MiniTioune software

The MiniTiouner USB receiver uses free to download DVB-S receive and analysis software called "Minitioune" written by F6DZP. The Software is hosted on the VivaDATV forum. You need to register and be given a log-in to download the software. The files is located here: Minitioune v0.6d download

The latest (28 February 2017) version of MiniTioune is V0.6d and is the version you will need if you have a Serit tuner.

Download the zip file and extract to a folder under your root or c:\ directory. You should have the following files in your directory:

The following files are in the directory:
* "readme.pdf" - gives the latest information and a step by step guide to using MiniTioune software version 6d
* "CheckMiniTiouneDriverAndFilters_V0_3a.exe" - A program to run at first installation to check you have installed all the drivers and filters needed to run MiniTioune
* "install_usrc_ax_winXP.exe" - you will need to run this for all versions of Windows (not just XP) to install the usrc filters 

Software Installation

Onc you have unzipped the main download you need to follow these easy steps to get up and running:

• Download and install the D2XX drivers 2.12.24 found at http://ftdichip.com/Drivers/D2XX.htm. There's a link in the right column for a setup executable.
• Download and install LAVfilters CODECs from here http://www.videohelp.com/software/LAV-Filters
• Look in the Minitiouner folder that you've just copied to C:\ for the small program "Install_usrc_ax_winXP" and run this to install the link with the decoder.
• Plug in your MiniTiouner hardware and let the USB drivers install.
• Run the MiniTiouner tesst program - it should pass on all sections.
• You are now ready to run the main MiniTiouner_v0.6d program.

For a very comprehensive guide on this see the paper written by W6HHC - http://www.w6ze.org/DATV/InstallingMiniTiouner_onWin10.pdf

Running MiniTioune for the first time

The Minitioune software is very comprehensive DVB-S receive and diagnostic software but can be a little baffling when first running it!

If you have completed the installation and tested your system by running the test program, you now need to arrange a test signal which can be one of the following:

• A satellite signal from your domestic sattelite dish.
• A local DATV signal from Portsdown (Ugly mode is fine) or any other DATV transmitter.
• An off air DATV signal from your local repeater or "buddy down the road" (did I really write that!)

Whichever source you use, you will need to know the following:

• Signal frequency - this should the L band signal frequency coming out of the LNB or direct amatuer band frequency - eg 1255MHz or 1563 MHz
• Modulation mode - DVB-S or DVB-S2
• The Symbol Rate or SR - this will probably be listed as MegaSymbols - eg 2Ms or 27Ms - you will need to convert this to Ks - eg 2000 or 27000
• The FEC rate - this will be written in the form 1/2 or 5/6

Start the program and you should see the "Please wait 10 seconds message" and then the following screen:

Navigate your mouse to the top left corner of the screen and setting the following parameters to match your test signal:

• Frequency
• SR - symbol rate
• FEC - tick the box to match the FEC you are running.

The 3 "lights" at the bottom left of the screen should now turn green, the meters should indicate signal level and MER and the Verberti error bar graph should go green.

If this has happened but there is no video displayed in the center window, navigate to the top right of the screen and click the "auto PID" button - the video should now appear.

Setting up MiniTioune for normal use

You can edit the miniTioune.ini file in the download directory to configure the preset buttons for commonly used parameters.

To do this, first save a copy of the file on to your desktop - this is so you can always go back when you mess up! Then double click the file and it should open in wordpad.

More to follow.....