Compile and upload the bitstream

[Rafael Diniz]

Hi everybody,

I managed to buy an HL2 with N2ARD filter bank from Nir! As a start, do
you recommend any specific Quantus version to compile the fpga code?
Which project should I use (there are many variants listed in git)?

To upload the bitstream to the fpga should I buy any hardware?

Cheers,
Rafael PU2UIT

[Duncan Clark]

Hi Rafael,

Assuming you are trying to update the gateware

Go for the latest stable build 73p2 - no need to compile anything.

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/blob/master/gateware/bitfiles/stable/20210730_73p2/hl2b5up_main/hl2b5up_main.rbf

Use SparkSDR or Quisk to update the gateware.

Duncan

G4ELJ

[Matthew]

I think if Rafael has got a board made up by a fab house he will need to program the FPGA using Intel/Altera tools to start with (then can use Spark etc.).

This video talks through this process:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m2kUmod0yQ&t=288s

Files here are a good starting point:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/tree/master/gateware/bitfiles/stable/20210730_73p2/hl2b5up_main

No compiling should be need iirc. While I think you can get the programmer software separately, I think it is just easier to download the latest version of Quartus.

Steve may have better guidance.

73 Matthew M5EVT.

[Matthew]

Having seen that this is probably a purchase of an HL2 that was for sale on the list, Duncan's advice is probably valid.

73 Matthew M5EVT.

[Rafael Diniz]

Hi Matthew,

I don't want just to update the fpga bitstream, but also play with the
Verilog code. I managed to build the project with Quartus, all good. So
I buy a USB Blaster and start from "hl2b5up_main" project, right?

Btw, which pins are "free" for use in the HL2? Where should I look for them?

Cheers!
Rafael

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[Steve Haynal]

Hi Rafael,

The standard build flow is Makefile based. The Quartus .qpf project is provided for special cases when one might want to look at the project in a GUI. On a Linux system:

1. Make sure quartus_sh is in your path. I am currently using 20.1.

2. Go to the main variant area: cd Hermes-Lite2/gateware/variants/hl2b5up_main

3. make

The results are in the build subdirectory. Several formats of the FPGA image are created. Most of the time people update over the network with Quisk, SparkSDR or hermeslite.py. The .rbf format, build/hermeslite.rbf, is used for this.

No USB Blaster is required. Given the many clones on the market, people have problems finding one which always works for the different OSes. The HL2 contains a factory image so it is very difficult to corrupt the FPGA eeprom. If you do, you can reprogram the factory image with a Raspberry Pi. This is what Makerfabs does, and the RPi image includes all the factory tests.

Most of the information about the HL2 is on the wikis or this group. You can search this group on the main web page. Please take a look at these wiki pages:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Raspberry-Pi-Test-and-Program

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Updating-Gateware

The central site is www.hermeslite.com with links to most important information. You can find a link to the schematic there to identify how FPGA pins are used. There are very few free pins.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Rafael Diniz]

Thanks Steve!

Perfect, updating over the Ethernet is wonderful, tks. Btw, the gateware
already has support for the N2ARD filterbank?

I'm looking at the schematics. In our previous trx (using the uBitx) [1]
I used some pins (from the uBitx arduino) to read the sampled fwd and
reflected power from a SWR bridge and a couple of pins to power a couple
of leds in the radio box. I can see a header in the HL2 - hopefully I
can use some of that pins.
; )

Last question - which PA do you recommend to get around 50 W out?

[1]
https://www.rhizomatica.org/app/uploads/2018/06/20210905_201409-SMALLER.jpg


73,
Rafael PU2IUT

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[Steve Haynal]

Hi Rafael,

Yes, there is native support for the N2ADR filter board.

Many people like the HardRock-50 PA with the HL2. Some people have made inexpensive PAs from China work. This PA looks interesting and inexpensive if you are only targetting one band. I'm a QRP guy and don't use a PA. Maybe others will chime in.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Rafael Diniz]

Thanks Steve!

In the case of using an external PA, can I somehow connect the amp to
the fwd/ref measurement circuitry of the N2ARD (and properly calibrate
the levels)? Also, for using digital per-distortion, I just need a low
level RF output sample to connect to the HL2 right?

Btw, my HL2 did not arrive yet, but I see two RF ports in the board. For
half-duplex operation, can I use the same port for TX or RX or I need a
frontend to switch one antenna between TX and RX ports? Can I also use
the HL2 in full-duplex mode by using the two ports separately?

Cheers,
Rafael

On 1/13/22 22:55, Steve Haynal wrote:
> Hi Rafael,
>

> Yes, there is native support for the N2ADR filter board.
>
> Many people like the HardRock-50

> <https://www.hobbypcb.com/index.php/products/hf-radio/hardrock-50-hf-power-amp> PA

> with the HL2. Some people have made inexpensive PAs from China work.

> This PA <https://www.qrp-labs.com/50wpa.html> looks interesting and

> <https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Raspberry-Pi-Test-and-Program>
>
> >
> https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Updating-Gateware <https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Updating-Gateware>

>
> >
> > The central site is www.hermeslite.com

> <http://www.hermeslite.com> with links to most important

> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/57ac89dc-fbf3-4ef1-96ea-384d4be5b6a0n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer
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[radi...@mail.com]

Rafael

See the Wiki regarding the RF ports:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/External-Connections

RF1 and RF2 already appear as SMA sockets on the N2ADR board. RF3 you need to pick up on the header and bring to rear panel socket if you have a use for it. I personally use RF1 and RF3 to connect transverters, RF2 to feed antenna or linear amp for normal use on HF. But the options are fully explained in the Wiki link:

Max

On Friday, 14 January 2022 at 06:50:16 UTC Rafael Diniz wrote:

Thanks Steve!

[Rafael Diniz]

Thanks Max!

So RF2 (ANT Port) already "has" a TR switch in the pipeline. Perfect.
Every time I read the manual I get crazy... Past read was digital
pre-distortion (called Pure Signal I think), and now EER (E/P) output! I
hope to able to convince some friends at Rádio Nacional da Amazônia to
connect my HL2 to their new 100 kW HF transmitter with E/P input.
: )

Rafael

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