Ryde Receiver
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 DATV signals without the need to enter Bouquets, transponders or scan across a range of frequencies.
- 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.
Project history and status
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
Ryde Hardware
The Ryde rxr is simple to construct and is built from a standard Raspberry Pi4 and standard MiniTiouner USB receiver hardware. Full hardware details are described on this page: Ryde Hardware.
Version 1
The first version of Ryde is based around a Raspberry Pi 4 and the 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.
Version 2
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.
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
Ryde Software
The Ryde uses a number of open-source software components:
- LongMynd. A specific version of LongMynd is used to control the MiniTiouner.
- RydePlayer. RydePlayer controls LongMynd, responds to remote control commands, manages the on-screen menus and controls the VLC video player.
- Pydispmanx. Pydispmanx is a utility to manage the layers (overlays) on the display.
- Ryde-Build. Ryde-build provides an installer, updater, console menu and currently manages selection of remote controls and display output.
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 by following the instructions here: BATC GitHub Ryde Build Page. 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 the Ryde Software.
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. Features in the requirement specification include the following (all subject to feasibility and commitment by development team volunteers):
- 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)
- Status banner displayed when GPIO port triggered (can be triggered by external DTMF detector etc)
- 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
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.