across the shack at 4dB MER.

FYI this setup with the chinese 5v switcher draws about 270mA at power on, 320mA when rxing low SR signals and 400mA when 'Low SR' is unchecked - probably higher clock speed. Using 12v input.

73

Rob
M0DTS