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Software Setup

Installing gr-radio_astro

Details for installing gr-radio_astro

The shared gr-radio_astro library supplies GNU Radio blocks. Classroom applications now come from dspira-software. Install the library first, then download the applications separately.

These instructions target GNU Radio 3.10 on Ubuntu. For an older installation, see the Ubuntu 20.04 and GNU Radio 3.8 guide.

Install the shared library

Follow the current library build instructions to install GNU Radio, receiver drivers, and build dependencies. Clone and build the shared library:

git clone https://github.com/WVURAIL/gr-radio_astro.git
cd gr-radio_astro
cmake -S . -B build
cmake --build build
sudo cmake --install build

Check the repository’s Python environment instructions if GNU Radio cannot find the installed blocks.

Get the DSPIRA applications

Use the software download page or clone the application repository from your home directory:

cd
git clone https://github.com/WVURAIL/dspira-software.git

Open dspira-software/flowgraphs/spectrometer_w_cal.grc in GNU Radio Companion. The file no longer lives in gr-radio_astro/examples/DSPIRA/. Review the known compatibility findings before attempting to run it. Configure your receiver, output folders, and calibration settings.

Update the applications

Keep a separate copy of any local receiver settings or customized flowgraphs before updating. From the application checkout, run:

git status
git pull --ff-only

If Git reports local changes, review and preserve them before continuing. Application updates do not require rebuilding the shared library.

Update the shared library

From the gr-radio_astro checkout, review local changes and pull the update:

git status
git pull --ff-only
cmake -S . -B build
cmake --build build
sudo cmake --install build

Close and reopen GNU Radio Companion after installing updated blocks. Test the application with your equipment before relying on it in class.

All 11 lessons in Software Setup Published July 1, 2021