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#69526 From: MIKE DURKIN <Patriot121@...>
Date: Wed Oct 24, 2012 10:51 pm
Subject: RE: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
seth_otherpower
Send Email Send Email
 
I kinda dought it ... ghpsdr3-alex works on the ODroidX(quad Arm core) already ...

Mike KC7NOA


To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: goatguy101@...
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:07:13 -0400
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 
Sid,
 
Do I understand correctly that the $99 gets you a hardware-only prototyping kit? So any application to SDR will require a very large software development effort?
 
Rick
 
PS to avoid cluttering this group you may prefer to reply to goatguy101 @ gmail.com.
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 


Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 
Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>




-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks


-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks


#69527 From: "Rick Simpson" <goatguy101@...>
Date: Wed Oct 24, 2012 11:45 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
ricks_wv
Send Email Send Email
 
Sid,
 
The Adapteva seems to focus on being an ultra-high-speed processor with some programmable logic. For SDR I would think you would want a chip with ultra-high-speed ADC, moderate-speed DAC, some programmable-gain analog amplifiers, plenty of processing power, one or more programmable high-speed oscillators, and logic for the mixer. A start towards that is the Cypress CY8C38 used in the "Simple SDR Receiver" from Simple Circuits Inc.
 
In other words, we need a chip with both analog and digital circuitry specifically aimed at SDR, not a general purpose digital-only chip.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 

Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>



-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks


-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks


#69528 From: Sid Boyce <sboyce@...>
Date: Thu Oct 25, 2012 12:03 am
Subject: Fwd: Project Update #17: Parallella: A Supercomputer For Everyone by Adapteva
priddix
Send Email Send Email
 



-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Project Update #17: Parallella: A Supercomputer For Everyone by Adapteva
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:14:47 +0000
From: Kickstarter <no-reply@...>
Reply-To: No Reply <no-reply@...>
To: g3vbv@...


Project Update #17: New "SuperTV" video is NOW up at our Kickstarter page

Posted by Adapteva Like

Here's a summary of what can be seen in the new video:

  • Running a proper Ubuntu 12.04 desktop O/S on the dual core ARM A9 Zynq device
  • Kinect sensor connected to the platform
  • Streaming a YouTube video
  • Streaming mp4 video from the SD card
  • (all using standard Ubuntu deb packages, no mods or trickery)

Things that were tested, but weren't shown in video:

  • "Good enough" Firefox browser performance
  • Email and "working", PDF reading, working on documents, etc
  • Web cam recording
  • Connecting to Ubuntu One for cloud storage and sharing

We have been using this platform successfully as a regular desktop for a week now and can tell you that the out of the box experience is REALLY good.(which wasn't obvious to us before we started)  Our conclusion is that a dual core A9 with 1GB of SDRAM is enough to give a good user experience with Ubuntu 12.04. It doesn't have a GPU, so let's forget about hard core gaming but for users who are more interested in good overall speed than fancy graphics it's a great little machine.

Why we think this is exciting:

  • Price: At $100, we think it's a good deal for everyone.
  • Size: The Parallella will be small and light enough, you could just tape it up behind your flat screen TV and forget about it.
  • Power: At 5 Watts, the Parallella is much cheaper and greener compared to putting a regular PC in the living room.
  • Open: If you don't like Ubuntu or our setup, no problem..bring your own software stack.
  • Upside: In this video we didn't even use the Epiphany yet. It should be easy to imagine how someone could port libraries like ffmpeg over to the Epiphany to speed up video playback.
  • Kinect: We would love to hear how people could accelerate Kinect based applications with the Epiphany.
 

Unsubscribe from this project's updates with one click





-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks

#69529 From: Sid Boyce <sboyce@...>
Date: Thu Oct 25, 2012 1:43 am
Subject: Re: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
priddix
Send Email Send Email
 
That's getting expensive of course, like HiQSDR or Hermes with an embedded backend processor, then we are looking at high end SDR's.

I have not looked at how much could be programmed into the FPGA, needs further study.

With the simple SDR, it's a limited range receiver with a relatively slow clock. When I looked at it in QEX I wondered if the range couldn't be extended with a 25MHz clock and also if the 24 UDB's of the CY8C38 would be sufficient to also accommodate TX code. I can't remember which version of the CY8C38 was used in the Simple SDR.

I have only dealt with the Altera Cyclone III FPGA and had a read of the specs of their SoC FPGA's which look good for a future DDC/DUC standalone SDR.
73 ... Sid.
 
On 25/10/12 00:45, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid,
 
The Adapteva seems to focus on being an ultra-high-speed processor with some programmable logic. For SDR I would think you would want a chip with ultra-high-speed ADC, moderate-speed DAC, some programmable-gain analog amplifiers, plenty of processing power, one or more programmable high-speed oscillators, and logic for the mixer. A start towards that is the Cypress CY8C38 used in the "Simple SDR Receiver" from Simple Circuits Inc.
 
In other words, we need a chip with both analog and digital circuitry specifically aimed at SDR, not a general purpose digital-only chip.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 
Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 
Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 

Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>





-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks

#69530 From: David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
Date: Thu Oct 25, 2012 2:30 am
Subject: Re: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
ae9rb
Send Email Send Email
 
Rick and Sid,

My Peaberry SDR transceiver kit uses the Cypress PSoC chip you are talking about. There are lots of models, including some with a Cortex M3, but I'm using the smallest 8051 version that supports USB.

Source code and schematic here:

73 David AE9RB
http://AE9RB.com/

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 6:43 PM, Sid Boyce <sboyce@...> wrote:


That's getting expensive of course, like HiQSDR or Hermes with an embedded backend processor, then we are looking at high end SDR's.

I have not looked at how much could be programmed into the FPGA, needs further study.

With the simple SDR, it's a limited range receiver with a relatively slow clock. When I looked at it in QEX I wondered if the range couldn't be extended with a 25MHz clock and also if the 24 UDB's of the CY8C38 would be sufficient to also accommodate TX code. I can't remember which version of the CY8C38 was used in the Simple SDR.

I have only dealt with the Altera Cyclone III FPGA and had a read of the specs of their SoC FPGA's which look good for a future DDC/DUC standalone SDR.
73 ... Sid.

 
On 25/10/12 00:45, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid,
 
The Adapteva seems to focus on being an ultra-high-speed processor with some programmable logic. For SDR I would think you would want a chip with ultra-high-speed ADC, moderate-speed DAC, some programmable-gain analog amplifiers, plenty of processing power, one or more programmable high-speed oscillators, and logic for the mixer. A start towards that is the Cypress CY8C38 used in the "Simple SDR Receiver" from Simple Circuits Inc.
 
In other words, we need a chip with both analog and digital circuitry specifically aimed at SDR, not a general purpose digital-only chip.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 
Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 
Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 

Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>





-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks




#69531 From: "Rick Simpson" <goatguy101@...>
Date: Thu Oct 25, 2012 3:21 am
Subject: peaberry theory of operation?
ricks_wv
Send Email Send Email
 
David,
 
I had seen the posts here on the Peaberry but did not realize it used a PSoC. I examined the Peaberry website and wonder if anyone has generated a description of how the transciever works -- an overall flow diagram and description of what parts of the PSoC are used in what way to implement the necessary SDR functions.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 10:30 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Rick and Sid,


My Peaberry SDR transceiver kit uses the Cypress PSoC chip you are talking about. There are lots of models, including some with a Cortex M3, but I'm using the smallest 8051 version that supports USB.

Source code and schematic here:

73 David AE9RB
http://AE9RB.com/

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 6:43 PM, Sid Boyce <sboyce@...> wrote:


That's getting expensive of course, like HiQSDR or Hermes with an embedded backend processor, then we are looking at high end SDR's.

I have not looked at how much could be programmed into the FPGA, needs further study.

With the simple SDR, it's a limited range receiver with a relatively slow clock. When I looked at it in QEX I wondered if the range couldn't be extended with a 25MHz clock and also if the 24 UDB's of the CY8C38 would be sufficient to also accommodate TX code. I can't remember which version of the CY8C38 was used in the Simple SDR.

I have only dealt with the Altera Cyclone III FPGA and had a read of the specs of their SoC FPGA's which look good for a future DDC/DUC standalone SDR.
73 ... Sid.

 
On 25/10/12 00:45, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid,
 
The Adapteva seems to focus on being an ultra-high-speed processor with some programmable logic. For SDR I would think you would want a chip with ultra-high-speed ADC, moderate-speed DAC, some programmable-gain analog amplifiers, plenty of processing power, one or more programmable high-speed oscillators, and logic for the mixer. A start towards that is the Cypress CY8C38 used in the "Simple SDR Receiver" from Simple Circuits Inc.
 
In other words, we need a chip with both analog and digital circuitry specifically aimed at SDR, not a general purpose digital-only chip.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 
Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 
Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 

Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>





-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks




#69532 From: David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
Date: Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:12 am
Subject: Re: peaberry theory of operation?
ae9rb
Send Email Send Email
 
Rick,

PSoC Creator is very visual with all the top level design done in schematic capture. What you're looking for is in the source code. Maybe you're not a Windows user so I've attached a picture of the top design.

73 David AE9RB

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 8:21 PM, Rick Simpson <goatguy101@...> wrote:


David,
 
I had seen the posts here on the Peaberry but did not realize it used a PSoC. I examined the Peaberry website and wonder if anyone has generated a description of how the transciever works -- an overall flow diagram and description of what parts of the PSoC are used in what way to implement the necessary SDR functions.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 10:30 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Rick and Sid,


My Peaberry SDR transceiver kit uses the Cypress PSoC chip you are talking about. There are lots of models, including some with a Cortex M3, but I'm using the smallest 8051 version that supports USB.

Source code and schematic here:

73 David AE9RB

1 of 1 Photo(s)


#69533 From: Sid Boyce <sboyce@...>
Date: Thu Oct 25, 2012 10:44 am
Subject: Re: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
priddix
Send Email Send Email
 
Thanks David,
I looked over your Peaberry docs some time ago but forgot about the PSoC or even that I had cloned it from github.
73 ... Sid.

On 25/10/12 03:30, David Turnbull wrote:
 

Rick and Sid,


My Peaberry SDR transceiver kit uses the Cypress PSoC chip you are talking about. There are lots of models, including some with a Cortex M3, but I'm using the smallest 8051 version that supports USB.

Source code and schematic here:

73 David AE9RB
http://AE9RB.com/

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 6:43 PM, Sid Boyce <sboyce@...> wrote:


That's getting expensive of course, like HiQSDR or Hermes with an embedded backend processor, then we are looking at high end SDR's.

I have not looked at how much could be programmed into the FPGA, needs further study.

With the simple SDR, it's a limited range receiver with a relatively slow clock. When I looked at it in QEX I wondered if the range couldn't be extended with a 25MHz clock and also if the 24 UDB's of the CY8C38 would be sufficient to also accommodate TX code. I can't remember which version of the CY8C38 was used in the Simple SDR.

I have only dealt with the Altera Cyclone III FPGA and had a read of the specs of their SoC FPGA's which look good for a future DDC/DUC standalone SDR.
73 ... Sid.

 
On 25/10/12 00:45, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid,
 
The Adapteva seems to focus on being an ultra-high-speed processor with some programmable logic. For SDR I would think you would want a chip with ultra-high-speed ADC, moderate-speed DAC, some programmable-gain analog amplifiers, plenty of processing power, one or more programmable high-speed oscillators, and logic for the mixer. A start towards that is the Cypress CY8C38 used in the "Simple SDR Receiver" from Simple Circuits Inc.
 
In other words, we need a chip with both analog and digital circuitry specifically aimed at SDR, not a general purpose digital-only chip.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 
Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 
Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 

Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>










-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks

#69534 From: "edingraham" <edingraham@...>
Date: Thu Oct 25, 2012 11:54 am
Subject: Re: Windows reports that your soundcard is already in use ...
edingraham
Send Email Send Email
 
No joy. HDSDR still says "Windows reports that your soundcard is already in use
..."
Windows Media Player happily uses the ASUS.
Device Manager says nothing about which program is using the ASUS.

73, Ed

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Alan" <alan4alan@...> wrote:
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> Subject: RE: [softrock40] Windows reports that your soundcard is already in
use ...
>
>
> >
> > I have several computers running skimmers and I have Asus Xonar's, M-Audio,
Creative and the native board sound all on 3 of 4
> > dedicated computers. The only sound card that I found that will share
drivers happily with another of the same brand were the
> > M-Audio's.
>
> Yes, but I did install a M-Audio 1010 (Not LT) and that uninstalled a D44.
> I have a 1010LT and 2 D44s in this computer as well as on-board and 2 others,
both Creative but different models.
> But on the two XP computers I tried I could not get the Xonar to work with any
other internal sound system, I even had to disable
> the on-board. It did work with an EMU USB.
> The EMUs do have a device drop-down in their control panel so I presume they
can have more than one fitted. But as you say, there
> are not many identical cards that will work together.
>
> 73 Alan G4ZFQ
>

#69535 From: "junius fox" <jfox05@...>
Date: Thu Oct 25, 2012 11:31 pm
Subject: EnsembleII
w5hir
Send Email Send Email
 
HI... I am process of building the ensemble II.  I am up to testing the local oscillator.I have installed CFGSR and the associated DLL in the same folder.  I also have installed the ATTiny85 driver.  The unit is plugged into the USB, Device manager sees the new unit as not installed. I have tried everything I know to get the driver recognized, but no dice.  Help
 
W5HIR

#69536 From: "Rick Simpson" <goatguy101@...>
Date: Fri Oct 26, 2012 1:36 am
Subject: Re: peaberry theory of operation? [1 Attachment]
ricks_wv
Send Email Send Email
 
Sorry, but I am not willing to spend the time to learn PSoC Creator just so I can understand in general how the Peaberry works. No wonder folks long for the good 'ol days of vacuum tubes!
 
Rick
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 12:12 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] peaberry theory of operation? [1 Attachment]

 

Rick,


PSoC Creator is very visual with all the top level design done in schematic capture. What you're looking for is in the source code. Maybe you're not a Windows user so I've attached a picture of the top design.

73 David AE9RB

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 8:21 PM, Rick Simpson <goatguy101@...> wrote:


David,
 
I had seen the posts here on the Peaberry but did not realize it used a PSoC. I examined the Peaberry website and wonder if anyone has generated a description of how the transciever works -- an overall flow diagram and description of what parts of the PSoC are used in what way to implement the necessary SDR functions.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 10:30 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Rick and Sid,


My Peaberry SDR transceiver kit uses the Cypress PSoC chip you are talking about. There are lots of models, including some with a Cortex M3, but I'm using the smallest 8051 version that supports USB.

Source code and schematic here:

73 David AE9RB


#69537 From: "Alan" <alan4alan@...>
Date: Fri Oct 26, 2012 5:16 am
Subject: Re: EnsembleII
alanzfq
Send Email Send Email
 
----- Original Message -----
Subject: [softrock40] EnsembleII


>I have installed CFGSR and the associated DLL in the same folder.  I also have
installed the ATTiny85 driver.  The unit is plugged
>into the USB, Device manager sees the new unit as not installed. I have tried
everything I know to get the driver recognized,

Here is my page on this problem
<http://sites.google.com/site/g4zfqradio/attiny_usb>

It must have recognised the ATTiny once if you installed the driver? You can not
install the driver until it is recognised.

73 Alan G4ZFQ

#69538 From: Sid Boyce <sboyce@...>
Date: Fri Oct 26, 2012 10:02 am
Subject: Re: peaberry theory of operation?
priddix
Send Email Send Email
 
Hang on Rick,
I longed to see the back of vacuum tubes forever having got a number of shocks from them.

I have built many transistor and FET PA's over the decades but never got up the courage  to use that 813 which is still in a box in the loft since I got it in July 1966.
73 ... Sid.

On 26/10/12 02:36, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sorry, but I am not willing to spend the time to learn PSoC Creator just so I can understand in general how the Peaberry works. No wonder folks long for the good 'ol days of vacuum tubes!
 
Rick
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 12:12 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] peaberry theory of operation? [1 Attachment]

 

Rick,


PSoC Creator is very visual with all the top level design done in schematic capture. What you're looking for is in the source code. Maybe you're not a Windows user so I've attached a picture of the top design.

73 David AE9RB

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 8:21 PM, Rick Simpson <goatguy101@...> wrote:


David,
 
I had seen the posts here on the Peaberry but did not realize it used a PSoC. I examined the Peaberry website and wonder if anyone has generated a description of how the transciever works -- an overall flow diagram and description of what parts of the PSoC are used in what way to implement the necessary SDR functions.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 10:30 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Rick and Sid,


My Peaberry SDR transceiver kit uses the Cypress PSoC chip you are talking about. There are lots of models, including some with a Cortex M3, but I'm using the smallest 8051 version that supports USB.

Source code and schematic here:

73 David AE9RB


-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks

#69539 From: "Chris" <bigjeffyie@...>
Date: Fri Oct 26, 2012 1:45 pm
Subject: Re: EnsembleII
c_m_jefferies
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Junius,

I've just had a similar experience with an Ensemble II RXTX that I'm building. 
I already own a Ensemble II RX so I knew everything PC wise was installed
correctly.

To get windows to recognise the device I had to touch up the connections on the
Si570 chip.  I also had to do this on my RX as well but it took me alot longer
the first time around to figure that out.


Pins 7 & 8 are certainly a challenge to get right first time!

Maybe that is your problem as well :)

73

Chris
EI1628

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "junius fox" <jfox05@...> wrote:
>
> HI... I am process of building the ensemble II.  I am up to testing the local
oscillator.I have installed CFGSR and the associated DLL in the same folder.  I
also have installed the ATTiny85 driver.  The unit is plugged into the USB,
Device manager sees the new unit as not installed. I have tried everything I
know to get the driver recognized, but no dice.  Help
>
> W5HIR
>

#69540 From: "Alan" <alan4alan@...>
Date: Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:00 pm
Subject: Re: Re: EnsembleII
alanzfq
Send Email Send Email
 
----- Original Message -----
Subject: [softrock40] Re: EnsembleII


>
> To get windows to recognise the device I had to touch up the connections on
the Si570 chip.  I also had to do this on my RX as
> well but it took me alot longer the first time around to figure that out.
>

Do not get confused with the Windows "Device not Recognised" This means the
ATTiny is not recognised.
This does not even need a Si570 to be fitted for the ATTiny to be recognised and
the driver installed.

Bad soldering on the Si570 will show errors in CFGSR because the ATTiny is not
communicating with the Si570.

73 Alan G4ZFQ

#69541 From: "rlramirez77" <russ.ramirez@...>
Date: Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:07 pm
Subject: Re: EnsembleII
rlramirez77
Send Email Send Email
 
A tip here, even if you are touching-up the Si570.

If you are using the traditional soldering technique, a little dap of
resin-based soldering paste (not acid flux!) applied to the Si570 lands, will
help the solder to flow under the chip case.

If you feel daring enough to use the Silver Bering paste re-flow soldering
technique, then just be sure to slightly elevate the Si570 with a dap of beeswax
or similar. By elevate, I mean by the thickness of a sheet of paper.

Russ
K0WFS

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Chris" <bigjeffyie@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Junius,
>
> I've just had a similar experience with an Ensemble II RXTX that I'm building.
I already own a Ensemble II RX so I knew everything PC wise was installed
correctly.
>
> To get windows to recognise the device I had to touch up the connections on
the Si570 chip.  I also had to do this on my RX as well but it took me alot
longer the first time around to figure that out.
>
>
> Pins 7 & 8 are certainly a challenge to get right first time!
>
> Maybe that is your problem as well :)
>
> 73
>
> Chris
> EI1628
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "junius fox" <jfox05@> wrote:
> >
> > HI... I am process of building the ensemble II.  I am up to testing the
local oscillator.I have installed CFGSR and the associated DLL in the same
folder.  I also have installed the ATTiny85 driver.  The unit is plugged into
the USB, Device manager sees the new unit as not installed. I have tried
everything I know to get the driver recognized, but no dice.  Help
> >
> > W5HIR
> >
>

#69542 From: Mike Loebl <mloebl@...>
Date: Fri Oct 26, 2012 4:30 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
mloebl
Send Email Send Email
 
Getting down to the wire, going to be REAL close.  


-Mike
KB1MTS

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 4:36 PM, Sid Boyce <sboyce@...> wrote:


It would certainly take parallel processing skills. We have been using openCL in ghpsdr3-alex so it may not be that much of a jump from using openCL on GPU cores to using the co-processor cores with openCL instead.
The EDSK uses the same tools.
73 ... Sid.


On 24/10/12 21:07, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid,
 
Do I understand correctly that the $99 gets you a hardware-only prototyping kit? So any application to SDR will require a very large software development effort?
 
Rick
 
PS to avoid cluttering this group you may prefer to reply to goatguy101 @ gmail.com.
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 
Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 
Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 

Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>



-- 


-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks




#69543 From: hollingw@...
Date: Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:52 pm
Subject: RXTX Ensemble - RX Mixer
wa9lt
Send Email Send Email
 

I am building the Softrock RXTX Ensemble and I can not get the correct testing results while building stage 6 - RX Mixer (QDS).

 

Test Measurements

Testpoint

Units

Nominal Value

Author's

Yours

Pin 8

Vdc

0

0

0

Pins 1 and 15 (PTT OFF)

mVdc

0 - 50

50

 0

Pin 2 (from Divider)

Vdc

2.5

2.47

2.5

Pin 14 (from Divider)

Vdc

2.5

2.47

2.5

Pin 7 (to OpAmp)

Vdc

2.5

2.48

1mV

Pin 9 (to OpAmp)

Vdc

2.5

2.48

1mV

Pin 16 (Vdd)

Vdc

5

4.95

5

Pins 1 and 15 (PTT ON)

Vdc

high (Vdc)

4.95

5

 

The previous assembly steps tested correctly.  I notice a problem in the voltage test from the Ensemble RXTX 06_RX Mixer (QSD).  Pins 7 and 9 of IC10 (FST3253) did not show any voltage either with the PTT enabled or disabled.

 

 I did not test with Rocky but used CFGSR.  Checked IC10 for bridges or shorts, nothing found.  I replaced the FST3253 and had the exact same results.

 Any suggestions?

 


#69544 From: "Rick Simpson" <goatguy101@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 12:56 am
Subject: Re: peaberry theory of operation?
ricks_wv
Send Email Send Email
 
Sid,
 
My nostalgia for tubes was tongue-in-cheek, of course. But it pointed to a greater truth. SDR has been almost exclusively used for radio equipment in business and the military for several decades. Have you ever seen a cell phone based on a superhet? But many hams don't want to build or own equipment based on principle they cannot understand. I have seen dozens of posts in the forum stating that the simplicity of the SoftRocks has finally allowed the writer to get into SDR, largely because they do not use any microprocessor technology except within the attached PC. You can understand the theory of operation of a SoftRock with nothing more than some familiarity with common ICs. I am sure it took years of education and experience to design the Peaberry or the Simple SDR Receiver, while any high school student can understand and build a regenerative receiver and a QRP transmitter. The end result of modern technology can produce wonderful products, but in the ham radio domain it has crippled the ability to build or understand our own equipment.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 6:02 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] peaberry theory of operation?

 

Hang on Rick,
I longed to see the back of vacuum tubes forever having got a number of shocks from them.

I have built many transistor and FET PA's over the decades but never got up the courage  to use that 813 which is still in a box in the loft since I got it in July 1966.
73 ... Sid.

On 26/10/12 02:36, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sorry, but I am not willing to spend the time to learn PSoC Creator just so I can understand in general how the Peaberry works. No wonder folks long for the good 'ol days of vacuum tubes!
 
Rick
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 12:12 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] peaberry theory of operation? [1 Attachment]

 

Rick,


PSoC Creator is very visual with all the top level design done in schematic capture. What you're looking for is in the source code. Maybe you're not a Windows user so I've attached a picture of the top design.

73 David AE9RB

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 8:21 PM, Rick Simpson <goatguy101@...> wrote:


David,
 
I had seen the posts here on the Peaberry but did not realize it used a PSoC. I examined the Peaberry website and wonder if anyone has generated a description of how the transciever works -- an overall flow diagram and description of what parts of the PSoC are used in what way to implement the necessary SDR functions.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 10:30 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Rick and Sid,


My Peaberry SDR transceiver kit uses the Cypress PSoC chip you are talking about. There are lots of models, including some with a Cortex M3, but I'm using the smallest 8051 version that supports USB.

Source code and schematic here:

73 David AE9RB


-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks


#69545 From: "Orin" <orin.eman@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 2:39 am
Subject: Re: RXTX Ensemble - RX Mixer
orinem
Send Email Send Email
 
--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, hollingw@... wrote:
>
>
> I am building the Softrock RXTX Ensemble and I can not get the correct
> testing results while building stage 6 - RX Mixer (QDS).
>
>
>
> Test Measurements
>
>
> Testpoint
>
> Units
>
> Nominal Value
>
> Author's
>
> Yours
>
> Pin 8
>
> Vdc
>
> 0
>
> 0
>
> 0
>
> Pins 1 and 15 (PTT OFF)
>
> mVdc
>
> 0 - 50
>
> 50
>
>   0
>
> Pin 2 (from Divider)
>
> Vdc
>
> 2.5
>
> 2.47
>
> 2.5
>
> Pin 14 (from Divider)
>
> Vdc
>
> 2.5
>
> 2.47
>
> 2.5
>
> Pin 7 (to OpAmp)
>
> Vdc
>
> 2.5
>
> 2.48
>
> 1mV
>
> Pin 9 (to OpAmp)
>
> Vdc
>
> 2.5
>
> 2.48
>
> 1mV
>
> Pin 16 (Vdd)
>
> Vdc
>
> 5
>
> 4.95
>
> 5
>
> Pins 1 and 15 (PTT ON)
>
> Vdc
>
> high (Vdc)
>
> 4.95
>
> 5
>
>
>
>
> The previous assembly steps tested correctly.  I notice a problem in the
> voltage test from the Ensemble RXTX 06_RX Mixer (QSD).  Pins 7 and 9 of
> IC10 (FST3253) did not show any voltage either with the PTT enabled or
> disabled.
>
>
>
>   I did not test with Rocky but used CFGSR.  Checked IC10 for bridges or
> shorts, nothing found.  I replaced the FST3253 and had the exact same
> results.
>
>   Any suggestions?


Check the FST3253 pins 3,6,11,12 - these should be 2.5V.  If not, suspect T5,
R53 and R54.  With PTT disabled, make sure pins 1 and 15 are close to 0V.  If
not, suspect Q9 and R63 (it is 10k isn't it?).

Orin.

#69546 From: "Alan" <alan4alan@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 5:45 am
Subject: Re: RXTX Ensemble - RX Mixer
alanzfq
Send Email Send Email
 
----- Original Message -----
Subject: [softrock40] RXTX Ensemble - RX Mixer



>The previous assembly steps tested correctly.  I notice a problem in the
voltage test from the Ensemble RXTX 06_RX Mixer (QSD).  Pins 7 and 9 of
IC10 (FST3253) did not show any voltage either with the PTT enabled or
disabled.


Assuming the other voltages on U10 are correct, you do not list all of them.

Measure the resistance between ground and pins 7 & 9.
If low check R55, 58 are mounted correctly. Check C41, 42.
Check for solder splashes or possibly bad etching of the PCB leaving whiskers to
ground on these lines.

73 Alan G4ZFQ

#69547 From: "Jaco Le roux" <zs3jlr@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 1:25 pm
Subject: Re: EnsembleII
zs3jlr
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi I had a similar problem, I have re-solder the ATTiny or the socket though, I
had a problem on the grounding point sometimes it needs more heat to solder the
GND areas. just my 0.02 cents worth.

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "rlramirez77" <russ.ramirez@...> wrote:
>
> A tip here, even if you are touching-up the Si570.
>
> If you are using the traditional soldering technique, a little dap of
resin-based soldering paste (not acid flux!) applied to the Si570 lands, will
help the solder to flow under the chip case.
>
> If you feel daring enough to use the Silver Bering paste re-flow soldering
technique, then just be sure to slightly elevate the Si570 with a dap of beeswax
or similar. By elevate, I mean by the thickness of a sheet of paper.
>
> Russ
> K0WFS
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Chris" <bigjeffyie@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Junius,
> >
> > I've just had a similar experience with an Ensemble II RXTX that I'm
building.  I already own a Ensemble II RX so I knew everything PC wise was
installed correctly.
> >
> > To get windows to recognise the device I had to touch up the connections on
the Si570 chip.  I also had to do this on my RX as well but it took me alot
longer the first time around to figure that out.
> >
> >
> > Pins 7 & 8 are certainly a challenge to get right first time!
> >
> > Maybe that is your problem as well :)
> >
> > 73
> >
> > Chris
> > EI1628
> >
> > --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "junius fox" <jfox05@> wrote:
> > >
> > > HI... I am process of building the ensemble II.  I am up to testing the
local oscillator.I have installed CFGSR and the associated DLL in the same
folder.  I also have installed the ATTiny85 driver.  The unit is plugged into
the USB, Device manager sees the new unit as not installed. I have tried
everything I know to get the driver recognized, but no dice.  Help
> > >
> > > W5HIR
> > >
> >
>

#69548 From: "w4kaz" <kazeringue@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 3:33 pm
Subject: Re: Remote listening to a Softrock receive over a network, maybe remote control too?
w4kaz
Send Email Send Email
 
That is an option that can be turned off on the remote desktop login screen.

Go to: "Options" -> "Local Resources" and jiggle the
"remote audio" setting to "Play on remote computer"

That should be good for Win XP pro, Vista Bizness, and using Win 7 home premium
as the client.

It also works inside the shack on the remotes.  Rather than use the KVM switch[a
long reach from the keyboard], sometimes it is easier to to remote to the other
two boxes even though they are stacked one upon the other.

73 es gl de w4kaz


--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Chris Wilson <chris@...> wrote:
>
> 24/10/2012 21:15
>
> Won't remote desktop transmit whatever audio is coming from the
> soundcard on the server PC to the other one? Thanks for the idea
> though, ingenious!
>
> --
>        Best Regards,
>                    Chris Wilson.   2E0ILY
>

#69549 From: Alex Turcu <talex004@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 6:12 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
talex004
Send Email Send Email
 
Parallella reached the goal on Kickstarter. Now I can't wait for standalone SDRs based on this thing and a softrock/peaberry clone stacked on it.
Alex

On Fri, Oct 26, 2012 at 12:30 PM, Mike Loebl <mloebl@...> wrote:
 

Getting down to the wire, going to be REAL close.  


-Mike
KB1MTS

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 4:36 PM, Sid Boyce <sboyce@...> wrote:


It would certainly take parallel processing skills. We have been using openCL in ghpsdr3-alex so it may not be that much of a jump from using openCL on GPU cores to using the co-processor cores with openCL instead.
The EDSK uses the same tools.
73 ... Sid.


On 24/10/12 21:07, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid,
 
Do I understand correctly that the $99 gets you a hardware-only prototyping kit? So any application to SDR will require a very large software development effort?
 
Rick
 
PS to avoid cluttering this group you may prefer to reply to goatguy101 @ gmail.com.
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 
Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 
Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 

Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>



-- 


-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks





#69550 From: Sid Boyce <sboyce@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 6:36 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
priddix
Send Email Send Email
 
I am glad they made it, It should be brilliant.

On its own the dual-core A9 handles SDR programs very well. My Pandaboard runs hiqsdr-server, dspserver and QtRadio well. Only problem is when it's loaded up with another heavy task, some slight audio distortion occurs.
73 ... Sid.

On 27/10/12 19:12, Alex Turcu wrote:
 

Parallella reached the goal on Kickstarter. Now I can't wait for standalone SDRs based on this thing and a softrock/peaberry clone stacked on it.

Alex

On Fri, Oct 26, 2012 at 12:30 PM, Mike Loebl <mloebl@...> wrote:
 
Getting down to the wire, going to be REAL close.  


-Mike
KB1MTS

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 4:36 PM, Sid Boyce <sboyce@...> wrote:


It would certainly take parallel processing skills. We have been using openCL in ghpsdr3-alex so it may not be that much of a jump from using openCL on GPU cores to using the co-processor cores with openCL instead.
The EDSK uses the same tools.
73 ... Sid.


On 24/10/12 21:07, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid,
 
Do I understand correctly that the $99 gets you a hardware-only prototyping kit? So any application to SDR will require a very large software development effort?
 
Rick
 
PS to avoid cluttering this group you may prefer to reply to goatguy101 @ gmail.com.
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 
Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 
Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 

Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>



-- 





-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks

#69551 From: Mike Loebl <mloebl@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 8:28 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
mloebl
Send Email Send Email
 
90mins left for anyone still on the fence about it...

-Mike

On Sat, Oct 27, 2012 at 2:36 PM, Sid Boyce <sboyce@...> wrote:


I am glad they made it, It should be brilliant.

On its own the dual-core A9 handles SDR programs very well. My Pandaboard runs hiqsdr-server, dspserver and QtRadio well. Only problem is when it's loaded up with another heavy task, some slight audio distortion occurs.
73 ... Sid.


On 27/10/12 19:12, Alex Turcu wrote:
 

Parallella reached the goal on Kickstarter. Now I can't wait for standalone SDRs based on this thing and a softrock/peaberry clone stacked on it.

Alex

On Fri, Oct 26, 2012 at 12:30 PM, Mike Loebl <mloebl@...> wrote:
 
Getting down to the wire, going to be REAL close.  


-Mike
KB1MTS

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 4:36 PM, Sid Boyce <sboyce@...> wrote:


It would certainly take parallel processing skills. We have been using openCL in ghpsdr3-alex so it may not be that much of a jump from using openCL on GPU cores to using the co-processor cores with openCL instead.
The EDSK uses the same tools.
73 ... Sid.


On 24/10/12 21:07, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid,
 
Do I understand correctly that the $99 gets you a hardware-only prototyping kit? So any application to SDR will require a very large software development effort?
 
Rick
 
PS to avoid cluttering this group you may prefer to reply to goatguy101 @ gmail.com.
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Hi Rick,
You can start off on this page.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adapteva/parallella-a-supercomputer-for-everyone

The $99.00 promise is the 16-core version, higher subscriptions will get you a 64-core board.
I hope they reach their funding target though the date is getting very close.
They haven't mentioned anything about extending the target date which would be a good idea as it's been running only a short time.

I am always on the lookout for a small form factor with lots of processing power for SDR use. The ODROID-X performs well.

Another board with lots of I/O ports that's not yet released but expected to be priced around $200.00
http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/02/24/low-cost-freescale-imx6-quad-sabre-lite-development-board/
73 ... Sid.

On 24/10/12 19:01, Rick Simpson wrote:
 
Sid, just to let you know I enjoy your additions to this forum. You seem to stay on the cutting edge of SDR, a location I am most interested in, even if just as a spectator. What does your $99 buy you and what is the URL that explains this?
 
Rick
K3IND

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 
Another interesting project is parallela.
I subscribed $99.00 to the project last week. Details on adapteva.com.
http://www.adapteva.com/white-papers/sdr-and-cognitive-radio-on-parallella/
73 ... Sid.

On 23/10/12 23:07, m0fmt wrote:
 

Hi all

The 8 bit ADC seems to work ok on RX applications using the DVB-T USB stick with HDSDR application, subjectively. It is on the cusp with clarity of the waterfall presentation of cw but audibly it sounds fine. I up convert to HF (probably missing the point at this stage)and to see the whole HF spectrum as an endless ribon is a joy but with a 1meg screens worth of signals is impossible so you have to ride the zoom control. We are not talking TX here only RX.

Will follow this thread with interest.

73 Pete m0fmt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Sylvain AZARIAN <sylvain.azarian@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Decimation sounds to be a good option but in fact it requires a huge amount
> of processing to remove with enough attenuation unwanted signals (low-pass
> filtering + decimation). It means having a long set of coefficients for
> DSP, and this processing must be done at full speed (at the rate of the
> incoming samples). This typically requires a carefully written code + a
> multi core machine...
>
> The good thing is to be able to see the full band but... apart from the 350
> Khz we have in the 20 meter band... (Ok, this could be useful for VHF/UHF
> where the bands are not that busy (at least in france); but from my
> personal experience, not very easy to identify a QSO on a 2MHz wide
> waterfall...)
>
> 73
> F4GKR
>
> 2012/10/23 David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Alex,
> >
> > I asked if hams would be interested and what I posted is the answer I got.
> > The image is a problem in transmit because it's a spurious emission and in
> > receive because, for example, a CW contest becomes a maddening problem. The
> > dynamic range is also a problem as you describe but you can't get more with
> > decimation trickery. Maybe someone will figure out some hardware hacks
> > though.
> >
> > 73 David AE9RB
> > http://AE9RB.com/
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> David,
> >> Wouldn't oversampling help in this case? Given the ADC can do
> >> 8bit/20msps, wouldn't that be roughly equivalent to 16bit/78ksps ? Also,
> >> shouldn't the problem be due to dynamic range, instead of image
> >> rejection (stronger stations would make weaker stations inaudible,
> >> regardless of where they are with respect to the center frequency)? I just
> >> want to make sure I understand all these notions right.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Alex
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 12:17 PM, David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>wrote:
> >>
> >>> **
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I know Jared from this project and will be seeing him tonight.
> >>> Unfortunately, he's told me this radio won't be good for hams. The ADC
> >>> is 8-bit which doesn't offer much image rejection. Since it has huge
> >>> bandwidth, this really isn't a problem for research or ISM use.
> >>>
> >>> 73 David AE9RB
> >>> http://AE9RB.com/
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:37 AM, shaynal01 <steve@...>
> >>> wrote:
> >>> >
> >>> http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2012/10/19/darpa-funded-radio-hackrf-aims-to-be-a-300-wireless-swiss-army-knife-for-hackers/
> >>> >
> >>> > http://ossmann.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-hackrf.html
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>



-- 





-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks




#69552 From: David Turnbull <dturnbull@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 9:20 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA
ae9rb
Send Email Send Email
 
Alex,

Why wait? Just stick a Peaberry on a Raspberry Pi or your favorite SoC platform. Since the Peaberry has two sound cards and a key jack built-in, just one USB cable between the two boards is all you need.

73 David AE9RB

On Sat, Oct 27, 2012 at 11:12 AM, Alex Turcu <talex004@...> wrote:


Parallella reached the goal on Kickstarter. Now I can't wait for standalone SDRs based on this thing and a softrock/peaberry clone stacked on it.
Alex



#69553 From: Chris Wilson <chris@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 10:19 pm
Subject: Checking si570 calibration witha frequency counter?
chrismwilsonuk
Send Email Send Email
 
27/10/2012 23:15

Can someone kindly remind me how to check the cal of a si570 in a
built Ensemble II receiver is spot on with a frequency counter please?
I set it up perfectly with a frequency counter locked to a GPS
reference when I built it ages and ages ago, but today, for some
reason, it locked up and "went berserk". I had to reset the si570 to
factory cal and it's now a tad off. When I set it with the frequency
counter it stayed absolutely spot on for, oooh, two years or more? Thanks.

--
        Best Regards,
                    Chris Wilson.   2E0ILY
mailto: chris@...

#69554 From: Sid Boyce <sboyce@...>
Date: Sat Oct 27, 2012 11:20 pm
Subject: Re: peaberry theory of operation?
priddix
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Rick,
I knew that, I was merely voicing my anxiety in handling vacuum tubes.

None-the-less the Peaberry design is an extension of the Ensemble RXTX and a block diagram would better reveal what the add-ons are there for.

I know eyes glaze over when a microprocessor and a FPGA appear in a SDR but that's the present and future.

It only needs an expansion of the exam syllabus and I'm sure younger hams would be fine.

Forget the oldies, some who I hear on the air say they won't have a computer in the shack.

BTW very many of the hamradio SDR developers are well over 70 and going strong so age is no excuse.
73 ... Sid.

 
On 27/10/12 01:56, Rick Simpson wrote:
 

Sid,
 
My nostalgia for tubes was tongue-in-cheek, of course. But it pointed to a greater truth. SDR has been almost exclusively used for radio equipment in business and the military for several decades. Have you ever seen a cell phone based on a superhet? But many hams don't want to build or own equipment based on principle they cannot understand. I have seen dozens of posts in the forum stating that the simplicity of the SoftRocks has finally allowed the writer to get into SDR, largely because they do not use any microprocessor technology except within the attached PC. You can understand the theory of operation of a SoftRock with nothing more than some familiarity with common ICs. I am sure it took years of education and experience to design the Peaberry or the Simple SDR Receiver, while any high school student can understand and build a regenerative receiver and a QRP transmitter. The end result of modern technology can produce wonderful products, but in the ham radio domain it has crippled the ability to build or understand our own equipment.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sid Boyce
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 6:02 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] peaberry theory of operation?

 

Hang on Rick,
I longed to see the back of vacuum tubes forever having got a number of shocks from them.

I have built many transistor and FET PA's over the decades but never got up the courage  to use that 813 which is still in a box in the loft since I got it in July 1966.
73 ... Sid.

On 26/10/12 02:36, Rick Simpson wrote:
 
Sorry, but I am not willing to spend the time to learn PSoC Creator just so I can understand in general how the Peaberry works. No wonder folks long for the good 'ol days of vacuum tubes!
 
Rick
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 12:12 AM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] peaberry theory of operation? [1 Attachment]

 

Rick,


PSoC Creator is very visual with all the top level design done in schematic capture. What you're looking for is in the source code. Maybe you're not a Windows user so I've attached a picture of the top design.

73 David AE9RB

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 8:21 PM, Rick Simpson <goatguy101@...> wrote:


David,
 
I had seen the posts here on the Peaberry but did not realize it used a PSoC. I examined the Peaberry website and wonder if anyone has generated a description of how the transciever works -- an overall flow diagram and description of what parts of the PSoC are used in what way to implement the necessary SDR functions.
 
Rick
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 10:30 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Interesting SDR project funded by DARPA

 

Rick and Sid,


My Peaberry SDR transceiver kit uses the Cypress PSoC chip you are talking about. There are lots of models, including some with a Cortex M3, but I'm using the smallest 8051 version that supports USB.

Source code and schematic here:

73 David AE9RB





-- Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks

#69555 From: "junius fox" <jfox05@...>
Date: Sun Oct 28, 2012 1:18 am
Subject: Re: Re: EnsembleII
w5hir
Send Email Send Email
 
Chris,
    In retrospect, I was darn sure I had soldered the si570 ok, so had a friend look at my supposedly installation of the driver,  It turns out, I really hadn't installed the driver.  He pointed out my mistake. I installed the .inf driver, and whoopee!, the unit was recognized in CFGSR.  I'm now in the finishing up mode all transformers and coils finished.
       Thanks for all your help.
 
Junius
----- Original Message -----
From: Chris
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 8:45 AM
Subject: [softrock40] Re: EnsembleII

 

Hi Junius,

I've just had a similar experience with an Ensemble II RXTX that I'm building. I already own a Ensemble II RX so I knew everything PC wise was installed correctly.

To get windows to recognise the device I had to touch up the connections on the Si570 chip. I also had to do this on my RX as well but it took me alot longer the first time around to figure that out.

Pins 7 & 8 are certainly a challenge to get right first time!

Maybe that is your problem as well :)

73

Chris
EI1628

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "junius fox" <jfox05@...> wrote:
>
> HI... I am process of building the ensemble II. I am up to testing the local oscillator.I have installed CFGSR and the associated DLL in the same folder. I also have installed the ATTiny85 driver. The unit is plugged into the USB, Device manager sees the new unit as not installed. I have tried everything I know to get the driver recognized, but no dice. Help
>
> W5HIR
>






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