RE: [Discuss-gnuradio] Devices containing 4937 tuner module

[Ben Gelb]

Hi Eric,

Thanks for the suggestions on the 4937. I just got off the phone with
Patricia Kay of Microtune and she agreed to donate a few 4937 modules
for use in my research project. She confirmed, as is already known, that
they are being phased out of production.

She asked if I knew you, because apparently she was the person you
talked to when you bought your eval boards in 2001.

I agree that it is a very wise idea to look for another tuner, since
this module is being phased out. I learned today that the low IF was
once required for DOCSIS compliance, but is no longer. Therefore modules
with an IF in this range will pretty much cease to exist. So some
circuit will need to be designed to mix a 44 MHz IF down to 5 or 6 MHz. 

As I am using GNURadio as the subject of study for my senior research
project this year in high school, I wanted to see if I could emulate the
hardware that has already been tested so that I don't have to devote
large amounts of time to making the hardware work. I am unfortunately, a
little bit limited by time.

I imagine a better solution lies in the new silicon tuners, along with
some sort of downconversion circuit.

-Ben

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Blossom [mailto:address@hidden 
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2003 1:33 AM
To: Ben Gelb
Cc: address@hidden
Subject: Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] Devices containing 4937 tuner module

On Sun, Oct 05, 2003 at 11:31:03PM -0400, Ben Gelb wrote:
> On Friday I tried calling microtune - when I said I wanted to buy
> something the nice lady shoveled me onto an answering machine. Go
> figure. I haven't yet heard back, likely because it was the weekend.
The
> outlook isn't good.
> 
> 
> In the meantime, I've been doing a little hunting around, trying to
find
> devices that use the elusive 4937 tuner module. I have found a few.
> 

My suggestion to folks is to dump the 4937 and look for another module
from a vendor who's interested in selling them, providing
documentation and has distribution.  Don't waste your time digging for
products that contain the modules.

Microtune was delisted from the NASDAQ July 7th of this year and got
new CEO, COO and CFO's in August.  Their 10-K for the latest year,
2002, shows that they lost $134M on sales of $11M.  There was also
some kind of class action law suit against them alleging securities
fraud.  Summary: they're circling the drain.  [finance.yahoo.com is
your friend]

Eric