Problem with Lime mini FW update.

[ZS1MM]

Hi Dave, I cannot find our original discussion. I posted a problem about my Portsmouth transmitter that will not update the Lime mini. You gave me some instructions to perform and here is the answer.
With the lime just plugged in and no update : Test report
Device name : Lime SDR-Mini
Expansion name: UNSUPPORTED
Firmware version: 6
Hardware version: 2
Protocol version: 1
Gateware version: 1
Gateware revision: 28
Gateware target: LimeSDR-Mini
Serial number: 0x1d4c379d778b41
Free connection...OK


After downwards update : Test report
Device name: LimeSDR-Mini
Expansion name: UNSUPPORTED
Firmware version: 2
Hardware version: 0
Protocol version: 1
Gateware version: 0
Gateware revision: 0
Gateware target: UNKNOWN
Serial number:0x1d4c379d778b41
Free connection... OK
I attempted to download the latest Portsmouth Firmware on a new blank Micro SD card, but was unsuccessful . The card in the Portsmouth is the original one supplied by BATC.
Another problem is that when I attempt to access the forum from my home computer I get a message that says that I have been banned from this Forum. I did report this to the administrator the first time when I tried to register, but it is still the same. I can log in to all the other departments of the BATC from home but not the Forum. I can only do it from my work computer.
Many thanks,
Leon Korkie
ZS1MM

[G8GKQ]

Hi Leon

Our original discussion is here: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=6060. Perhaps some confusion because I corrected the project name to Portsdown (only a few miles from Portsmouth!).

There appears to be a failure mode on the LimeSDR Mini where if functions perfectly well, except that it is not possible to update the firmware or gateware, and any attempt to do so puts it in an unresponsive state until the power is recycled.

The one thing that you don't appear to have done is to run the "Lime Report" without having first tried to upgrade. I would expect it to pass this test, but please give it a try - first thing after switch-on.

If your LimeSDR is still in warranty, you should try to get authorisation to return it and have it replaced. This thread shows the steps required: https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/limesd ... lease/4331. You will need to sign up to their forum, post the symptoms, and then do any further tests that they require. If it is out of warranty, you may well find that it works OK with the current version of the Portsdown software, but of course may not work with future versions if a LimeSDR upgrade is required.

I've e-mailed you about your BATC Forum issues.

Dave, G8GKQ

[ZS1MM]

Hi Dave,
The Test report just after switch on :
Portsdown LimeSDR Mini Test Report
Hardware V1.2, Firmware V6, Gateware V1.28
Firmware version needs to be V5 for Portsdown
Please "Force Lime FW"
P.S. Sorry to have moved your nice transmitter a few miles down the road!!
I really am very impressed with the overall design.
73
Leon.

[ZS1MM]

Hi Dave,
We have just tested the Lime Mini with DATV Express and it works fine. We could set all the parameters without a problem. The RF output looks good on a spectrum analyzer. Any suggestion as to what to do next?
Many thanks,
73
Leon
ZS1MM

[G8GKQ]

Hi Leon

Try the Lime with the Portsdown. Although the tests fail, that may not stop it transmitting. I think that version 1.28 was OK, but can't remember.

It does appear that your Lime firmware cannot be upgraded, and this might be a problem in the future. If your lime is still in warranty, I would suggest trying to get RMA authorisation and getting it replaced. If not, try using it then and check any future software update firmware standard requirements very carefully before installing!

Hoep that helps

Dave

[ZS1MM]

Hi Dave,

From this I gather that there is nothing wrong with my Portsdown hardware or the software on the micro sd card. I Purchased the Lime mini locally and was not aware that it has a guarentee! I shall contact the supplier and ask him about a return. If he does not want to , I shall have to buy that last one in the BATC shop. I am certain that it will be the right one.
73
Leon
ZS1MM

[G8GKQ]

Hi Leon

Yes - it does sound as though the Lime is faulty. Not sure how consumer protection works legally in South Africa, but in UK if you bought it from a reseller, you would have some warranty rights.

It would be worth trying to transmit using your Lime on the Portsdown and see if it works.

I'm afraid that you have missed the last LimeSDR from the BATC Shop.

73

Dave

[ZS1MM]

Hi Dave,
We have managed to manually update the Lime Mini FW and the Gateway.Now it is working like it should with the Portsdown. It passes all the tests on the Portsdown. I agree that it should be run through a hub with external supply and very short leads with good supply decoupling.
Now I must just sort out the minitiouner and we should be all up and running.
Many thanks for your patience and help.
73
Leon
ZS1MM

[G8GKQ]

Hi Leon

Really pleased to hear that. Well done!

Dave