29MHz trans Atlantic DX...

[K0ZAK]

I use a digital clock in OSB keyed over my video as well as other pertinent info (callsign, dvb specs, freq) plus I also found a great video of a full screen analog clock with a second hand that works well when tweaking my low level signals into our repeater. It helps a lot when trying to eliminate freeze framing while tweaking my settings.

Back to 29 Mhz now. I have now figured out how to use SDRAngel enough to be able to successfully decode DVB-S in my shack transmitted from my Pluto on UHF and 6 meters. The Pluto won't go down to 29Mhz so I can't confirm I've got everything set up correctly for 29.150, but it is just a change in frequency, so things should work. I've also set up the Zello app with the 29Mhz Digital Television chat, so should be good to go for further testing with signals from across the pond.

John Kozak; K0ZAK

[radiogareth]

Propagation not great this afternoon, I can see my 66ks now and again on http://kiwisdr.k3fef.com:8073 but very multi-pathy. Need to crack the 18ks really but the rest is working. All sorts of strange stuff floating across the band....
Gareth

[g0mjw]

The repeater was strong and clear at times. I called on the Zello channel but no replies so assumed everyone was at work and went back to building a bigger amplifier.

Mike

[M0DTS]

I'll be around most of the weekend for tests.
I'll be on the Zello channel when available.

Rob

[M0DTS]

Sorry I didn't get on today, a DIY job came up that i couldn't get out of...hi
Its a shame as the new york repeater was strong when i left the house at 1pm!

I will be available for tests most of tomorrow (Sunday).

Rob
M0DTS

[M0DTS]

Had success getting a signal via the 20Khz kiwisdr in Switzerland this morning.

I made a test on DVB-S and S2.
DVB-S2 - No decode in SDRAngel, constellation plot does not refresh, no lock on modcode at all.
DVB-S - rapid decodes when qsb allows - the best option right now!

I've made an IQ file recording which you could test with in SDRAngel if you want to have a play about.
DVB-S 18Ks 2/3FEC - (80MB) https://www.dropbox.com/s/2v7o5rtowo1vl ... sdriq?dl=1

FOR REFERENCE, DOES NOT DECODE IN SDRAngel: DVB-S2, 18Ks, 2/3FEC - (30MB) https://www.dropbox.com/s/fpsj5ksulehkk ... sdriq?dl=1

Here's a screenshot of the settings in SDRAngel to playback the recording and and decode the DVB-S signal.

Rob

[radiogareth]

Excellent Rob, that decodes in my SDRAngel too now so I know my settings are good.
Thanks to Mike for help with sorting out the TX stream settings around FFMPEG ect I now have a shack based RF decode using 18ks
Probably won't be on much tomorrow as have a SK funeral to attend, but now 'good to go' with TX & RX
Gareth

[K0ZAK]

I also got the file to decode and the clock on the video incrementing, so I must be doing something right. Looking forward to better band conditions.
John Kozak; K0ZAK

[pabr]

Hello Rob, thank you for posting the IQ recording of DVB-S2 over HF. I had a look and it seems that either your spectrum is inverted or I am not reading the sdriq file format correctly. Anyway, after tweaking leandvb a little I got enough TS to decode this. To make things easier I'd recommend enabling pilots and transmitting short frame.

s2.png (29.91 KiB) Viewed 3738 times

F4DAV

[M0DTS]

Thanks!
The IQ file is recorded from a kiwisdr, in SDRAngel there's the option to swap the L/R audio input so that will explain the inversion.
I'll try with pilots and short frame etc and see what happens!

Cheers
Rob