Portsdown 2020 Buster Software
Introduction
The Portsdown Buster Software is a major change from previous Portsdown Software. The complete system needs retesting (and much of it needs re-writing) so only specific features will initially be declared as fit for use, with more features being added to the list as testing progresses.
The changes being introduced with this software include:
- A new LimeDVB mode that uses custom Firmware written by F4IHX and F5OEO for a LimeSDR Mini to produce DVB-S and DVB-S2 signals.
- The ability to select whether LimeSDR calibration takes place before transmission
- A specific capability to transmit 1MS DVB-S2 with high reliability for use in repeater transmitters.
- A transport stream viewer that will display H264 transport streams sent the Portsdown for testing purposes.
The notes below apply to the latest release 202003140, built on Portsdown Buster 2020-02-05.
Tested Modes of Operation using LimeDVB Firmware
To load the LimeDVB custom firmware, first check the current Firmware standard (Menu 3, Lime Config, Lime FW Info). It should be 1.30. If not, update it to 1.30 (Menu 3, Lime Config, Update to FW 1.30). Once at this standard, update with the DVB Firmware (Menu 3, Lime Config, Update to DVB FW).
If you do not have a touchscreen (for example setting up a repeater transmitter), you can achieve the same actions by using the Lime Config Menu on the Console (see Console mode Instructions) after connecting to the Raspberry Pi by ssh.
EasyCap input, H264 DVB-S2 output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 3 MS.
Pi Camera input, H264 DVB-S2 output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 3 MS, both with and without a USB Microphone dongle.
Animated Test Card (TCAnim) input, H264 DVB-S2 output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 2 MS, both with and without a USB Microphone dongle.
Static Test Card input, H264 DVB-S2 output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures from Test Card C (with callsign caption if selected), or the contest numbers card at symbol rates from 125 kS to 2 MS. Audio is disabled when using the static test card or contest numbers.
C920 Webcam input, H264 DVB-S2 output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits good pictures and audio at symbol rates from 125 kS to 2 MS. Note that maximum definition from the C920 in this mode is currently 800x448. This is because of problems with the Linux driver for the camera.
EasyCap input, H264 DVB-S output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 6 MS.
EasyCap input, MPEG-2 DVB-S output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits stuttering pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 6 MS. Not sure how to make it better!
Pi Camera input, H264 DVB-S output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits very good pictures at symbol rates from 250 kS to 9 MS, both with and without a USB Microphone dongle.
Pi Camera input, MPEG-2 DVB-S output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits very good pictures at symbol rates from 250 kS to 9 MS, both with and without a USB Microphone dongle.
C920 Webcam input, H264 DVB-S output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits good pictures and audio at symbol rates from 125 kS to 6 MS. Note that maximum definition from the C920 in this mode is currently 800x448. This is because of problems with the Linux driver for the camera.
C920 Webcam input, MPEG-2 DVB-S output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits good pictures and audio at symbol rates from 500 kS to 6 MS.
Animated Test Card (TCAnim) input, H264 DVB-S output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 6 MS.
Static Test Card input, H264 DVB-S output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures from Test Card C (with callsign caption if selected), or the contest numbers card at symbol rates from 125 kS to 6 MS. Audio is disabled when using the static test card or contest numbers.
Static Test Card input, MPEG-2 DVB-S output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures from Test Card C (with callsign caption if selected), or the contest numbers card at symbol rates from 333 kS to 6 MS. Audio is disabled when using the static test card or contest numbers.
External Transport Stream Transmission using LimeDVB
Portsdown version 202002290 introduced support for the transmission of an externally generated transport stream (generated from vMix or OBS and encoded using ffmpeg on a Windows or Linux PC) using DVB-S or DVB-S2 and the LimeDVB firmware. This works well from 333 to 1000 kS.More information can be found here IPTS Input to Portsdown with the LimeSDR. There is also a Transport Stream viewer on Menu 2.
Carrier Transmission using LimeDVB
Carrier mode (selected from the Modulation Menu) works with the LimeDVB firmware and generates a carrier on the selected freq at a power level within a dew dB of the modulated power level.
Tested Modes of Operation using the Portsdown Filter-Modulator Board (DVB-S only)
EasyCap input, H264 output
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 250 kS to 2 MS.
Pi Camera input, H264 output
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 2 MS, both with and without a USB Microphone dongle.
Animated Test Card (TCAnim) input, H264 output
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 2 MS, both with and without a USB Microphone dongle.
Static Test Card input, H264 output
This mode transmits reasonable pictures from Test Card C (with callsign caption if selected), or the contest numbers card at symbol rates from 125 kS to 1 MS. Audio is disabled when using the static test card or contest numbers.
C920 Webcam input, H264 output
This mode transmits good pictures and audio at symbol rates from 125 kS to 2 MS. Note that maximum definition from the C920 in this mode is currently 800x448. This is because of problems with the Linux driver for the camera.
EasyCap input, MPEG-2 output
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 1 MS to 5 MS.
Pi Camera input, MPEG-2 output
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 250 kS to 5 MS, both with and without a USB Microphone dongle.
Static Test Card input, MPEG-2 output
This mode transmits reasonable pictures from Test Card C (with callsign caption if selected), or the contest numbers card at symbol rates from 250 kS to 5 MS.
C920 Webcam input, MPEG-2 output
This mode transmits good pictures and audio at symbol rates from 250 kS to 5 MS.
Tested Modes of Operation using the LimeNET Micro
Note that "Lime Mini" should be selected as the output device when using the LimeNET Micro. Lime DVB mode is not available because there is no compatible LimeDVB firmware/gateware image.
C920 Webcam input, H264 output, DVB-S2
This mode transmits good pictures and audio at symbol rates from 250 kS to 2 MS. Note that maximum definition from the C920 in this mode is currently 800x448. This is because of problems with the Linux driver for the camera.
LongMynd DATV Receiver
The LongMynd DATV Receiver software (which works with a MiniTiouner) is included in this Portsdown build and has the same functionality as previous Portsdown versions.
Composite Video Output
The Composite video output works well both as a transmission mode (for driving analog transmitters) or as a second display. The output can be enabled when a 7 inch screen is in use from a button on the System Config menu reached from Menu 3.
Output to BATC Streamer
This version of Portsdown can send video and audio to the BATC streamer. The supported input devices are a Pi Camera (with USB mic dongle), or an EasyCap for Composite Video input. The test card can also be sent. Remember to set up your stream name and key in Menu 3, Set Stream Outputs, Amend Preset (then press the preset to be amended).
Limitations
LimeSDR Models
Only the LimeSDR Mini (hardware versions 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3) is supported by this build. It is hoped to add LimeNET Micro support, but the LimeSDR USB will not be supported.
USB Webcams
The only USB Webcam that is planned to be supported in Portsdown Buster is the Logitech C920. If you have other webcams working with Portsdown Jessie or Portsdown Stretch, then please keep using the older software.
Reduced Power Output
The Power output from the LimeSDR Mini using the LimeDVB software is less than that available using Portsdown 2019. This has yet to be exactly characterised but initial indications are that at Lime Gain 100 it is one or 2 dB less than the line on this chart LimeSDR_Mini_Output_Power_Levels which was drawn up using the older software at Lime Gain 88.
Increased Delay at Low Symbol Rates
At low symbol rates, there is an increased delay in the video/audio stream - maybe 15 seconds increase at 333 kS. It is hoped that this can be reduced in a future update.
Limited DVB-S2 Modes
The custom LimeDVB firmware only supports QPSK and 8PSK (untested as yet). It does not support 16APSK or 32APSK.
LimeRFE Control
Although there is a button to enable/disable a USB-connected LimeRFE, this does not yet do anything.
FreqShow
It has not been possible to make the FreqShow spectrum view work with this build.