[Hackrf-dev] release 2014.04.1

[Michael Ossmann]

Release 2014.04.1 is tagged in git with packages available for download
at:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/hackrf/files/


HackRF 2014.04.1 Release Notes

To upgrade to this release, you must install updates to the software on your
host computer including libhackrf, hackrf-tools, and any other software (e.g.
gr-osmosdr) that uses libhackrf.  You must also update firmware and the CPLD
(which should be updated after firmware and host software is updated).

For a complete list of changes, see the git log.  Highlights include:

- The sample format has changed from unsigned 8 bit integers to signed 8 bit
  integers.  This affects all HackRF software and changes the file format used
  by hackrf_transfer.  If you need to convert a file from unsigned bytes to
  signed bytes, I recommend sox:

  $ sox old.ub new.sb

- HackRF One is now supported and is the default target platform when compiling
  firmware.  To compile firmware for Jawbreaker, set the BOARD variable:

  $ make -e BOARD=JAWBREAKER

- HackRF One hardware design and documentation are complete.  It is now the
  preferred platform.

- Automatic clock synchronization is enabled in the firmware.  To activate
  clock synchronization, simply connect an SMA cable from CLKOUT on one HackRF
  One to CLKIN on another HackRF One.  The clock signal is a 10 MHz square wave
  at 3.3 V DC.  This also works on Jawbreaker but requires the installation of
  SMA connectors and a few other components noted in the schematic diagram.

- The automatic tuning algorithm is improved for frequencies above 2150 MHz.
  The algorithm (in firmware) automatically avoids spurs caused by harmonic
  relationships between oscillator frequencies in the analog RF section.
  Similar improvements below 2150 MHz will require further effort.

- An explicit tuning option is now available to select tuning parameters
  different from those chosen by the automatic tuning algorithm.  Automatic
  tuning should be preferred for most use cases, but advanced users can use
  explicit tuning when there is a need, for example, to avoid a particular
  local oscillator frequency for a specific application.  Explicit tuning is
  implemented only in hackrf_transfer so far.

- Antenna port power on HackRF One can be enabled or disabled during RX or TX.
  This is implemented in hackrf_transfer.  When activated, 3.0 to 3.3 V DC is
  supplied to the antenna port.  This can safely supply up to 50 mA, enabling
  equipment including some active antennas.

- The firmware compilation and installation instructions have changed.  See
  firmware/README and firmware/cpld/README for details.

Known bug: CPLD update does not work on Windows.  See:
https://github.com/mossmann/hackrf/issues/113

Many thanks to Ben Gamari and Jared Boone for their considerable efforts to
improve the firmware in this release!