HU Quality AM/FM RDS/RBDS Radio with Features

**Seth** · 10-18-2005, 07:50 AM

There was another tuner module production delay from Microtune's manufacturer in Phillipines...that's the 3rd in a row. Sorry guys we're trying to push them but it's hard (we're not exactly Rolls Royce or Alfa Romeo, a few of their OEM customers, to be in position to demand).
As for the FAQ, rando who maintains it, is a little busy these days. We'll update as soon as we'll be able to.

Cheers

**Seth** · 10-18-2005, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by Chris31

Production runs?

I thought the firmware for the MCU is not completed yet. Although they had a working model but from what I understood it only runs via I2C bus.

I think seths is aware that Im designing a homebrew PCB version of their CRAM project. Have done most of the component placement and routing but something is telling me that the published design will change very soon, it just didnt feel complete to me. It almost feel like its a test version, there are still too many headers for testing purposes.

In the meantime I have put the homebrew PCB version on hold until they can confirm a full working version.

No Im not gonna ask them guys Im just gonna wait

It is true that the MCU firmware is not yet complete but there is a reason for that. Also the plethora of headers you see onboard are there because of our effort to exploit every single usable option the hardware gives us. For example the TEST header gives you access to the tuner module's EEPROM which holds the alignment data. We certainly don't fully understand how to play with the stored values there but it's on option; why not have it?
Also the SERIAL header is directly connected to the reason the MCU firmware is not yet ready. This will not be discussed now.
Bottom line is that it is highly unlikely the design will change and everything you see onboard is there for a reason

Jim

**rando** · 10-19-2005, 01:26 AM

I'm not so busy I can't update the FAQ. The FAQ contains the latest status information on all 3 projects as I know it. As indicated in the FAQ, Racemier is solely responsible for the release of information regarding Projects A & B. In general we all learn of updates to his projects at the same time. My only involvement (as a courtesy to him) with his projects is to update the FAQ. If I've missed one of his updates, please PM me and I'll link it into the FAQ.

As for Project C - CRAM, Seth and I (ok, mostly Seth) are still working through the various production issues. Will something change? Possibly yes but hopefully not.

Will any of these solutions be available (fully tested and assembled) in 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year? Your guess is as good as ours (HINT: If you're guessing 1 week or 1 month then you haven't been paying attention or you didn't even bother to read the FAQ). We've provided the world with a solution we believe works. From here you have three options.

1) Take the information we've published and roll your own radio.
2) Wait for us (or anyone) to do something more (delivery date unknown)
3) Search for another solution.

**Vchat20** · 10-19-2005, 02:05 AM

just one hypothentical question here mainly related to the design of the board. if by some chance i decide to build my own radio based off of design C (which seth mentiond that he would freely release the design to anyone who pm'd him about it), how hard would these parts be to find (can the more intricate parts such as the tuner IC be had as free samples?) and how detailed is the board so that i can decide whether a simple soldering job is in order or i would need someone more proficient at soldering to build it.

**rando** · 10-19-2005, 09:05 AM

The tuner module we're planning to use is turning out to be more difficult to obtain that expected. I suspect your chance of getting a small quantity to be very small and chances of getting a free sample to be nil. As far as I know, the modules are available directly from the manufacturer only. That company does not appear to be set up to handle individual or hobbiest size orders. There is a similiar issue with the signal processor. It's available but (generally) not in small quantities unless you're willing to procure it through surplus IC dealers (usually) at a premium price.

It will take a reasonable proficiency at soldering high density surface mount components to assemble the board without damaging the PCB or components.

Combined this means that option #1 isn't going to work for too many people (probably none). We're aware of that and we're still pursuing option #2 (at whatever pace we can sustain). Option #3 is for anyone that can't manage option #1 and can't handle the uncertainty of option #2.

**Chris31** · 10-19-2005, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Vchat20

just one hypothentical question here mainly related to the design of the board. if by some chance i decide to build my own radio based off of design C (which seth mentiond that he would freely release the design to anyone who pm'd him about it), how hard would these parts be to find (can the more intricate parts such as the tuner IC be had as free samples?) and how detailed is the board so that i can decide whether a simple soldering job is in order or i would need someone more proficient at soldering to build it.

As rando said the tuner and the decoder chip are the hardest parts to get hold off. The decoder chip is not available in through-hole version, so that is probably the only parts you may have problem soldering.

I have already designed (80% done) a PCB that will take through hole parts except for the decoder chip. The board is single sided with only about 3 link wires. Of course the decoder chip is going to be placed underneath the board. This PCB version is a little bit bigger than the orginal design, but dont forget all the RCA sockets are on board.

As I said earlier I cannot complete the hobby version until it is confirmed that the firmware is fully functional. Reason being is that I wanted to remove as much un necessary parts possible. All I wanted on my PCB design is a USB support.

Heres what you can expect >>>

**RoyN** · 10-19-2005, 08:10 PM

Are you going to be producing this or making plans available?

The stuff that seth posted, is it fully working or is it missing firmware and stuff? that is a bit unclear to me, but I observe your concern so though Id ask....

I wonder what the quickest possible way to obtain a working unit would be... Waiting for seth's design to be available for online purchase somewhere, or waiting for your (Chris31) version to be available for purchase/plan download.

If you arent going to be producing, what will you be supplying? PCB layout and plans?

**Chris31** · 10-19-2005, 10:16 PM

Ill make the PCB layout, step-by-step plans available for everyone, no I dont intend selling PCBs, kits or completed units...its just my contribution to the community so be nice before I chaged my mind

As I said, it is targeted for those whos willing to build their own radio, main reason for hole through parts and single sided board design. Most likely a member called danceheaven will be the first person to build it, he got all the parts needed...I dont

Anyway, the plan is useless if seth wont publish the firmware and the windows apps. As far as I know non of it is available right now.

My part...Im just doing a homebrew PCB version of their project, nothing else nothing more and obviously cant continue until the SW side of it has been completed by the seths team.

If it come down to the worst and they decided not to publish anything then I may consider making my own firmware. All thats needed is a I2C-to-PC interface, serial or USB connections. Publishing a USB firmware may be a problem though, the PID/VID license must be obtained and that can cost quite a bit. For home/experimental uses only I guess its probably ok to use micochip/someone/non exsistent PID/VID numbers...I dunno. If the USB version is going to be a problem then I will have to change the HW design such that it is ready to connect to PC via serial port.

But then whos gonna do the windows apps? not me

Another issue is getting the tuner and the decoder, from what I heard it is almost impossible for a hobbyist, so again thats another problem. Solution is to find readily available parts, but im sure seths have already looked into that.

**RoyN** · 10-20-2005, 12:42 AM

Why dont you go with a Serial port for now, and then you can do it with a serial-usb cable... prolly a bit easier for the first versions... just an idea to KISS

**Putput** · 10-20-2005, 06:37 AM

I don't know if this is the right place to ask this question but do any of you guys (or girls) know about this module: Venice 3 FS 2022 or FS2023 from Frontier Silicon? It seems that everything is already there, FM, RDS, USB, controller and DAB. The site http://www.frontier-silicon.com/products/modules.htm doesn't give any datasheet or sales info and perhaps the receiving part isn't suitable for use in cars but it looks kinda promising, doesn’t it?