Weekly Newsletter - June 15, 2025

Highlights

General

• Ángel asked about /mqtt. 🔗
• ON3XI shared “/mqtt”. 🔗

Technical Problems

• Carbexalide was testing module reception with correct cabling and clarified they’re verifying the cabling setup between the MCU and LoRa module, using a dedicated firmware to test and receive LoRa packets, not fine-tuning the setup. They later asked about setting up frequency SF/BR when sending a test frame and mentioned using a T-Beam version t22 v1.1 20191212, noting the vague default board naming in the config manager. 🔗
• Stefan/OE6ISP responded to Carbexalide noting that testing cabling in that manner is not effective, clarifying that a 50Ohm termination on the RX input would still receive, and emphasized the vast power difference between a test signal and satellite signals. They explained that cabling and antenna verification requires comparison with a second reference-RX tuned to the same satellite. They also added that verifying the LoRa chip to MCU connection works and suggested selecting a satellite on both stations and putting the stations in test-mode. They use lilygo lora32 V2 config. 🔗
• megazaic usually checks with another module in another part of the city using the ping-pong method and mentioned using Meshtastic signals from a neighboring country (~130 km), adding that the project is not yet in demand in their area. 🔗
  

Beta Firmware Testing

• Stefan/OE6ISP shared notes from recent beta-release tests in FSK mode and disabled the automatic frequency offset for the station, calibrating it to within +-50Hz accuracy. They found the current algorithm using Norbi as a reference is insufficient, suggesting that Norbi itself appears to be 2000Hz to 2300Hz low based on log entries from calibrated stations. They also provided corrections for all FSK satellites measured with the IC9700, noting that three satellites are significantly off the specified frequency. 🔗
  
  
• G4lile0 thanked Stefan/OE6ISP for the info and updated the frequency from Norby from 436.703 to 436.873 to see how it performs. They requested information about other satellites with stable frequencies, and mention they will be quite useful. 🔗

Featured Conversations

• This week’s activity includes general inquiries and technical problem discussions within the TinyGS community.
• Users continue to engage and share insights on topics ranging from MQTT functionalities to beta firmware testing.
• Discussions revolved around testing module reception, cabling setup verification, and the effectiveness of different testing methods.
• Beta firmware testing updates included observations on frequency offsets, the stability of Norbi as a reference satellite, and corrections for FSK satellites measured with the IC9700, aimed at improving packet reception.
• The community shares resources, asks questions, and collaborates on various aspects of the TinyGS project, fostering a collaborative environment.

What’s next

Join the TinyGS Telegram group to participate in discussions and contribute to the project’s growth. Your insights and contributions are highly valued!