DSDPlus Fastlane + SDRPlay SDRdx : FMPP Crashing

[dsalomon]

Hi all. Just getting started using DSD+ Fastlane (actually, had Fastlane subscription for years, but just getting around to playing with it). Decoding using VAC from SDRUno and RSPdx works fine, both for CC and VC. That was first test, just to ensure DSD+ working OK in my setup.

No trying to use FMPP to control and use RSPdx as audio source. When I fire up FMPP, I get the attached error. Here's my FMPP.cfg file:

2234050547 ; SDRPlay serial number list
3 ; sampling rate (3 Msps)
1024 ; spectrum window width
32 ; FFT size (16k, 32k, 64k)
10 ; spectrum update rate in Hz
5000 -6250 7500 12500 15000 25000 100000 ; step size table; units = Hz; negate default
. ; DSD+ path
.\FreqList.csv ; primary frequency list CSV path\filename
.\FreqList2.csv ; auxiliary frequency list CSV path\filename
miles and bearing ; miles or kilometers
99.9 ; search distance
19.7163 -155.6241 ; search origin

I'm guessing at the values for the CFG file - used one I found elsewhere (don't recall where) and modified for my S/N.

I have the latest DSD+ Fastlane and (I think) all the correct DLLs, CFG, BAT files. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks and 73 - David, AG4F

 

[wgbecks]

Hi all. Just getting started using DSD+ Fastlane (actually, had Fastlane subscription for years, but just getting around to playing with it). Decoding using VAC from SDRUno and RSPdx works fine, both for CC and VC. That was first test, just to ensure DSD+ working OK in my setup.

Your fmpp.cfg file is fine as long as you have entered your RSPdx serial number correctly. The bigger question is what version of
Windows are you using? DSD+FL's support for the SDRPlay is way behind and will probably never see an update as there haven't been
any updates for a year now.

With that, I have been able to get the RSPdx working on Windows 11, but's it's flakey, I will explain further. If running on
Windows 11, you’ll need to download and install SDRplay_API-Windows-3.11 and be sure to follow the instructions presented by
the API installer. Next, copy sdrplay_api.dll into your DSDPlus folder that is supplied as a part of the DSDPlusBaseFiles collection.

Now the flakey part. I have found with my Windows 11 installation that when starting RSPdx on a 700/800 MHz frequency
that it will not receive any signals. I have to first enter something in the VHF band, usually a NOAA WX frequency and then
go back and enter my 700/800 MHz control channel frequency before it starts working.

You'll probably have a better experience using an Airspy or one of the better RTL SDR's.

Local P25 Phase-1 TRS on the RSPdx

 

[dsalomon]

Using Win 11 PRO. I followed your instructions to the letter, but getting the same error message. FMPP gets to where sampling rate is displayed, then the error message. I'm sure the S/N is correct. I re-attached the error with the entire FMPP display shown this time. I tried using just FMPP.exe, and the VC and CC batch files, all produce the same result. It seems to be opening the RSPdx OK, it just doesn't run without the error and subsequent close. One thing I'm curious about is the API DLL version. The one from the base file zip is dated 4/14/20 (which I ensured is the one in the DSDPlus folder, per your instructions). The ones installed in the SDRPlay folder in Program files are dated 9/6/22 (both the 32 and 64 bit folders). Does that match what you have?

Thanks very much for the quick response and suggestions.

73 - David, AG4F

 

[wgbecks]

As a test, try executing FMPP.EXE without any arguments. I get the same error message until the RSPdx has been initialized but seems to
run upon a subsequent attempt. I believe this behavior is caused by the out-of-date Version 3.07 sdrplay_api.dll that's supplied with DSDPlus
operating with the much newer SDRplay_API-Windows-3.11.

Open the Device Manager and expand Software Defined Radio. Double click SDRPlay RSPdx and select the Events tab
where you can verify the device serial number as it’s displayed in the Information section against your fmpp.cfg file.

 

[dsalomon]

I get the same error regardless of how I try to run it - either VC.bat, CC.bat or FMPP.exe. I also tried running FMPP.exe as Administrator with the same results. This is interesting - when I looked in Device Manager, the events tab shows device not started (see attached). Then I ran SDRUno, which ran fine (always has). Looking at Device Manager again shows correctly (device started, with the correct serial number). However, FMPP still gets the same error. Just to be sure, I changes the serial number in FMPP.cfg, which caused it to crash sooner, stating that the device could not be opened, which is what I expected, so I know it's opening the RSPdx OK.

My FMPP.exe is dated 10/14/21, size is 173KB. Does that match yours?

Again - thanks for the help.

 

[wgbecks]

You could try to uninstall, reboot, then reinstall SDRplay_API-Windows-3.11 to see if that make any difference. As noted, mine
also fail with the same error message the first time that I start FMPP but then runs fine upon a subsequent attempt.

How about antivirus software running on your computer? Try shutting it down.

I will comment that the RSPdx doesn't play nearly as well as do my Airspy or NooElec RTL's do up on 700/800 MHz but works
reasonably well on the lower bands.

 

[dsalomon]

I already tried uninstall/reinstall and turning off virus protection. I'm not ready to give up on the RSPdx yet, but getting close. I'd hate to have to buy yet another SDR just for this software, but RTLs are cheap. I already have half a dozen SDRs for various purposes.

 

[dsalomon]

OK, crying uncle. I give up. I've spent enough time messing with this. I just ordered an Airspy R2. Now heading over to the RF Space Groups.io to post my NetSDR for sale (I haven't used it in months anyway).

Thanks for the help.

73 - David, AG4F

 

[dave3825]

Did you try the sdr on an different usb port?

 

[wgbecks]

The OP's RSPdx works fine with SDRUno but not with DSDPlus FL under Windows 11 Pro that works with SDRPlay API 3.11 and whereas
the interface supplied with DSDPLus FL is an outdated version 3.07 DLL file.

 

[dsalomon]

Tried that, too. The problem didn't appear to be with the radio, as FMPP got past the point where it opened / started the radio.

I really like the flexibility and options of the software, so I'm going to get to the point where I can use, it will just have to be with the Airspy R2 instead of the RSPdx. I have the RSPdx set up with a Bodnar GPS external reference, which is why I initially wanted to use that one, but I'm sure the Airspy will work fine. I have several trunking scanners (SDS100, BCS436HP, BCS536HP), but want to use this software for help identifying signals, as it does more than any of those.

I did try a different version of the DLL, which got farther. However, it wouldn't actually tune the RSPdx, plus more importantly I couldn't use SDRUno with that version. I have to be able to keep using SDRUno, so I had to revert back to the version supported by that.

I have not tried running this setup on a different OS, which I can do in a VM. I'm currently using Win 11 PRO. I can try it under Win 10, 7, and/or XP. Maybe I'll do that just for the sake of tinkering with it after I have everything working the way I want with the Airspy.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[dsalomon]

Thought I'd give you guys an update. I received my Airspy R2 yesterday. Hooked it up this morning. Created a .BAT file with the correct S/N. Fired it up and everything working great. Currently monitoring my local county P25/P2 system using a single device for CC/VC and the "Voice/Data Call Following" option. Very pleased with this. It rivals my SDS100.

Now I have to figure out how to create the appropriate data files to get alpha displays that give me correct information about what is being decoded. So, a question - is there a way to take existing SDS100 files and convert them to the correct format for DSD+? Just thought I'd ask here before I go through the trouble of manually creating and/or converting. I haven't done any research on this question yet, so the answer might be out there and easy to find - just wanted to throw it out here, too.

Thanks again for your help!

73 - David, AG4F

 

[dave3825]

is there a way to take existing SDS100 files and convert them to the correct format for DSD+?

If its a P25 trunked system and its in the database, you can download dsdplus formatted files in the downloads section of the system. If not, and your good with Excel, you could copy the data out of Sentinel and manipulate it in Excel into the proper format.

 

[dsalomon]

I just figured out how to download the .groups data from Radioreference and use it in DSD+ (about the same time you posted - thanks). Cool. I also tried to set up a Freqlist.csv for the same county to display it in the FMPA window, but that doesn't seem to be working. That's not a big deal - I was mainly interested in the talkgroup display for trunked following, which is now working. I need to figure out scanning next. I've done cursory reading of the .scanlist file...

 

[dave3825]

I also tried to set up a Freqlist.csv for the same county to display it in the FMPA window, but that doesn't seem to be working. That's not a big deal

How did you try that? Did you set your gps location and a range in the FMPA.cfg?

I need to figure out scanning next. I've done cursory reading of the .scanlist file...

Scanlist is pretty straight forward. Are you having any issues with that?

 

[dsalomon]

Yes, I set both the GPS location and range (actually, I left range at the default of 99.9). Here's my .cfg file:

744C60C82170874F ; Airspy serial number list
2.5 ; sampling rate (2.5 Msps)
1024 ; spectrum window width
32 ; FFT size (16k, 32k, 64k)
10 ; spectrum update rate in Hz
5000 -6250 7500 12500 15000 25000 100000 ; step size table; units = Hz; negate default
. ; DSD+ path
.\FreqList.csv ; primary frequency list CSV path\filename
.\FreqList2.csv ; auxiliary frequency list CSV path\filename
miles and bearing ; miles or kilometers
99.9 ; search distance
33.296 -84.4388 ; search origin

And here are a few lines from my FreqList.csv file:

852.75 P25 FAYETTE, COUNTY OF - WQDB335 - 10MO YE -
852.925 P25 FAYETTE, COUNTY OF - WPMC742 - 40FB2 YE - FAYETTEVILLE
852.925 P25 FAYETTE, COUNTY OF - WPMC742 - 40FB2 YE - PEACHTREE CITY

I haven't played with the scanlist yet.

Thanks!!

 

[dave3825]

And here are a few lines from my FreqList.csv file:

852.75 P25 FAYETTE, COUNTY OF - WQDB335 - 10MO YE -
852.925 P25 FAYETTE, COUNTY OF - WPMC742 - 40FB2 YE - FAYETTEVILLE
852.925 P25 FAYETTE, COUNTY OF - WPMC742 - 40FB2 YE - PEACHTREE CITY

Is there more to those lines? What you posted is not reflecting any gps location data.

 

[dsalomon]

No. I got that data from here: Digital Frequency Search. I searched for the county/state, and used the DSD option for the results. That's what was returned. I now realize that search/export is for the scanlist file, NOT the frequencylist file. I'll play with that a bit, then try to figure out the frequency list file.

 

[dave3825]

From the notes file,

USA License Data

For each DSD+ Fast Lane release, up to date FCC data is used
to create FMP/FMP24/FMPA/FMPP-compatible CSV files.

Per-state files are here:

https://www.dsdplus.com/dsdplusuploads/FastLane/States.zip

A single USA-wide file is here:

https://www.dsdplus.com/dsdplusuploads/FastLane/USA.zip

The DSD+ 2.10 notes explain how to use these optional files.

So since the last DSDPlus was a while ago, it's not exactly up to date but should be pretty close.

 

[dsalomon]

Yep, that fixed the FreqList.csv "problem". Problem = I didn't RTFM.

Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it!!