A while back when i started operating on QO100 DATV i started using the HDMI ‘Chinese encoder’ box with an Adalm Pluto very successfully.
Although this was a reliable solution, the quality was a bit lacking at low bitrates.
Recently I’ve been using it for local qso’s via GB3KM and it works very well because we can use lower FEC and higher modulation rates to improve the video quality. The downside is all the cables all over the bench when in use!!!
I’ve decided to box this up to make it all nice, RS PRO 60x230x280? Enclosure.
Here’s a block diagram of how it’s all connected up:
The Pluto+, Encoder and Pico are all setup for Fixed IP addresses.
Control is via webpage on the Pluto (external LAN connection) or via the touch screen (still work in progress)
Planned touchscreen capabilities: Frequency, SR, Codec, HDMI Input/Quad, Tx level, Callsign, Status
I may also add an internal HDMI source for a testcard if I cant get the encoder box to do it.
I often use two HDMI cameras when out portable on QO100 so this could come in handy there too.
There should be a follow up post when it’s done*
*don’t hold your breath
