Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

[G8GKQ]

New Software Release

I've just issued a new release 201702100 that completes the Portsdown support for the DATV Express board. Full details are on the Wiki here https://wiki.batc.tv/Controlling_a_DATVExpress; I hope that you will find that this release has similar DVB-S modulation and pin-switching (PTT, PTT delay and Ports A-D) capabilities to the latest Windows version. My testing showed good modulation throughout the range 125 - 4000 KS/s.

Away from DATV Express, the release also tidies up the switching between touchscreen and console modes, and introduces a number of new menu options in readiness for future upgrades. All users are recommended to apply this update, and post here if you have any problems.

My special thanks to Charles G4GUO and Chris MW0LLK for their help in implementing the DATV Express functionality. If other members feel that they could contribute to the software development please let me know!

Dave
G8GKQ

[G8GKQ]

New Software Release

I've just issued a new release 201702110 that is a bugfix for anyone who tried to upgrade to yesterday's release. It only affects DATV Express functionality.

Dave G8GKQ

[G8GKQ]

New Software Release

I've just issued a new release 201702190 that re-enables the BATC streaming functionality from the Pi Camera, with sound. You can also send a flash media live encoded stream to any other compatible streamer. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to get the streaming to work reliably from an EasyCap video capture device.

I have also optimised the lip-sync on MPEG-2 transmissions for 2MS SR.

Lastly, I have added a switchable function in Advanced Set-up to disable the video viewfinder on the LCD. This is required to leave enough CPU resources to encode MPEG-2 at 2MS and above, but also allows you to see the buttons on the GUI whilst transmitting.

If anyone wants to help to get the streaming working from a Video input, all the relevant code can be found in the /home/pi/rpidatv/scripts/a.sh file here: https://github.com/BritishAmateurTelevi ... ripts/a.sh

Dave
G8GKQ

[F5SWB Dimitri]

Good evening Dave,

I have a stupid question for you :
- how to update easily without reinstall all ?

73's.
Dimitri.

[M0SKM]

Hi Dimitri.

Can't make it too easy for you. Try looking through all your Portsdown menu items till you find the software update option.

73 Steve

[F5SWB Dimitri]

well done

Thanks again and congratulations for your work !

[G8GKQ]

As of today, when doing a new installation from GitHub, you will be asked the question:

#############################################################
WARNING: This update bumps to rpi-4.9.y linux tree
Be aware there could be compatibility issues with some drivers
Discussion here:
https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/view ... 9&t=167934
##############################################################
Would you like to proceed? (y/N)

Make sure that you answer N, until we sort out some compatibility issues.

This does not affect those of you who have purchased cards from the BATC Shop.

Dave, G8GKQ

[KenW6HHC]

Hi Dave G8GKQ,

I have two questions about running RPi3 with Portsdown software and the DATV-Express board as the modulator.

1) Is the GPIO breakout board for RPi3 needed when driving the DATV-Express board (by USB-2) for any reason or function other than as an alternate and convenient way for connecting the LCD display?

2) Is the 201702110 software currently the correct version to run with DATV-Express?? Also, is the Portsdown-pre-programmed SD card OK to run DATV-Express (a post about 201702190 suggested to "hold off" on this release because of the linux branch to rpi-4.9.y linux tree that may cause compatibility issue?)

Great work...de Ken W6HHC

[G8GKQ]

Hi Ken

No need at all for the GPIO board if you are using DATV Express. However, it would be required if you wanted to use the shutdown button, or the RPi PTT or band switching signals (not the signals on the DATV Express board which work as usual).

2) Is the 201702110 software currently the correct version to run with DATV-Express?? Also, is the Portsdown-pre-programmed SD card OK to run DATV-Express (a post about 201702190 suggested to "hold off" on this release because of the linux branch to rpi-4.9.y linux tree that may cause compatibility issue?)

Not sure where the post is that you refer to. The Linux 4.9.y issue only affects the new build process. You should upgrade to the latest version using the automated upgrade process (in the settings menu in the console) for full DATV Express support. See the first post on Page 1 of this topic for a version history.

Hope that helps

Dave
G8GKQ

[KenW6HHC]

Hi Dave G8GKQ,

OK on GPIO extender.

Also, thanks for clarifying about the "Linux 4.9.y issue". I saw the words: "a new installation from GitHub" and just assumed I might be downloading a build image, or something from GitHub. Just confusion in my mind....all sorted now.

I will give Portsdown/RPi3/DATV-Express a try.

73...de Ken W6HHC