[hpsdr] Penelope versus Penny(Lane)

[Chris Smith]

Jim

I believe you have it essentially right but the wrong way round, if I’m reading your description correctly.

Penelope adjusts output power using digital input to the DAC reducing resolution in the process. Pennylane adjusts output power by adjusting the voltage reference to the DAC thus preserving full resolution.

I recently resurrected my Atlas based set up after a couple of years hiatus due to ill health (cardiac arrest followed by CPR and defibrillation)  and I’m still enjoying the set-up.

Cheers & 73

Chris G4NUX

> On 15 Jun 2024, at 12:29, Jim Sanford <wb4gcs at wb4gcs.org> wrote:
> 
> ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****
> 
> Going back MANY years, my memory is as follows:
> 
> Penny(lane) adjusts output power using digital input to the DAC. This
> effectively reduces the number of bits at low powers, which reduces
> resolution.
> 
> Penelope adjusts output power by adjusting the voltage reference to the
> DAC, allowing full resolution using all bits in the DAC. ALLEGEDLY, this
> provides a cleaner signal at low powers than Penny.
> 
> That is what I remember, standing by to be corrected by those smarter
> than me.
> 
> Related but maybe off topic:
> 
> When I want low power (like to drive a 1.5KW amp with high gain), i put
> an attenuator between the exciter and the PennyWhistle amp. This lets me
> run the exciter closer to MAX, but still get whatever power I want to
> drive the amplifier.  Max output from the exciter board is 0.5W, so you
> don't need expensive attenuators.
> 
> Good luck and 73,
> 
> Jim
> 
> wb4gcs at amsat.org
> 
> 
> On 6/15/2024 7:16 AM, George Byrkit wrote:
>> ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****
>> 
>> Dear Merv,
>> 
>> They are 'essentially' the same, but are different.  They do take the same firmware.  There is usually one checkbox, and in some software it may say 'Penny/Penelope' or similar.
>> 
>> I've seen 0 for version numbers before...
>> 
>> Since you are using an Atlas bus, boards must be in adjacent slots (no empty slots), and the 'I2C' jumpers need to be fitted to the boards so that some signals pass thru.  This is required to be able to interrogate the boards and get back a version number.  If you have an incompatible firmware set (among Ozy/Magister/Metis, Penny/Penelope, and Mercury), then the signals may not pass thru properly.
>> 
>> I'm not sure where the exact info is, as I'm re-configuring computers these days.
>> 
>> 73,
>> George K9TRV
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Hpsdr <hpsdr-bounces at lists.openhpsdr.org> On Behalf Of Mervyn Thomas
>> Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2024 5:06 AM
>> To: hpsdr at lists.openhpsdr.org
>> Cc: Fritz Berrer <tmi at aussiebb.com.au>
>> Subject: [hpsdr] Penelope versus Penny(Lane)
>> 
>> ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> I'm using PowerSDR OpenHPSDR mRX PSv3.4.9(3/19/18) and the setup
>> selection tabs where one chooses which boards are mounted  refers to
>> Penny(Lane) only and shows the version firmware as 0.0.
>> 
>> Are Penny(Lane) and Penelope the exact same thing please?
>> 
>> 73,  Merv  VK6BMT
>> 
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