The CATV Tuner sold by MTM Scientific, Inc can be used for wideband audio and video reception, as described on our other project pages such as the FM Wideband Receiver and Radio Telescope Project. A common requirement in all these projects is the need to program the CATV tuner with a serial bit stream to establish operating frequency. We have previously described a method which uses a computer’s parallel port with software, and another method which uses DIP switches with CMOS circuitry. Here we present a 3rd way of programming the tuner by using a PIC microcontroller, more specifically a PICAXE-08M. Here is the circuit diagram for connecting the PICAXE chip to the CATV Tuner. The PICAXE-08M chip provides three signals to the tuner: Enable, Data and Clock. The Enable line prepares the tuner to accept a programming signal, the Clock line establishes the communicaton rate, and the Data line is the actual bit data.
The PICAXE chip must be supplied with a well regulated +5VDC source. Also, the tuner must be supplied with +5VDC, and additionally voltages of +12 VDC and +30 VDC. (In the photo example, two +15 VDC supplies were connected in series to create +30 VDC, and the +5 and +12 voltages were derived using LM05 and LM12 regulators off the lower +15 VDC supply.)
The code for the PICAXE chip is written in a very simple programming language which is specific to the PICAXE controller chips. The source code is listed below in the appendix. As written, this code will tune to UHF channel 37, for doing Radio Astronomy. Of course, the source code can be modified for tuning a different frequency.
The program code is fairly simple and self explanatory. The code generates the clock signal using software, and programs each of 27 bits in the data line to be either ON or OFF. The purpose of the 27 bits is for programming the tuner. Each programming bit has a specific purpose. We have written a short explanation of the programming bits in a tutorial available here: 27 Bit Tutorial
The PICAXE chips are available from fellow hobbyist Phil Anderson. Here is a link to his site: http://www.phanderson.com/picaxe/
The free software for programming the PICAXE chips with the source code (via a serial port connection) is available at this site: http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/picaxe/
Of course, this simple project is only the start of what is possible with the CATV Tuner and a PICAXE chip. Obvious next steps would be to monitor the LOCK signal from the tuner, program the chip to scan frequencies, or even add a numeric keyboard interface and LCD display. If you do happen to develop a good PICAXE based project for the tuner, please forward it to us here at MTM and we will post the details for other experimenters to use.
For more detail: MTM Scientific, Inc… PIC Project for CATV Tuner
About The Author
Ibrar Ayyub
I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.
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