DIY Server and Streamer Systems

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Hi, I have two Rasperry Pi 4b 4 gig units running Picore player and lms server following your lead.  My problem is the player wont let me set up usb audio out.  It "sulks" if I turn off the internal headphones, or try to populate any fields.  hw:CARD=AudioDOP2,DEV=0 was recommended, but this doesn't work.  My target DAC is an RME ADI-2 FS which has excellent diagnostics.  Do I need the DAC plugged in at Pi boot or can I plug it in later?  I am running both Version seven and 8.1 64bit, neither works.  Both play audio through the headphone out so I am getting the player working.
Any help appreciated. Peter.
 

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Thanks for your help so far.  It seems that squeezelight does a checksum or compile thing, and wont start if it sees an error.
I have carefully followed Klause's notes and try to reproduce his settings as best I can.

I am inclined to fill in the fewest fields  to reduce the number of possible variables that could be critical.
Perhaps you could show me your setup, so I can get a better idea.
Thanks Peter.

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Hi again.
Grep usb shows that the Pi player sees my Dac and Sotm at the USB port, so the problem isn't low level communications.

The ADI is showing USB conn 768 2/2

So the pi is talking to the ADI ok.

My problem seems to be a software config issue.
This is progress.
Where should I look next?
Thanks, Peter.

 

[75748.162980] usb 1-1.4: new high-speed USB device number 5 using xhci_hcd

[75748.263901] usb 1-1.4: New USB device found, idVendor=20b1, idProduct=2102, bcdDevice= 3.3d

[75748.263912] usb 1-1.4: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3

[75748.263918] usb 1-1.4: Product: SOtM USB Audio 2.0

[75748.263923] usb 1-1.4: Manufacturer: SOtM 

[75748.263928] usb 1-1.4: SerialNumber: 0000

[75748.741430] usbcore: registered new interface driver snd-usb-audio

[76044.171118] usb 1-1.4: USB disconnect, device number 5

[76046.442957] usb 1-1.4: new high-speed USB device number 6 using xhci_hcd

[76046.543617] usb 1-1.4: New USB device found, idVendor=2a39, idProduct=3fd3, bcdDevice= 0.01

[76046.543624] usb 1-1.4: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3

[76046.543629] usb 1-1.4: Product: ADI-2 DAC (52973492)

[76046.543634] usb 1-1.4: Manufacturer: RME

[76046.543639] usb 1-1.4: SerialNumber: 3A7BF49F10E3CC8

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Hi Bob, its working!

I turned off headphones and rebooted with usb Audio selected and the usb dac connected.  Nothing.
I then unplugged the usb dac and reconnected it with the pi running.
This time it showed up in the list ( on the right)of things to click on.  It didn't show on the list on the left.  

I selected    hw:CARD=DAC52973492,DEV=0  and the ADI DAC is working.

Please add my experience to our collective knowledge bank so others have a more gentle learning curve.
I will now go for a walk with my wife, and optimize my setup later.
Thanks again, Peter.

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Hi Bob, My system is now running very well, thanks again.
I have two small problems though.
The first is the Dac isn't seen on reboot, so Suueezelight doesnt start.  If I hot plug it when the system is running, then it works.  Is there a fix for that?
The second problem is the usb disk for the server.
I am using small thumb drives at present while waiting to get a big ssd.
I format them as fat 32, using an Imac with disk tools for the job.  This worked for the first drive, but the second drive isnt being seen as a disc for my music library.  Am I missing something like loading some small file so the drive is seen?
Thanks Peter.

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Thanks, I will give these a try.  
Otherwise, musically the system sounds very good.
When the Pi's settle in I will add my Pontus 2 and see how that goes.
Thanks, Peter.

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Hi Bob, I unplugged the USB lead from the RME Dac and moved it to the Pontus.  The result:  the speaker protection on my amp tripped.  I'm keeping the Pontus away from the Pi for a while. :(
A quick multimeter test shows pi1 at 98v and pi2 at 106v above earth.  
Is it ok just to earth both pis? and if so where is best?  I know the cheap pi power packs are to blame, floating around half 240v supply.  (Sydney Australia)
Do you have any other tips on earthing my components.
I see you use Allo Shanti Power Supply for USBridge Sig in your headphone rig.
Are you using Nirvana or Shanti?
Thanks, and enjoy the holidays.
Peter.
 

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Hi Bob, It is a feature of unearthed Double insulated devices that they "float" at around half mains voltage.  Its not a fault, its a design limitation.  I am a retired broadcast engineer and taught electronics etc in our polytechnics for decades.  I used to amuse mu students by turning the room lights off and scratching the usb plug of an externally powered device against the metal case of a Mac pro.  Lots of small sparks.  Its not really a problem while everything floats.  Problems begin when something (Pontus) is properly earthed, and the Pis suddenly get a path to ground.
Which Shanti supplies are you using, Nirvana or Shanti or both.  I am inclined to getting a couple of Nirvanas because my dacs are all mains powered.
Thanks Peter.

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Happy New Year Bob. , hope you and the family are well, and Santa was generous.
my system is going quite well. I have downloaded I have installed S-kit, and done lots of tweaks.
I am looking forward to upgrading my power supplies soon.
My Sotm has become the USB connection for my Pi player.  The Sotm has an earth lug that I have connected to mains earth eliminating the "stray float". It outputs USB to my RME Dac, and SPDIF to the Pontus.  All sounds very clear and natural.
All the best.
Peter.