Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Discussion about this major DATV Project. See https://wiki.batc.org.uk/The_Portsdown_Transmitter
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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by G8GKQ » Fri May 18, 2018 12:23 pm

New Portsdown 2018 Jessie Software Release 201805151 - The Contest Edition

This release is specifically intended to make particpation in the upcoming IARU International ATV Contest easier for Portsdown users. Remember that this year the BATC is awarding a £50 Amazon Voucher to the transmitting station using a Portsdown system received at the the furthest distance (on any band).

The release adds a locator bearing calculator (on Menu 2) and makes the composite video output mode easier to use. Further details can be found here: https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Portsdown_2018 ... 2_Software. The specific changes are:

Added new menu for Composite Video Output
More test cards and all video snaps available from video output
Sound pass-through for Comp Video out is routed to USB Audio
RTL-FM audio is routed to USB Audio if present (else RPi audio)
SnapView modified to access all video snaps
Added Locator range and bearing calculator
Menu modifications in preparation for future LimeSDR Mini support (not planned to be available in the Jessie build)

Dave, G8GKQ

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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by radiogareth » Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:08 pm

Just seen a screenshot of the latest Portsdown that lists the Lime mini as an output device. Does this mean that it does (or might in the future) support the bigger brother Lime SDR?
He asked somewhat hopefully...... as Limes own support is anything but the 'app-shop' they promised backers, many of whom are not skilled software engineers.....

Gareth, G4XAT

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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by G8GKQ » Tue Jun 19, 2018 1:04 pm

Hi Gareth

I have had Lime SDR Mini working with the Portsdown on the bench. I now need to implement it in the production software. I've done most of the GUI upgrades but need to connect those to some new transmitting code.

As for LimeSDR itself as opposed to the Mini, I can't say, as I do not have one to test and develop with. I will happily modify the code in future to make it work, but I need someone to work out the modifications for me.

Dave

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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by G4GUO » Tue Jun 19, 2018 2:26 pm

Dave, about the only difference you will find with the Lime SDR from the Mini is the antenna port.

- Charles

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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by radiogareth » Wed Jun 20, 2018 8:17 am

OK, thanks, that's promising then at some point.

I much appreciate the work going into the RPI software, its spectacular!

Gareth

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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by G8GKQ » Fri Jul 06, 2018 9:27 am

New Portsdown 2018 Jessie Software Release 201807041

This release adds peripheral features and minor enhancements. Most important are the independent LeanSDR receiver settings menu https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Lean_DVB_receiver and the ability to generate a Receive local oscillator for a 71 MHz receive up-converter https://wiki.batc.org.uk/RX_Up-converter_LO_Capability. Full listing of changes:

New receive menu to allow independent selection of DATV receive parameters
MPEG-2 DATV receive capability after purchase and installation of key
Programmable ADF4351 output during receive for upconverters
Direct transmit frequency entry from frequency selection menu
New "clear" key on keyboard to clear entry line
10-character locator used as basis for locator change
Old BATC Streamer removed from output menu.

Dave

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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by G8GKQ » Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:02 am

New Portsdown Jessie Software Release 201807091

I have just released a some significant improvements to the configuration of the LeanDVB Receive software in the Portsdown. Using an RTL-SDR, it will now receive strong DATV signals throughout the full frequency range of the RTL-SDR (including 71 MHz without a converter) at symbol rates from 66 KS up to 2MS. At Symbol Rates of 1MS and above the Constellation and Parameter overlays should be turned off to conserve CPU resources for the receive decoder. On deselection of receive, the system occasionally locks-up and needs a reboot, but I have managed to reduce the likelihood of this happening from previous software versions. Clearly, smoothest results are obtained using a video monitor (not HDMI) plugged into the RPi or the Element 14 7 inch screen.

Full release contents:
  • LeanDVB Performance Improvements
  • Bugfix BATC Streamer label
  • Bugfix LeanDVB Preset storage
  • Prep for LimeSDR USB
Dave, G8GKQ

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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by G8GKQ » Sun Jul 15, 2018 9:25 pm

New Portsdown Jessie Software Release 201807151

This release adds the ability to view and listen to the BATC Streamer, so rather than your Porstdown sitting there showing a Menu when you are not using it, you can display your local repeater. Select from Menu 2. It's fairly straightforward, but full details are here: https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Streaming_Display. Full contents of the update:
  • Add BATC Streamer Display Function
  • Resize H264 testcards for 7 inch display
  • Provide warning when Portsdown TX not available after audio usage
  • Correct FEC when switching from Lime to other output
  • Do not start the framebuffer copy for 7 inch display
Thanks to Heather M0HMO for doing the initial research on this capability and to Phil M0DNY for making the new streamer so easy to use.

Dave, G8GKQ

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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by g3zgz » Mon Jul 16, 2018 10:02 am

What a nice addition, Dave, Heather and Phil.

I'm sure many are amazed at what can be done with some sand squashed into little black plastic blocks with lots of legs!

Well done and thanks for all the work everyone is putting into the software.

Dave

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Re: Transmitter Software Capabilities and Issues (Jessie)

Post by G4WIM » Tue Jul 31, 2018 9:52 am

Hi Dave and others.

great work as usual !

Just testing a rpi 3 B+ along with an Element 14 7 inch display and a LimeSDR Mini.

Is the firmware supposed to be working with the LimeSDR mini or is it still a work in progress ?

Must say the video stream viewer works very nicely on the 7" display

Regards Tim

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