FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What hardware do I need?
An ADALM-Pluto Rev. B with the AD9364 unlock (Rev. C and AD9363-based clones are not yet tested), a Windows 10 (version 2004 or later) or Windows 11 PC with WSL2 (virtualisation enabled in the BIOS), plus cables, attenuators and adapters to F (satellite) or IEC (DVB-T/C). For DVB-S/S2 you also need a DC block.
Do clones like the "PlutoSDR development board" or Pluto+ work?
Untested. Many clones use the AD9363 instead of the AD9364 and a different board revision. DAB+ and FM over USB usually work; whether the modulator firmware boots on them has not been tested. Tested is the original ADALM-Pluto Rev. B.
Why a custom Pluto firmware?
8 MHz DVB-T needs 9.14 MS/s, but the Pluto only sustains about 7 MS/s over USB. So the firmware modulates DVB-T/C/S directly on the ARM; the PC only sends the transport stream over UDP.
Do I lose the stock firmware?
No. The flasher in the dashboard first boots the new firmware from RAM only, without touching the flash. Before flashing it backs up the running firmware automatically; you can restore it at any time with the flasher or via the "PlutoSDR" drive. U-Boot and the AD9364 setting stay untouched.
Why do I install FFmpeg, ODR-mmbTools & co. myself?
Because codecs such as H.264, HEVC and AAC are patented and the programs have their own licences (GPL, LGPL, FDK-AAC). So Muxwright does not ship them. Setup shows licence and source for each component, you confirm, and one click builds it from the official sources – in about five minutes.
Am I allowed to transmit with it?
Only in a shielded setup: by cable with an attenuator, in a shielding box or in a test chamber. Radiating into free space without a licence is prohibited.
What output power does the Pluto have?
About +7 dBm at 0 dB attenuation, which is far too much for a tuner. Muxwright starts muted (−89.75 dB) with a 20 dB default, and --min-atten enforces a minimum attenuation.
Is Muxwright a certified test instrument?
No. Muxwright is a lab and development tool. Normative measurements still require calibrated signal generators and analysers; Muxwright provides reproducible test signals and documents them.