Portsdown 2020
As new capabilities are developed, the Portsdown evolves through major changes to take advantages of updates to the operating system and features. Older versions cease to be updated, but unlike "Windows" they don't stop working. Just tighten the screws in the lid, don't connect them to the internet and keep putting them on the air!
Portsdown 2020
Portsdown 2020 is based on the new Buster operating system, so there is no routine software update available from Portsdown 2019, which was based on the older Stretch operating system. However, you can build (or buy from the BATC shop) a new SD Card and simply fit it in place of the old card to get the new features. The new features in Portsdown 2020 are:
- H264 DVB-S and DVB-S2 transmissions from the LimeSDR Mini using the custom DVB Firmware.
- High symbol rate DVB-S transmissions (up to 6 MS) from the LimeSDR Mini using the custom DVB Firmware.
- Support for the C920 WebCam
- The ability to suppress the calibration spike at the beginning of LimeSDR transmissions.
The following legacy features have been tested and work well:
- DVB-S Transmissions using a BATC Filter-modulator board
- Streaming to the BATC streaming server
- Composite video output
The following features have not yet been tested and may not work:
- DVB-S and DVB-S2 transmissions from the LimeSDR Mini using the stock firmware
- DVB-S and DVB-S2 transmissions from the LimeMET Micro
- DVB-S transmissions using DATV Expresss or the DTX-1
The following features DO NOT WORK, or will not be supported
- Use of the LimeSDR USB
- The FreqShow spectrum viewer
So, should you use or update to Portsdown 2020? YES if you are transmitting to QO-100 and are prepared to use the Custom firmware on your LimeSDR Mini. If you are happy with your Portsdown 2019 or Portsdown 2018 there is no great rush. Perhaps wait until the software is more mature?
More Information
A "Getting Started with Portsdown 2020" guide is being written here: Portsdown_2020_Getting_Started_Guide
You can find the latest information on the tested capabilities of Portsdown 2020 here: Portsdown 2020 Buster Software.
