Difference between revisions of "Ryde Receiver"

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The BATC Ryde receiver is a stand-alone receiver or Set Top Box (STB) designed specifically for Digital Amateur TV with similar functionality to a consumer STB.
 
The BATC Ryde receiver is a stand-alone receiver or Set Top Box (STB) designed specifically for Digital Amateur TV with similar functionality to a consumer STB.
  
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It is controlled by an IR remote and has a "point and shoot" interface - simply enter frequency and SR and the Ryde will look for DATV signals without the need to enter Bouquets, transponders or scan across a range of frequencies.
+
It is controlled by an IR remote and has a "point and shoot" interface - simply enter frequency and SR and the Ryde will look for DVB-S or DVB-S2 DATV signals without the need to enter Bouquets, transponders or scan across a range of frequencies.  It will also receive DVB-T signals when used with a Knucker tuner.
 
[[File:Ryde_With_Menu_Small.jpg|500px|center]]
 
[[File:Ryde_With_Menu_Small.jpg|500px|center]]
  
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===Project history and status===
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==Ryde Hardware==
  
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The Ryde receiver project was conceived by G8GTZ, the requirements were published in April 2020 and first beta models were demonstrated in late June 2020 with the first development release in Mid July 2020
+
The Ryde receiver is simple to construct and is built from a standard Raspberry Pi 4 and either [[MiniTiouner hardware Version 2|MiniTiouner USB receiver hardware]] for DVB-S2 reception or [[Knucker]] hardware connected via USB. . 
  
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==Ryde Hardware==
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Full hardware details are described on this page: [[Ryde Hardware]].
 +
 
 +
[[File:Ryde1 boxed.jpg|500px|center]]
 +
 
 +
The above shows the four of the main parts of the Ryde:-
 +
 
 +
1. Raspberry Pi 4
  
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The Ryde rxr is built from a Raspberry Pi4 and [[Minitiouner Hardware|MiniTiouner USB receiver hardware]].  Full hardware details are described on this page: [[Ryde Hardware]].
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2. GPIO breakout PCB
  
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====Version 1====
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3. 12V input 5.2V 5A output DC to DC converter
  
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The first version of Ryde is based around a Raspberry Pi 4 and the [[MiniTiouner hardware Version 2|BATC MiniTiouner V2 PCB]] connected via USB. It is intended that the software will continue to support this version even after version 2 hardware is released.
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4. Switch and IR sensor PCB
  
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====Version 2====
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All parts are mounted in a Eddystone 26827PSLA Diecast box (Farnell Ordercode 301589) with room for future expansion. 
  
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A single PCB is in development removing the need for the USB interface.  This will be a standalone alone unit with the RPi mounted on the motherboard but will require users to buy a complete new set of components including Serit tuner.
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The BATC MiniTiouner or Knucker tuner are mounted in a separate box connected by USB to the Raspberry Pi.
  
 
====IR remote control====
 
====IR remote control====
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More details on how to connect an IR sensor to the Ryde, which remote control to use and how to program your own control are here: [[Ryde remote controls]]
 
More details on how to connect an IR sensor to the Ryde, which remote control to use and how to program your own control are here: [[Ryde remote controls]]
  
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==Ryde Software==
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====RF input band switching====
 +
 
 +
The Ryde has been designed to control the Portsdown 4 and 8 way RF switches https://wiki.batc.org.uk/8-Band_RF_Output_Switch  The RF switch should be built leaving out the MMIC stage U1 which is bypassed with a short circuit or a 1nf capacitor.
 +
 
 +
This switching is enabled in Ryde software version 202111051 and later.  The default GPIO pins are specified in the [[Ryde_GPIO_Connections]], but can be changed by manually editing the /home/pi/ryde/config.yaml file.  Note that the numbers in the config file refer to the Broadcom port numbers in the second column of the GPIO table.
 +
 
 +
====GPIO connection====
 +
 
 +
A GPIO breakout PCB is available from the BATC shop - NOTE, this PCB is intended to be mounted to go outside the Pi4 profile as shown above.
 +
 
 +
More details here: [[Ryde GPIO breakout|https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Ryde_GPIO_breakout]]
  
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The Ryde uses a number of open-source software components:
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'''Note that the Raspberry Pi 4 GPIO connections are different to the Raspberry Pi 3'''
  
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* LongMynd.  A specific version of LongMynd is used to control the MiniTiouner.
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Full details of the Ryde GPIO connections are here: [[Ryde_GPIO_Connections]]
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* RydePlayer.  RydePlayer controls LongMynd, responds to remote control commands, manages the on-screen menus and controls the VLC video player.
 
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* Pydispmanx.  Pydispmanx is a utility to manage the layers (overlays) on the display.
 
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* Ryde-Build.  Ryde-build provides an installer, updater, console menu and currently manages selection of remote controls and display output.
 
  
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The currently the only way to install the Ryde software is to build an SD Card and then install the software using the instructions here: [https://github.com/BritishAmateurTelevisionClub/ryde-build BATC GitHub Ryde Build Page].  The process will be familiar to anyone who has built a Portsdown SD Card.
+
==Ryde Software==
  
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It is intended a preprogrammed SD card will be available in the BATC shop once the software is formally released.
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There are 2 ways to get the Ryde Software.  As with Portsdown, you can buy a pre-programmed SD Card from the [https://batc.org.uk/category/usb-receivers/ BATC Shop]; or you can build your own card.
  
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Please read this information about the [[Ryde Software]].
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===Building Your Own SD Card===
  
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==Ryde repeater receiver==
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The instructions on this page [https://github.com/BritishAmateurTelevisionClub/ryde-build BATC GitHub Ryde Build Page] (scroll down) take you step-by-step through building your own Ryde SD Card.  No great computer expertise is required.  The process will be familiar to anyone who has built a Portsdown SD Card.
  
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As well as a dedicated shack receiver without the need for a PC, the Ryde is also designed for use at repeater sites. Features in the requirement specification include the following (all subject to feasibility and commitment by development team volunteers):
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Once you have bought or built your card, please read this information about using the [[Ryde Software]].
  
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* Reliable lock indicator output from the RPi GPIO connector.
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===Ryde presets===
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* Status banner showing station ID, MER and D number displayed after signal lock (Display period adjustable in config menu)
+
 
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* Status banner displayed when GPIO port triggered (can be triggered by external DTMF detector etc)
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There are 10 presets in the default build. You can modify each of them from the on-screen menu, but these on-screen changes are volatile and will be lost when you close the application or reboot.
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* Symbol rate search across a number of presets.  Feature would enable a single Ryde receiver to listen on 437MHz and receive 2Ms, 1Ms, 333ks and 125ks signals
 
  
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==Original requirement specification - April 2020==
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You can modify the detail of each preset permanently from the ssh console menu (reached by entering 'menu' at the command prompt). However, you cannot modify the preset names. This was too complicated to handle in the Menu.
  
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With the lack of any reliable source for STB hardware (a recent ebay purchase of quantity 3 of one item delivered 3 major variants of hardware) BATC believe there is a need for a reproducible DVB-S and DVB-S2 DATV receiver using the Minitiouner hardware and Rpi4 host providing HDMI and Composite outputs.
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Each preset has frequency, SR and band defined. Frequencies and SRs can be multiple for scanning.
 +
I have defined 8 bands. Each band has LO Frequency, LO side, LNB voltage, Tuner port and Band GPIO setting defined. Note that Band GPIO setting does not have any effect yet. You cannot modify the band names, but can modify all the other band parameters.
  
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With the Portsdown and Longmynd software and Minitiouner hardware, the worldwide ATV community has access to some very valuable open source resources and based on these, BATC believe the community has the resources to develop a dedicated DATV receiver.
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You can select which preset channel the receiver starts up on. It does not have to be the QO-100 beacon.
  
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The primary use cases would be a dedicated DATV receiver for home station use and a low symbol rate DATV receiver with reliable lock detection for remote use at ATV repeater sites. We have developed the following specification and are now looking for a small team of people (or one person) to pick this up and develop a project which will sit alongside Portsdown and Longmynd projects
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You can also manually edit the presets as described here [[Ryde_Software#Manually_Editing_the_Presets]].
  
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===Outline specification===
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===Ryde scanning modes===
  
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====RF and de-modulation capability====
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Primarily designed for use in at repeater sites, the Ryde can be set to scan multiple SRs on a single frequency or multiple SRs on multiple frequencies.  Set these up as follows:
  
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DVB-S and DVB-S2 demodulation is required - frequency range, symbol rate range and FEC choices will be the same as the MiniTiouner system https://wiki.batc.org.uk/MiniTioune
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* Log in via SSH
  
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Reception of SCPC transport streams and decoding MPEG 2, H264 and H265 video and MP3 and AAC audio streams. Reception of MCPC streams is not a primary requirement but could be a future enhancement.
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* For a repeater go to menu 2 and define which preset to use on start up.
  
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The decoded video and audio would be presented on the HDMI port with embedded audio or on a composite video port with separate analogue audio feeds. Simultaneous outputs are not required and the port in use would be selected via the system set up menu.
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* Then go to menu 4 and customise your preset - enter frequency (or frequencies) followed by up to 4 symbol rates. Restart your Ryde and it will use the start up preset and scan Frequencies and Symbol rates as entered.
  
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====Hardware====
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Note under menu 3 you set which LNB F type port is used on which band so you can have 70cms use the top port and 23cms use the bottom port.
  
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It is envisaged the project will use the MiniTiouner USB tuner card https://wiki.batc.org.uk/MiniTiouner_hardware_Version_2 [Edit - hardware or design] Ideally the host hardware will be the Raspberry Pi 4 although other readily available supported Linux hardware could be used.
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===Customising the Ryde===
  
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No integrated screen is required and the output will be displayed on either an HDMI or Composite monitor.
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You change what information is displaed on the screen - details in this forum post: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=130&t=7502&hilit=customising+ryde
  
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An infrared remote control is required and it is envisaged the project will use existing standard control hardware and codes – eg https://thepihut.com/products/xmbc-ir-r ... 6YQAvD_BwE
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You change the words on the Red splash screens - details here: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=130&t=8054
  
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A hardware tuner lock signal should be provided, probably from the RPi GPIO lines.
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==The Ryde as a Repeater Receiver==
  
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The user would be expected to provide case and PSU etc.
+
As well as a dedicated shack receiver without the need for a PC, the Ryde is also designed for use at repeater sites.
  
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====Code base====
+
* Reliable lock indicator output from the RPi GPIO connector.
 +
* Status banner showing station ID, MER and D number displayed after signal lock (Display period adjustable in config menu)
 +
* Symbol rate search across a number of presets.  Feature would enable a single Ryde receiver to listen on 437MHz and receive 2Ms, 1Ms, 333ks and 125ks signals
  
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It is envisaged the project would use the Longmynd open source Linux ATV receiver developed by Heather Lomond and available here: https://github.com/BritishAmateurTelevi ... b/longmynd
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==The Ryde as a DVB-T Receiver==
  
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A significant amount of the functionality required for this project is available within the Longmynd implementation in the BATC Portsdown project by Dave Crump and can be used as a basis for this project. https://github.com/BritishAmateurTelevi ... own-buster
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The Ryde is also capable of receiving DVB-T signals in conjunction with the Knucker receiver.  
  
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====Functionality====
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In the config file, the DVB-T tuner must be selected when the band is defined.  The default config file has 2 DVB-T channels, 146.5 MHz, 333 kHz bandwidth and 437 MHz 333 kHz bandwidth.
  
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On initial start up the software should default to composite video out and take the user in to a system set up menu where parameters such as video output, Terrestrial / Satellite operation, LNB volts, LNB offset and the default RF and decode parameters would be selected. Set up of any frequency pre-sets would also be done from this menu.
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==The Ryde DVB-S/S2 Watchdog==
  
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On normal start up, the decoded video output using the default setup parameters should be displayed.
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The Ryde is perfect for use at Exhibitions to the public, but sometimes when auto-tuning on QO-100 it will come across a station with illegal parameters and crash.  The Ryde watchdog, described here [[Ryde Watchdog]] restarts the Ryde application when this happens.
  
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From the default screen a channel set up menu should be accessible by pressing a single button. This will allow selection of RF frequency (if satellite operation is selected in system menu this will include the LNB offset) and Symbol rate – a number of pre-set frequency options is desirable. Exit will take you to video output display and a button to take you to the system menu would be displayed.
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==FAQ==
  
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A selectable banner showing receive status, MER and SI information should be displayed across the bottom of the video window.
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If you are having problems with your Ryde Receiver, please check these FAQs before posting any questions on the BATC Forum. [[Ryde FAQ]]
  
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====Network capability====
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==Original Requirement Specification==
  
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The initial requirement is for a standalone DVB-S / S2 receiver although future enhancements could include remote control over SSH, the ability to view BATC live streams and a TS UDP output. All these functions are already available in the BATC Portsdown / Longmynd system code.
+
The original requirement specification for the Ryde Receiver, written in April 2020 by G8GTZ, can be found here: [[Ryde Requirement Specification]].

Latest revision as of 11:36, 21 March 2024

The BATC Ryde receiver is a stand-alone receiver or Set Top Box (STB) designed specifically for Digital Amateur TV with similar functionality to a consumer STB.

It is controlled by an IR remote and has a "point and shoot" interface - simply enter frequency and SR and the Ryde will look for DVB-S or DVB-S2 DATV signals without the need to enter Bouquets, transponders or scan across a range of frequencies. It will also receive DVB-T signals when used with a Knucker tuner.

Ryde With Menu Small.jpg
  • The Ryde is a standalone receiver controlled by an infra-red remote with on-screen menus
  • The Ryde directly drives an external HDMI or composite video (PAL/NTSC) monitor
  • The Ryde does not require any additional hardware such as a PC
  • The Ryde provides a lock indication output for use at DATV repeater sites.


Ryde Hardware

The Ryde receiver is simple to construct and is built from a standard Raspberry Pi 4 and either MiniTiouner USB receiver hardware for DVB-S2 reception or Knucker hardware connected via USB. .

Full hardware details are described on this page: Ryde Hardware.

Ryde1 boxed.jpg

The above shows the four of the main parts of the Ryde:-

1. Raspberry Pi 4

2. GPIO breakout PCB

3. 12V input 5.2V 5A output DC to DC converter

4. Switch and IR sensor PCB

All parts are mounted in a Eddystone 26827PSLA Diecast box (Farnell Ordercode 301589) with room for future expansion.

The BATC MiniTiouner or Knucker tuner are mounted in a separate box connected by USB to the Raspberry Pi.

IR remote control

More details on how to connect an IR sensor to the Ryde, which remote control to use and how to program your own control are here: Ryde remote controls

RF input band switching

The Ryde has been designed to control the Portsdown 4 and 8 way RF switches https://wiki.batc.org.uk/8-Band_RF_Output_Switch The RF switch should be built leaving out the MMIC stage U1 which is bypassed with a short circuit or a 1nf capacitor.

This switching is enabled in Ryde software version 202111051 and later. The default GPIO pins are specified in the Ryde_GPIO_Connections, but can be changed by manually editing the /home/pi/ryde/config.yaml file. Note that the numbers in the config file refer to the Broadcom port numbers in the second column of the GPIO table.

GPIO connection

A GPIO breakout PCB is available from the BATC shop - NOTE, this PCB is intended to be mounted to go outside the Pi4 profile as shown above.

More details here: https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Ryde_GPIO_breakout 

Note that the Raspberry Pi 4 GPIO connections are different to the Raspberry Pi 3

Full details of the Ryde GPIO connections are here: Ryde_GPIO_Connections

Ryde Software

There are 2 ways to get the Ryde Software. As with Portsdown, you can buy a pre-programmed SD Card from the BATC Shop; or you can build your own card.

Building Your Own SD Card

The instructions on this page BATC GitHub Ryde Build Page (scroll down) take you step-by-step through building your own Ryde SD Card. No great computer expertise is required. The process will be familiar to anyone who has built a Portsdown SD Card.

Once you have bought or built your card, please read this information about using the Ryde Software.

Ryde presets

There are 10 presets in the default build. You can modify each of them from the on-screen menu, but these on-screen changes are volatile and will be lost when you close the application or reboot.

You can modify the detail of each preset permanently from the ssh console menu (reached by entering 'menu' at the command prompt). However, you cannot modify the preset names. This was too complicated to handle in the Menu.

Each preset has frequency, SR and band defined. Frequencies and SRs can be multiple for scanning. I have defined 8 bands. Each band has LO Frequency, LO side, LNB voltage, Tuner port and Band GPIO setting defined. Note that Band GPIO setting does not have any effect yet. You cannot modify the band names, but can modify all the other band parameters.

You can select which preset channel the receiver starts up on. It does not have to be the QO-100 beacon.

You can also manually edit the presets as described here Ryde_Software#Manually_Editing_the_Presets.

Ryde scanning modes

Primarily designed for use in at repeater sites, the Ryde can be set to scan multiple SRs on a single frequency or multiple SRs on multiple frequencies. Set these up as follows:

  • Log in via SSH
  • For a repeater go to menu 2 and define which preset to use on start up.
  • Then go to menu 4 and customise your preset - enter frequency (or frequencies) followed by up to 4 symbol rates. Restart your Ryde and it will use the start up preset and scan Frequencies and Symbol rates as entered.

Note under menu 3 you set which LNB F type port is used on which band so you can have 70cms use the top port and 23cms use the bottom port.

Customising the Ryde

You change what information is displaed on the screen - details in this forum post: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=130&t=7502&hilit=customising+ryde

You change the words on the Red splash screens - details here: https://forum.batc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=130&t=8054

The Ryde as a Repeater Receiver

As well as a dedicated shack receiver without the need for a PC, the Ryde is also designed for use at repeater sites.

  • Reliable lock indicator output from the RPi GPIO connector.
  • Status banner showing station ID, MER and D number displayed after signal lock (Display period adjustable in config menu)
  • Symbol rate search across a number of presets. Feature would enable a single Ryde receiver to listen on 437MHz and receive 2Ms, 1Ms, 333ks and 125ks signals

The Ryde as a DVB-T Receiver

The Ryde is also capable of receiving DVB-T signals in conjunction with the Knucker receiver.

In the config file, the DVB-T tuner must be selected when the band is defined. The default config file has 2 DVB-T channels, 146.5 MHz, 333 kHz bandwidth and 437 MHz 333 kHz bandwidth.

The Ryde DVB-S/S2 Watchdog

The Ryde is perfect for use at Exhibitions to the public, but sometimes when auto-tuning on QO-100 it will come across a station with illegal parameters and crash. The Ryde watchdog, described here Ryde Watchdog restarts the Ryde application when this happens.

FAQ

If you are having problems with your Ryde Receiver, please check these FAQs before posting any questions on the BATC Forum. Ryde FAQ

Original Requirement Specification

The original requirement specification for the Ryde Receiver, written in April 2020 by G8GTZ, can be found here: Ryde Requirement Specification.

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