#1562

[@RideGasGas]

Many years ago we sold a satellite communications system to a company in Australia but the company elected to purchase their own transceivers instead of going with our recommended vendor. Our satcom system used frequency division multiple access on a demand assigned basis to set up 8 kHz and 16 kHz wide QPSK channels that transmitted voice. The customer was using the system for pay phone service at a number of mining sites in the out back. Soon after deployment the customer started complaining about dropped calls and the miners using the system were getting very irate about it. We remotely connected to the system and ran diagnostics but couldn't see anything wrong. We even purchased a set of the same transceiver equipment the end user had chosen to pair with our equipment. Still weren't seeing the same issues as the customer, so I was dispatched on a plane to Australia to see if I could figure out what was going on. When I landed I had voice mail waiting for me telling me that our team had figured out the problem. One of the engineers happened to drop a screw driver on the table next to the indoor portion of the transceiver we had set up and when he did the call dropped. He tried dropping the screw driver again and once again the call disconnected. Then he rolled the handle of the screw driver across the top of the transceiver chassis and as he did the little thumps of the screwdriver handle rolling across the top of the radio was enough to disconnect the call. Turns out the problem was microphonics of the oscillator used in the transceiver. The heavy mining equipment driving around the site where the pay phone system was set up was enough to cause the calls to drop every time some piece of equipment rolled by. We were able to take apart the transceiver and look at the design of the oscillator and see that it used no shock isolation and was generally of a poor quality. The end customer had gone cheap and was now paying the price. Fortunately for them one of their field engineers was able to come up with a field fix to remove the oscillator assembly from the main board and shock isolate it and that solved their problems. There have been a few other cases in my career where either microphonics or poor close in phase noise were the culprits. The close in phase noise is really had to see on a typical spectrum analyzer unless it is really bad.

[@aduedc]

I have seen a clip on youtube that gravity also changes the frequency of oscillator. They used GPSDO and/or Rubidium frequency base to demonstrate this. They were proposing to use oscillators as gravity meter. On separate issue, we know the velocity of TEM electromagnet waves (ie. light) is 1/SQRT(ue) does anyone knows the value of u & e in free space as a function of gravity or speed? Any physicist here? Are u & e are constant with speed & gravity? Has there been any measurement of u or e at high speeds or at zero gravity?

[@pglick123]

Your voice was modulating that crystal!

[@mostlypostie1]

I have a few SA's, including an older HP and a new TinySA Ultra, but wow, that Keysight is amazing! Of course, you can "almost" see this same "real time" spectrum detail with a cheap RTL-SDR dongle these days (or an SDRPlay, etc), but still having this in a calibrated instrument like that is amazing to see. 73

[@Manf-ft6zk]

Nice demonstration of the real time spectrum analysis. The ADF4351 on the board also has a crystal oscillator of 10 MHz. Measuring the distortion at 500 MHz with 5 kHz resolution gives quite a higher value than at 10 MHz. (If compared to a 10 MHz oscillator measured at 10 MHz with 5 kHz resolution.)

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Holy cow batman ! FM Radio Station txing AM, with upper and lower side bands. Nice analyzer. ;)

[@mariofilippi3539]

Real-time spectrum analyzers are awesome, thanks. You know, a SDR "dongle" is a cheap version of a real time spectrum display without all the bells and whistles. It's also a wideband receiver too. I've had a number of them and pairing the dongle with appropriate software like SDR# and a computer (or Smartphone) you have a nice inexpensive ersatz real-time spectrum analyzer.

[@nickcaruso]

nifty device.

[@Hellhound604]

Still wishing for a Real Time Spectrum analyzer, but they are waaaayyyyy above my budget range. Just looking at this Keysight monster… 26.5GHz. For me anything above 1GHz is still Black Magic, even though it is relatively easy nowadays. Above 5GHz I just have nightmares of waveguides and plumbing…. Guess I am getting old… 😂😂😂

[@TheElectronicDilettante]

It would be cool to use the phenomenon the crystal oscillator displays when subjected to proximal , physical movement as some type of highly sensitive, proximity circuit. That Keysight FieldFox is nifty bit of kit isn’t it?!?! Maybe, if I sold my car I could start shopping around. That thing is seriously, next level cool. In case you’re ever considering viewer requests…. I was hoping (now with the microwave SA) you might get into the topic of RF antennae at Frequencies above 6ghz and of varying phase and polarization.

[@IMSAIGuy]

this is on loan from Keysight, I have to give it back soon

[@lmamakos]

When that real-time spectrum analyzer display made an appearance, I was expecting to see a waterfall display next!

[@IMSAIGuy]

I'm sure there is a button

[@ats89117]

Very nice, as it should be for $35,567...

[@johnwest7993]

Fun toys.

[@kurtiunlisted8589]

Very cool device! Can it also do I/Q constellation plots of digital signals?

[@IMSAIGuy]

yes, that is one of the options. I don't have a signal to show it

[@ajoytamhane6297]

Tektronics demo board?

[@kurtiunlisted8589]

@@IMSAIGuy So cool that it can do it! I think in germany, our terrestrial digital television is QAM. Isn’t Wi-fi too?

[@kurtiunlisted8589]

@@IMSAIGuy Just checked, WiFi isn’t QAM.

[@IMSAIGuy]

I tried but failed

[@2321brendan]

Sweeeet. I realised a few days ago that I bought a spectrum analyser ........accidently. The SDR Play RSP1A. I was looking at gettin a Tiny SA Ultra, then came across the SDR Play Free SA Software. Been playing and learning using FM Broadcast via discone. Now looking into attenuators and appreciate your videos on the subject. Might still get the ultra for the Signal generator and portability. Do you think the Tiny SA Ultra could be used as a calibrated Field strength meter? ? Love your work. Brendan

[@vincei4252]

RSP1A is not really a spectrum analyser. I guess in one way you could look at it like that but it's really only an SDR digital radio, and a nice one at that.

[@2321brendan]

@@vincei4252 No... the Tiny SAUltra as a portable FSM. Calibrate Tiny SAU dBm with known TX antenna and power(ie say 146Mhz dipole at 10w) ,and RX antenna(another dipole connected to Tiny SAU) and dBm on Tiny SAU at known distance (100m)This antenna set then becomes your Reference antennas and reference power.?........RSP1A Spectrum Analyser software (free) seems OK on youtube videos I have seen . Not a $10,000 k + SA but seems similar to Tiny SA Ultra performance. I think IMSAI guy did a demo video of the RSP1A with spectrum analyser software. Could be wrong ,have watched a few and may be confused with another YT Guy.

[@IMSAIGuy]

the SDR has a very wide resolution bandwidth. Ok for somethings but very limiting. how to calibrate field strength is the real issue.

[@danmartin3522]

$35,567 is a bit out of my reach let's go back to ham quality stuff TinySA or I have an 8921 and a IFR-1900

[@vincei4252]

I'm sure you also have to pay for the options in the thing.

[@mikesradiorepair]

They don't cost that much. You can pick them up used for a couple thousand. I have 3 of them and think the most I paid was a little over $6k for one that was loaded with options.

[@Travis141123]

@@mikesradiorepair He lives! Miss your channel bro, but understand not wanting to deal with the BS.

[@IMSAIGuy]

Mike, I'm curious about your used units. what was max freq. and what options did they have. SA VNA one or two port

[@mikesradiorepair]

@@IMSAIGuy One does 26.5 GHz, one 18 GHz and one 6 GHz. The two lower frequency ones had a couple basic options but I lucked out on the 26.5 GHz one, it was loaded. I think there are only 3 available options missing on that one. That's the one I stole at a hamfest. I should have easily paid 4 times or more for it.

[@SuperArchi2010]

HOW ARE YOU DOING THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO ON YOUR YOURTUBE CHANNEL I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT ONE THINK I HAVE A ELECTRO MAGNETIC EXPOSURE FROM WORK ENVIRONMENT AND I WOULD PERSONALLY LIKE TO MEASURE THIS IS THIS IS SAFE OR I WOULD NEED TO USE SOME SAFETY MEASURMENTS ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO RECORD IT - AND HAVE A JOURNAL OF HOW MUCH EVERY DAY AND WHAT TIMES I HAVE THIS EXPOSURE ON AROUND THE AREA WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ALSO SOME SPECTRUM ANAYLZER AS WELL CONNECTED TO A EM METER THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME LOOKING FORWARD TO HEAR FROM YOU BEST

[@CaasperART]

Hey iam undergraduate student. , your series about SMPS is really helpfull, any plan to make series on power inverter circuit? (DC to AC). thanks

[@IMSAIGuy]

I don't like doing HV projects on KZbin. Here is good design: www.ti.com/lit/an/slaa602a/slaa602a.pdf

[@CaasperART]

oh i see, thanks for your reference

[@SuperArchi2010]

How are you doing Any chance to help here - I want to measure Electro Magnetic Radiation - and see it what radiation this device produces - So I can tell what frequency it comes with - What EMF meter would you recommend and any more details should I know about it pls

[@IMSAIGuy]

www.keysight.com/us/en/assets/3121-1035/data-sheets/Electromagnetic-Field-EMF-Triaxial-Isotropic-Antenna.pdf

[@IMSAIGuy]

if you don't have that money: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ-UZX2ErbOHZ7ssi=8FCOPjVwO92nshtQ

[@nickcaruso]

Can I play DOOM on it?

[@kLJiga]

What is the principle of "real-time" operation? Does it also scan? Thank you.

[@IMSAIGuy]

it has both modes

[@kLJiga]

@@IMSAIGuy Yes, I understood that. I'm curious how the "real time" display of the entire spectrum is technically achieved? Thank you! (Your channel is an institution!)

[@BHSAHFAD]

can i have it?

[@amirb715]

if you know how to use the trigger, you dont need max hold.

[@wd8dsb]

amirb715, on a spectrum analyzer the Max Hold allows you to continuously capture the maximum signal strength appearing on each frequency independent of the other frequencies within the displayed bandwidth and his is very helpful when communication systems are on just briefly or are channel hopping, etc. It allows you to capture what frequencies or channels of a system are used during a specific period of time as an example. A great example is being able to capture a picture of the all the channels being used in a trunked radio system.

[@amirb715]

@@wd8dsb I know very well what max hold does. I literally live with spectrum analyzers on daily basis. If you use the level trigger (which is applied AFTER the last IF and the log amp of the SA) you can capture RF bursts. you can try it yourself...

[@amirb715]

@@wd8dsb and if you have Gated trigger option (Fieldfox has it by default) you can only focus and capture of the spectrum of particular events (bursts) rather than capturing the spectrum of all the dead times...similar to MDO4000 scopes when you have the RF trigger option

[@wd8dsb]

@@amirb715 not just trying to capture the burst related to one signal, want to capture the numerous bursts over a longer period of time to build up a history of frequency usage as an example. Also if you use the level trigger you can miss capturing signals just below the trigger level if you don’t have it set perfectly. I’ll give it a try again but don’t think we are trying to accomplish the same thing. Also the trigger level will erase all previously captured events on other frequencies if I’m not mistaken.

[@wd8dsb]

@@amirb715 I did just try the trigger level feature and it does not accomplish the same thing you can accomplish with the Max Hold function. When using a set trigger level the spectrum analyzer triggers on a signal that exceeds the trigger level and all previous events disappear, so it really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. The Max Hold function is a very powerful feature depending on your needs (as is the trigger level feature).

[@TMS5100]

Flexing a $35k handheld spectrum analyzer on youtube. brave.

[@IMSAIGuy]

this is on loan from Keysight, I have to give it back soon

[@TMS5100]

@@IMSAIGuy well then. treat it like the valets in ferris bueller's day off.

[@ИпполитМатвеевичВоробьянин-т1п]

what's the point of showing videos with a device costing like a wing from a Boeing?

[@kurtiunlisted8589]

He‘s showing us so that we don’t have to buy one 😅

[@mikesradiorepair]

They don't cost that much. You can pick them up used for a couple thousand. I have 3 of them and think the most I paid was a little over $6k for one that was loaded with options.

[@ИпполитМатвеевичВоробьянин-т1п]

@@mikesradiorepair _I have 3 of them_ Don't stop. Buy more. If you managed to find a device that is in the picture for two thousand - you are an incredibly lucky man!

[@IMSAIGuy]

the point is: I had the opportunity to show it to those that have not seen it. Most of the test equipment engineers use at work will never end up in their garage. I have two friends that use $1,000,000 oscilloscopes at work. Always something to learn

[@mikesradiorepair]

@@IMSAIGuy I appreciate you showing it and it's features. The problem is people seem to think these cost as much as a airplane, they don't. They can be picked up on the used market (were I got the 3 I own) for very reasonable prices. Shoot, I know 4 HAM's that own them. None of them are electrical engineers, work in the two way radio industry or repair radios. They are just amateur radio operators that saw a good deal and scooped it up. If you go to hamfest you will frequently see these for sale. I picked up one of mine and my R&S ZND vector network analyzer at a hamfest.

[@aduedc]

There is a spare at right side of pick @7:12. Why?

[@IMSAIGuy]

it's called a spur

[@aduedc]

@@IMSAIGuy Thanks for correcting my spelling. But, why is it there? only one side! Was SSB modulation on, maybe?

[@IMSAIGuy]

@@aduedc no, a mixing artifact made it through one of many filters in the SA

[@aduedc]

@@IMSAIGuy If it is so why there was none with the other oscillator of the same frequency?

[@IMSAIGuy]

probably lower dBm. you get more mixer artifacts at higher drive levels.

[@rad2304]

Beat frequency oscillator?

[@__--JY-Moe--__]

gosh! just flash this holy grail of SA's! ja! hold on teach, let me grab my toilet bowl cleaning VNA! be right with ya.. don't forget 6G isn't to far ahead! they say a 5G low freq 650Mhz is very popular! this man holds cellular communications @ his fingertips!! amazing!! U need a anti-vibration holder! crazy stuff! good luck! wood peker man!! I hope U'r neighbor is home! gota go clamp my crystal !! it's just woodpeckers!