gr-hermeslite2 for GR10 Ubuntu 22.04LTS

[GW4ABP-P]

Hi Daniel,

Just to add to comments from other contributors in the last 3 weeks.....

I would also like to see a version of the gr-hermeslite2 Hermes Lite 2 block for GR3.10 on Ubuntu 22.04LTS.

In the last week I've got the GR10 version of gr-hpsdr working with my Hermes Lite 2. I just followed Tom McDermott's instructions and it worked on a Raspberry Pi4 running Ubuntu 22.04 64bit.

I currently have a working receiver, but have further functionality to test including the transmitter, and checking gr-hpsdr on a Ubunto 22.04 PC.

There is no Hermes Lite 2 RF pre amp gain control in the gr-hpsdr version. I'm using fixed attenuators to prevent ADC overload problems.

The ability to control the RF filters would be nice, but it would seem that the priority is the RF pre-amp gain control as included in your GR3.8 version of gr-hermeslite2

I found that the latest install of Raspbian 64 bit I have includes Python 3.9.2. When I downloaded GRC using APT I got GR version 3.8.2.

Your gr-hermeslite2 GRC 3.8 code does not appear to work with GRC 3.8.2. I solved some of the problems with Paths with reference to Tom McDermott's install information, but the fundamental problems seems to be that SWIG could not be found at compile time. This started to get too complex for me to fix.

With Raspbian, in response to:

modem@raspberrypi:~/gr-hermeslite2/build $ cmake ../

I got:

-- Checking for module SWIG -- Disabling SWIG because version check failed.

File errors reported by GRC 3.8.2 were traced to missing SWIG files.

The priority however is to get gr-hermeslite2 to work with GR10 Ubuntu 22.04LTS. Some cooperation with Tom McDermott would seen to be a good idea.

regards, Mike G4ABP.

[daniestevez]

Thanks for the feedback, but this could have been a comment in #2 instead of a new issue. I'm closing this issue as duplicate. By the way, the port to GNU Radio 3.10 is done now.

[GW4ABP-P]

Daniel,

Don't know if this e-mail will get to you as some of the Github systems are a bit of a mystery to me.

Thanks for upgrading the HL2 interface to GR3.10. I've already commented about that on Github.

Do you know if the Transmit side of the HL2 works with your interface block??? have you tested it?

I've checked my HL2 with the Quisk and SDR Console software. I can hear the filter board relays operate on receive with both pieces of software as I change bands.

Looking at the filter board schematic. It suggests the filter board input is connected to the output via a high pass receive filter in the absence of instructions to the board, and the lack of energised filter relays. This high pass filter is intended to block Medium Wave Broadcast signals on receive. I don't hear any relays operating with your HL2 interface, and don't think you have implemented the necessary board control instructions. So I suspect this HPF is in circuit on both transmit and receive.

I suspect the HPF will handle 5 watts above it's HPF cut off frequency. Have you actually tried this, or do you only use your interface to the HL2 for receive?

Thanks, regards, and 73.

Mike, G4ABP

------ Original Message ------ From: "Daniel Estévez" @.> To: "daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2" @.> Cc: "GW4ABP-P" @.>; "Author" @.> Sent: Sunday, 22 Jan, 23 At 09:52 Subject: Re: [daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2] gr-hermeslite2 for GR10 Ubuntu 22.04LTS (Issue #3)

Thanks for the feedback, but this could have been a comment in #2 https://github.com/daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2/issues/2 instead of a new issue. I'm closing this issue as duplicate. By the way, the port to GNU Radio 3.10 is done now. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2/issues/3#issuecomment-1399442656 , or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A5MIWXCYOST3WWQXJNQYC5LWTT7O3ANCNFSM6AAAAAAUCLKSZE . You are receiving this because you authored the thread.Message ID: @.***>

[keyboarderror]

I appreciate verification of problems with the AGC, Mike. My receiver is currently just based on the example from https://wiki.gnuradio.org/index.php/Simulation_example:_AM_transmitter_and_receiver from the AGC onward as I can work with a 48khz output straight from the HL2 block. Complex to Mag AM demodulation performs better than using the actual AM demod block as I'm getting a DC spur in the output using that. I'm thinking it may take awhile before all the issues are worked out and of course re-syncing the development cycle which may bring additional issues. Still it's enough I can probably move forward with upgrading things I've been keeping back. Great.

I can confirm the transmit side of the HL2 block is working with and without the PA, (I'm working on an AM transceiver) however it doesn't look like there's any filters being enabled or enable-able so you'll need external ones for transmit or if you feed an amplifier filter it there I suppose. Same for receive. That would be a feature request.

73, Jayson AA7NM

[GW4ABP-P]

Hi Jayson,

I'm not quite sure how this github e-mail system works, but it looks like you have seen the e-mail I sent to Daniel yesterday. I hope you get this e-mail in response.

Thanks for the info about Hermes Lite2 transmit. I suspected it would work from the HL2 schematic, although it may not be such a good idea to transmit close to the cut off frequency of the Medium Wave HPF. As you comment, the HL2 will need an external harmonic filter. I just want this for research purposes, not serious amateur radio operation.

Re the AGC. My specific tests on the GR AGC blocks show they have a tendency to overshoot by 6dB or more in response to a transient amplitude increase. This is not desirable for an AGC.

If you want to see what a good AGC should do, have a look at Figure 10 at

http://www.aritreviso.it/files/PLESSEY-Semiconductors-SL-600-series.pdf

The SL600 series chips date back to the 1970's (I used to use them in professional equipment). Figure 10 is very useful to describe what an AGC should do, including the reduction of noise spikes.

73, Mike G4ABP.

------ Original Message ------ From: "Jayson Bucknell" @.> To: "daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2" @.> Cc: "GW4ABP-P" @.>; "Author" @.> Sent: Wednesday, 1 Feb, 23 At 17:47 Subject: Re: [daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2] gr-hermeslite2 for GR10 Ubuntu 22.04LTS (Issue #3)

I appreciate verification of problems with the AGC, Mike. My receiver is currently just based on the example from https://wiki.gnuradio.org/index.php/Simulation_example:_AM_transmitter_and_receiver https://wiki.gnuradio.org/index.php/Simulation_example:_AM_transmitter_and_receiver from the AGC onward as I can work with a 48khz output straight from the HL2 block. Complex to Mag AM demodulation performs better than using the actual AM demod block as I'm getting a DC spur in the output using that. I'm thinking it may take awhile before all the issues are worked out and of course re-syncing the development cycle which may bring additional issues. Still it's enough I can probably move forward with upgrading things I've been keeping back. Great. I can confirm the transmit side of the HL2 block is working with and without the PA, (I'm working on an AM transceiver) however it doesn't look like there's any filters being enabled or enable-able so you'll need external ones for transmit or if you feed an amplifier filter it there I suppose. Same for receive. That would be a feature request. 73, Jayson AA7NM — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2/issues/3#issuecomment-1412470137 , or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A5MIWXFWD6HSQG72YOZJU33WVKOUPANCNFSM6AAAAAAUCLKSZE . You are receiving this because you authored the thread.Message ID: @.***>

[daniestevez]

Do you know if the Transmit side of the HL2 works with your interface block??? have you tested it?

I haven't tested the transmit side of the HL2 with GNU Radio since a long time ago, but I imagine it should work.

Have you actually tried this, or do you only use your interface to the HL2 for receive?

I don't have any of these filter boards, so I can't give advice about them. My HL2 is a beta2 unit. It goes into a 50W PA which has its own set of LPFs.

[daniestevez]

I'm not quite sure how this github e-mail system works, but it looks like you have seen the e-mail I sent to Daniel yesterday. I hope you get this e-mail in response.

@GW4ABP-P, you're using a Github feature that allows you to add comments to this issue by sending an email. The comments can be read by everyone in this webpage: https://github.com/daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2/issues/3 You can also add new comments in the same webpage without the need to send emails.

[keyboarderror]

Mike, I don't think the MW filter is engaged on transmit. I've been able to get full power into a dummy load on the AM broadcast band. The transmitter's for CQUAM AM Stereo modulation and most hardware receivers are built for there. You can also demodulate it with the sodiraSDR software radio. The HL2 is an easy way to generate a signal. It might be fun to try on 80 or 160 meters though.

That's a useful AGC reference. It's tickling memories from school. I'm still a beginner with GNURadio and the process of constructing components is part of the learning curve. From a MAKE IT GO NOW standpoint it looks like the AGC3 block has the most consistent operation if it's suitable for your application. AGC and AGC2 are broken.

I agree if there's a better place to move this discussion with others who may be interested. It's just something I'm playing with occasionally. Probably more now. Thanks again, Daniel.

73, Jayson AA7NM

[GW4ABP-P]

Daniel,

Thanks for providing the HL2 interface, and I understand now that you don't have a HL2 filter board. I might get around to doing the filter board driver myself once I learn a bit more about GNU Radio.

Daniel, found your website and various projects quite interesting. Nice to see some maths! My background is similar to yours.

Jayson, I've found AGC2 and AGC3 are usable, but the overshoots are annoying at times. I've seen complaints about the AGC system going back to around 2013 online which is why I produced a test rig to characterise it. I guess I'll have to look at the code sometime and try and come up with an AGC4 that does the same as the SL621 chips. Thanks for the further info on HL2 transmit. Will try it over the weekend.

Good look with the stereo AM!

Mike G4ABP

------ Original Message ------ From: "Jayson Bucknell" @.> To: "daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2" @.> Cc: "GW4ABP-P" @.>; "Mention" @.> Sent: Friday, 3 Feb, 23 At 01:01 Subject: Re: [daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2] gr-hermeslite2 for GR10 Ubuntu 22.04LTS (Issue #3)

Mike, I don't think the MW filter is engaged on transmit. I've been able to get full power into a dummy load on the AM broadcast band. The transmitter's for CQUAM AM Stereo modulation and most hardware receivers are built for there. You can also demodulate it with the sodiraSDR software radio. The HL2 is an easy way to generate a signal. It might be fun to try on 80 or 160 meters though. That's a useful AGC reference. It's tickling memories from school. I'm still a beginner with GNURadio and the process of constructing components is part of the learning curve. From a MAKE IT GO NOW standpoint it looks like the AGC3 block has the most consistent operation if it's suitable for your application. AGC and AGC2 are broken. I agree if there's a better place to move this discussion with others who may be interested. It's just something I'm playing with occasionally. Probably more now. Thanks again, Daniel. 73, Jayson AA7NM — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2/issues/3#issuecomment-1414570419 , or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A5MIWXGEXGNLLHAUUQPEJDDWVRKGXANCNFSM6AAAAAAUCLKSZE . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: @.***>

[GW4ABP-P]

Jayson, don't know if you will get this, but here are the results of my HL2 PA tests this weekend:

I did originally write this for a wider audience:

I have now tested my HL2 on transmit. GNU radio 3.10, Ubuntu 22.04LTS

These tests were conducted at 14.25MHz into a spectrum analyser via an inline dummy load.

The transmit change over relay energizes OK on transmit.

With the power set to 255 I got 5 Watts output with a 400Hz tone from a Signal Source driver block with the amplitude set to 0.5.

The power control ‘0 to 255’ provided the 7.5 dB power control range as expected.

With the PA switched off, I got the same 7.5dB range on the RF1 low power output. Output was ~30mW @ 255 with the tone amplitude at 0.5.

When I first tested this, I had the tone amplitude set to 1.0 and Power set to ‘0’. The power output was just below 20W even though my current limit tripped!

The filter board function does not work (relay control is not implemented). It’s in by-pass mode. You need to implement an external filter at the moment.

Mike G4ABP

------ Original Message ------ From: "Jayson Bucknell" @.> To: "daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2" @.> Cc: "GW4ABP-P" @.>; "Mention" @.> Sent: Friday, 3 Feb, 23 At 01:01 Subject: Re: [daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2] gr-hermeslite2 for GR10 Ubuntu 22.04LTS (Issue #3)

Mike, I don't think the MW filter is engaged on transmit. I've been able to get full power into a dummy load on the AM broadcast band. The transmitter's for CQUAM AM Stereo modulation and most hardware receivers are built for there. You can also demodulate it with the sodiraSDR software radio. The HL2 is an easy way to generate a signal. It might be fun to try on 80 or 160 meters though. That's a useful AGC reference. It's tickling memories from school. I'm still a beginner with GNURadio and the process of constructing components is part of the learning curve. From a MAKE IT GO NOW standpoint it looks like the AGC3 block has the most consistent operation if it's suitable for your application. AGC and AGC2 are broken. I agree if there's a better place to move this discussion with others who may be interested. It's just something I'm playing with occasionally. Probably more now. Thanks again, Daniel. 73, Jayson AA7NM — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2/issues/3#issuecomment-1414570419 , or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A5MIWXGEXGNLLHAUUQPEJDDWVRKGXANCNFSM6AAAAAAUCLKSZE . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: @.***>

[keyboarderror]

Mike, this more or less confirms my own observations. I have external filters so no big deal here. I've got things working pretty much as they did in 3.8. I may be encountering the AGC overshoot you mentioned when transiting back to receive from transmit. It goes deaf for a couple of seconds as it overcompensates. It's kind of annoying.

I've tried looking you up by your call to see if you had an email address but your information is blocked. If you've interest in private discussion I've an email on QRZ.com or perhaps moving this to the Google hermes-lite group would be good. I haven't seen any posts there yet. Letting people know the update exists seems like a good idea.

Jayson AA7NM

[GW4ABP-P]

Hi Jayson,

Thanks for your comments. I have a low profile on the internet, and don't have a QRZ.com account, so I can't see your e-mail address. I'll ask a friend of mine to have a look.

I'm running my HL2/GR3.10 on a Raspberry Pi4 using Ubuntu 22.04LTS and on a virtual Ubuntu 22.04LTS machine running on Windows 10 PC.

As I added complexity (requiring more CPU cycles) to my GNU radio transceivers, I found HL2/GR3.10 crashes reporting buffer over run.

This is more noticeable on the Pi4. You can make it work by removing modules.

I've just installed the Windows 10 Conda version of GR3.10, that supports most things including the Pluto, but not the HL2 at the moment. I'll ask them to add the HL2.

This is the relevant page for module additions:

https://github.com/ryanvolz/radioconda/issues

If you see my HL2 comments at the above, please add your support.

Something is not that code efficient in GNU Radio. PI HPSDR (a multimode transceiver) runs OK with the HL2, and the Pluto on the Pi4

Quisk (another multimode transceiver) works OK with the HL2 on the Pi4.

Mike G4ABP.

------ Original Message ------ From: "Jayson Bucknell" @.> To: "daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2" @.> Cc: "GW4ABP-P" @.>; "Mention" @.> Sent: Monday, 6 Feb, 23 At 17:20 Subject: Re: [daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2] gr-hermeslite2 for GR10 Ubuntu 22.04LTS (Issue #3)

Mike, this more or less confirms my own observations. I have external filters so no big deal here. I've got things working pretty much as they did in 3.8. I may be encountering the AGC overshoot you mentioned when transiting back to receive from transmit. It goes deaf for a couple of seconds as it overcompensates. It's kind of annoying. I've tried looking you up by your call to see if you had an email address but your information is blocked. If you've interest in private discussion I've an email on QRZ.com or perhaps moving this to the Google hermes-lite group would be good. I haven't seen any posts there yet. Letting people know the update exists seems like a good idea. Jayson AA7NM — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/daniestevez/gr-hermeslite2/issues/3#issuecomment-1419445946 , or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A5MIWXCBKOPG7PWPOUH5MN3WWEXFDANCNFSM6AAAAAAUCLKSZE . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: @.***>

[keyboarderror]

Mike, My experience with GNU Radio on the Raspberry Pi has always had limitations but for many things it's fine. Certainly more optimized code can run better. The RPi's performance is more limited but significantly more power efficient.

It depends on what you're doing. Some things just need a bigger processor. I have another HL2 running a 10 band digital skimmer with SparkSDR that taxes an older i7.

I put the audio through Stereo Tool and try to keep the latency down. I've been testing gr-hermeslite2 on an Intel i9 in Virtualbox running Ubuntu 22.04 with a 20.04 host but I have since upgraded the host as well. It works but I'm still sorting out other python things that happened after the upgrade. If Windows support is possible I'd be interested.

Jayson AA7NM