Latest revision as of 17:33, 21 July 2024

PicoTuner is a USB tuner PCB for DATV based around the Serit 4334 NIM using the RpiPico as the USB interface.

The main reason for the development is to use the £5 Raspberry Pi Pico in place of the £32 FTDI USB interface on the MiniTiouner PCB. Using the Pico interface also enables 2 channels to be decoded and displayed at the same time.

The PicoTuner replaces the MiniTiouner Mk2 PCB for all new builds, however limited stock of the MiniTiouner PCB and FTDI module will be held in the BATC shop for those who wish to continue to use the MiniTiouner software which is NOT compatible with PicoTuner.

Receivers compatible with PicoTuner

OpenTuner

Version V0.9 onwards of OpenTuner by Tom ZR6TG is compatible with PicoTuner and can display 2 channels simultaneously.

You will need to install the usb drivers to be able to use it with OpenTuner. Details can be found here https://www.zr6tg.co.za/2024/02/11/picotuner-an-experimental-dual-ts-alternative/

Alternatively, ZR6TG has developed a simple test app that will install the windows drivers for PicoTuner. It is at beta version but available from here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3ziiiq71hretd2yzaou8f/picotuner_driver_test_app.zip?rlkey=gl4xsxddxprxfvjjydebvez5y&dl=0

- You can detect and check the drivers - Install the drivers (required admin privs - right click and run as administrator) - Check PicoTuner Version - Check github for latest version (just a check and copies directly link to uf2 in clipboard - Force Bootsel

Once PicoTuner drivers are properly installed on Windows 10, they show up in Device Manager as shown below:

Portsdown

Version 202403110 onwards of the Portsdown 4 receiver is compatible with PicoTuner but can only display one channel.

See the following pages on using the Portsdown receiver.

https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Portsdown_4#Portsdown_4_receive_capabilities:

https://wiki.batc.org.uk/DVB-S/S2_Reception

Ryde

Version 202403220 onwards of the Ryde Receiver is compatible with PicoTuner but can only display one channel.

Minitiouner software - NOT compatible

Current versions of the MiniTiouner PC software WILL NOT work with PicoTuner. As F6DZP is no longer updating Minitioune it will probably never be compatible.

PicoTuner hardware

Mike G0MJW has designed a PCB which will host the Serit NIM and Pico board. The Pico can either be a standard board or the WIZnet W5100S-EVB-Pico or W5500-EVB-Pico, which are basically a Pico with an integrated Ethernet interface.

Full details are available here PicoTuner Hardware

Surface mount PicoTuner adaptor for the MiniTiouner V2 PCB

Whilst the PicoTuner was designed for use in a new tuner design it can also be retrofitted to the BATC V2 Minitiouner and similar designs providing their FTDI modules are fitted in sockets.

Full details are available here: Surface mount PicoTuner adaptor for the MiniTiouner V2 PCB

Programming the Pico

This can be done either before or after the Pico has been fitted to the PCB, it makes no difference. Updating to a new firmware version is done the same way.

1. Locate the latest compiled firmware file 'PicoTuner_vxxx.uf2' which will be found here https://github.com/g4eml/PicoTuner/releases and save it to your desktop.

2. Hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico while connecting it to your PC using its micro USB port. The Pico should appear as a USB disk drive on your PC.

3. Copy the .uf2 file onto the USB drive. The Pico will recognise the file and immediately update its firmware, reboot and the PC should recognise a new USB device.

Ethernet Interface for PicoTuner

It is possible to fit the PicoTuner with a wired Ethernet interface. This integrates an Ethernet chip with a Pico processor chip. It enables the PicoTuner to be used as a 2 receiver WinterHill, or it can be used with OpenTuner software, version 0.B or later.

Status information is available over the USB serial port, but command input and transport stream output is possible only over the Ethernet connection.

Full details can be found here PicoTuner Ethernet Interface.

Fault-finding

When used with the Portsdown, if the message "Resetting USB Bus" appears, it generally means that power has not been applied to the Tuner. To recover from this situation, you MUST disconnect the USB connection, pause 5 seconds, reconnect the USB connection and then apply power to the tuner. Simply applying power does not solve the problem.

Subsequent "Waiting for Tuner to Respond" messages can normally be cured by disconnecting the USB connection and reconnecting after 5 seconds.

You can check if the USB connection is working by going to Menu 2, File Menu, List USB Devices. The BATC PicoTuner should appear in the list.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-A USB tuner for DATV using the RpiPico as the USB interface
+PicoTuner is a USB tuner PCB for DATV based around the Serit 4334 NIM using the RpiPico as the USB interface.
-=Pico tuner hardware=
+The main reason for the development is to use the £5 Raspberry Pi Pico in place of the £32 FTDI USB interface on the MiniTiouner PCB.  Using the Pico interface also enables 2 channels to be decoded and displayed at the same time.
-Mike G0MJW is designing a PCB which will host the Serit NIM and Pico board.
+The PicoTuner replaces the MiniTiouner Mk2 PCB for all new builds, however limited stock of the MiniTiouner PCB and FTDI module will be held in the BATC shop for those who wish to continue to use the MiniTiouner software which is NOT compatible with PicoTuner.
-=PicoTuner firmware=
+=Receivers compatible with PicoTuner=
-Colin, G4EML, has written firmware which needs loading in to the Pico by the user.
-=== Programming the Pico ===
+==OpenTuner==
-This can be done either before or after the Pico has been fitted to the Minitiouner, it makes no difference. Updating to a new firmware version is done the same way.
+Version V0.9 onwards of OpenTuner by Tom ZR6TG is compatible with PicoTuner and can display 2 channels simultaneously.
-. Locate the latest compiled firmware file 'PicoTuner_vxxx.uf2' which will be found here https://github.com/g4eml/PicoTuner/releases and save it to your desktop.
+You will need to install the usb drivers to be able to use it with OpenTuner. Details can be found here https://www.zr6tg.co.za/2024/02/11/picotuner-an-experimental-dual-ts-alternative/
-. Hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico while connecting it to your PC using its micro USB port. The Pico should appear as a USB disk drive on your PC.
+Alternatively, ZR6TG has developed a simple test app that will install the windows drivers for PicoTuner. It is at beta version but available from here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3ziiiq71hretd2yzaou8f/picotuner_driver_test_app.zip?rlkey=gl4xsxddxprxfvjjydebvez5y&dl=0
-. Copy the .uf2 file onto the USB drive. The Pico will recognise the file and immediately update its firmware, reboot and the PC should recognise a new USB device.
+- You can detect and check the drivers
+- Install the drivers (required admin privs - right click and run as administrator)
+- Check PicoTuner Version
+- Check github for latest version (just a check and copies directly link to uf2 in clipboard
+- Force Bootsel
-=Surface mount Pico adaptor for the MiniTiouner V2 PCB=
+[[File:picotuner_driverinstall.png|400px]]
-Whilst the PicoTuner was designed for use in a new tuner design it can also be retrofitted to the BATC V2 Minitiouner and similar designs providing their FTDI modules are fitted in sockets.
+Once PicoTuner drivers are properly installed on Windows 10, they show up in Device Manager as shown below:
-This involves removing the FTDI module, replacing it with an adaptor pcb and adding 5 wires to connect signals that are not present on the FTDI sockets. The advantage of doing this upgrade is to provide access to the second TS.
+[[File:PicoTuner in Device Manager.JPG|200px]]
-When supported by the host software this then allows the reception of two signals at the same time. Dual channel support is currently in development for the OpenTuner software.
+==Portsdown==
-[[File:Adaptor_Small.jpg|400px]]
+Version 202403110 onwards of the Portsdown 4 receiver is compatible with PicoTuner but can only display one channel.
-To save space and to try to make the module mechanically compatible surface mount techniques are used. However due to the large size of the components involved it is still easily assembled by hand.
+See the following pages on using the Portsdown receiver.
-== What is needed to make the adaptor ==
+[[Portsdown_4#Portsdown_4_receive_capabilities:|https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Portsdown_4#Portsdown_4_receive_capabilities:]]
-[[File:Parts Small.jpg|400px]]
+[[DVB-S/S2 Reception|https://wiki.batc.org.uk/DVB-S/S2_Reception]]
-PCB :- These will be available from the BATC shop, or you can get your own made using one of the Chinese PCB manufacturers. The Gerber files are available here https://github.com/g4eml/PicoTuner/tree/main/Adaptor
+==Ryde==
-Raspberry Pi Pico :- Surface mount version without pin headers.<br />
+Version 202403220 onwards of the Ryde Receiver is compatible with PicoTuner but can only display one channel.
-The Pi Hut Part Number:- SC0915    Mouser Part Number :- 358-SC0915
-x 26 way Dual row 2.54mm surface mount pin headers.<br />
+==Minitiouner software - NOT compatible==
-Harwin Part Number:- M20-8761346   Mouser Part Number:- 855-M20-8761346   Farnell Part Number :- 3756209
-x 5 way Single row 2.54mm through hole pin header.<br />
+Current versions of the MiniTiouner PC software '''WILL NOT''' work with PicoTuner.  As F6DZP is no longer updating Minitioune it will probably never be compatible.
-Harwin Part Number:- M20-9990545   Mouser Part Number:- 855-M20-9990545   Farnell Part Number :- 1022252
-== Assembly Instructions ==
+=PicoTuner hardware=
-Start with fitting the first of the 26 Way Dual row pin headers. Apply solder to one pad of the PCB and then tack the connector in place. Ensure that all of the pins are centrally aligned on the pads. Once you are happy with the position apply solder to all af the pads to fix the connector in position. Fit the second connector in the same way, checking the the spacing is correct to fit into the socket on the minitiouner before final soldering. If you align both connectors accurately on the pads this will be correct but you may wish to use a scrap of veroboard or someting similar to check the alignment. Once you are happy solder the second connector into place.
+Mike G0MJW has designed a PCB which will host the Serit NIM and Pico board. The Pico can either be a standard board or the WIZnet W5100S-EVB-Pico or W5500-EVB-Pico, which are basically a Pico with an integrated Ethernet interface.
-Lay the pico board directly onto the PCB and align the edges with the pads. Apply solder to the castelated edge of pin 1 to form a fillet of solder. Check the alignment of the board and adjust as necessary. When happy apply solder to all castellated holes. If possible leave the driled holes free of solder. This will simplify the fitting of the Ethernet module at a later date.
+[[File:Picotuner Mk1.png|400px]]
-Fit and solder the 5 way pin header.
+Full details are available here [[PicoTuner Hardware]]
-[[File:Underside Small.jpg|400px]]   [[File:Topside Small.jpg|400px]]
+=Surface mount PicoTuner adaptor for the MiniTiouner V2 PCB=
-== Fitting to the BATC V2 Minitiouner ==
+Whilst the PicoTuner was designed for use in a new tuner design it can also be retrofitted to the BATC V2 Minitiouner and similar designs providing their FTDI modules are fitted in sockets.
-Remove the FTDI module from its socket. Plug the Pico adaptor PCB in its place. The USB connector should be very close to the same position and should still be accessable through the rear panel.
+Full details are available here:  [[Surface mount PicoTuner adaptor for the MiniTiouner V2 PCB]]
-Connect pin 5 of J1 on the adaptor module to pin 9 of U7 (74HC10) on the minitiouner board. The 74HC10 is no longer used, so it can be removed or left in place, it makes no difference. You can solder the wire directly to the pin of the chip, remove the chip and plug the wire into the socket or use a pin header.
+= Programming the Pico =
-Connect pin 4 of J1 to pin 10 of U7 in the same way.
+This can be done either before or after the Pico has been fitted to the PCB, it makes no difference. Updating to a new firmware version is done the same way.
-[[File:74HC10 Small.jpg|400px]]
+. Locate the latest compiled firmware file 'PicoTuner_vxxx.uf2' which will be found here https://github.com/g4eml/PicoTuner/releases and save it to your desktop.
-The final three wires need to be connected between J1 and the 'TS1' connector on the minitiouner PCB. These wires are only required if you wish to use the second TS.
+. Hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico while connecting it to your PC using its micro USB port. The Pico should appear as a USB disk drive on your PC.
-Connect J1 Pin 1 to D7
+. Copy the .uf2 file onto the USB drive. The Pico will recognise the file and immediately update its firmware, reboot and the PC should recognise a new USB device.
-Connect J1 pin 2 to CLK
+= Ethernet Interface for PicoTuner =
-Connect J1 pin 3 to VA
+It is possible to fit the PicoTuner with a wired Ethernet interface. This integrates an Ethernet chip with a Pico processor chip. It enables the PicoTuner to be used as a 2 receiver WinterHill, or it can be used with OpenTuner software, version 0.B or later.
-[[File:TS1 Small.jpg|400px]]   [[File:Fitting Small.jpg|400px]]
+Status information is available over the USB serial port, but command input and transport stream output is possible only over the Ethernet connection.
-== Programming the Pico ==
+Full details can be found here [[PicoTuner Ethernet Interface]].
-This can be done either before or after the Pico has been fitted to the Minitiouner, it makes no difference. Updating to a new firmware version is done the same way.
+= Fault-finding =
-. Locate the latest compiled firmware file 'PicoTuner_vxxx.uf2' which will be found here https://github.com/g4eml/PicoTuner/releases and save it to your desktop.
+When used with the Portsdown, if the message "Resetting USB Bus" appears, it generally means that power has not been applied to the Tuner.  To recover from this situation, '''you MUST disconnect the USB connection, pause 5 seconds, reconnect the USB connection and then apply power''' to the tuner.  Simply applying power does not solve the problem.
-. Hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico while connecting it to your PC using its micro USB port. The Pico should appear as a USB disk drive on your PC.
+Subsequent "Waiting for Tuner to Respond" messages can normally be cured by disconnecting the USB connection and reconnecting after 5 seconds.
-. Copy the .uf2 file onto the USB drive. The Pico will recognise the file and immediately update its firmware, reboot and the PC should recognise a new USB device.
+You can check if the USB connection is working by going to Menu 2, File Menu, List USB Devices.  The BATC PicoTuner should appear in the list.

Difference between revisions of "PicoTuner"