Portsdown 4 Update for LimeSDR Mini V2

[G8GKQ]

I have just published a Portsdown 4 update (202303010) that introduces support for the new LimeSDR Mini V2. Full details will be in CQ-TV 279.

The update also removes the capability to ask the Portsdown not to calibrate the LimeSDR before each transmission; I don’t think that this function has worked for a number of years – but I’m just warning you that the Lime will always give a calibration spike before transmitting now. The PTT does not get activated until after the spike.

Note that the DVB Firmware is not compatible with the LimeSDR Mini V2. Do not try to load it.

The update has been quite complex as all the LimeSDR facilities have had to be recompiled (although very few code changes were required).

Please do update your Portsdown 4 now (even if you don't have LimeSDR Mini V2) as it is easier to fix problems in the update while it is still fresh in my mind. Please report any problems here

I will not be supporting the LimeSDR Mini V2 in Portsdown 2020.

Dave, G8GKQ

Edited to add DVB Firmware warning

[g6hfs]

Hi Dave,

Before the update the caption button was putting my callsign on the testcard when selected, after the update I can not get it to work.

Brian

[G8GKQ]

Hi Brian

I was wondering how long it would take till someone spotted this! It happened to me during testing of the next update last night.

It is not the software changes that I have made that have caused the problem, but a recent change the the ImageMagick convert function that I use to write callsigns and large captions. The new version (of everything) gets loaded during the update in an effort to keep the software as secure as possible.

I have now released a fix for this in the development version, so if you were to update to the "Dev" version it should cure the problem. I just need to do a bit more testing of the other features in that build before I push it to the production version.

Dave

[g6hfs]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for that,

Brian

[g8lce]

Hi Dave,
Where do I find the answer? I have looked, and it is on two Portsdown 4 and I can see GitHub....( on a PC )

portsdown-screenshot_2023-03-16T09꞉26꞉09.557Z.png (30.1 KiB) Viewed 4349 times

Martin G8LCE

[G8GKQ]

Hi Martin

The Portsdown FAQ has a section "How Can I update my Portsdown Software?"

In that section there is a link to the page https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Updating_your_ ... n_Software

The title "Unable to connect to GitHub to check the latest version" describes your problem. However, I think that the real issue might be associated with your ISP. https://downdetector.co.uk/ is reporting widespread problems at the moment.

I'm looking for volunteers to maintain the Portsdown documentation.....

Dave

btw - updates are working here.

[g8lce]

Hi Dave,
Tried the solution of looking at GitHub on a PC and it returned version number 201811031

Have I time travelled?

Martin G8LCE

[G8GKQ]

No, that points at a very old build.

Try https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Briti ... ersion.txt

Dave

[g8lce]

Hi Dave,

That is better 202303010

Now I will have to try and get the Portsdown to see it!!

Martin G8LCE

[g8lce]

Hi Dave,

The reason that happened is obvious when you compare the links... (https// left out )

raw.githubusercontent.com/BritishAmateurTelevisionClub/portsdown4/master/scripts/latest_version.txt
raw.githubusercontent.com/BritishAmateurTelevisionClub/rpidatv/master/scripts/latest_version.txt

as you said you are looking for someone to look after the documentation!

Someone younger than 72.5 hopefully!

Martin G8LCE (72.5)