Hi All.
Have managed to get DATV Express running with Hauppauge WinTv USB2 24xxx, NOT the 29xxx, on old slowish laptop.
Needs Video Capture Device plugged in to Tx Carrier, etc. Video size a little zoomed.
But the MER was off the scale (almost) and rock solid, best constellation I've ever produced at this QTH,
including DigiLite & DTX1, so far? Hi.
Will now build into box to keep it "safe", and lot's to play with, inc versions of Ubuntu etc...
Waiting for the "Recomended" HVR 1900 to arrive for further tests.
Looking forward to Mini type Pc experiments.
73
Peter
DATV Express Early Tests
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This forum is run by the BATC (British Amateur Television Club), it is service made freely available to all interested parties, please do not abuse this privilege.
Thank you
This forum is run by the BATC (British Amateur Television Club), it is service made freely available to all interested parties, please do not abuse this privilege.
Thank you
Re: DATV Express Early Tests
Hi Peter G8DKC,
Thank you for sharing your comparison of testing with those three DVB-S exciters.
The project team's PCB layout-guru did a very profession effort to balance the board etch delays for our DAC analog output signals.
The project team's math-guru has done a marvelous effort of making the mathematics (like Fourier) behave and work in our favor.
The next planned release of DATV-Express software (to be called v2.02) should work much better on your old sluggish laptop since Charles G4GUO is allowing all of the DVB-S protocol encoding to be pushed inside the FPGA and thereby offload much of CPU loading.
Have fun....de Ken W6HHC
Thank you for sharing your comparison of testing with those three DVB-S exciters.
The project team's PCB layout-guru did a very profession effort to balance the board etch delays for our DAC analog output signals.
The project team's math-guru has done a marvelous effort of making the mathematics (like Fourier) behave and work in our favor.
The next planned release of DATV-Express software (to be called v2.02) should work much better on your old sluggish laptop since Charles G4GUO is allowing all of the DVB-S protocol encoding to be pushed inside the FPGA and thereby offload much of CPU loading.
Have fun....de Ken W6HHC
Last edited by KenW6HHC on Mon Jun 02, 2014 9:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: DATV Express Early Tests
Peter,
I managed to get a 29039 to work so maybe it is a matter of the right firmware files?
- Charles
I managed to get a 29039 to work so maybe it is a matter of the right firmware files?
- Charles
Re: DATV Express Early Tests
Hi Peter G8DKC,
I have just released the DATV-Express v2.02 software that should work much better on your old sluggish laptop since all of the DVB-S protocol encoding can be pushed inside the FPGA. When you install, just make sure the HW Tab setting is selected to AUTO mode.
The DOWNLOADS section of the http://www.DATV-Express.com web site now has the following updated files...
* README file
* User Guide (draft35) where Fig23 (PIDs Tab) and FIG26 (HW Tab) have been updated
* Debian install file for v2.02 i386 (32-bit Intel)
* Debian install file for v2.02 AMD 64-bit
Let me know if this new software update helps your old sluggish laptop work any better?
73...de Ken W6HHC
I have just released the DATV-Express v2.02 software that should work much better on your old sluggish laptop since all of the DVB-S protocol encoding can be pushed inside the FPGA. When you install, just make sure the HW Tab setting is selected to AUTO mode.
The DOWNLOADS section of the http://www.DATV-Express.com web site now has the following updated files...
* README file
* User Guide (draft35) where Fig23 (PIDs Tab) and FIG26 (HW Tab) have been updated
* Debian install file for v2.02 i386 (32-bit Intel)
* Debian install file for v2.02 AMD 64-bit
Let me know if this new software update helps your old sluggish laptop work any better?
73...de Ken W6HHC
Re: DATV Express Early Tests
Hello Ken & Charles,
First for the record, have...
2 x PVR2s, 24019 rev C289 working.
2 x PVR2s 29039 rev D160 and rev D157 that don't.
All 4 work on the MK808 software, no controller, with DigiLite.
Not too worried about those, 3 will be used with DigiLite / MK808, systems and one a spare.
I can't find anything about talking to the HVR 1900 to change aspect ratio etc?
It could be hiding in full view!
At the moment pictures are stretched and zoomed in a little on the 2409 and 1900,
edges of testcards and pictures missing. Are there other command line adjustments?
Have totaly un-installed the DATV-Express 2.01 and installed the new DATV-Express 2.02 software, found things going blocky and sound starting to jitter and stumble, reverted back to 2.01 all working fine.
The laptop in use is a Tosh Sat Pro A100 1.5gb mem Celeron M 440@1.86ghz,
ubuntu 12.04 LTS with latest updates 4 days ago.
Maybe a Pc with encoder card, but not too portable.
Have a dual core dell to install ubuntu on and re-try the software versions.
Early days for me, hope this helps others, will update as and when...
73
Peter
First for the record, have...
2 x PVR2s, 24019 rev C289 working.
2 x PVR2s 29039 rev D160 and rev D157 that don't.
All 4 work on the MK808 software, no controller, with DigiLite.
Not too worried about those, 3 will be used with DigiLite / MK808, systems and one a spare.
I can't find anything about talking to the HVR 1900 to change aspect ratio etc?
It could be hiding in full view!
At the moment pictures are stretched and zoomed in a little on the 2409 and 1900,
edges of testcards and pictures missing. Are there other command line adjustments?
Have totaly un-installed the DATV-Express 2.01 and installed the new DATV-Express 2.02 software, found things going blocky and sound starting to jitter and stumble, reverted back to 2.01 all working fine.
The laptop in use is a Tosh Sat Pro A100 1.5gb mem Celeron M 440@1.86ghz,
ubuntu 12.04 LTS with latest updates 4 days ago.
Maybe a Pc with encoder card, but not too portable.
Have a dual core dell to install ubuntu on and re-try the software versions.
Early days for me, hope this helps others, will update as and when...
73
Peter
Re: DATV Express Early Tests
Hi Peter,
If it works with MK808 Digilite but does not work with Express then it is
almost certainly to do with missing firmware for the Hauppauges. You will need
to copy the appropriate firmware files into the /lib/firmware directory.
I don't have a definitive list of firmware files for the various Hauppauge models
but the ones used on MK808 will work. They are the files that start v4l and end in .fw
As far as aspect ratio etc are concerned, there are no controls within the Express
program to adjust these mainly to keep it simple for beginners.
There is a command line program v4l2-ctl that allows you to adjust just about
anything the PVR is capable of but that has to be run each time before you restart
the Express program. I have not tried it myself (yet). It does seem to have
some unforeseen side effects though. However the person that reported the side effects
was running Express on a MAC using a Virtual Machine running Ubuntu so they might not
apply to users of a supported system.
I need to do some tests to see the consequences of using the v4l2-ctl program then if
I can find a work around I am thinking of getting Express to execute a command file
to run these commands automatically. I can't give you much guidance to using that command
but here is an example on how to set the number of lines
v4l2-ctl -d /dev/video0 --set-fmt-video=height=576
As far as your issues with 2.02 are concerned we did test it on a number of machines
before releasing it and have not see that issue. However I did dramatically reduce the
queue size to reduce the transmission lag and that might have something to do with it.
The longer the delay the more stable the video seems to be especially on slower machines.
I may at a later date add a slider that will allow users to set the delay appropriate for their
machine.
Having spoken to a number of ex ATVers locally it seems the number one reason they won't go digital
is the lag and that is the reason I tried to reduce it to a minimum.
We do welcome any and all feedback and will be starting a support forum soon as I am sure BATC
members will eventually get fed up with all these posts to do with Express
- Charles
If it works with MK808 Digilite but does not work with Express then it is
almost certainly to do with missing firmware for the Hauppauges. You will need
to copy the appropriate firmware files into the /lib/firmware directory.
I don't have a definitive list of firmware files for the various Hauppauge models
but the ones used on MK808 will work. They are the files that start v4l and end in .fw
As far as aspect ratio etc are concerned, there are no controls within the Express
program to adjust these mainly to keep it simple for beginners.
There is a command line program v4l2-ctl that allows you to adjust just about
anything the PVR is capable of but that has to be run each time before you restart
the Express program. I have not tried it myself (yet). It does seem to have
some unforeseen side effects though. However the person that reported the side effects
was running Express on a MAC using a Virtual Machine running Ubuntu so they might not
apply to users of a supported system.
I need to do some tests to see the consequences of using the v4l2-ctl program then if
I can find a work around I am thinking of getting Express to execute a command file
to run these commands automatically. I can't give you much guidance to using that command
but here is an example on how to set the number of lines
v4l2-ctl -d /dev/video0 --set-fmt-video=height=576
As far as your issues with 2.02 are concerned we did test it on a number of machines
before releasing it and have not see that issue. However I did dramatically reduce the
queue size to reduce the transmission lag and that might have something to do with it.
The longer the delay the more stable the video seems to be especially on slower machines.
I may at a later date add a slider that will allow users to set the delay appropriate for their
machine.
Having spoken to a number of ex ATVers locally it seems the number one reason they won't go digital
is the lag and that is the reason I tried to reduce it to a minimum.
We do welcome any and all feedback and will be starting a support forum soon as I am sure BATC
members will eventually get fed up with all these posts to do with Express
- Charles
Re: DATV Express Early Tests
Hi Charles,
Batc will miss our discussions when support forum on line, it's all part of our "Digital Education".
Ok on v4l firmware files, will have a look.
Now ref "v4l2-ctl" excellent, your height cmd worked a treat, have played with settings and found lots of other commands!
I have been reading up on batch files in Linux, worth a go as a stop gap, not too difficult, and you can give permission for file to run without asking for password, yet to try that one.
Re 2.02, now from start can "play up" for a few minuets, or more, then runs well for at least an hour with the odd pixcelation and sound blip, then another video audio crisis, not consistant though, possibly the end of one and start of a new video clip is involved.
As you have tested on a range of Pcs, It could well be just my setup.
Will try the two versions when I set up the other laptop, but I have a couple of jobs to do before I can get back to this, Hi.
Very pleased with the way your board is working, and thanks for the help.
73
Peter
Batc will miss our discussions when support forum on line, it's all part of our "Digital Education".
Ok on v4l firmware files, will have a look.
Now ref "v4l2-ctl" excellent, your height cmd worked a treat, have played with settings and found lots of other commands!
I have been reading up on batch files in Linux, worth a go as a stop gap, not too difficult, and you can give permission for file to run without asking for password, yet to try that one.
Re 2.02, now from start can "play up" for a few minuets, or more, then runs well for at least an hour with the odd pixcelation and sound blip, then another video audio crisis, not consistant though, possibly the end of one and start of a new video clip is involved.
As you have tested on a range of Pcs, It could well be just my setup.
Will try the two versions when I set up the other laptop, but I have a couple of jobs to do before I can get back to this, Hi.
Very pleased with the way your board is working, and thanks for the help.
73
Peter
Re: DATV Express Early Tests
People can still discuss things here but we want to try and build up a database of tips
on both using Express but also on things like using Opencaster with it.
It would be useful if you could do a v4l2-ctl get command before you do the set as I
would like to know what Linux is defaulting your PVR to.
I have been working on the FPGA code this morning mainly to add the carrier and calibrate
option back when sending DVB-S. I have moved most of the code for that from the Linux
part to the FPGA part.
I will have to sort out my own DATV station this weekend so I am ready for the contest.
If last year is anything to go by I won't work anyone but heck it is the taking part that
counts (or so I keep telling myself).
- Charles
on both using Express but also on things like using Opencaster with it.
It would be useful if you could do a v4l2-ctl get command before you do the set as I
would like to know what Linux is defaulting your PVR to.
I have been working on the FPGA code this morning mainly to add the carrier and calibrate
option back when sending DVB-S. I have moved most of the code for that from the Linux
part to the FPGA part.
I will have to sort out my own DATV station this weekend so I am ready for the contest.
If last year is anything to go by I won't work anyone but heck it is the taking part that
counts (or so I keep telling myself).
- Charles
Re: DATV Express Early Tests
Hi Charles,
Re version 2.02 software for DATV-Express.
Log status with default settings file sent by email, rather long to share here, Hi.
Was caught out for a moment, as didn't need "get" cmd, just "v4l2-ctl --log-status".
Same problem with Dell D630 dual core T7500 @ 2.20 Ghz x 2.
Average observations audio fine for 2 to 6 Mins video may be ok for longer, can then sort of clear up? But varies
Ok on FPGA code adjustments, I noticed I could Tx carrier if Express Auto switched to manual.
Yet to get external aerials up as just moved, but no problem with GB3GV, very short yagis in shack window .
73
Peter
G8DKC
Re version 2.02 software for DATV-Express.
Log status with default settings file sent by email, rather long to share here, Hi.
Was caught out for a moment, as didn't need "get" cmd, just "v4l2-ctl --log-status".
Same problem with Dell D630 dual core T7500 @ 2.20 Ghz x 2.
Average observations audio fine for 2 to 6 Mins video may be ok for longer, can then sort of clear up? But varies
Ok on FPGA code adjustments, I noticed I could Tx carrier if Express Auto switched to manual.
Yet to get external aerials up as just moved, but no problem with GB3GV, very short yagis in shack window .
73
Peter
G8DKC
Re: DATV Express Early Tests
Ok Peter,
I was not aware of that command but it is very useful and I have been playing with it.
I have passed on your tip to the guy writing the manual, hopefully he will add something
in the manual about it. Another issue that some people have commented on is the audio
sensitivity as being too great. v4l2-ctl should be able to adjust that as well.
Once set these parameters persist for the entire logged in session so I see no reason
not to run a batch file automatically when a user logs in to set the parameters.
As I suspected if you connect a video source to the input the PVR sets the format automatically.
As far as the break up is concerned. I have noticed that DVB-S is very sensitive to multipath
even just from me moving around the shack so that could be a reason.
The oscillator on the Express board and the 27 MHz oscillator in the PVR do drift and there is
software that resets the timing when needed between the two but usually that only happens
after quite a long period of time. When the correction occurs that can cause a short outage
on the video / audio but that is dependent on the STB you are using so is not consistent.
I do run the software for long periods of time 12+ hours unfortunately it ties up my development
system so I can't work on the code during those tests so I rely on others to help with the testing.
- Charles
I was not aware of that command but it is very useful and I have been playing with it.
I have passed on your tip to the guy writing the manual, hopefully he will add something
in the manual about it. Another issue that some people have commented on is the audio
sensitivity as being too great. v4l2-ctl should be able to adjust that as well.
Once set these parameters persist for the entire logged in session so I see no reason
not to run a batch file automatically when a user logs in to set the parameters.
As I suspected if you connect a video source to the input the PVR sets the format automatically.
As far as the break up is concerned. I have noticed that DVB-S is very sensitive to multipath
even just from me moving around the shack so that could be a reason.
The oscillator on the Express board and the 27 MHz oscillator in the PVR do drift and there is
software that resets the timing when needed between the two but usually that only happens
after quite a long period of time. When the correction occurs that can cause a short outage
on the video / audio but that is dependent on the STB you are using so is not consistent.
I do run the software for long periods of time 12+ hours unfortunately it ties up my development
system so I can't work on the code during those tests so I rely on others to help with the testing.
- Charles