PicoTuner

PicoTuner is a USB tuner PCB for DATV based around the Serit 4334 NIM using the RpiPico as the USB interface.

The main reason for the development is to use the £5 Raspberry Pi Pico in place of the £32 FTDI USB interface on the MiniTiouner PCB. Using the Pico interface also enables 2 channels to be decoded and displayed at the same time.

Once proven it is envisaged that PicoTuner will replace the MiniTiouner Mk2 PCB.

Receivers compatible with PicoTuner

OpenTuner

Version V0.9 onwards of OpenTuner by Tom ZR6TG is compatible with PicoTuner and can display 2 channels simultaneously.

You will need to install the usb drivers to be able to use it with OpenTuner. Details can be found here https://www.zr6tg.co.za/2024/02/11/picotuner-an-experimental-dual-ts-alternative/

Portsdown

Version xxxx onwards of the Portsdown receiver is compatible with PicoTuner but can only display one channel.

Ryde

Version xxxx onwards of the Portsdown Ryde is compatible with PicoTuner but can only display one channel.

Minitiouner software

Current versions of the MiniTiouner PC software WILL NOT work with PicoTuner. As F6DZP is no longer updating Minitioune it will probably never be compatible.

Pico tuner hardware

Mike G0MJW is designing a PCB which will host the Serit NIM and Pico board - it will look something like this:

PCBs will be made available in the shop during April 2024.

Draft schematic is available here Media:PicoTuner-V2AR.pdf

Draft BOM is available here: File:PicoTunerADJBOM.xlsx

PicoTuner firmware

Colin, G4EML, has written firmware which needs loading in to the Pico by the user.

Programming the Pico

This can be done either before or after the Pico has been fitted to the Minitiouner, it makes no difference. Updating to a new firmware version is done the same way.

1. Locate the latest compiled firmware file 'PicoTuner_vxxx.uf2' which will be found here https://github.com/g4eml/PicoTuner/releases and save it to your desktop.

2. Hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico while connecting it to your PC using its micro USB port. The Pico should appear as a USB disk drive on your PC.

3. Copy the .uf2 file onto the USB drive. The Pico will recognise the file and immediately update its firmware, reboot and the PC should recognise a new USB device.

Surface mount Pico adaptor for the MiniTiouner V2 PCB

Whilst the PicoTuner was designed for use in a new tuner design it can also be retrofitted to the BATC V2 Minitiouner and similar designs providing their FTDI modules are fitted in sockets.

This involves removing the FTDI module, replacing it with an adaptor pcb and adding 5 wires to connect signals that are not present on the FTDI sockets. The advantage of doing this upgrade is to provide access to the second TS.

When supported by the host software this then allows the reception of two signals at the same time. Dual channel support is currently in development for the OpenTuner software.

To save space and to try to make the module mechanically compatible surface mount techniques are used. However due to the large size of the components involved it is still easily assembled by hand.

What is needed to make the adaptor

PCB :- These will be available from the BATC shop, or you can get your own made using one of the Chinese PCB manufacturers. The Gerber files are available here https://github.com/g4eml/PicoTuner/tree/main/Adaptor

Raspberry Pi Pico :- Surface mount version without pin headers.
The Pi Hut Part Number:- SC0915 Mouser Part Number :- 358-SC0915

2 x 26 way Dual row 2.54mm surface mount pin headers.
Harwin Part Number:- M20-8761346 Mouser Part Number:- 855-M20-8761346 Farnell Part Number :- 3756209

1 x 5 way Single row 2.54mm through hole pin header.
Harwin Part Number:- M20-9990545 Mouser Part Number:- 855-M20-9990545 Farnell Part Number :- 1022252

Assembly Instructions

Start with fitting the first of the 26 Way Dual row pin headers. Apply solder to one pad of the PCB and then tack the connector in place. Ensure that all of the pins are centrally aligned on the pads. Once you are happy with the position apply solder to all af the pads to fix the connector in position. Fit the second connector in the same way, checking the the spacing is correct to fit into the socket on the minitiouner before final soldering. If you align both connectors accurately on the pads this will be correct but you may wish to use a scrap of veroboard or someting similar to check the alignment. Once you are happy solder the second connector into place.

Lay the pico board directly onto the PCB and align the edges with the pads. Apply solder to the castelated edge of pin 1 to form a fillet of solder. Check the alignment of the board and adjust as necessary. When happy apply solder to all castellated holes. If possible leave the driled holes free of solder. This will simplify the fitting of the Ethernet module at a later date.

Fit and solder the 5 way pin header.

Fitting to the BATC V2 Minitiouner

Remove the FTDI module from its socket. Plug the Pico adaptor PCB in its place. The USB connector should be very close to the same position and should still be accessable through the rear panel.

Connect pin 5 of J1 on the adaptor module to pin 9 of U7 (74HC10) on the minitiouner board. The 74HC10 is no longer used, so it can be removed or left in place, it makes no difference. You can solder the wire directly to the pin of the chip, remove the chip and plug the wire into the socket or use a pin header.

Connect pin 4 of J1 to pin 10 of U7 in the same way.

The final three wires need to be connected between J1 and the 'TS1' connector on the minitiouner PCB. These wires are only required if you wish to use the second TS.

Connect J1 Pin 1 to D7

Connect J1 pin 2 to CLK

Connect J1 pin 3 to VA

Programming the Pico

This can be done either before or after the Pico has been fitted to the Minitiouner, it makes no difference. Updating to a new firmware version is done the same way.

1. Locate the latest compiled firmware file 'PicoTuner_vxxx.uf2' which will be found here https://github.com/g4eml/PicoTuner/releases and save it to your desktop.

2. Hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico while connecting it to your PC using its micro USB port. The Pico should appear as a USB disk drive on your PC.

3. Copy the .uf2 file onto the USB drive. The Pico will recognise the file and immediately update its firmware, reboot and the PC should recognise a new USB device.