HL2 and CW Skimmer Server issue in decoding

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi!

I am a proud owner to two HL2 which I use for general monitoring with great success with SparkSDR and 10 rx gateware!

Since long time I have used Red Pitaya for CW/RTTY with great success with Skimmer Server!

Now it's possible to use HL2 for skimming CW/RTTY together with Skimmer Server.

I followed instructions per Using CW Skimmer with Hermes Lite 2 SDR by  M1GEO www.george-smart.co.uk/2020/12/using-cw-skimmer-with-hermes-lite-2-sdr/ . Always giving me Too many receivers! I am using the latest Gateware for 10 rx which should be possible as per M1GEO.

But M1GEO could not relate was Too may receiver was caused by!

Communication seems to be working ok between HL2 and SKimmer Server but not decoding.

Anyone having a idéa to help me out?

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Sven,

Can you try the latest stable 4RX/1TX main gateware? This should exclude any potential problems with the 10RX gateware.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi!

I do not find that gateware file! Could someone guide me where to find it?

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hi Sven,

I think this is the one https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/blob/master/gateware/bitfiles/stable/20201212_72p8/hl2b5up_main/hl2b5up_main.rbf

Steve please correct if I am wrong.

Also your screenshot of Skimmer Server looks like the HL2 is not connected to Skimmer Server.

A quick test, unplug the network cable from the HL2 and see if you get the same error.

I was only able to skim 8 bands even with the 10rx Gateware when I tried it.

It seems to be a limitation in the HermesIntf.dll file.
 73 - KV4TT - Mike

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi Mike!

Your advised .rbf seems to be the correct one.

I unpluged the network cable an I get the same error message.

I got advised it should work with newer gateware for 10 rx. I have not get higher than 8 rx with my Red Pitaya

I stay with your advised gateware and see if I find out something.

Do you have any clue what could making me getting Too many receivers? I have tried with 1 rx and 4 rx and also get too many receivers.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hi Sven,

If you select the "Skimmer" tab in Skimmer Server and it looks like my attached screenshot it means Skimmer Server is not finding or not connecting to the HL2. Instead of "Unknown HPSDR" it will look different when it connects.

I have had some success, but a lot of problems getting Skimmer Server working with the HL2. Search the posts here to see other comments.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi!

I have not found any solution of my problem yet.

I am looking for someone who tried  M1GEO www.george-smart.co.uk/2020/12/using-cw-skimmer-with-hermes-lite-2-sdr/ and got it working? Which version of gateware are you using?

Someone having a hint to get it working? I have followed M1GEO artikel fully. But you never knows if I have still have done something wrong.

Your assistance would be highly appreciated!

If we solve this problem there will be larger market for Hermes Lite 2. A replacement for Red Pitaya which has a much higher price than HL2.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Sven,

I recommend simplifying your setup first to see if it starts working. Use the main gateware with only 4 receivers. Make sure there is only one openhpsdr protocol1 radio connected and active on your network.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi Steve!

I use the gateware you advised earlier.

I disconnected the other HL2 and RP and restarted computer.

As I see in  M1GEO George article than he use " At the time of writing, testing/20201107_72p5 was the latest version that was recommended for more general use"  I can't get that gateware.

from "Steve Haynal KF7O’s project page for the Hermes-Lite2, under the gateware\bitfiles folder" !!!

I have sent M1GEO George 6 mail but only got one reply! He maybe think I am too nagging.

This is of great concern I get this working. If I get this working I will order my third HL2 to dedicate it for CW/RTTY.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[Duncan Clark]

Hi Mike,

Did you have any issues connecting to your HL2?

I am running the same firmware as M1GEO shows (72p5)and have the correct
.dll in the Skimmer Server folder but it cannot find my HL2. I even
tried putting my HL2's IP address in the dll name as per K3IT's
suggestion on his github but to no avail.

All my normal programs find my HL2 fine i.e. PowerSDR, SDR Console,
Spark etc.

Now the only thing I can think of is that I run my HL2's as a direct
connection on my computer with an APIPA IP address i.e. 169.254.19.221.

It maybe that Skimmer server/dll cannot use an APIPA IP address?

I will bring an HL2 back up to the house and plug it into my home router
so it gets a 192.168 .x.y address and see if it then all plays ball.

Duncan

In message <8cc49a2e-dfb9-457c...@googlegroups.com>,
mbz...@gmail.com writes

>If you select the "Skimmer" tab in Skimmer Server and it looks like my
>attached screenshot it means Skimmer Server is not finding or not
>connecting to the HL2. Instead of "Unknown HPSDR" it will look
>different when it connects.

--
Duncan Clark
G4ELJ

[Mike Zabel]

Hello Duncan,

Initially Skimmer Server would not connect with the HL2, I tried both direct connection and routed. I finally got it to connect when I was in the middle of trying different compatability settings, Win 7 I think worked, but then I had persistent errors where SS would try to write to forbidden memory location and crash.

At one point the memory errors stopped and I thought I had it working well, so I tried to duplicate on a different Win 10 machine to no avail. I tried a fresh install of Win 10 on two different machines to see if something else was conflicting with SS, no luck, no connection.

Last time I tried it was failing on the original machine too.

All Setups were under Win 10, pro, or home.

I tried different gateware. But I had it running on the circrx gateware with the watchdog timer disable capability. 

It is my opinion that the .dll needs the work of a Windows programmer with HL2 experience.

There are a couple on the group but I know it takes time and interest, and it is a hobby after all.

I will try again but am away from the shack till middle of next week.

Happy to try to answer further questions.

73 KV4TT Mike

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[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi Duncan and Mike!

Thanks for your answers!

Than I wasn't alone in the world to have the problem with HL2 to SS communication.

Hermesintf.dll from M1GEO is renamed to HermesIntf_61a2.dll.

I do not have any problems in communication between HL2 and SparkSDR version 2.0.4.8.

My Red Pitaya communicate to my Skimmer Server like a charm even in the toughest contest environment.

Tested with different gateware version with possibility to disable watchdog.

Mike was it with a  circrx (hermeslite.rbf) renamed to  hl2b5up_main.rbf  as proposed in the M1GEO a article?

I am running latest updates on Win 10.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[Mike Zabel]

Hello Sven,

When I was working with this I did not rename the .rbf or .dll files. Only once or twice I wanted to call the .dll something not too nice. :)

I hope we all can get it working. I too imagine it would lead to greater adoption of the HL2 in the CW skimming part of the hobby.

73, KV4TT-Mike

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[Steve Haynal]

Hi Sven,

If you want to try that exact version, it is in the archive area:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/tree/master/gateware/bitfiles/archive/20201107_72p5

73,

Steve

kf7o

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi Steve!

Bad luck, this version does not helped me either.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Sven,

I don't have easy access to a Windows system, so am not the best person to debug this.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hello Sven, Duncan, Steve,

I did get some time to work more with the HL2 and Skimmer Server.

I originally followed the instructions in the blog which was linked to in another thread here and got it working by trying different Windows compatibility settings,.... I think.

I still do not have an answer why it worked on one system and not others, but I did get it working by copying the program files from the working system to another.

Attached are screenshots of the program and user folders for Skimmer Server on a working system . One shows a logfile after I cleared the log and started the program with the HL2 discovered and working properly. I don't know why the log shows frequency setting two times, I only started the program once.

I am able to skim 8 bands at present using the stable variant of the 10rx gateware.

It only reports the correct frequency using the 192Khz band segmentation.

Questions or suggestions gladly accepted.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi Mike

Happy to hear that is life in this thread.

I am a really bad sleeping person so I do some ham work around 2 - 5 am every morning.

I have not had any progress in this issue putting a lot of time in it

This Friday morning I will make a new try! Possible try it on an other computer an also play with  compatibility settings . 

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hi Sven,

Stay with it and keep trying.

Also at one point I re-registerd the HermesIntf.dll in Win 10.

Here is a link with instructions for that if you don't know.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-register-a-dll-file-5354769e-f2c8-739e-9ee1-8c72423f88d3

I'm not sure if that is the problem, but it does no harm to try it.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi Mike!

Done some progress!

It's reading from HL2 but Skimmer Server showing "SDR FAilure: Timed out waiting for UDP data" Using gateware with possibillity to disable watchdog.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[Mike Zabel]

Hi Sven, 

Glad you made some progress.

I read back through the thread and noticed you have two HL2. Are you using them at the same time?

If so they need different mac addresses so they do not conflict.

73 - KV4TT - Mike 

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[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi Mike!

I have 3 rx on ip. diconnect 2 of them when trying cw skimmer server.

73 de sven sm6fmb

[Andre Kopfhammer]

Hi

I read this story with great attention.

I have an HL2 and cannot run skimsvr. See issue "cwskimsvr crashes vith access violation" dated 23.12.2020

Honestly, I'm a bit lost with all these versions of gateware.

A tutorial (step by step) with exact references of the software used would help me a lot.

I invested money in this hardware, with the aim of skimming on 8 HF bands. The goal is not reached, and I'm a bit disappointed.

Vy 73 of F5AHD

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Andre,

The most complete information on using CW skimmer and the HL2 I know of is:

https://www.george-smart.co.uk/2020/12/using-cw-skimmer-with-hermes-lite-2-sdr/

The above description also briefly covers updating gateware using Quisk.

Regarding gateware, please first try the stable 4 receiver gateware:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/tree/master/gateware/bitfiles/stable/20201212_72p8/hl2b5up_main

If that works and you want to try more than 4 receivers, then try this receive-only stable gateware:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/tree/master/gateware/bitfiles/stable/20201212_72p8/variants/hl2b5up_cicrx

Most people will want to use the latest stable gateware release as linked to above. The latest stable release can always be found at:

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

Only a few people have used CW skimmer. It is not one of the main supported programs. We need a volunteer to support it. For skimming FT8/JT9/WSPR, please try SparkSDR:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Software#sparksdr-and-group

73,

Steve

kf7o

[George Smart (M1GEO)]

For the record, I updated the page to include a bit more information about the 10-slice receiver bitfile, and also updated to the latest stable release when referencing files - these were not available when I originally wrote the article. I can confirm that 10-slice receive works with the latest files.

George M1GEO

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Thanks to you George for the in depth write-up in your blog. http://www.george-smart.co.uk/2020/12/using-cw-skimmer-with-hermes-lite-2-sdr/

I and some others have had a bit of trouble getting things to work, so I took it upon myself to modify and re-compile the K3IT code today.

It's my first attempt at such a thing but it is working and can be found at:

https://github.com/KV4TT/HermesIntf/releases/download/v1.0/HermesIntf.dll

Thanks also to Steve for posting on the code modification in an earlier thread and of course K3IT for the code to modify.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi!

People has this running but I am still unsuccessful doing that!

I am running a AMD Ryzen 3900X and I see that in very few cases this can be the error in some programs!

If you follow M1GEO instructions and use KV4TT compiled hermesintf.dll then it should work???

I appricate all help I can get as I am no technician, just a operator.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hi Sven,

My hardware here are all very modest 4 core machines, J5005 in this machine is what I have the skimmer running on, with CPU loads running 15-20% skimming 8 Bands. https://www.amazon.com/MINIX-Pentium-Windows-Dual-Band-Ethernet/dp/B082WBN2RF/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=j5005+minix+8gb%2B240&qid=1611922551&sr=8-2

Other processors I tried with are M3-7y30  in a machine like this https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Touch-Screen-Windows-Platinum/dp/B07KP6JFB3/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=microsoft+surface+pro+5&qid=1611922330&sr=8-5 

,and a 4th Gen I-5 mobile processor in a desktop all in one.

All have Gigabit Ethernet.

The code for the Hermesintf.dll is older, from Win 8.1 days, so it would be nice if someone with coding experience would bring it up to date.

Your processor is quite new so there may be that incompatibility you speak of.

It would be great if some people would test the current .dll and give feedback.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[Andre Kopfhammer]

Hi

First of all, thank you very much for this information.

I will test all this in the next few days and I will keep you informed of the results.

vy 73 of F5AHD, André

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hi All,

I was bothered that Sven could not get Skimmer Server working with my re-compiled .dll so I have done some more testing.

My previous testing was done on systems that either had successfully run the HL2 with Skimmer Server, or a system that had Visual Studio 2019 installed.

The cleanest system I have is the Minix Mini PC, but I had loaded VS 2019 on that to work on the Hermesintf.dll. So I uninstalled VS 2019 (actually used a recovery point) and now Skimmer Server would not run with the re-compiled .dll

I re-installed VS 2019 after methodically trying a long series of C++ redistributable packages to see if I could determine what dependency was missing. So far only re-installing VS 2019 makes it work again! 

Problem solved, but not to my liking. My other machines must have something installed that meets a dependency the .dll needs.

It's far from ideal, but if you want to try it you can download Visual Studio 2019 for free from Microsoft, I used the "Community" version.

https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads/

You don't have to even run VS Studio, it just needs to be there.

I think there must be some tools to scan the code to determine what dependencies must be met, but then I'm not sure how to do that anyway.

Hope this helps move the project along.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[Joe LB1HI]

Hi Mike,

Good job. Works well. In the currently ongoing ARRL 160 contest it has been noticed that it only decodes stations up to the 1840 kHz frequency.
Even though the  skimmer server window shows 192 kHz bandwidth.

73, Joe

[Joe LB1HI]

Addition to the previous post.
Lot of stations over 1840 kHz. (Not decoded)

[Alan Hopper]

Hi Mike,

have you tried properties/C/C++/Code Generation and setting runtime library to 'Multi-threaded (/MT)' this should build all dependencies into the dll.

73 Alan M0NNB

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hi Joe,

You can change the CW Segments in the SkimSrv.ini file.

It is located at C:\Users\your username\AppData\Roaming\Afreet\Products\SkimSrv

Depending on your Folder Options settings yo may have to enable viewing hidden folders as in the attached screenshot.

You can edit the SkimSrv.ini file in any text editor but you will have to first rename it with a .txt file extension.

After you have edited it, just rename it with the .ini file extension and you are good to go.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hi Alan,

I will give it a try!

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hello All,

I have published a new release of the HermesIntf.dll

The new release includes the dependencies that the V1.0 release was missing.

Thanks to Alan for helping me get it right.

You can download it here:

https://github.com/KV4TT/HermesIntf/releases/tag/V2.0

I will appreciate any feedback you may have.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[Mats Sundin]

Thanks for the efforts you guys put in this..

I got it working with the DLL from Mike..  Right now I'm using the regular RBF with 4 RX.

It's skimming like never b4 :-) 

Tomorrow I will try the 10 RX RBF...

73 - SM0FPR - Mats

[Mike Zabel]

Hi Mats, 

Thanks for the feedback. Glad its working for you. I'm having fun with it!

73 - KV4TT - Mike 

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[Joe LB1HI]

Hi Mike,
Thanks again :-) . Works perfect after editing SkimSrv.ini 

73`s from Norway
Joe, LB1HI

[Mike Zabel]

I'm glad its working well Joe.

Lots of activity to test the system tonight!

73 KV4TT Mike 

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[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi!

Thanks Mike for the  new release of the HermesIntf.dll. Skimmer Server, it works great since 8 hours back!

Since earlier working with QS1R, Red Pitaya and Multi-band CW Decoder/RttySkimServ.exe in combo, the new HermesIntf.dll doesn't work together with RttySkimServ.exe.

I have checked that SkimServer.ini and RttySkimServ.ini includes necessary equal parts but no success!

Thanks to all participate in this long thread and solved my CW issue. Now is just the RTTY issue left!

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[Joe LB1HI]

Yes exactly :-).
Is any way to set the RF gain for HL2 during CW skimming ?

73, Joe

[Mike Zabel]

Joe,

I think the gain does adjust automatically but I'm not sure how dynamic it is, maybe just at the startup. I read something about it somewhere, probably on k3it github.

Do you have overloading? Or gain seems to low.

I have a "broadcast band" hpf in line on mine.

I have seen overload at times without it.

There are lots of opportunities for someone to customize the dll for the HL2. Taking advantage of all 10 bands available in the gateware, gain control, controlling the HL2's hpf, and probably more if not thinking of right now.

73 KV4TT Mike 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/bf5abb01-31bf-4263-beba-d256c86387fcn%40googlegroups.com.

[Mike Zabel]

Sven,

Glad you got it working!

I have never experimented with the rtty skimmer.

You may be the resident expert here.

It sounds like you have quite a complex setup.

As I have described up thread, my setup is quite simple so I'm no sure I can help much.

73 KV4TT Mike 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/04a7cfaf-00d2-4109-b701-b838bc8fc592n%40googlegroups.com.

[John Williams]

I have a very small pcb with a BC filter on it. Uses the same style of SMT inductor as is used on the N2ADR board with some SMT caps. Works very well for me on 160M. Has SMA connectors and I also added some back to back diodes for more protection. You have to use it on RX only. I use it in conjunction with the low power output as my amplifier handles the T/R duties.

Willing to post it on Oshpark. Only costs around $2 for 3 boards, shipping included from that vendor.

John

W9JSW

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[Joe LB1HI]

Mike,
The gain is probably too low.

I compare it with various other receivers through parallel scans under two different call`s.

It gave the opportunity to compare dB results on the Reverse Beacon Network page.  And also to compare locally in the "Skimmer traffic" Aggregator software tab.

The receivers were compared by two at the same time, connecting to the same antenna via a splitter.

The HL2 performance was weaker than all other RX's by 4dB to 8dB.

73, Joe

[Mike Zabel]

Joe,

I know you probably use a good one, but I ask to be sure. Does your splitter have good isolation between ports? Impedance mismatch between the 2 rx can play havoc sometimes.

I have considered one of these to do such comparisons but have not pulled the trigger yet.

https://eladit.shop/en-gb/Splitter-per-antenna-ASA-16-p209053118

I did run the HL2 with the 10rx gateware in SDR console briefly and noticed higher gain with that, but maybe SDR console does not control that gateware the same as the 4rx/tx.

73 KV4TT Mike 

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[Joe LB1HI]

Mike,
yes the load impedance seen by  splitter output ports (input on receivers) are stabilized. So the port isolation is accordingly to this model design.

For this comparison test  I was using Mini-circuits model ZFSC-2-4.

73, Joe  

[Mike Zabel]

Joe,

Yes, that should enable a fair comparison.

I think you are correct in suspecting the gain setting.

I would like to duplicate your test, I have a similar Minicircuits splitter,  but presently I have no other rx that works with Skimmer Server.

I haven't looked much at Steve's HermesLite.py tool but maybe it can return the gain setting while Skimmer Server is running?

Its all fun to experiment with :)

73 KV4TT Mike 

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[Joe LB1HI]

PS. Actually not too low, but lower than all other receivers

[Joe LB1HI]

Mike,
Yes fully agree with you.

It will be nice and v. useful to have the possibility to control HL2 RF Gain / Att  during Skimmer Server operation.

73, Joe

[Duncan Clark]

Hi Mike,

Works perfectly providing one does not use an APIPA address.
I don't have DHCP min the shack but a fixed IP works for 192.168.1.xxx
or 192.168.2.xxx or 192.168.3.xxx ranges tested, all with either the
standard 72p8 gateware or the 10Rx gateware.

Now can it be made to work on 10 Rx's as opposed to 8?

DLL limitation or SkimmerServer itself?

Many thanks

Duncan

In message <83bf09f3-ff22-4736...@googlegroups.com>,
mbz...@gmail.com writes

>
>Hello All,
>
>I have published a new release of the HermesIntf.dll
>The new release includes the dependencies that the V1.0 release was
>missing.
>Thanks to Alan for helping me get it right.
>You can download it here:
>https://github.com/KV4TT/HermesIntf/releases/tag/V2.0
>I will appreciate any feedback you may have.
>
>73 - KV4TT - Mike

--
Duncan Clark
G4ELJ

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Duncan,

Even earlier today I had hopes of skimming 10 bands, so your message prompted me to go on a search.

I found a post from this group from a few years back-

https://groups.google.com/g/hermes-lite/c/N130G9MEJwE/m/Q3ahYj1AXV4J

so, sorry to say it is a limitation of Skimmer Server, not the DLL.

Also, to quote from the K3IT Readme.md on his Github- https://github.com/k3it/HermesIntf

"The Interface will attach to the SDR that responds first to the Discovery Packet. However, it's possible to "lock" the DLL to a particular MAC or IP address. To do that HermesIntf.dll should be renamed as follows:

HermesIntf_.dll e.g. HermesIntf_192.168.111.222.dll

-or-

HermesIntf_<last 2 bytes of the MAC>.dll
eg. HermesIntf_693c.dll, HermesIntf_0B63.dll etc

This is useful if you have multiple boards. Note CWSL_Tee.dll works only with the MAC address filters. You can save multiple copies of the DLL in the skimserver directory for connecting to different SDRs. They will appear as separate entries in the Receiver dropdown list"

Thank You for the feedback Duncan.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Joe,

I found this info on the K3IT Github https://github.com/k3it/HermesIntf regarding gain control.

"The ADC overload is managed using the following algorithm: In case of an ADC overflow the step attenuator is incremented by one db every 100ms until the overload goes away or we run out of the attenuation range. In the absence of overload the attenuator is decreased 1db every 10s, until it's back to zero or the overflow bit re-appears. In a high power environment the ATT will "teeter" +/-1db every 10s."

I wonder though if this works on the Original Hermes and maybe not on the HL2?  

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[mbz...@gmail.com]

Hi John,

FB on the BC filter! 

I wonder what amp you are using?

I have been considering this one to use with the low power output.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CASED-10W-HF-PA-10-watts-13-5v-HF-amplifier-for-HAM-radio-CW-SSB-FM-WSPR/332848865480?hash=item4d7f56a0c8:g:CycAAOSwoM5bzLHk

I need to use a dedicated receive antenna here because my transmit antenna must hide in the attic due to restrictions, and as a result it is quite noisy on rx.

I have a stealthy Wellbrook loop in the back yard. All my receive is done on that.

Right now I'm using a T/R switchbox to get the rx antenna connected, but I have tested a bit using the low power output and the rx antenna connected to the ANT port.

It seems smoother to operate CW that way. Just need more power.

No LPF on the Ebay amp though so it may just be a driver for another amp.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

[Steve Haynal]

Hi George, Mike and Group,

Thank you *very much* for your work to make CW skimmer work with the HL2. I have added some links to the software wiki page:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Software#cw-skimmer

Please feel free to update or enhance that information.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi!

I wonder if someone in this thread have any idé why Skimmer Server and Rtty Server works so well on a Red Pitaya and Skimmer Server and RTTY Server on a Hermes Lite 2 doesn't work at all? Something must be missing in the code regarding RTTY in the new compiled K3IT code HermesIntf https://github.com/KV4TT/HermesIntf/releases/tag/V2.0 . This HermesIntf v2.0 works indeed very well on CW thanks to KV4TT Mike!

I am using Windows 10 with the latest updates on a AMD Ryzen 3900X and the latest gateware for 10 rx.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

[Duncan Clark]

Hi Mike,

I had tried the IP address in the DLL name and it still would not work
with the APIPA address. I never tried the MAC address though. Will give
it a go.

I have asked Alex if it is possible for him to increase CW Skimmer
Server to 10 bands.

Duncan

In message <2cef7fad-e62e-4b0e...@googlegroups.com>,
mbz...@gmail.com writes

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[Mike Zabel]

Duncan,

I hope the MAC address method will work, I have at times used APIPA too.

It would be really nice to be able to skim 10 bands with one rx. I hope Alex reply Positively!

73 KV4TT Mike 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/Y1Hl%24tWr%2BHGgFw6n%40ntlworld.com.

[svem...@gmail.com]

Hi George!

I was following your "using-cw-skimmer-with-hermes-lite-2-sdr" and tried to use your HermesIntf.dll but was unsuccessful. Then I tried KV4TT Mike compiled version 2 and then it was working perfect.

Now I have question, was your HermesIntf.dll built/coompiled from version by K3IT? If so why is not RTTY Server working as K3IT version of HermesIntf with Red Pitaya/HermesIntf with CW Decoder/RttySkimServ.exe combo?

I am using Windows 10 with the latest updates on a AMD Ryzen 3900X and the latest gateware for 10 rx.

I was in ontact with KV4TT Mike and he said he have never experimented with the rtty skimmer. Have you?

73 de Sven SM6FMB

73 - KV4TT - Mike 

On Fri, Jan 22, 2021, 12:08 AM svem...@gmail.com <svem...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Mike!

Done some progress!

It's reading from HL2 but Skimmer Server showing "SDR FAilure: Timed out waiting for UDP data" Using gateware with possibillity to disable watchdog.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

torsdag 21 januari 2021 kl. 23:02:48 UTC+1 skrev mbz...@gmail.com:

Hi Sven,

Stay with it and keep trying.

Also at one point I re-registerd the HermesIntf.dll in Win 10.

Here is a link with instructions for that if you don't know.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-register-a-dll-file-5354769e-f2c8-739e-9ee1-8c72423f88d3

I'm not sure if that is the problem, but it does no harm to try it.

73 - KV4TT - Mike

73 - KV4TT - Mike

On Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 9:18:27 AM UTC-5 svem...@gmail.com wrote:

Hi Mike!

Your advised .rbf seems to be the correct one.

I unpluged the network cable an I get the same error message.

I got advised it should work with newer gateware for 10 rx. I have not get higher than 8 rx with my Red Pitaya

I stay with your advised gateware and see if I find out something.

Do you have any clue what could making me getting Too many receivers? I have tried with 1 rx and 4 rx and also get too many receivers.

73 de Sven SM6FMB

torsdag 7 januari 2021 kl. 14:20:57 UTC+1 skrev mbz...@gmail.com:

Hi Sven,

I think this is the one https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/blob/master/gateware/bitfiles/stable/20201212_72p8/hl2b5up_main/hl2b5up_main.rbf

Steve please correct if I am wrong.

Also your screenshot of Skimmer Server looks like the HL2 is not connected to Skimmer Server.

A quick test, unplug the network cable from the HL2 and see if you get the same error.

I was only able to skim 8 bands even with the 10rx Gateware when I tried it.

It seems to be a limitation in the HermesIntf.dll file.

 73 - KV4TT - Mike

On Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 4:47:01 AM UTC-5 svem...@gmail.com wrote:

Hi!

I do not find that gateware file! Could someone guide me where to find it?

73 de Sven SM6FMB

torsdag 7 januari 2021 kl. 06:47:23 UTC+1 skrev softerh...@gmail.com:

Hi Sven,

Can you try the latest stable 4RX/1TX main gateware? This should exclude any potential problems with the 10RX gateware.

73,

Steve

kf7o

On Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 6:51:34 PM UTC-8 svem...@gmail.com wrote:

Hi!

I am a proud owner to two HL2 which I use for general monitoring with great success with SparkSDR and 10 rx gateware!

Since long time I have used Red Pitaya for CW/RTTY with great success with Skimmer Server!

Now it's possible to use HL2 for skimming CW/RTTY together with Skimmer Server.

I followed instructions per Using CW Skimmer with Hermes Lite 2 SDR by  M1GEO www.george-smart.co.uk/2020/12/using-cw-skimmer-with-hermes-lite-2-sdr/ . Always giving me Too many receivers! I am using the latest Gateware for 10 rx which should be possible as per M1GEO.

But M1GEO could not relate was Too may receiver was caused by!

Communication seems to be working ok between HL2 and SKimmer Server but not decoding.

Anyone having a idéa to help me out?

73 de Sven SM6FMB

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[Andre Kopfhammer]

Hi Steve

Following your answers in the post dated Jan. 28, 2021, 21:25:35, I finally found the time to do some tests.

I tried to follow carefully step by step the tutorial described by George M1GEO

By following the link for the 4RX/TX version I get the file hl2b5up_main.rbf

By following the link for the 10RX version I get the file hl2b5up_cicrx.rbf

I tried the update gateware with SparkSdr as described in the tutorial.

The update is done without any problem and without any error message, the ON button disappears, you have to restart HL2 to see this button again.

However something is wrong as there is no update of the gateware.

Firmware Version remains at 70 and Firmware Patch remains at 0 in both cases, see the attachment.

In both cases everything seems to be working properly, normal after all since no changes have been made.

I also noticed that the HermesIntf.dll version of KV4TT is no more awailable in Git.

I don't know what else to do ... except to switch to RedPitaya for skimming.

73 de F5AHD, André

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Le jeudi 28 janvier 2021 à 21:25:35 UTC+1, softerh...@gmail.com a écrit :

[Roger Critchlow]

I found the HermesIntf.dll on the github, I guess the release url is broken.

Go to https://github.com/KV4TT/HermesIntf/, click on HermesIntf.dll in the files listing, click on the download button.

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[Steve Haynal]

Hi,

I added links to the wiki a few days ago. I just checked and I could download the .dll from the link:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Software#cw-skimmer

73,

Steve

kf7o