New firmware for RX-888

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DR53
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Oct 17, 2020 11:40 am

New firmware for RX-888

#1

Unread post by DR53 »

For anyone interested, Franco Venturi has just released a new test firmware for the RX-888 on the other forum: https://groups.io/g/NextGenSDRs/message/215?reply=1

Out of curiosity I renamed it to BBRF103_SE as before, and it works very well in SDRC, with crash-free stop-starts and bandwidth changes up to 32MHz (although it should also do 64MHz when Simon enables it). The only drawback is that the gain is set very low - I could only find two BC stations, on 7220kHz and 5960kHz, which were audible - but I imagine that that is a trivial matter to sort out :).

It would appear from reading the latest thread in the NextGenSDR group that the USB Power related crashes initially experienced with SDRC were caused by an incorrect MaxPower setting in the firmware file used by SDRC, which called for more than the maximum 900mA capability of the ports, hence the crashes and "Maximum Power Exceeded" messages on startup.

Regards,
Dave

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Simon G4ELI
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Re: New firmware for RX-888

#2

Unread post by Simon G4ELI »

DR53 wrote: Wed Nov 25, 2020 12:01 am For anyone interested, Franco Venturi has just released a new test firmware for the RX-888 on the other forum: https://groups.io/g/NextGenSDRs/message/215?reply=1

Out of curiosity I renamed it to BBRF103_SE as before, and it works very well in SDRC, with crash-free stop-starts and bandwidth changes up to 32MHz (although it should also do 64MHz when Simon enables it). The only drawback is that the gain is set very low - I could only find two BC stations, on 7220kHz and 5960kHz, which were audible - but I imagine that that is a trivial matter to sort out :).

It would appear from reading the latest thread in the NextGenSDR group that the USB Power related crashes initially experienced with SDRC were caused by an incorrect MaxPower setting in the firmware file used by SDRC, which called for more than the maximum 900mA capability of the ports, hence the crashes and "Maximum Power Exceeded" messages on startup.

Regards,
Dave
Dave,

Is it usable with no attenuation? Please post a screenshot, I don't have a RX888.
Simon Brown :shock:
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Do not send me direct e-mail, thank-you!

DR53
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Oct 17, 2020 11:40 am

Re: New firmware for RX-888

#3

Unread post by DR53 »

Hi Simon,

Only the very strongest signals show up in the SW bands, nothing at all in the MW band - see attached.

Regards,
Dave
Attachments
31m band- new fw.jpg
31m band - earlier fw.jpg
MW with new fw.jpg
MW with earlier fw.jpg

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Simon G4ELI
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Re: New firmware for RX-888

#4

Unread post by Simon G4ELI »

Ah,

I think I read about a change in this logic. A RX888 is on its way to me, I'll get this sorted out when it arrives, until then we'll have to stay with the original firmware.
Simon Brown :shock:
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Do not send me direct e-mail, thank-you!

DR53
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Oct 17, 2020 11:40 am

Re: New firmware for RX-888

#5

Unread post by DR53 »

Many thanks indeed, Simon!

Regards,
Dave

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Simon G4ELI
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Re: New firmware for RX-888

#6

Unread post by Simon G4ELI »

RX999 arrived, works OK. Will try new image and update support today/tomorrow.
Simon Brown :shock:
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NO6B
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Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 7:06 am

Re: New firmware for RX-888

#7

Unread post by NO6B »

RX999? I can't find any references to this; what are the differences from the RX888?

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Simon G4ELI
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Re: New firmware for RX-888

#8

Unread post by Simon G4ELI »

NO6B wrote: Fri Dec 11, 2020 2:22 am RX999? I can't find any references to this; what are the differences from the RX888?
None, just a typo, didn't have my glasses on. Have eye floaters, can be a right royal PITA at times.
Simon Brown :shock:
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Simon G4ELI
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Re: New firmware for RX-888

#9

Unread post by Simon G4ELI »

Working on RX888 today, tried the new image but really do not understand what has been changed :( .

I may have to release 3.0.26 with the original image, the RX888 team want to send me some code today / tomorrow so maybe this will explain what's happened.
Simon Brown :shock:
www.sdr-radio.com

Do not send me direct e-mail, thank-you!

mstangelo
Posts: 14
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2020 11:24 am

Re: New firmware for RX-888

#10

Unread post by mstangelo »

Simon,

I have been successfully using the 3.0.26 Build 2055 with my RX-888. What new features will be available in the December 14 release?

Mike N2MS

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