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 be declared as working, 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 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.
Tested Modes of Operation
EasyCap input, H264 DVB-S2 output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 3000 MS.
Pi Camera input, H264 DVB-S2 output using LimeDVB
This mode transmits reasonable pictures at symbol rates from 125 kS to 3000 MS, both with and without a USB Microphone dongle.
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 trnsmitter), you can achieve the same actions by using the Lime Config Menu on the Consle after connecting to the Raspberry Pi by ssh.
Limitations
Carrier Mode using LimeDVB
When carrier mode is selected with LimeDVB as the selected output, and LimeDVB gateware loaded, the carrier is only transmitted at a very low level (-40 db?).