MiniTiouner-Express Specifications

Complete technical specifications for the MiniTiouner-Express receiver assembly

This unit is a self-contained assembly with enclosure. The aluminum housing is not weather or dust proof but it provides protection against foreign objects. It must be powered with an external +8 to 24VDC power source supplying at least 300 mA @ 12VDC exclusive of any remote preamplifier or antenna control device.

Environmental Details

Temperature – 0 to +30°C (32–86°F)
Humidity – 10 to 95% non-condensing

Computer Requirements

  • Host computer with at least (1) USB2 I/O port
  • USB type "A" connector at computer, USB type "B" connector at MiniTiouner-Express
  • Pentium 4 or better, 2 GB available hard drive
  • Operating system: 32 or 64-bit Windows 7, 8, or 10

Electrical Specifications

Power Input (J1)

+8 to +24 VDC, 300 mA @ 12 VDC. Polarity protected. An external 1 amp Slo-Blo fuse is required.

Symbol Rate

70K to 10M Symbols/sec (selectable)

DVB-S FEC Settings

1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 6/7, or 7/8

DVB-S2 FEC Settings

1/4, 1/3, 2/5, 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, 8/9, or 9/10

Supported Codecs

TypeCodecStandard
VideoH.262MPEG-2
VideoH.264MPEG-4 AVC
VideoH.265HEVC
AudioMPAMPEG Audio
AudioAACMPEG-4 Audio
AudioAC3Dolby Audio

RF Input (LNB-A and LNB-B)

ParameterValue
Frequency Range144 MHz to 2420 MHz (each input independently configurable)
Sensitivity (cliff point)−20 to −96 dBm
Min signal @ 1288 MHz, FEC=7/8approx. −96 dBm
Min signal @ 1288 MHz, FEC=1/2approx. −100 dBm
RF ConnectorsTwo female "F" connectors (75Ω nominal; 50Ω usable)
IMPORTANT — Input Filtering: It is highly recommended that a band-pass filter be placed between the MiniTiouner-Express module and the antenna. If an external preamp is used, the filter must be placed between the antenna and preamp, not between the preamp and MiniTiouner-Express. A signal 5 MHz away from the desired signal at the same level can reduce input sensitivity by 5–10 dB. A bandpass filter also offers some lightning protection.

Connector Details

  • J1 — DC Power: female DC jack 2.54mm (0.10") center, 5.28mm barrel. Mates to Switchcraft #760 or equal.
  • J2 — USB2 type "B" connector — standard USB2 to/from host computer.
  • LNB-A / LNB-B — Two female "F" connectors; 75Ω impedance.

Modifications

The following modifications can be made to enhance functionality. These involve PCB soldering — work must be done only by a qualified person experienced in SMD soldering. Use only a light-duty (25W or less) soldering iron. DO NOT use a soldering gun.

5VDC Operation from Separate Supply

Add a soldered jumper from D2 cathode to D3 anode to bypass the 12V→4V switching regulator. Use a separate 5VDC regulated supply rated for at least 1A.

5VDC Operation from Computer USB3 Port

If a USB3 port is available, the 5VDC Vbus (900 mA available, MiniTiouner needs ~700 mA) can power the unit, eliminating the external supply. Add the jumper from R27 to the DC power jack center pin in addition to the D2–D3 jumper above.

WARNING: After these modifications, applying +12V to the DC power jack would damage both the MiniTiouner-Express AND the connected computer. Cover or disable the DC jack.