Problems getting VMix DATVEasy Pluto to work

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g0mjw
Posts: 2652
Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:15 am

Re: Problems getting VMix DATVEasy Pluto to work

Post by g0mjw » Tue Oct 07, 2025 12:01 pm

1. I'm unsure where to find that transport stream analyser software to check.
2. I find the DATVEasy 3.08 PDF instructions lacking in detail. In the section on PTT/Output it shows USB HID relays but no explanation of where they are physically connected and how it interacts with Pluto.
Reading between the lines I'm now assuming one of those relays is essential??
Oh dear - I guess this is all new and you were not aware of the Pluto built in web page. That's where all the controls are and how you set it up. Type the Pluto IP into a browser.

No, relays not required.

You still have not said how you know there is no RF output! Until you answer that, I won't help you any more.

Mikek

Basil
Posts: 409
Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2013 7:28 pm

Re: Problems getting VMix DATVEasy Pluto to work

Post by Basil » Tue Oct 07, 2025 12:08 pm

No relays here either. PA is on all the time when I am likely to want to TX, no output from the Pluto and pre-amp until I send data via OBS. I am a GREAT believer in keeping this stuff simple. PA is powered via one of those cheap 433 MHz radio switched 13 amp socket adapters so I don't have to go outside to the (by the dish) set up to switch it on and off.

Pluto and pre amp and LNB are powered up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (keeps some warmth in the box and humidity low), plus things usually blow up when turned on) and only get rebooted if there's a power cut or I need to power down to modify anything. Warning lights on the boxes by the dish show if mains is available and if the PA is powered up.

No data feedback showing temperatures, output power, SWR et cetera, if it blows up, it blows up.... ;) A LAN cable and a single LNB cable come into the house to the Minitiouner with dual FT2232H modules in it. A quad output LNB allows simultaneous reception of narrow and wide band. One dish TX's and RX's simultaneously if required. The dish mounting is OTT, heavy and well concreted in a deep hole, and has never allowed the dish to move in three years. I am used to making things as light as possible, it hurt doing Forth Bridge engineering :)

KISS :) And I don't needlessly fiddle with it either <LOL> If it ain't broken....


I bought a relatively cheap gizmo used by model plane flyers to check RF output and level, I can't recall the make but it was off Ebay. My HP8665B spectrum analyser doesn't go high enough. Sounds like the original poster might find one useful?

I really think the OP should let someone more knowledgeable access his PC (in person if the paranoia is strong ;)).
Best regards,

Chris, 2E0ILY in rural Shropshire.

Rishtonite
Posts: 47
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2025 4:03 pm

Re: Problems getting VMix DATVEasy Pluto to work

Post by Rishtonite » Tue Oct 07, 2025 2:34 pm

g3uis wrote:
Tue Oct 07, 2025 11:42 am
No relays required.

My setup. PC on 10.0.0.x subnet. Pluto plugged into USB. OBS with virtual camera plugin. Worked first time.
I had a look at OBS and couldn't understand it. I'm using VMix which seems far easier (to me)

Rishtonite
Posts: 47
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2025 4:03 pm

Re: Problems getting VMix DATVEasy Pluto to work

Post by Rishtonite » Tue Oct 07, 2025 3:20 pm

g0mjw wrote:
Tue Oct 07, 2025 12:01 pm
1. I'm unsure where to find that transport stream analyser software to check.
2. I find the DATVEasy 3.08 PDF instructions lacking in detail. In the section on PTT/Output it shows USB HID relays but no explanation of where they are physically connected and how it interacts with Pluto.
Reading between the lines I'm now assuming one of those relays is essential??
Oh dear - I guess this is all new and you were not aware of the Pluto built in web page. That's where all the controls are and how you set it up. Type the Pluto IP into a browser.

No, relays not required.

You still have not said how you know there is no RF output! Until you answer that, I won't help you any more.

Mikek
No, I wasn't aware that setting up (using a PC with VMix and DATVEasy for transmitting, not Portsdown4) required using a browser to go to a Pluto web page.
i''ve now followed the instructions and I'm now getting RF :D :D :D (But it seems to be intermittent maybe due to the Pluto only being powered by the USB lead, no separate power lead. I'm waiting for a Y splitter to arrive)
What confused me was I was setting VMix to External, not Streaming. I couldn't find any explanation of where the outputs appear - on the LAN? via USB? or just software (VMix) to software (DATVEasy).

Thanks to all who have spent time helping me. Once the Y power splitter arrives I'll retest.
But one final question - ADALM-PLUTO DATV Controller - do I need to enter appropriate values here, or does DATVEAsy control those?

Barry

g0mjw
Posts: 2652
Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:15 am

Re: Problems getting VMix DATVEasy Pluto to work

Post by g0mjw » Tue Oct 07, 2025 5:53 pm

At last !

Yes, well in theory they are set by DATV Easy but I would save them in flash just in case.

Mike

Rishtonite
Posts: 47
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2025 4:03 pm

Re: Problems getting VMix DATVEasy Pluto to work

Post by Rishtonite » Tue Oct 07, 2025 8:38 pm

g0mjw wrote:
Tue Oct 07, 2025 5:53 pm
At last !

Yes, well in theory they are set by DATV Easy but I would save them in flash just in case.

Mike
Thanks.
Been on air this evening using the Portsdown, tomorrow I'll set up the PC/VMix/DATVEAsy systemm again (and transmit into a dummy load initially).
One thing I can do is monitor my output with the Pico tuner, there must be enough leakage in the system for it to pick up my transmitted signal.
Barry

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