#542b

Episode 542b
update: • #948 TinySA as an RF G...
Testing the output modes of the TinySA. Spectral quality and modulations
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[@charlkrapohl9399]

I grew up with RF equipment costing a arm and a leg . This product was never intended to replace laboratory equipment . For the price I think is a good buy .

[@ErikKaashoek]

The modulation you see during sweep is the switching on/off of the signal during a PLL step

[@ErikKaashoek]

The "sine wave" is implemented as a 5 step level table so it has its limitations but enough for listening to it on an AM radio

[@johnarnold5410]

Very poor video where featured device is repeatedly blocked by presenter.s body

[@ErikKaashoek]

I found the bug. A new FW release makes the modulation much more pleasant to listen to

[@johnwest7993]

Thank you for all you have done with this SA. It is appreciated. This isn't lab-grade gear, but it is real test equipment at a price I can easily afford.

[@ErikKaashoek]

The Span is for sweeping, not for the span of the modulation

[@MrBuddysAdventures]

Fine, you convinced me. I just placed my order from AliExpress for the TinySA. This is exactly what I need, be able to generate an RF signal in both AM/FM freq range with at least AM modulation to check a receiver through the various stages. I'm digging up my old CBs, AM/FM radios now in anticipation lol Next I'll need to find a broken/old 2m to take apart (and fix). The BaoFeng is too compact to poke around.

[@getcartercarpark.]

Turn the sweep off and the AM and FM modulations are perfectly OK, though when I checked FM, the deviations settings were only 2 preset levels, 4 kHz and 75 kHz, it would be nicer to have been able to set the FM deviation in at least 1 kHz steps. AM mod depth I believe is only one level of 30%, again it would have been much better to have been able to at least be able to set the depth of AM mod in at least 10% steps. These settings are with the latest Tiny SA firmware as of 29th Nov 2022, hopefully, the next firmware might have better preset levels of modulation!

[@JimAndyAllyn]

I listened to the modulation, both AM and FM, on a variety of receivers shortly after I got my first tinySA. It was about what I expected: pretty raspy. But I just wanted to see if it would be suitable for a quick receiver check. It is. The FM deviation isn't precise, and the AM modulation depth isn't precise. The waveforms aren't pure, clean sine waves. But for a quick "hey, does any audio get through this receiver?" sort of check, it's fine. And many times, that's all that's needed. After looking at the specs of the chips in the tinySA, I think it's amazing how many functions and how much performance Erik has managed to squeeze out of it. Still haven't figured out how to get it to make my coffee in the morning though, but that will probably be in a upcoming firmware release. ;>)

[@IMSAIGuy]

I haven't tried a radio yet. The 1khz AM seems usable. The 10Hz I'm not sure. I think it is a square wave and can't detect it. I have real problems with the FM

[@ErikKaashoek]

Thanks for listening to the modulation. I heard a bug.

[@IMSAIGuy]

Erik, can you watch this video I made for you. It shows an odd behavior kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2qwl2WcobRsZ7c

[@jjelectra]

Hi. Wich is the lowest value of dBm output that TinySA can generate? I can use it to HF Transceivers testing. Thanks.

[@IMSAIGuy]

the specs are here: tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.Specification

[@joeryvilches8786]

Would this be good enough to tune the s-meter in a hf radio? I'm having a little issue with an icom my son messed up on me!

[@IMSAIGuy]

you will need an attenuator to lower the output. S9 is at -73dBm

[@joeryvilches8786]

@@IMSAIGuy There is no way to attenuate the signal in the software? I thought there was, what is the point in a signal generator with out being able to attenuate the signal.

[@IMSAIGuy]

@@joeryvilches8786 not low enough. you need about 20dB or 30dB of external attenuation.

[@joeryvilches8786]

@@IMSAIGuy ok got yah I appreciate the info

[@Travis141123]

So what would the output look like fed into another TinySA?...

[@IMSAIGuy]

should be very similar. I think they are working of a way to link two tinysa one to be a tracking generator

[@Funkwelle]

Nice back....

[@kentaylor6563]

I do normally like your videos but watching your back I only got halfway through sorry

[@peterseitz6776]

i love your videos.. could you redo his one as it was so frustrating having the view blocked.. sorry but i couldn't watch much of this one. regards

[@IMSAIGuy]

yes, sorry about that. The firmware has changed a lot and maybe it will be time to do another. it is still in flux though right now

[@LeeKirkman88]

apparently the test leads are cheap junk try changing those.

[@jasontwynn7356]

Couldn't see anything you did? This was not your best work, maybe should of not posted this hot mess?

[@IMSAIGuy]

I said (see update)