I finally got the proper pinout completed and simpleSA boots up on screen, but errors out with "TX Si4432 Reset failed - _cs = 5", I had run across a post about this before but can not find it with any type of search now. I switched the connections between si4432's and get the same error. It seems to read the first si4432,giving "type ff, version ff, status ff, and always fails on resetting for the second. The post I read had a fix for this, does anyone have know where I can find such a post or fix?

Good progress.

The message indicates an issue with the SPI communication to the SI4432.? This is most likely to be wiring again, but could also be the SI4432 module itself.? There were some posts about this in the past but that turned out to be a dodgy solder joint.? In that instance the SI4432 was receiving commands correctly but not returning values.? As that particular SI4432 is used for transmit rather than receive the unit still functioned.
Unfortunately the type FF etc message indicates no communication back from the SI4432.
The TX (local oscillator)? is the first SI4432 to be tested - if it fails then nothing else is checked.? You should get a Red Fatal error box on the display with message "LO SI4432 failed to Initialise".?

It could be the bus is running a bit too fast for your wiring/modules - in my build I run the SPI at 10MHz but the modules are only specified for 8MHz.? In si4432.h you will find a line #define BUS_SPEED? 10000000.
Try changing this to a lower value, say 4000000 and then if that works try 8000000.? I found I had to remove one of the tiny caps on one of the SI4432 modules to reduce the loading on the bus when I had the tracking generator modules as well.? It was OK with just two SI4432.? The cap is on one of the SPI lines, I forget which - clock I think.

If you have a scope then take a look at the waveforms on the bus (probe on 10x).

Getting closer!

Dave

Hi John,
I had exactly the same error message.
Checking with a magnifying glass did not help. The Si4432 module has a distance of 1.27mm feet. I checked the adjacent legs with an Ohm meter and found a short circuit. I soldered the module again after desoldering and then cleaning the connections. So the barely visible (I can't remember which short between legs) short caused the above error message.
--
Gyula HA3HZ

Thank you Dave and Gyula, I will certainly check your suggestions out. Just got power back after 3 days outage, reason I haven't replied sooner. Am in process of building a new RF board with better traces and connections and including the tracking generator, with the switches for the filters.

Update, I checked everything and found a short between sdo and + 3.3 volt line, corrected and tried again, no go. I started a new rf board, this time on the same board as the control. I only have the rx-4432 and tx-4432 finished. The tg section follows next. The program booted up with the tracking rx and tx not initilised, and the screen showed normal operation. No filters are completed either, The wiring on my first rf board to the control board was the problem, I am awaiting delivery of more filters and resistors and capacitors and digital switches to finish the construction. I have placed a snapshot of the screen in photos to show the results.

added photo

Glad you have got it working.? Have you tried connecting the ref out to the input?? As shown the 15MHz ref signal is on? (REF 15 in the side status bar) so you should see signals at around -30dBm at 15MHz, and all the harmonics at 30, 45MHz etc.


If you touch the Ref area of the status bar you can change the ref frequency or turn it off.? Also available from the main menu/Output/Reference.

Well done.

Dave M0WID

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Not yet, today I connected the tg 4432's and they all are seen and loaded. I am now working on the filters and waiting for a few parts to be delivered. I am taking it section by section and testing as I go. Thanks for the info will use it when I finish the filters.

Dave, I tried the reference output and it displays similar to your photo snap with 15 mhz at 30 db and with the harmonics. I am waiting for another attenuator and a couple of other parts, and should see completion soon on it. The only error I now have is it now won't connect to the wifi, most likely an error on how I have the config arranged. I again thank you for all your help.
John.

Great work!

Check you have set your SSID and password details in my_SA.h.? Lines 30/31.

Dave M0WID

Thank you Dave, I set the ssid and password, still doesn't want to connect with my? netgear ac1900 smart wifi router, model r6900 v2. Could be something I am not doing right when trying to connect, still trying though.