bladerf: Moved initializations to bladerf_common.c, misc. cleanup

Common parameter handling has been moved into bladerf_common::init().

The buflen parameter is now in units of samples, not bytes. This
deviates from the other gr-osmosdr items. However, with the requirement
that buffers be in multiples of 1024 samples, this makes specifying this
parameter a bit easier. The user shouldn't need to know we're operating
on SC16Q12 values under the hood, and have to calculate accordingly.

To avoid confusion when both a bladeRF source and sink are in a flow
graph a [bladeRF source/sink] prefix has been added to output. Error
number have been replaced with bladeRF string representations of these
error values.

Firmware flashing has been removed. The bladeRF-cli or bladeRF-flash
tools are the preferred route for firmware upgrades.

lib/bladerf/bladerf_common.cc

@@ -40,6 +40,9 @@
 
 #include "bladerf_common.h"
 
+#define NUM_BUFFERS 32
+#define NUM_SAMPLES_PER_BUFFER (4 * 1024)
+
 using namespace boost::assign;
 
 boost::mutex bladerf_common::_devs_mutex;
@@ -110,6 +113,121 @@ bladerf_sptr bladerf_common::open(const std::string &device_name)
   return dev;
 }
 
+void bladerf_common::init(dict_t &dict, const char *type)
+{
+  int ret;
+  unsigned int device_number = 0;
+  std::string device_name;
+  struct bladerf_version ver;
+  char serial[BLADERF_SERIAL_LENGTH];
+
+  _pfx = std::string("[bladeRF ") + std::string(type) + std::string("] ");
+
+  if (dict.count("bladerf"))
+  {
+    std::string value = dict["bladerf"];
+    if ( value.length() )
+    {
+      try {
+        device_number = boost::lexical_cast< unsigned int >( value );
+      } catch ( std::exception &ex ) {
+        throw std::runtime_error( _pfx + "Failed to use '" + value +
+                                  "' as device number: " + ex.what());
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  device_name = boost::str(boost::format( "libusb:instance=%d" ) % device_number);
+
+  try {
+    _dev = open(device_name);
+  } catch(...) {
+    throw std::runtime_error( _pfx + "Failed to open bladeRF device " +
+                              device_name );
+  }
+
+  /* Load an FPGA */
+  if ( dict.count("fpga") )
+  {
+    std::string fpga = dict["fpga"];
+
+    std::cerr << _pfx << "Loading FPGA bitstream " << fpga << "..." << std::endl;
+    ret = bladerf_load_fpga( _dev.get(), fpga.c_str() );
+    if ( ret != 0 )
+      std::cerr << _pfx << "bladerf_load_fpga has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
+    else
+      std::cerr << _pfx << "The FPGA bitstream has been successfully loaded." << std::endl;
+  }
+
+  if ( bladerf_is_fpga_configured( _dev.get() ) != 1 )
+  {
+    std::ostringstream oss;
+    oss << _pfx << "The FPGA is not configured! "
+        << "Provide device argument fpga=/path/to/the/bitstream.rbf to load it.";
+
+    throw std::runtime_error( oss.str() );
+  }
+
+
+  /* Show some info about the device we've opened */
+  std::cerr << _pfx << "Using nuand LLC bladeRF #" << device_number;
+
+  if ( bladerf_get_serial( _dev.get(), serial ) == 0 )
+    std::cerr << " SN " << serial;
+
+  if ( bladerf_fw_version( _dev.get(), &ver ) == 0 )
+    std::cerr << " FW v" << ver.major << "." << ver.minor << "." << ver.patch;
+
+  if ( bladerf_fpga_version( _dev.get(), &ver ) == 0 )
+    std::cerr << " FPGA v" << ver.major << "." << ver.minor << "." << ver.patch;
+
+  std::cerr << std::endl;
+
+  /* Initialize buffer and sample configuration */
+  _num_buffers = 0;
+  if (dict.count("buffers")) {
+    _num_buffers = boost::lexical_cast< size_t >( dict["buffers"] );
+  }
+
+  _samples_per_buffer = 0;
+  if (dict.count("buflen")) {
+    _samples_per_buffer = boost::lexical_cast< size_t >( dict["buflen"] );
+  }
+
+  _num_transfers = 0;
+  if (dict.count("transfers")) {
+    _num_transfers = boost::lexical_cast< size_t >( dict["transfers"] );
+  }
+
+  /* Require value to be >= 2 so we can ensure we have twice as many
+   * buffers as transfers */
+  if (_num_buffers <= 1) {
+    _num_buffers = NUM_BUFFERS;
+  }
+
+  if (0 == _samples_per_buffer) {
+    _samples_per_buffer = NUM_SAMPLES_PER_BUFFER;
+  } else {
+    if (_samples_per_buffer < 1024 || _samples_per_buffer % 1024 != 0) {
+
+      /* 0 likely implies the user did not specify this, so don't warn */
+      if (_samples_per_buffer != 0 ) {
+        std::cerr << _pfx << "Invalid \"buflen\" value. "
+                  << "A multiple of 1024 is required. Defaulting to "
+                  << NUM_SAMPLES_PER_BUFFER << std::endl;
+      }
+
+      _samples_per_buffer = NUM_SAMPLES_PER_BUFFER;
+    }
+  }
+
+
+
+  if (_num_transfers == 0 || _num_transfers > (_num_buffers / 2)) {
+      _num_transfers = _num_buffers / 2;
+  }
+}
+
 osmosdr::freq_range_t bladerf_common::freq_range()
 {
   /* assuming the same for RX & TX */

lib/bladerf/bladerf_common.h

@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@
 #include <boost/thread/mutex.hpp>
 #include <boost/thread/shared_mutex.hpp>
 #include <boost/thread/condition_variable.hpp>
+#include <boost/assign.hpp>
+#include <boost/format.hpp>
+#include <boost/lexical_cast.hpp>
 
 #include <gnuradio/thread/thread.h>
 #include <gnuradio/gr_complex.h>
@@ -35,6 +38,7 @@
 #include <libbladeRF.h>
 
 #include "osmosdr/ranges.h"
+#include "arg_helpers.h"
 
 /* We currently read/write 1024 samples (pairs of 16-bit signed ints) */
 #define BLADERF_SAMPLE_BLOCK_SIZE     (1024)
@@ -48,7 +52,8 @@ public:
   virtual ~bladerf_common();
 
 protected:
-  bladerf_sptr open(const std::string &device_name);
+  /* Handle initialized and parameters common to both source & sink */
+  void init(dict_t &dict, const char *type);
 
   osmosdr::freq_range_t freq_range();
   osmosdr::meta_range_t sample_rates();
@@ -65,13 +70,19 @@ protected:
   struct bladerf_stream *_stream;
   size_t _num_buffers;
   size_t _buf_index;
+  size_t _samples_per_buffer;
+  size_t _num_transfers;
 
   gr::thread::thread _thread;
 
   osmosdr::gain_range_t _vga1_range;
   osmosdr::gain_range_t _vga2_range;
 
+  std::string _pfx;
+
 private:
+  bladerf_sptr open(const std::string &device_name);
+
   bool _is_running;
   boost::shared_mutex _state_lock;
 

lib/bladerf/bladerf_sink_c.cc

@@ -39,9 +39,6 @@
 #include "arg_helpers.h"
 #include "bladerf_sink_c.h"
 
-#define NUM_BUFFERS 32
-#define NUM_SAMPLES_PER_BUFFER 4096
-
 using namespace boost::assign;
 
 /*
@@ -76,82 +73,11 @@ bladerf_sink_c::bladerf_sink_c (const std::string &args)
                     gr::io_signature::make (MIN_OUT, MAX_OUT, sizeof (gr_complex)))
 {
   int ret;
-  unsigned int device_number = 0;
-  std::string device_name;
 
   dict_t dict = params_to_dict(args);
 
-  if (dict.count("bladerf"))
-  {
-    std::string value = dict["bladerf"];
-    if ( value.length() )
-    {
-      try {
-        device_number = boost::lexical_cast< unsigned int >( value );
-      } catch ( std::exception &ex ) {
-        throw std::runtime_error(
-              "Failed to use '" + value + "' as device number: " + ex.what());
-      }
-    }
-  }
-
-  device_name = boost::str(boost::format( "libusb:instance=%d" ) % device_number);
-
-  try {
-    _dev = bladerf_common::open(device_name);
-  } catch(...) {
-    throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "failed to open bladeRF device " + device_name );
-  }
-
-  if (dict.count("fw"))
-  {
-    std::string fw = dict["fw"];
-
-    std::cerr << "Flashing firmware image " << fw << "..., DO NOT INTERRUPT!"
-              << std::endl;
-    ret = bladerf_flash_firmware( _dev.get(), fw.c_str() );
-    if ( ret != 0 )
-      std::cerr << "bladerf_flash_firmware has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
-    else
-      std::cerr << "The firmware has been successfully flashed." << std::endl;
-  }
-
-  if (dict.count("fpga"))
-  {
-    std::string fpga = dict["fpga"];
-
-    std::cerr << "Loading FPGA bitstream " << fpga << "..." << std::endl;
-    ret = bladerf_load_fpga( _dev.get(), fpga.c_str() );
-    if ( ret != 0 && ret != 1 )
-      std::cerr << "bladerf_load_fpga has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
-    else
-      std::cerr << "The FPGA bitstream has been successfully loaded." << std::endl;
-  }
-
-  std::cerr << "Using nuand LLC bladeRF #" << device_number;
-
-  char serial[BLADERF_SERIAL_LENGTH];
-  if ( bladerf_get_serial( _dev.get(), serial ) == 0 )
-    std::cerr << " SN " << serial;
-
-  struct bladerf_version ver;
-  if ( bladerf_fw_version( _dev.get(), &ver ) == 0 )
-    std::cerr << " FW v" << ver.major << "." << ver.minor << "." << ver.patch;
-
-  if ( bladerf_fpga_version( _dev.get(), &ver ) == 0 )
-    std::cerr << " FPGA v" << ver.major << "." << ver.minor << "." << ver.patch;
-
-  std::cerr << std::endl;
-
-  if ( bladerf_is_fpga_configured( _dev.get() ) != 1 )
-  {
-    std::ostringstream oss;
-    oss << "The FPGA is not configured! "
-        << "Provide device argument fpga=/path/to/the/bitstream.rbf to load it.";
-
-    throw std::runtime_error( oss.str() );
-  }
+  /* Perform src/sink agnostic initializations */
+  init(dict, "source");
 
   /* Set the range of VGA1, VGA1GAINT[7:0] */
   _vga1_range = osmosdr::gain_range_t( -35, -4, 1 );
@@ -159,51 +85,13 @@ bladerf_sink_c::bladerf_sink_c (const std::string &args)
   /* Set the range of VGA2, VGA2GAIN[4:0] */
   _vga2_range = osmosdr::gain_range_t( 0, 25, 1 );
 
-  _num_buffers = _samples_per_buffer = 0;
-
-  /* Initialize buffer and sample configuration */
-  if (dict.count("buffers")) {
-    _num_buffers = boost::lexical_cast< size_t >( dict["buffers"] );
-  }
-
-  if (dict.count("buflen")) {
-    _samples_per_buffer = boost::lexical_cast< size_t >( dict["buflen"] );
-  }
-
-  unsigned int transfers = 0;
-  if (dict.count("transfers")) {
-    transfers = boost::lexical_cast< size_t >( dict["transfers"] );
-  }
-
-  /* Require value to be >= 2 so we can ensure we have twice as many
-   * buffers as transfers */
-  if (_num_buffers <= 1) {
-    _num_buffers = NUM_BUFFERS;
-  }
-
-  if (0 == _samples_per_buffer) {
-    _samples_per_buffer = NUM_SAMPLES_PER_BUFFER;
-  } else {
-    /* For SC16_Q12, 1 sample = 2 int16_t's */
-    _samples_per_buffer /= 2 * sizeof(int16_t);
-
-    if (_samples_per_buffer < 1024 || _samples_per_buffer % 1024 != 0)
-      _samples_per_buffer = NUM_SAMPLES_PER_BUFFER;
-  }
-
-
-
-  if (transfers == 0 || transfers > (_num_buffers / 2)) {
-      transfers = _num_buffers / 2;
-
-  }
-
   /* Initialize the stream */
   ret = bladerf_init_stream( &_stream, _dev.get(), stream_callback,
                              &_buffers, _num_buffers, BLADERF_FORMAT_SC16_Q12,
-                             _samples_per_buffer, transfers, this );
+                             _samples_per_buffer, _num_transfers, this );
   if ( ret != 0 )
-    std::cerr << "bladerf_init_stream has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
+    std::cerr << _pfx << "bladerf_init_stream failed:"
+              << bladerf_strerror(ret) << std::endl;
 
   /* Initialize buffer management */
   _buf_index = _next_to_tx = 0;
@@ -212,8 +100,8 @@ bladerf_sink_c::bladerf_sink_c (const std::string &args)
 
   _filled = new bool[_num_buffers];
   if (!_filled) {
-      throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + ": " +
-                                "Failed to allocate _filled[]");
+      throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
+                                "Failed to allocate _filled[]" );
   }
 
   for (size_t i = 0; i < _num_buffers; ++i) {
@@ -222,7 +110,8 @@ bladerf_sink_c::bladerf_sink_c (const std::string &args)
 
   ret = bladerf_enable_module( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_TX, true );
   if ( ret != 0 )
-    std::cerr << "bladerf_enable_module has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
+    std::cerr << _pfx << "bladerf_enable_module has failed:"
+              << bladerf_strerror(ret) << std::endl;
 
   set_running( true );
   _thread = gr::thread::thread( boost::bind(&bladerf_sink_c::write_task, this) );
@@ -247,7 +136,8 @@ bladerf_sink_c::~bladerf_sink_c ()
 
   ret = bladerf_enable_module( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_TX, false );
   if ( ret != 0 )
-    std::cerr << "bladerf_enable_module has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
+    std::cerr << _pfx << "bladerf_enable_module failed:"
+              << bladerf_strerror(ret) << std::endl;
 
   /* Release stream resources */
   bladerf_deinit_stream(_stream);
@@ -317,8 +207,16 @@ void bladerf_sink_c::write_task()
   /* Start stream and stay there until we kill the stream */
   status = bladerf_stream(_stream, BLADERF_MODULE_TX);
 
-  if (status < 0)
-      std::cerr << "Sink stream error: " << bladerf_strerror(status) << std::endl;
+  if ( status < 0 ) {
+      std::cerr << _pfx << "Sink stream error: "
+                << bladerf_strerror(status) << std::endl;
+
+      if ( status == BLADERF_ERR_TIMEOUT ) {
+        std::cerr << _pfx << "Try adjusting your sample rate or the "
+                  << "\"buffers\", \"buflen\", and \"transfers\" parameters. "
+                  << std::endl;
+      }
+  }
 
   set_running( false );
 }
@@ -406,16 +304,16 @@ double bladerf_sink_c::set_sample_rate(double rate)
     ret = bladerf_set_sample_rate( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_TX, (uint32_t)rate, &actual );
     if( ret ) {
       throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                                "has failed to set integer rate, error " +
-                                boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                                "Failed to set integer rate:" +
+                                std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)));
     }
   } else {
     /* TODO: Fractional sample rate */
     ret = bladerf_set_sample_rate( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_TX, (uint32_t)rate, &actual );
     if( ret ) {
       throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                                "has failed to set fractional rate, error " +
-                                boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                                "Failed to set fractional rate: " +
+                                std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)));
     }
   }
 
@@ -429,9 +327,9 @@ double bladerf_sink_c::get_sample_rate()
 
   ret = bladerf_get_sample_rate( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_TX, &rate );
   if( ret ) {
-    throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "has failed to get sample rate, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+    throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) +
+                              "Failed to get sample rate:" +
+                              std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)));
   }
 
   return (double)rate;
@@ -454,10 +352,9 @@ double bladerf_sink_c::set_center_freq( double freq, size_t chan )
     ret = bladerf_set_frequency( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_TX, (uint32_t)freq );
     if( ret ) {
       throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                                "failed to set center frequency " +
+                                "Failed to set center frequency " +
                                 boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(freq) +
-                                ", error " +
-                                boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                                ":" + std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)));
     }
   }
 
@@ -472,8 +369,8 @@ double bladerf_sink_c::get_center_freq( size_t chan )
   ret = bladerf_get_frequency( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_TX, &freq );
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "failed to get center frequency, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                              "Failed to get center frequency:" +
+                              std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)));
   }
 
   return (double)freq;
@@ -517,7 +414,7 @@ osmosdr::gain_range_t bladerf_sink_c::get_gain_range( const std::string & name,
     range = _vga2_range;
   } else {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "requested an invalid gain element " + name );
+                              "Requested an invalid gain element " + name );
   }
 
   return range;
@@ -548,15 +445,15 @@ double bladerf_sink_c::set_gain( double gain, const std::string & name, size_t c
     ret = bladerf_set_txvga2( _dev.get(), (int)gain );
   } else {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "requested to set the gain "
+                              "Requested to set the gain " +
                               "of an unknown gain element " + name );
   }
 
   /* Check for errors */
   if( ret ) {
-    throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "could not set " + name + " gain, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+    throw std::runtime_error(std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
+                             "Could not set " + name + " gain, error " +
+                             std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)));
   }
 
   return get_gain( name, chan );
@@ -578,15 +475,15 @@ double bladerf_sink_c::get_gain( const std::string & name, size_t chan )
     ret = bladerf_get_txvga2( _dev.get(), &g );
   } else {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "requested to get the gain "
+                              "Requested to get the gain " +
                               "of an unknown gain element " + name );
   }
 
   /* Check for errors */
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "could not get " + name + " gain, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                              "Could not get " + name + " gain, error " +
+                              std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)));
   }
 
   return (double)g;
@@ -634,7 +531,7 @@ double bladerf_sink_c::set_bandwidth( double bandwidth, size_t chan )
   ret = bladerf_set_bandwidth( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_TX, (uint32_t)bandwidth, &actual );
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "could not set bandwidth, error " +
+                              "Could not set bandwidth, error " +
                               boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
   }
 
@@ -649,7 +546,7 @@ double bladerf_sink_c::get_bandwidth( size_t chan )
   ret = bladerf_get_bandwidth( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_TX, &bandwidth );
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "could not get bandwidth, error " +
+                              "Could not get bandwidth, error " +
                               boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
   }
 

lib/bladerf/bladerf_sink_c.h

@@ -120,8 +120,6 @@ private: /* functions */
 
 private: /* members */
 
-  size_t _samples_per_buffer;
-
   /* Array denoting whether each buffer is filled with data and ready to TX */
   bool *_filled;
 

lib/bladerf/bladerf_source_c.cc

@@ -81,122 +81,52 @@ bladerf_source_c::bladerf_source_c (const std::string &args)
                     gr::io_signature::make (MIN_OUT, MAX_OUT, sizeof (gr_complex)))
 {
   int ret;
-  unsigned int device_number = 0;
   size_t fifo_size;
   std::string device_name;
 
   dict_t dict = params_to_dict(args);
 
-  if (dict.count("bladerf"))
-  {
-    std::string value = dict["bladerf"];
-    if ( value.length() )
-    {
-      try {
-        device_number = boost::lexical_cast< unsigned int >( value );
-      } catch ( std::exception &ex ) {
-        throw std::runtime_error(
-              "Failed to use '" + value + "' as device number: " + ex.what());
-      }
-    }
-  }
-
-  device_name = boost::str(boost::format( "libusb:instance=%d" ) % device_number);
-
-  try {
-    _dev = bladerf_common::open(device_name);
-  } catch(...) {
-    throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "failed to open bladeRF device " + device_name );
-  }
+  init(dict, "source");
 
-  /* Size of FIFO gr_complex samples, in # samples. */
   fifo_size = BLADERF_SAMPLE_FIFO_SIZE;
   if (dict.count("fifo")) {
     try {
       fifo_size = boost::lexical_cast<size_t>(dict["fifo"]);
     } catch (const boost::bad_lexical_cast &e) {
-      std::cerr << "Warning: \"fifo\" value is invalid. Defaulting to "
+      std::cerr << _pfx << "Warning: \"fifo\" value is invalid. Defaulting to "
                 << fifo_size;
     }
 
     if (fifo_size < BLADERF_SAMPLE_FIFO_MIN_SIZE) {
       fifo_size = BLADERF_SAMPLE_FIFO_MIN_SIZE;
-      std::cerr << "Warning: \"fifo\" value is too small. Defaulting to "
+      std::cerr << _pfx << "Warning: \"fifo\" value is too small. Defaulting to "
                 << BLADERF_SAMPLE_FIFO_MIN_SIZE;
     }
   }
 
   _fifo = new boost::circular_buffer<gr_complex>(fifo_size);
   if (!_fifo) {
-    throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) +
-                              " has failed to allocate a sample FIFO!" );
-  }
-
-  if (dict.count("fw"))
-  {
-    std::string fw = dict["fw"];
-
-    std::cerr << "Flashing firmware image " << fw << "..., DO NOT INTERRUPT!"
-              << std::endl;
-    ret = bladerf_flash_firmware( _dev.get(), fw.c_str() );
-    if ( ret != 0 )
-      std::cerr << "bladerf_flash_firmware has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
-    else
-      std::cerr << "The firmware has been successfully flashed." << std::endl;
-  }
-
-  if (dict.count("fpga"))
-  {
-    std::string fpga = dict["fpga"];
-
-    std::cerr << "Loading FPGA bitstream " << fpga << "..." << std::endl;
-    ret = bladerf_load_fpga( _dev.get(), fpga.c_str() );
-    if ( ret != 0 && ret != 1 )
-      std::cerr << "bladerf_load_fpga has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
-    else
-      std::cerr << "The FPGA bitstream has been successfully loaded." << std::endl;
-  }
-
-  std::cerr << "Using nuand LLC bladeRF #" << device_number;
-
-  char serial[BLADERF_SERIAL_LENGTH];
-  if ( bladerf_get_serial( _dev.get(), serial ) == 0 )
-    std::cerr << " SN " << serial;
-
-  struct bladerf_version ver;
-  if ( bladerf_fw_version( _dev.get(), &ver ) == 0 )
-    std::cerr << " FW v" << ver.major << "." << ver.minor << "." << ver.patch;
-
-  if ( bladerf_fpga_version( _dev.get(), &ver ) == 0 )
-    std::cerr << " FPGA v" << ver.major << "." << ver.minor << "." << ver.patch;
-
-  std::cerr << std::endl;
-
-  if ( bladerf_is_fpga_configured( _dev.get() ) != 1 )
-  {
-    std::ostringstream oss;
-    oss << "The FPGA is not configured! "
-        << "Provide device argument fpga=/path/to/the/bitstream.rbf to load it.";
-
-    throw std::runtime_error( oss.str() );
+    throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
+                              "Failed to allocate a sample FIFO!" );
   }
 
   if (dict.count("sampling"))
   {
     std::string sampling = dict["sampling"];
 
-    std::cerr << "Setting bladerf sampling to " << sampling << std::endl;
+    std::cerr << _pfx << "Setting bladerf sampling to " << sampling << std::endl;
     if( sampling == "internal") {
       ret = bladerf_set_sampling( _dev.get(), BLADERF_SAMPLING_INTERNAL );
       if ( ret != 0 )
-        std::cerr << "Problem while setting sampling mode " << ret << std::endl;
+        std::cerr << _pfx << "Problem while setting sampling mode:"
+                  << bladerf_strerror(ret) << std::endl;
     } else if( sampling == "external" ) {
       ret = bladerf_set_sampling( _dev.get(), BLADERF_SAMPLING_EXTERNAL );
       if ( ret != 0 )
-        std::cerr << "Problem while setting sampling mode " << ret << std::endl;
+        std::cerr << _pfx << "Problem while setting sampling mode:"
+                  << bladerf_strerror(ret) << std::endl;
     } else {
-        std::cerr << "Invalid sampling mode " << sampling << std::endl;
+        std::cerr << _pfx << "Invalid sampling mode " << sampling << std::endl;
     }
   }
 
@@ -209,20 +139,19 @@ bladerf_source_c::bladerf_source_c (const std::string &args)
   /* Set the range of VGA2 VGA2GAIN[4:0], not recommended to be used above 30dB */
   _vga2_range = osmosdr::gain_range_t( 0, 60, 3 );
 
-  _buf_index = 0;
-  _num_buffers = 8; /* TODO: make it an argument */
-  const size_t samp_per_buf = 1024 * 10; /* TODO: make it an argument */
-
   /* Initialize the stream */
+  _buf_index = 0;
   ret = bladerf_init_stream( &_stream, _dev.get(), stream_callback,
                              &_buffers, _num_buffers, BLADERF_FORMAT_SC16_Q12,
-                             samp_per_buf, _num_buffers, this );
+                             _samples_per_buffer, _num_buffers, this );
   if ( ret != 0 )
-    std::cerr << "bladerf_init_stream has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
+    std::cerr << _pfx << "bladerf_init_stream failed: "
+              << bladerf_strerror(ret) << std::endl;
 
   ret = bladerf_enable_module( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_RX, true );
   if ( ret != 0 )
-    std::cerr << "bladerf_enable_module has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
+    std::cerr << _pfx << "bladerf_enable_module failed:"
+              << bladerf_strerror(ret) << std::endl;
 
   _thread = gr::thread::thread( boost::bind(&bladerf_source_c::read_task, this) );
 }
@@ -239,7 +168,8 @@ bladerf_source_c::~bladerf_source_c ()
 
   ret = bladerf_enable_module( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_RX, false );
   if ( ret != 0 )
-    std::cerr << "bladerf_enable_module has failed with " << ret << std::endl;
+    std::cerr << _pfx << "bladerf_enable_module failed: "
+              << bladerf_strerror(ret) << std::endl;
 
   /* Release stream resources */
   bladerf_deinit_stream(_stream);
@@ -318,9 +248,16 @@ void bladerf_source_c::read_task()
   /* Start stream and stay there until we kill the stream */
   status = bladerf_stream(_stream, BLADERF_MODULE_RX);
 
-  if (status < 0)
+  if ( status < 0 ) {
       std::cerr << "Source stream error: " << bladerf_strerror(status) << std::endl;
 
+      if ( status == BLADERF_ERR_TIMEOUT ) {
+        std::cerr << _pfx << "Try adjusting your sample rate or the "
+                  << "\"buffers\", \"buflen\", and \"transfers\" parameters. "
+                  << std::endl;
+      }
+  }
+
   set_running( false );
 }
 
@@ -384,16 +321,16 @@ double bladerf_source_c::set_sample_rate( double rate )
     ret = bladerf_set_sample_rate( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_RX, (uint32_t)rate, &actual );
     if( ret ) {
       throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                                "has failed to set integer rate, error " +
-                                boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                                "has failed to set integer rate: " +
+                                std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)) );
     }
   } else {
     /* TODO: Fractional sample rate */
     ret = bladerf_set_sample_rate( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_RX, (uint32_t)rate, &actual );
     if( ret ) {
       throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                                "has failed to set fractional rate, error " +
-                                boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                                "has failed to set fractional rate: " +
+                                std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)) );
     }
   }
 
@@ -409,7 +346,7 @@ double bladerf_source_c::get_sample_rate()
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
                               "has failed to get sample rate, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                              std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)) );
   }
 
   return (double)rate;
@@ -433,9 +370,8 @@ double bladerf_source_c::set_center_freq( double freq, size_t chan )
     if( ret ) {
       throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
                                 "failed to set center frequency " +
-                                boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(freq) +
-                                ", error " +
-                                boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                                boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(freq) + ": " +
+                                std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)) );
     }
   }
 
@@ -450,8 +386,8 @@ double bladerf_source_c::get_center_freq( size_t chan )
   ret = bladerf_get_frequency( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_RX, &freq );
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "failed to get center frequency, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                              "failed to get center frequency: " +
+                              std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)) );
   }
 
   return (double)freq;
@@ -549,8 +485,8 @@ double bladerf_source_c::set_gain( double gain, const std::string & name, size_t
   /* Check for errors */
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "could not set " + name + " gain, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                              "could not set " + name + " gain: " +
+                              std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)) );
   }
 
   return get_gain( name, chan );
@@ -584,8 +520,8 @@ double bladerf_source_c::get_gain( const std::string & name, size_t chan )
   /* Check for errors */
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "could not get " + name + " gain, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                              "could not get " + name + " gain: " +
+                              std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)) );
   }
 
   return (double)g;
@@ -633,8 +569,8 @@ double bladerf_source_c::set_bandwidth( double bandwidth, size_t chan )
   ret = bladerf_set_bandwidth( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_RX, (uint32_t)bandwidth, &actual );
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "could not set bandwidth, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                              "could not set bandwidth: " +
+                              std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)) );
   }
 
   return get_bandwidth();
@@ -648,8 +584,8 @@ double bladerf_source_c::get_bandwidth( size_t chan )
   ret = bladerf_get_bandwidth( _dev.get(), BLADERF_MODULE_RX, &bandwidth );
   if( ret ) {
     throw std::runtime_error( std::string(__FUNCTION__) + " " +
-                              "could not get bandwidth, error " +
-                              boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(ret) );
+                              "could not get bandwidth:" +
+                              std::string(bladerf_strerror(ret)) );
   }
 
   return (double)bandwidth;