Upgrading SBS-1 with Ethernet Module

[airlomba]

Hello everyone,

I own a SBS-1 mkII (s/n 66xx)) since 2007 and I am very happy with it, logging 24/7.
However, I moved to a new home where I would need some extra meters of (expensive) coax between my SBS-1 and my antenna. In order to work around this I want to fit an ethernet module in my SBS-1 and put my SBS-1 just below my antenna (in an appropriate hermetic box).

I already have a Lantronix Xport-03 module (that I owned for other purposes) and already took a look at Jetvision/skyscrapers's solution, although I took a look at the SBS-1-EM module available from Kinetic.
So, I want to put my module inside my SBS-1, but I have the following thoughts:

1) Jetvision/skyscraper solution is not wanted because from what jetvision's website states: "after any complete power down you always need to have the USB cable in place to get the SBS up and running again" (in: http://jetvision.de/xport.shtml ). I don't want to get in the roof each time I have to restart my computer due to some Windows update or whatever.

2) The Kinetic solution plugs in another circuit points (really?), from the available pictures on the web, pin 1 and 2 of the header are GND and VCC repectively. On the module there is some voltage regulator (I bet it's for 3V3 generation for the Xport). But the flat cable has 6 other wires (8 in total). From these I think only 2 or 3 are needed (TX, RX and eventually some ENable ou ReSeT line).

So, the point of this post is to share with you all my progress, but at first, to gather the community for some schematics or pinout of either the header on SBS-1 or the pinout of the SBS-1-EM module.

One final note, I already updated my SBS-1 firmware to the 306 version. This SBS-1 is still working fine using USB.

Thank you all for your time and eventual help.
Best regards to all,
LOMBA, Emmanuel.

[Anmer]

There's a Guide here that shows you how to fit the Kinetic Ethernet Module.

If you still need help please ask.

http://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item16

[airlomba]

Hello Anmer,

Thank you very much for your reply.
Yesterday, after registering myself in the forum I downloaded the file you refered in your post, and took a quick look at it. Today, I read it carefully and unfortunately, it made clear to me that using the module provided by Kinetic and having the 306 firmware in the SBS-1 unit, one don't need the USB connection in order to fire-up the SBS-1.

Now, my main concern, in order to use my Xport unit and thus avoid to spend money on the Kinetic's module, is: Where do I connect the pins DATA IN and DATA OUT (at least) from my Xport module?

Best regards,
Emmanuel.

[Anmer]

OK, my misunderstanding.  You plan to fit your own Xport to the SBS-1?

This may help:

http://www.domoticaplaza.nl/sbs1/

[airlomba]

Hello Anmer,

Sorry for the delay in answering your last post and thank you for your help.
I come now to announce that I successfully installed my Xport module in my SBS-1 without the need of any extra component, and with the advantage that there is no need for USB at all (while Jetvision/skyscraper need USB connection to Basestation at startup time).

Now that I have all working good, I have to reassemble the stuff inside a waterproof box (IP67 is good) and mount the unit on my antena mast. Now, I'll have less than 50cm of coax in my setup.

Once I'll get this done, I'll post a DIY guide on the Internet.

Best regards to all,
Emmanuel.

[Anmer]

Did you follow the instructions from the link I posted?

[airlomba]

Did you follow the instructions from the link I posted?

Hello Anmer,

No, I didn't follow those instructions, because from what I've seen, you need to have your SBS-1 connected via USB everytime you want to do a restart of your system.

Also, my solution doesn't need any extra component such as diode or voltage regulator... Everything is already provided on the SBS-1 board: The 3.3V supply on the central pin of the LT1086 voltage regulator, the ground, the DATA IN and the DATA OUT signals are available on the 16 pin single row header. So, besides the SBS-1, you need only four wires and the Xport-03 module. Also, you must have the latest firmware in your box.

Once the connections are made, you can forget about USB. It's plug and play!
As I said in my previous post, I'll publish a complete tutorial once I finish to box and install my unit.
Meanwhile, I've been doing some tests for a suitable power supply, monitoring eventual heat on the voltage regulators. The unit works like a charm with 6V (the current consumption is about 0.5A with one blue LED lighted - my antena is in a window for now).

Please be patient for the tutorial. I already ordered the box for my unit and tomorow I should buy a mast. Hopefully, this week-end, I'll have everything up and ready.

Best regards,
Emmanuell

[Anmer]

Thank you Emmanuell

I'm sure everyone is looking forward to your tutorial.  But take your time.