Difference between revisions of "Portsdown with the LimeNET Micro"
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===SD Card Configuration=== | ===SD Card Configuration=== | ||
| − | A standard SD Card (either from the BATC Shop or built using these instructions [https://github.com/BritishAmateurTelevisionClub/portsdown Portsdown GitHub]) can be used in | + | A standard SD Card (either from the BATC Shop or built using these instructions [https://github.com/BritishAmateurTelevisionClub/portsdown-buster Portsdown GitHub]) can be used in LimeNET Micros without eMMC flash. On first-ever start-up it will reboot automatically twice before becoming operational. On the first start-up, it detects that it is connected to a LimeNET Micro and substitutes the correct Device Tree file for using the 7 inch screen. It then reboots to load this file, which enables it to detect the 7 inch screen. Having detected the screen, it changes the config file to use the 7 inch screen and then reboots to load this new configuration. |
If the same SD Card is then taken back to a standard RPi 3 based Portsdown, it will detect that it is not in a LimeNET Micro, substitute the original device tree file and then reboot to load it. It then detects that there is no 7 inch screen, changes the config file for the Waveshare screen and reboots to load it. | If the same SD Card is then taken back to a standard RPi 3 based Portsdown, it will detect that it is not in a LimeNET Micro, substitute the original device tree file and then reboot to load it. It then detects that there is no 7 inch screen, changes the config file for the Waveshare screen and reboots to load it. | ||
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During the software update process, the device tree file is normally over-written. If the update detects that it is being performed on a LimeNET Micro it then reloads the file required for the LimeNET Micro. | During the software update process, the device tree file is normally over-written. If the update detects that it is being performed on a LimeNET Micro it then reloads the file required for the LimeNET Micro. | ||
| − | Draft instructions for loading Raspbian Buster and the Portsdown software on a LimeNET Micro without an SD card are at the bottom of this page. | + | Draft instructions for loading Raspbian Buster and the Portsdown software on a LimeNET Micro with eMMC flash (without an SD card slot) are at the bottom of this page. |
===Power Output Levels=== | ===Power Output Levels=== | ||
Revision as of 21:15, 10 March 2020
The Portsdown software 201907070 instroduces basic support for the LimeNET Micro.
Image credit Lime Microsystems
The supported configuration is a LimeNET-Micro V2.1 with a 7 inch touchscreen. Use without the touchscreen might work, but is not supported. Optionally an RPi Camera (V2 model only) can also be connected the the LimeNET-Micro (NOT a V1 Camera - it does not work). Other supported video sources will include the EasyCap dongle and the C920 WebCam.
SD Card Configuration
A standard SD Card (either from the BATC Shop or built using these instructions Portsdown GitHub) can be used in LimeNET Micros without eMMC flash. On first-ever start-up it will reboot automatically twice before becoming operational. On the first start-up, it detects that it is connected to a LimeNET Micro and substitutes the correct Device Tree file for using the 7 inch screen. It then reboots to load this file, which enables it to detect the 7 inch screen. Having detected the screen, it changes the config file to use the 7 inch screen and then reboots to load this new configuration.
If the same SD Card is then taken back to a standard RPi 3 based Portsdown, it will detect that it is not in a LimeNET Micro, substitute the original device tree file and then reboot to load it. It then detects that there is no 7 inch screen, changes the config file for the Waveshare screen and reboots to load it.
During the software update process, the device tree file is normally over-written. If the update detects that it is being performed on a LimeNET Micro it then reloads the file required for the LimeNET Micro.
Draft instructions for loading Raspbian Buster and the Portsdown software on a LimeNET Micro with eMMC flash (without an SD card slot) are at the bottom of this page.
Power Output Levels
Although power output levels are similar to a LimeSDR Mini below 1500 MHz, the output power of a LimeNET Micro at 2400 MHz is significantly less. The LimeSDR Mini output level plot is here LimeSDR_Mini_Output_Power_Levels; this is the LimeNET Micro power output for DVB-S2, 333kS, Lime Gain = 88:
Limitations
The Lime Report and Firmware Update do work with the Portsdown Stretch software. These need the latest version of LimeSuite, which I have not yet integrated because it needs testing with the LimeSDR Mini first and I have run out of time.
With Portsdown Buster software, the Lime Report does work, but will erroneously report an error (in red) because it is configured to check the firmware version for a LimeSDR Mini, not a LimeNET Micro. The LimeNET Micro firmware can be updated using the "Update Lime Micro" button, DO NOT use the other update buttons.
Operation
Select Lime Mini as the Output Mode.
Note that UGLY mode does not (and will not ever) work on the LimeNet Micro. However, there is no need for it as the LimeNET Micro is a far better modulator.
The fan (if fitted) is set to start whenever the device is transmitting (after the calibration delay). Outside transmit periods it is set to auto.