I just finished building the Softrock 6.3 transceiver and had it working on a
dummy load tonight for a while--till I blew the PTT input transistor, now
replaced and working again.

I have still to build the Softrock USB I2C for my transceiver, but have decided
that I will probably prefer using Power SDR-IQ and it appears to be
substantially smoother in operation, filter adjustments and over all features.

My question is should I build the USB I2C kit for use with SDR or is there a
better solution for use with SDR.  I need to make some of these decisions before
I start to box up my little tranceiver.

If the USB I2c will work well with SDR then I will build it?

Also,I plan on using Ham Radio Deluxe (DM 780) for PSK and possibly rtty and cw
using VAC cables (in fact am now receiving with SDR using HRD.  How will HRD
audio and PTT output be configured back through SRD for transmit or will it have
to use its own PTT comport.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Bob

W4NPX

>
> My question is should I build the USB I2C kit for use with SDR or is there a
better solution for use with SDR.  I need to make some of these decisions before
I start to box up my little tranceiver.
>
> If the USB I2c will work well with SDR then I will build it?
>

If you are interested in electronically band switching the SR v6.3 transceiver
(instead of manual swapping of the PAF's and Rx filters), you might like to
consider the Mobo v4.3.

Mobo v4.3 comes with its own USB controller onboard (replacing the USB I2C).

For details see Softrock40 forum, FILES > 9V1AL > motherboard > v4.3 BETA > Mobo
v4.3.4 BETA README.txt

73's

Alex

Bob,

PowerSDR-IQ supports Tony's USBtoI2C.
Also my favorite is Dave's WB6DHW HSUSB since it has much more connectivity
options for PTT/CW/Preamp/LPF/BPF and Si570 control.

Regarding Alex's proposal, I have to say that interface compatibility of his
product is not known if any.


73,
Christos SV1EIA




--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "alexle188" <lee188@...> wrote:
>
>
> >
> > My question is should I build the USB I2C kit for use with SDR or is there a
better solution for use with SDR.  I need to make some of these decisions before
I start to box up my little tranceiver.
> >
> > If the USB I2c will work well with SDR then I will build it?
> >
>
> If you are interested in electronically band switching the SR v6.3 transceiver
(instead of manual swapping of the PAF's and Rx filters), you might like to
consider the Mobo v4.3.
>
> Mobo v4.3 comes with its own USB controller onboard (replacing the USB I2C).
>
> For details see Softrock40 forum, FILES > 9V1AL > motherboard > v4.3 BETA >
Mobo v4.3.4 BETA README.txt
>
> 73's
>
> Alex
>

1. VFO, using a Rotary Encoder, and 9 short/long term memories,  using a push button (cycle with short pushes, store with long)
2. PTT2 output (connected to SWR protect function)
3. Automatic selection between 8 Bandpass filters, with user selectable switch points
4. Automatic selection between 16 Lowpass filters, with user selectable selectable switchpoints, controls 2x PCF8574 8 bit GPIO extenders. Alternately or in parallel, it can also provide direct control of a 4 bit directly connected GPIO port.
5. Measurement of Input voltage, PA current, Power forward and Power reflected (uses external Power/SWR bridge)
6. Hi-SWR protect function, when using an external Power/SWR bridge (automatically lower PA bias and assert an external signal)
7. PEP indication for power output, showing the highest out of the last 20 measured values in a 2 second interval
   
8. PA Temperature measurement and automatic Transmit Disable on a high temperature condition
9. Manual PA Bias setpoint control, switching between different bias setpoints (such as between classes A and AB), and automatic calibration of the PA bias current
10. 16x2 LCD display for Frequency readout, Power/SWR metering and status display (RX/TX/hi-SWR/hi-TMP/Mem-store...)
11. 16x2 and 20x2 LCD display alternatives with analog-style bargraphs for power output and SWR visualisation
12. 20x4 LCD and 40x2 display alternatives with analog-style bargraphs for power output and SWR visualisation
13. Read/Write a byte from/to external  I2C connected General Purpose IO extenders (filters, attenuators, amplifiers)

Hi Loftur,

As I said many times, I've noticed quite often problems of the USBtoI2C and
alikes coming probably from the usb chip used.
Quite prone to RFI as has been identified also by many.
So I have to say again that what I use myself and many others is the robust
Cypress FX2 chip with Dave's HSUSB board.
This is my recommendation for the time being.

73
Christos SV1EIA



--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, Loftur Jónasson <lofturj@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bob & Christos,
>
> >Regarding Alex's proposal, I have to say that interface compatibility of
> his product is not known if any.
> >
>
> I can assure you that there is 100%  Interface compatibility of the Mobo 4.3
> with the firmware from Fred, PE0FKO  :-)))
>
> All firmware extensions/addons for the bells and whistles specific to the
> Mobo, have been co-ordinated with Fred, to ensure future compatibility.
>
> The Mobo 4.3 firmware has been developed against and tested with the
> PowerSDR-IQ from Christos.  All 100% compatible, perhaps with the exception
> of the first item in the list below.
>
> Some of the added functions of the Mobo 4.3 firmware include:
>
>
>    1. VFO, using a Rotary Encoder, and 9 short/long term memories,  using a
>    push button (cycle with short pushes, store with long)
>    2. PTT2 output (connected to SWR protect function)
>    3. Automatic selection between 8 Bandpass filters, with user selectable
>    switch points
>    4. Automatic selection between 16 Lowpass filters, with user selectable
>    selectable switchpoints, controls 2x PCF8574 8 bit GPIO extenders.
>    Alternately or in parallel, it can also provide direct control of a 4 bit
>    directly connected GPIO port.
>    5. Measurement of Input voltage, PA current, Power forward and Power
>    reflected (uses external Power/SWR bridge)
>    6. Hi-SWR protect function, when using an external Power/SWR bridge
>    (automatically lower PA bias and assert an external signal)
>    7. PEP indication for power output, showing the highest out of the last
>    20 measured values in a 2 second interval
>    8. PA Temperature measurement and automatic Transmit Disable on a high
>    temperature condition
>    9. Manual PA Bias setpoint control, switching between different bias
>    setpoints (such as between classes A and AB), and automatic calibration of
>    the PA bias current
>    10. 16x2 LCD display for Frequency readout, Power/SWR metering and status
>    display (RX/TX/hi-SWR/hi-TMP/Mem-store...)
>    11. 16x2 and 20x2 LCD display alternatives with analog-style bargraphs
>    for power output and SWR visualisation
>    12. 20x4 LCD and 40x2 display alternatives with analog-style bargraphs
>    for power output and SWR visualisation
>    13. Read/Write a byte from/to external  I2C connected General Purpose IO
>    extenders (filters, attenuators, amplifiers)
>
> Further information on the firmware development can be found here:
> http://sites.google.com/site/lofturj/mobo4_3
>
> And full information on the Mobo 4.3 project can be found in Alex' files
> folder:
> Softrock40 forum, FILES > 9V1AL > motherboard > v4.3 BETA > Mobo v4.3.4 BETA
> README.txt
>
> My ATmega168 version has now also been upgraded to include many (but not
> all) of the features found in the Mobo 4.3 firmware:
> http://sites.google.com/site/lofturj/softrock6_3
>
> Hope the above information is useful :))
>
> 73, Loftur, ve/tf3lj
>
>
> 2009/10/5 sv1eia <sv1eia@...>
>
> >
> >
> > Bob,
> >
> > PowerSDR-IQ supports Tony's USBtoI2C.
> > Also my favorite is Dave's WB6DHW HSUSB since it has much more connectivity
> > options for PTT/CW/Preamp/LPF/BPF and Si570 control.
> >
> > Regarding Alex's proposal, I have to say that interface compatibility of
> > his product is not known if any.
> >
> > 73,
> > Christos SV1EIA
> >
> >
> > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com <powersdr-iq%40yahoogroups.com>,
> > "alexle188" <lee188@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > My question is should I build the USB I2C kit for use with SDR or is
> > there a better solution for use with SDR. I need to make some of these
> > decisions before I start to box up my little tranceiver.
> > > >
> > > > If the USB I2c will work well with SDR then I will build it?
> > > >
> > >
> > > If you are interested in electronically band switching the SR v6.3
> > transceiver (instead of manual swapping of the PAF's and Rx filters), you
> > might like to consider the Mobo v4.3.
> > >
> > > Mobo v4.3 comes with its own USB controller onboard (replacing the USB
> > I2C).
> > >
> > > For details see Softrock40 forum, FILES > 9V1AL > motherboard > v4.3 BETA
> > > Mobo v4.3.4 BETA README.txt
> > >
> > > 73's
> > >
> > > Alex
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>

Hello Bob,

I've been using HRD V5.0 beta for a month with Alex's UBW firmware rather than
the I2C kit. The I2C kit has limited connections for band switching, but if you
don't need that it will work OK. I went for more connection because I have the
MoBo V3.6 to cover several bands.

These different controllers use a common command set, so are all compatible with
PowerSDR-IQ.

Look at the PowerSDR manual (from Flexradio) for setup details. The audio uses a
program called Virtual Audio Cable (VAC). The serial data uses a virtual com
port program - I use "com0com". You only need one comport for control + PTT.

The PSDR/HRD combination has tons of advanced abilities. Last week I set
DM-780's world map running for several hours on 40m PSK31. It puts red dots on
the map when stations transmit their Maidenhead locator. About 40 red dots
appeared stretching from the USA to India. Hope you can get it going, because I
find such results fascinating!

Regards,
Rob
(M0RZF)

> My question is should I build the USB I2C kit for use with SDR or is there a
better solution for use with SDR.  I need to make some of these decisions before
I start to box up my little tranceiver.
>
> If the USB I2c will work well with SDR then I will build it?
>
> Also,I plan on using Ham Radio Deluxe (DM 780) for PSK and possibly rtty and
cw using VAC cables (in fact am now receiving with SDR using HRD.  How will HRD
audio and PTT output be configured back through SRD for transmit or will it have
to use its own PTT comport.

Hello,
I use PowerSDR-IQ V1.12.20 SV1EIA and the ATTiny with USBtoI2C adapter.
I calibrated the Si570 on 3.6Mc as mentioned in message #44.

I got the following:
Clock Offset:  -86950
Xtall Hz:       114285000
IF(Hz):         0
Divider:        4

If I change to 28.100,000 on display of PowerSDR I get the frequency 28.104,068

I get the same if I change Xtall:
Clock Offset:   0
Xtall Hz:       114214600
IF(Hz):         0
Divider:        4

What's wrong ?

Many thanks

73
Uli
DF5SF

Hi Uli,

If you are using one of Fred PE0FKO's versions of the AVR firmware in your USB
to I2C interface, there is a calibration function in the firmware, where you use
Winrad and calibrate to a known frequency.

The correction needed is stored in the AVR firmware and applied automatically
for every other SDR program you run the hardware with.

To use that function correctly, you must leave the default Si570 frequency in
each SDR program set to 114.285MHz, and no offset or calibration applied.

If you make any calibration or offset in PSDR-IQ etc, the frequency the program
sends to the AVR firmware will have that correction applied first, then the
firmware will apply its own calibration to that, so you will have two correction
factors fighting with each other, and that would not work.

I also notice you have the IF set at 0Hz, certainly for RX purposes it is more
usual to set it to 9000Hz, and PSDR runs with a 'pseudo' IF, which offsets any
noise and hum at the zero point away from the signal you are listening to.
Someone will correct me if the same cannot be used for transmit purposes.

73, Bob G8VOI

--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "ulidf5sf2002" <uli@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I use PowerSDR-IQ V1.12.20 SV1EIA and the ATTiny with USBtoI2C adapter.
> I calibrated the Si570 on 3.6Mc as mentioned in message #44.
>
> I got the following:
> Clock Offset:  -86950
> Xtall Hz:       114285000
> IF(Hz):         0
> Divider:        4
>
> If I change to 28.100,000 on display of PowerSDR I get the frequency
28.104,068
>
> I get the same if I change Xtall:
> Clock Offset:   0
> Xtall Hz:       114214600
> IF(Hz):         0
> Divider:        4
>
> What's wrong ?
>
> Many thanks
>
> 73
> Uli
> DF5SF
>

Hi Christos and Group,

I've built a power amp for my Softrock and it tests OK. The main problem has
been the low pass filter frequencies for harmonic suppression. PSDR-IQ only
allows tuning inside amateur bands - I would like to tune outside the bands to
check the filter cut-off(s).

Stressing that I would only transmit out-of-band into a 50R load, is there any
easy way to make PSDR-iq tune + transmit outside the bands? Sorry if this sound
like a nafarious request, it's not really meant to be!

BTW, the program allows transmission on 60m, which is not allocated in the UK...

73s,
Rob Brown
(M0RZF)

Setup->General->Hardware Config->Extended (check)

It should not be a habbit so it forgets that checkbox setting upon program
restart.

:-)



--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "Rob" <robbrown@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Christos and Group,
>
> I've built a power amp for my Softrock and it tests OK. The main problem has
been the low pass filter frequencies for harmonic suppression. PSDR-IQ only
allows tuning inside amateur bands - I would like to tune outside the bands to
check the filter cut-off(s).
>
> Stressing that I would only transmit out-of-band into a 50R load, is there any
easy way to make PSDR-iq tune + transmit outside the bands? Sorry if this sound
like a nafarious request, it's not really meant to be!
>
> BTW, the program allows transmission on 60m, which is not allocated in the
UK...
>
> 73s,
> Rob Brown
> (M0RZF)
>

Hey thanks Christos.

Indeed I only need to wander "off the beaten track" for amplifier testing.
Mousing over all the boxes takes a while to dicover everything.

73s,
Rob.

--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "sv1eia" <sv1eia@...> wrote:
>
> Setup->General->Hardware Config->Extended (check)
>
> It should not be a habbit so it forgets that checkbox setting upon program
restart.
>
> :-)

Just finished building the stock I 2 C from Tony Parks.  Works fine with my
Softrock V 6.3 using Rocky, but when trying to set up USB I2C on Power SDR IQ 
ver 20, as soon as i click start, it makes continuious intermittent tones that
sound almost like it is scanning and sending audio tones to the monitor.

SDR works fine for receiving without the usb as a fixed single frequency, and
the only additional set up I did was to designate multi band and USB I2C for the
Si570 in the General tab and in the USB tab.

I looked for an .ini file to use, but find none.  What am I missing.

Best 73,

Bob

Try setup>hardware config and make sure "Receive Only" is checked.

I had a similar problem and this fixes it.  It still occurs now and then
but that always makes it go away.

js

Hi Bob,

If you are using Fred PE0FKO's firmware in the USB to I2C interface, by default
it is configured for the v9.0 RX and auto band pass filter control.

To use it with the USB to I2C interface and the v6.3 TX/RX you must access the
firmware set up screens using either Fred's CFGSR program or Winrad with the
supporting dll file and disable the 'ABPF' function (remove check on ABPF tab).

Once you have done that, if you disconnect and reconnect the USB connector, the
I/O lines on the AVR controller will then be configured for PTT and CW key /
paddle functions.

All details are in the firmware user manual I produced.

73, Bob G8VOI


--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@...> wrote:
>
> Just finished building the stock I 2 C from Tony Parks.  Works fine with my
Softrock V 6.3 using Rocky, but when trying to set up USB I2C on Power SDR IQ 
ver 20, as soon as i click start, it makes continuious intermittent tones that
sound almost like it is scanning and sending audio tones to the monitor.
>
> SDR works fine for receiving without the usb as a fixed single frequency, and
the only additional set up I did was to designate multi band and USB I2C for the
Si570 in the General tab and in the USB tab.
>
> I looked for an .ini file to use, but find none.  What am I missing.
>
> Best 73,
>
> Bob
>

Bob,

Try to set 0 on the LPT port setting on the General tab, now it probably has a
value there.
It has been addressed quite a few times in past posts.

73,
Christos SV1EIA




--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@...> wrote:
>
> Just finished building the stock I 2 C from Tony Parks.  Works fine with my
Softrock V 6.3 using Rocky, but when trying to set up USB I2C on Power SDR IQ 
ver 20, as soon as i click start, it makes continuious intermittent tones that
sound almost like it is scanning and sending audio tones to the monitor.
>
> SDR works fine for receiving without the usb as a fixed single frequency, and
the only additional set up I did was to designate multi band and USB I2C for the
Si570 in the General tab and in the USB tab.
>
> I looked for an .ini file to use, but find none.  What am I missing.
>
> Best 73,
>
> Bob
>

Hello,

some SDR have hardware image rejection, e.g Genesis.
Now my question:

Do I need additionaly to EIA a good hardware image rejection ?

What are the advantages if I use both, hardware image rejection
and EIA ?

Tnx

73
Uli
DF5SF

Hi Uli,

It happens that I also have a homebrew AVALA01 the design from Tasa YU1LM, the
so called Genesis nowadays and I've converted it for multiband operation
160m-10m.

The image calibration through the trimmers can give you a good performance on
one band, but always in my situation the trimmers needed re-calibration when I
changed bands.
There is where the EIA is needed.
On the other hand the EIA can achieve a real high image rejection in the range
of 80+dB utilizing most of the dynamic range of your ADC (sound card) even on
the same band whereas that cannot be done with the hardware image rejection you
mention, I've seen max 50dB there with the trimmers.

73,
Christos SV1EIA



--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "ulidf5sf2002" <uli@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> some SDR have hardware image rejection, e.g Genesis.
> Now my question:
>
> Do I need additionaly to EIA a good hardware image rejection ?
>
> What are the advantages if I use both, hardware image rejection
> and EIA ?
>
> Tnx
>
> 73
> Uli
> DF5SF
>

Christos, you got it correct.  Set all LPT entries to Zero and now USB works
fine.  Was surprised to see that the Tiny85 chip evidently came programmed for
all continuous band operation as I can tune anywhere on any band continuously
and the center frequency follows about 10 khz away from the receive frequency.

Thanks for the help to all who responded.

Bob

W4NPX


--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "sv1eia" <sv1eia@...> wrote:
>
> Bob,
>
> Try to set 0 on the LPT port setting on the General tab, now it probably has a
value there.
> It has been addressed quite a few times in past posts.
>
> 73,
> Christos SV1EIA
>
>
>
>
> --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> >
> > Just finished building the stock I 2 C from Tony Parks.  Works fine with my
Softrock V 6.3 using Rocky, but when trying to set up USB I2C on Power SDR IQ 
ver 20, as soon as i click start, it makes continuious intermittent tones that
sound almost like it is scanning and sending audio tones to the monitor.
> >
> > SDR works fine for receiving without the usb as a fixed single frequency,
and the only additional set up I did was to designate multi band and USB I2C for
the Si570 in the General tab and in the USB tab.
> >
> > I looked for an .ini file to use, but find none.  What am I missing.
> >
> > Best 73,
> >
> > Bob
> >
>

Hi Bob,

The ATtiny85 is not programmed for any frequencies at all, it merely works as a
'translator' converting the frequency output commands from the SDR program via
the USB port to I2C to control the Si570 oscillator.

Although only specified down to 10MHz, the Si570 will run nominaly over 3.5MHz
to in excess of 160MHz, older CMOS ones up to 260MHz giving a SDR receiver
working range from 875kHz and up to 40MHz (65MHz) using a standard 4x clock.

PSDR-IQ operates with a 'pseudo' IF of 9kHz, hence the offset you are seeing.
One advantage is moving the 'centre frequency' noise and spike away from where
you are listening.

73, Bob G8VOI
--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@...> wrote:
>
> Christos, you got it correct.  Set all LPT entries to Zero and now USB works
fine.  Was surprised to see that the Tiny85 chip evidently came programmed for
all continuous band operation as I can tune anywhere on any band continuously
and the center frequency follows about 10 khz away from the receive frequency.
>
> Thanks for the help to all who responded.
>
> Bob
>
> W4NPX
>
>
> --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "sv1eia" <sv1eia@> wrote:
> >
> > Bob,
> >
> > Try to set 0 on the LPT port setting on the General tab, now it probably has
a value there.
> > It has been addressed quite a few times in past posts.
> >
> > 73,
> > Christos SV1EIA
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Just finished building the stock I 2 C from Tony Parks.  Works fine with
my Softrock V 6.3 using Rocky, but when trying to set up USB I2C on Power SDR IQ
ver 20, as soon as i click start, it makes continuious intermittent tones that
sound almost like it is scanning and sending audio tones to the monitor.
> > >
> > > SDR works fine for receiving without the usb as a fixed single frequency,
and the only additional set up I did was to designate multi band and USB I2C for
the Si570 in the General tab and in the USB tab.
> > >
> > > I looked for an .ini file to use, but find none.  What am I missing.
> > >
> > > Best 73,
> > >
> > > Bob
> > >
> >
>

Bob, thanks for the information on the Tiny 85 and how it works.  I had assumed
that in needed Fred's most recent firmware in order to give continuous coverage.
May I assume that my ATtiny85 already contains the most recent firmware
including the ability to switch the BPFs if I build the v9 receiver, and if not
how can I tell what firmware it does already have.

I really was surprised to see that it did give continuous frequency coverage as
I was under the impression that I had to change the chip or reprogram it with
the latest firmware.

As you can see I am quite a newby with SDR, but have sure enjoyed learning and
building the several kits I have built in a few weeks time.

73, Bob  W4NPX

--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bob,
>
> The ATtiny85 is not programmed for any frequencies at all, it merely works as
a 'translator' converting the frequency output commands from the SDR program via
the USB port to I2C to control the Si570 oscillator.
>
> Although only specified down to 10MHz, the Si570 will run nominaly over 3.5MHz
to in excess of 160MHz, older CMOS ones up to 260MHz giving a SDR receiver
working range from 875kHz and up to 40MHz (65MHz) using a standard 4x clock.
>
> PSDR-IQ operates with a 'pseudo' IF of 9kHz, hence the offset you are seeing.
One advantage is moving the 'centre frequency' noise and spike away from where
you are listening.
>
> 73, Bob G8VOI
> --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> >
> > Christos, you got it correct.  Set all LPT entries to Zero and now USB works
fine.  Was surprised to see that the Tiny85 chip evidently came programmed for
all continuous band operation as I can tune anywhere on any band continuously
and the center frequency follows about 10 khz away from the receive frequency.
> >
> > Thanks for the help to all who responded.
> >
> > Bob
> >
> > W4NPX
> >
> >
> > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "sv1eia" <sv1eia@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Bob,
> > >
> > > Try to set 0 on the LPT port setting on the General tab, now it probably
has a value there.
> > > It has been addressed quite a few times in past posts.
> > >
> > > 73,
> > > Christos SV1EIA
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Just finished building the stock I 2 C from Tony Parks.  Works fine with
my Softrock V 6.3 using Rocky, but when trying to set up USB I2C on Power SDR IQ
ver 20, as soon as i click start, it makes continuious intermittent tones that
sound almost like it is scanning and sending audio tones to the monitor.
> > > >
> > > > SDR works fine for receiving without the usb as a fixed single
frequency, and the only additional set up I did was to designate multi band and
USB I2C for the Si570 in the General tab and in the USB tab.
> > > >
> > > > I looked for an .ini file to use, but find none.  What am I missing.
> > > >
> > > > Best 73,
> > > >
> > > > Bob
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Bob,

Let me also add a few lines of history here.

At the start of Si570 usage, there was no usb connectivity , only the dip-switch
thing and the 'center frequency' scheme in true softrock style, utilizing the
chip as just a crystal for specific frequencies.

Then a few of us that wanted frequency agility and multiband modifications,
started to use the LPT lines to control the Si570 and re-program its frequency
upon each tiny change, and the full coverage was born. That method is still used
by many as it is the most robust.

In true frequency agile style and multiband designs, the SDR application is the
one who controls the Si570's output frequency and not any dip switch, so
whenever you change the VFO dial of your application the Si570 chip gets
re-programed on-the-fly with the new required output frequency.

Those who did not had LPT ports though were looking for usb control of the chip
thus the HSUSB, the USBtoI2C and the USBSynth came into play.

With frequency agility we soon learn that the Si570 chip needed some additional
'handling' in software, in order to behave properly upon every frequency change
so the 'smooth tune' algorithm needed to be implemented. In PowerSDR-IQ it is
there in LPT and HSUSB interface/control of Si570. Later the USBtoI2C and
USBSynth came along and I did not implemented this algorithm into the control of
these interfaces (since I was not in fond of the limited ATTiny functionality)
thus Fred came along and added that smooth tune thing in USBtoI2C and USBSynth
via the ATTiny firmware by listening to the frequency change command that
receives from the SDR application on one end and accordingly handling the Si570
device on the other.

As always, the situation in these things gets complicated and tends to create
misconceptions of what is what due to the diversity that many who help, may
bring. That diversity is also though good since it can give more solutions if
someone is able to follow all of them.

73,
Christos SV1EIA



--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@...> wrote:
>
> Bob, thanks for the information on the Tiny 85 and how it works.  I had
assumed that in needed Fred's most recent firmware in order to give continuous
coverage.  May I assume that my ATtiny85 already contains the most recent
firmware including the ability to switch the BPFs if I build the v9 receiver,
and if not how can I tell what firmware it does already have.
>
> I really was surprised to see that it did give continuous frequency coverage
as I was under the impression that I had to change the chip or reprogram it with
the latest firmware.
>
> As you can see I am quite a newby with SDR, but have sure enjoyed learning and
building the several kits I have built in a few weeks time.
>
> 73, Bob  W4NPX
>
> --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Bob,
> >
> > The ATtiny85 is not programmed for any frequencies at all, it merely works
as a 'translator' converting the frequency output commands from the SDR program
via the USB port to I2C to control the Si570 oscillator.
> >
> > Although only specified down to 10MHz, the Si570 will run nominaly over
3.5MHz to in excess of 160MHz, older CMOS ones up to 260MHz giving a SDR
receiver working range from 875kHz and up to 40MHz (65MHz) using a standard 4x
clock.
> >
> > PSDR-IQ operates with a 'pseudo' IF of 9kHz, hence the offset you are
seeing. One advantage is moving the 'centre frequency' noise and spike away from
where you are listening.
> >
> > 73, Bob G8VOI
> > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Christos, you got it correct.  Set all LPT entries to Zero and now USB
works fine.  Was surprised to see that the Tiny85 chip evidently came programmed
for all continuous band operation as I can tune anywhere on any band
continuously and the center frequency follows about 10 khz away from the receive
frequency.
> > >
> > > Thanks for the help to all who responded.
> > >
> > > Bob
> > >
> > > W4NPX
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "sv1eia" <sv1eia@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Bob,
> > > >
> > > > Try to set 0 on the LPT port setting on the General tab, now it probably
has a value there.
> > > > It has been addressed quite a few times in past posts.
> > > >
> > > > 73,
> > > > Christos SV1EIA
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Just finished building the stock I 2 C from Tony Parks.  Works fine
with my Softrock V 6.3 using Rocky, but when trying to set up USB I2C on Power
SDR IQ  ver 20, as soon as i click start, it makes continuious intermittent
tones that sound almost like it is scanning and sending audio tones to the
monitor.
> > > > >
> > > > > SDR works fine for receiving without the usb as a fixed single
frequency, and the only additional set up I did was to designate multi band and
USB I2C for the Si570 in the General tab and in the USB tab.
> > > > >
> > > > > I looked for an .ini file to use, but find none.  What am I missing.
> > > > >
> > > > > Best 73,
> > > > >
> > > > > Bob
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Hi Bob,

The only way of telling which version of firmware you have in your ATtiny85 is
to download and run Fred's CFGSR software. On the opening screen of that, it
displays the version of the AVR software.

Tony has only started to ship v15.12 in the last week or two, so I guess you
probably have v15.10 or 11, both of which provide full control of the switched
HF BPF module, as well as 'smooth tuning' of the Si570 and a calibration feature
allowing the frequency correction to be stored in the firmware and automatically
applied regardless of the SDR program being used.

All of the versions produced by Fred PE0FKO have supported full continious HF
operation.

From v15.10 to the latest v15.12 will all provide the functions needed for
normal HF use with the v9.0 RX.

v15.10 had a minor problem affecting the use of the v9.0 VHF converters (2m) and
some SDR programs where an offset was needed because they did not allow direct
entry of the required frequency.

v15.11 basically is the same as v15.10, but has the offset problem corrected, so
works fine with all SDR programs and the VHF converters.

v15.12 offers much more flexibility for those wishing to experiment, allowing
each of the 4 bands to be set up independently. The vast majority of users would
probably not need to make use of these features.

73, Bob G8VOI


--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@...> wrote:
>
> Bob, thanks for the information on the Tiny 85 and how it works.  I had
assumed that in needed Fred's most recent firmware in order to give continuous
coverage.  May I assume that my ATtiny85 already contains the most recent
firmware including the ability to switch the BPFs if I build the v9 receiver,
and if not how can I tell what firmware it does already have.
>
> I really was surprised to see that it did give continuous frequency coverage
as I was under the impression that I had to change the chip or reprogram it with
the latest firmware.
>
> As you can see I am quite a newby with SDR, but have sure enjoyed learning and
building the several kits I have built in a few weeks time.
>
> 73, Bob  W4NPX
>
> --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Bob,
> >
> > The ATtiny85 is not programmed for any frequencies at all, it merely works
as a 'translator' converting the frequency output commands from the SDR program
via the USB port to I2C to control the Si570 oscillator.
> >
> > Although only specified down to 10MHz, the Si570 will run nominaly over
3.5MHz to in excess of 160MHz, older CMOS ones up to 260MHz giving a SDR
receiver working range from 875kHz and up to 40MHz (65MHz) using a standard 4x
clock.
> >
> > PSDR-IQ operates with a 'pseudo' IF of 9kHz, hence the offset you are
seeing. One advantage is moving the 'centre frequency' noise and spike away from
where you are listening.
> >
> > 73, Bob G8VOI
> > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Christos, you got it correct.  Set all LPT entries to Zero and now USB
works fine.  Was surprised to see that the Tiny85 chip evidently came programmed
for all continuous band operation as I can tune anywhere on any band
continuously and the center frequency follows about 10 khz away from the receive
frequency.
> > >
> > > Thanks for the help to all who responded.
> > >
> > > Bob
> > >
> > > W4NPX
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "sv1eia" <sv1eia@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Bob,
> > > >
> > > > Try to set 0 on the LPT port setting on the General tab, now it probably
has a value there.
> > > > It has been addressed quite a few times in past posts.
> > > >
> > > > 73,
> > > > Christos SV1EIA
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Just finished building the stock I 2 C from Tony Parks.  Works fine
with my Softrock V 6.3 using Rocky, but when trying to set up USB I2C on Power
SDR IQ  ver 20, as soon as i click start, it makes continuious intermittent
tones that sound almost like it is scanning and sending audio tones to the
monitor.
> > > > >
> > > > > SDR works fine for receiving without the usb as a fixed single
frequency, and the only additional set up I did was to designate multi band and
USB I2C for the Si570 in the General tab and in the USB tab.
> > > > >
> > > > > I looked for an .ini file to use, but find none.  What am I missing.
> > > > >
> > > > > Best 73,
> > > > >
> > > > > Bob
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Bob, thank our for the very informative history information on the tiny in your
prior response and your advice as to determining the version of USB I2c that I
have.  I will download Freds config program and check soon as I have a chance.

Best 73,

Bob

--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bob,
>
> The only way of telling which version of firmware you have in your ATtiny85 is
to download and run Fred's CFGSR software. On the opening screen of that, it
displays the version of the AVR software.
>
> Tony has only started to ship v15.12 in the last week or two, so I guess you
probably have v15.10 or 11, both of which provide full control of the switched
HF BPF module, as well as 'smooth tuning' of the Si570 and a calibration feature
allowing the frequency correction to be stored in the firmware and automatically
applied regardless of the SDR program being used.
>
> All of the versions produced by Fred PE0FKO have supported full continious HF
operation.
>
> From v15.10 to the latest v15.12 will all provide the functions needed for
normal HF use with the v9.0 RX.
>
> v15.10 had a minor problem affecting the use of the v9.0 VHF converters (2m)
and some SDR programs where an offset was needed because they did not allow
direct entry of the required frequency.
>
> v15.11 basically is the same as v15.10, but has the offset problem corrected,
so works fine with all SDR programs and the VHF converters.
>
> v15.12 offers much more flexibility for those wishing to experiment, allowing
each of the 4 bands to be set up independently. The vast majority of users would
probably not need to make use of these features.
>
> 73, Bob G8VOI
>
>
> --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> >
> > Bob, thanks for the information on the Tiny 85 and how it works.  I had
assumed that in needed Fred's most recent firmware in order to give continuous
coverage.  May I assume that my ATtiny85 already contains the most recent
firmware including the ability to switch the BPFs if I build the v9 receiver,
and if not how can I tell what firmware it does already have.
> >
> > I really was surprised to see that it did give continuous frequency coverage
as I was under the impression that I had to change the chip or reprogram it with
the latest firmware.
> >
> > As you can see I am quite a newby with SDR, but have sure enjoyed learning
and building the several kits I have built in a few weeks time.
> >
> > 73, Bob  W4NPX
> >
> > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Bob,
> > >
> > > The ATtiny85 is not programmed for any frequencies at all, it merely works
as a 'translator' converting the frequency output commands from the SDR program
via the USB port to I2C to control the Si570 oscillator.
> > >
> > > Although only specified down to 10MHz, the Si570 will run nominaly over
3.5MHz to in excess of 160MHz, older CMOS ones up to 260MHz giving a SDR
receiver working range from 875kHz and up to 40MHz (65MHz) using a standard 4x
clock.
> > >
> > > PSDR-IQ operates with a 'pseudo' IF of 9kHz, hence the offset you are
seeing. One advantage is moving the 'centre frequency' noise and spike away from
where you are listening.
> > >
> > > 73, Bob G8VOI
> > > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Christos, you got it correct.  Set all LPT entries to Zero and now USB
works fine.  Was surprised to see that the Tiny85 chip evidently came programmed
for all continuous band operation as I can tune anywhere on any band
continuously and the center frequency follows about 10 khz away from the receive
frequency.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for the help to all who responded.
> > > >
> > > > Bob
> > > >
> > > > W4NPX
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "sv1eia" <sv1eia@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Bob,
> > > > >
> > > > > Try to set 0 on the LPT port setting on the General tab, now it
probably has a value there.
> > > > > It has been addressed quite a few times in past posts.
> > > > >
> > > > > 73,
> > > > > Christos SV1EIA
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Just finished building the stock I 2 C from Tony Parks.  Works fine
with my Softrock V 6.3 using Rocky, but when trying to set up USB I2C on Power
SDR IQ  ver 20, as soon as i click start, it makes continuious intermittent
tones that sound almost like it is scanning and sending audio tones to the
monitor.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > SDR works fine for receiving without the usb as a fixed single
frequency, and the only additional set up I did was to designate multi band and
USB I2C for the Si570 in the General tab and in the USB tab.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I looked for an .ini file to use, but find none.  What am I missing.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Best 73,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Bob
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Just got a new Dell 44 to sue with my Softrock 6.3, instlalled the Delta 44 and
checked it in Rocky, but when I opened SDR IQ and choose the Delta 44 Soundcard,
it came up with a message box advising that it could not find "deltapnl.dll" and
then would not let me use the new Delta 44.  I did a search for delta*.dll in my
C drive and it came up with a DeltaIIpnl.dll, so I assumed that they had changed
Deltapnl.dll with the current release of the driver.

Then searched the internet for "deltapnl.dll" found one and installed it into
C:\Windows\System 32 and opened SDR-IQ 1-12-20, choose Delta 44 sound card and
no further problem in that respect.

Just thought I would provide that since evidently SDR-IQ needs an older version
of the .dll and not sure if this problem has arisen before.

Bob  W4NPX

This has been my day with problems.  Currently running an old Pentium 4 with
1.250 gig of memory that has only 3 PCI slots.

I had only one free slot and installed the Delta 44 in Slot 3.  The installation
went OK, but I lost my on board SoundMax soundcard completely--no sign of it in
the device manager anymore but it returns as soon as i remove the Delta 44 and
reboot.

Well I could live without the Soundmax, but the Delta 44 also killed all of my
USB ports, both the old USB 1 ports and the PCI card USB 2 ports which I cannot
live without.

I also tried the Delta 44 in another PCI slot from which I removed a working
phone modem, but both of the above problems persisted.

The third PCI slot contains a USB 2 card with 5 USB ports all of which have
devices attached and I did not want to remove that card yet unless I have to.

Any on had this problem with the Delta 44?

Bob  W4NPX

Bob,

I'm running one,
Installed in slightly more recent PC than yours,
it has also a sound-max on board and usb's
all run just perfect.
I would say something wrong with your motherboard
looks like the chipset got wrongly configured.

Would check the PNP configurations on bios setup.
I would see if there is a new bios to flash on it.

Luis Cupido.
ct1dmk.


w4npx_2 wrote:
> This has been my day with problems.  Currently running an old Pentium 4 with
1.250 gig of memory that has only 3 PCI slots.
>
> I had only one free slot and installed the Delta 44 in Slot 3.  The
installation went OK, but I lost my on board SoundMax soundcard completely--no
sign of it in the device manager anymore but it returns as soon as i remove the
Delta 44 and reboot.
>
> Well I could live without the Soundmax, but the Delta 44 also killed all of my
USB ports, both the old USB 1 ports and the PCI card USB 2 ports which I cannot
live without.
>
> I also tried the Delta 44 in another PCI slot from which I removed a working
phone modem, but both of the above problems persisted.
>
> The third PCI slot contains a USB 2 card with 5 USB ports all of which have
devices attached and I did not want to remove that card yet unless I have to.
>
> Any on had this problem with the Delta 44?
>
> Bob  W4NPX
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

----- Original Message -----
From: "Luis Cupido" Subject: Re: [powersdr-iq] Delta 44 Install Problems


> Bob,
>
> I'm running one,
> Installed in slightly more recent PC than yours,
> it has also a sound-max on board and usb's
> all run just perfect.

I've also installed one, or more, in 5 different computers and never a hint of
trouble.

I suggest the use of an earlier driver as available on MAudio site. Remove all
your previous attempts, it should install without any
troubles, maybe whatever you did caused the problem.
As Luis says, try bios settings, MAYBE an upgrade.
Did you try moving the USB card to a different slot?
Did you try reinstalling Soundmax drivers with D44 in?

73 Alan G4ZFQ

I am running FSK RTTY with the following setup:

1.  SoftRock V9 running Kristos's PSDR for receive
2.  Soundcard in is SB USB, Soundcard out is VAC
3.  VAC out goes to VAC in on MMTTY to decode
4.  MMTTY sends serial data to my VFO and AM transmitter in CW mode.

It works great both sending and receiving but the problem is that I have no
audio to listen to.  It is strictly visual which takes some of the fun out of
it.

I haven't a clue what VAC is and only use it because someone said it is the only
way so I did and it works.  I have read the explanation several time on the VAC
site but it is incomprehensible to me.  I recognize a few words so it must be
English but aside from that, I am adrift.

Whenever I choose VAC as the output soundcard, I lose audio.

I have the onboard card in the HP tower and an outboard USB Sound Blaster but
the only thing that will talk to the RTTY software is VAC.

I have the same problem with all the other RTTY programs that I have run.

Can someone please explain what VAC is in a few paragraphs and or help me find
my audio.

Thanks,

Jack

I found the same problem when installing a SoundBlaster Audigy 2SE on an ASUS
motherboard running WinXP and a SoundBlaster Audigy 4 on an HP Pavillion running
Vista.  Both PCs have Realtek High Definition audio chipsets.  I did not have
the problem when installing a Delta 66 on the HP Pavillion after removing the
Audigy 4.  Both the Audigy 2SE and the Audigy 4 had previously been installed on
older WinXP PCs with no problem.

I think I recall reading that this is a known problem with Windows but I have
not found a solution for it yet.

Ed
WB6YTE

--- In powersdr-iq@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@...> wrote:
>
> This has been my day with problems.  Currently running an old Pentium 4 with
1.250 gig of memory that has only 3 PCI slots.
>
> I had only one free slot and installed the Delta 44 in Slot 3.  The
installation went OK, but I lost my on board SoundMax soundcard completely--no
sign of it in the device manager anymore but it returns as soon as i remove the
Delta 44 and reboot.
>
> Well I could live without the Soundmax, but the Delta 44 also killed all of my
USB ports, both the old USB 1 ports and the PCI card USB 2 ports which I cannot
live without.
>
> I also tried the Delta 44 in another PCI slot from which I removed a working
phone modem, but both of the above problems persisted.
>
> The third PCI slot contains a USB 2 card with 5 USB ports all of which have
devices attached and I did not want to remove that card yet unless I have to.
>
> Any on had this problem with the Delta 44?
>
> Bob  W4NPX
>

Hi Jack,

Well, I will leave the techo-speak to those few that are more eloquent
with it but... I can tell ya how to get audio to your speakers...

There is a program that comes with VAC that allows you to listen to the
audio. It's called Audio Repeater.

Run the program and in the drop down box called "Wave In", select the
VAC line that you set up for input for receive. Then in the "Wave Out"
drop down box, select either the "Microsoft Sound Mapper" (if it
appears) or the Sound Card. Then clicky on Start.

That should provide you with all the sounds you need.

If anyone spots an error in the above, let me know.

Hope this helps...

73, cul...
Bob de k2ki

jack wrote:
>
>
> I am running FSK RTTY with the following setup:
>
> 1. SoftRock V9 running Kristos's PSDR for receive
> 2. Soundcard in is SB USB, Soundcard out is VAC
> 3. VAC out goes to VAC in on MMTTY to decode
> 4. MMTTY sends serial data to my VFO and AM transmitter in CW mode.
>
> It works great both sending and receiving but the problem is that I
> have no audio to listen to. It is strictly visual which takes some of
> the fun out of it.
>
> I haven't a clue what VAC is and only use it because someone said it
> is the only way so I did and it works. I have read the explanation
> several time on the VAC site but it is incomprehensible to me. I
> recognize a few words so it must be English but aside from that, I am
> adrift.
>
> Whenever I choose VAC as the output soundcard, I lose audio.
>
> I have the onboard card in the HP tower and an outboard USB Sound
> Blaster but the only thing that will talk to the RTTY software is VAC.
>
> I have the same problem with all the other RTTY programs that I have run.
>
> Can someone please explain what VAC is in a few paragraphs and or help
> me find my audio.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jack
>