DATV-Express software for ODROID is "Production Released"

[KenW6HHC]

The DATV-Express project team has "Production Released" v2.03 software for the ODROID model U3 using the Lubuntu v14.04 LTS OS from HardKernel. The ODROID U3 is fairly affordably priced at US$65 (70 Euro) plus plastic-case, 5V/2A power adapter (wall-wart) and shipping.

Updated README details, a new .DEB download file for ARMhf, and a separate User Guide for ODROID (Draft03) are now all available on the DOWNLOAD page of the DATV-Express web site at:

www.DATV-Express.com

Here are four notes to consider if you decide to purchase an ODROID U3 from www.hardkernel.com/main/main.php or www.ameridroid.com (aimed towards faster USA shipping…although Ameridroid may only sell the basic board not the case, 5V/2A DC power-supply etc?):
1) Purchase the micro-HDMI adaptor cable when you order the ODROID. They are a little hard to find in some local computer stores.
2) Purchase the power-supply (wall wart) from HardKernel that has the thin 2.5 mm 5V DC plug (or at least purchase the plug-with-cable) they are also hard to find.
3) Have a HDMI display with 1920x1080 (or at least 1024x768) resolution handy for your first power-up and configuration set-up session of the ODROID U3.
4) If you buy any spare micro-SD memory chips (8G or larger) for back-up, use the “class 10” speed.

73...de Ken W6HHC

[ameridroid]

Hi, this is Bo from ameriDroid.com.

Just wanted to let you know that we do in fact carry the full line of Hardkernel products, like the C1, the C1 case, power supply, etc.

-Bo

[KenW6HHC]

Hi Bo,

Thank you for clarifying the products and accessories sold at AmeriDroid to support the ODROID model U3.
Perhaps my confusion was caused by the web site layout that requires the visitor to go to the POWER link and then the FLASH link and then the CASES link from the home page...to find the companion ODROID accessories.

I think ODROID U3 is a terrific product and I appreciate that AmeriDroid is able to better serve the buyers located in USA with faster delivery times.

Thanks again and best wishes for a prosperous 2015...de Ken W6HHC

[G8XZD-TV]

Given this now seems to be the platform of choice for datv express and no cheap way of buying it in the uk is it something worth stocking in the batc shop?

Seasons greetings. Ian.

[KenW6HHC]

Hi Ian G8XZD,

While reading the ODROID online magazine ( http://Magazine.Odroid.com ) for January, I noticed for the first time that the ODROID distributor in Germany says they now ship to EU countries. The only URL I could quickly find for Pollin Electronic is http://bit.ly/1tXPXwe

Perhaps this will solve the need for lower-cost shipments to Europe??

73...de Ken W6HHC

[G8XZD-TV]

Hi ken. Thanks for that. If this is going to be the board of choice for datv express i'll order one of them up.
Seems a reasonable price and postage not too bad to the uk
Thanks for all the hard work. 73. Ian.

[reel2reel]

I have just got my Odroid-U3 working well with the D-ATV Express. However when I ordered a Hauppauge HVR-1900 from Amazon, I got an HVR-1975. I see that they promise Linux drivers under NDA, does anyone know if they got these drivers ok and do they work with the HVR-1975?. If not will have to go back for refund.
Andy G3UEQ

[KenW6HHC]

Hi Ian G8XZD,

Concerning using the ODROID U3 as computer-board of choice for DATV-Express, the ODROID U3 works very well for DVB-S protocol. The ODROID U3 currently has very restricted usability for DVB-T protocol.

The DATV-Express project team does support the ODROID U3 ARM-based "micro-PC" for those who want a small computer that runs on 5V for DATV.

I hope this information helps you make your decision.

73...de Ken W6HHC

[KenW6HHC]

Hi Andy G3UEQ,

Concerning the HVR-1975 model and DATV-Express, the problem with the Linux drivers for the new HVR-1975 video capture card from Hauppauge is that the drivers are not yet delivered by the UBUNTU 14.04 operating system distribution....like the drivers for HVR-1900 are. So far it is a very difficult software task to compile the new HVR-1975 driver source code while recompiling the Ubuntu kernel source code. The bottom line is, the project team can NOT report that drivers are available for the HVR-1975 (or the also new HVR-1955 or HVR-1905 models).

One ham in the USA had the same problem last summer. He called Hauppauge on the phone, explained that a new model had been substituted in his order, explained what he was trying to do, and the nice people at Hauppauge said to send back the "wrong model" and then Hauppauge will ship him the older model that he had originally ordered (probably out of "spares" inventory?). And it all worked out for this ham. (See the DATV-Express Project – June update report for 2014 on this forum for other discussions on HVR-1975).

73...de Ken W6HHC

[G4GUO]

I understand that Hauppauge have submitted their drivers for the HVR1955 for inclusion
in LinuxTV, the process can take up to 4 months apparently.

- Charles G4GUO