BATC Forum

As described in CQ-TV the PicoTuner is a USB tuner using a Raspberry Pi Pico to replace the FDTI module on the MiniTiouner PCB.

This gives a significant cost saving and also provides a 2 channel capability when used with the OpenTuner software.

It is envisaged that PicoTuner will replace the MiniTiouner Mk2 PCB for all new builds, however limited stock of the MiniTiouner PCB and FTDI module will be held in the BATC shop for those who wish to continue to use the MiniTiouner software which is NOT compatible with PicoTuner.

Note the basic Pico model is all you need. The basic Pico (without wireless) comes in two versions, one with header pins (the Pico H) at about £5, and one without header pins (the Pico) at about £4.

See this wiki page for more details https://wiki.batc.org.uk/PicoTuner_Hardware

The first batch of the PCB (rev 1) are available in the BATC shop - we will be ordering more stock at Rev 2 which will be available later this month.

I have today published a new Ryde software release (202403220) that supports use of the PicoTuner and the MiniTiouner. The 2 are interchangeable (NOT both connected at once) and should perform identically.

To update, log into the ssh console, type "menu" and press enter. Go to option 10 "Update" and follow the instructions from there.

Thanks to Colin G4EML and Tim MW0RUD for all their work on this software.

Please report any Ryde PicoTuner bugs in the Ryde Topic, not here.

Dave, G8GKQ

Hi Noel,

Please do you know if anything extra needs to be done to build a rev1 Pico PCB? I ordered a rev1 board yesterday but perhaps I should set it aside until rev 2 comes out? No problem if the adaptions are easy!

73, Russ.

Hi Russ

The differences are very minor - almost only layout. I know Mike has recommended some different component values for the V2 board, but the old values work perfectly.

So - no problem!

Dave

Hi Dave,
That's very helpful, thank you.
Russ.

The resistors are the same for both revisions, I just changed the voltage setting resistors for the LM2576 to reduce the output from 4.4V as after testing we only need 4.1V. But that's just a change to the bill of materials.

The main difference is I moved the LNB fault LED from the rear to the front panel and added a power on LED.

See https://wiki.batc.org.uk/PicoTuner_Hardware

Mike

Thanks Mike. Nice work on KiCad (again).
Russ.

The TPS78533 3v3 regulator used in the PicoTuner design appears to be in short supply. The onsemi NCV5661DT33RKG, available from DigiKey with part number NCV5661DT33RKGOSCT-ND, is a suitable alternative.

Dave, G8GKQ

While the Picotuner conversion for Minitiouner V2 uses the Pico board, would the Olimex RP2040-PICO30-16 board work quicker as it has USB-C. I can not find the details for the USB-C speed but someone here must know.


Martin G8LCE

https://thepihut.com/products/olimex-rp ... ct-reviews

The USB C port is just a connector change. The RP2040 chip contains the USB controller which remains the same.