tinySA Ultra Spectrum Analyzer Review/Experiments/Teardown

[@KerryWongBlog]

Please turn off "Stable Volume" in the video playback setting (the first menu item after clicking the gear icon) as for some reason, this new KZbin playback feature made the video much noisier than usual.

[@videobruceb8879]

Poorly designed AGC circuit.

[@KerryWongBlog]

@@videobruceb8879 The excessive noise is unfortunately a side effect of KZbin's "Stable Volume" algorithm and just started happening when this experimental feature was introduced.

[@hosemarino]

Your videos inspire me to continue my RF circuitry hobby and go deeper in the analysis tools! Thank you, Kerry!

[@tennesseetrawlerman2228]

Outstanding video. You tell us what your going to do, tell us what to watch for, then do it, then tell us what we saw. This is the perfect way to do this kind of video and I simply want to thank you for your professionalism.

[@JAKOB1977]

Some of the best videos I have seen with the TinySA Ultra are the ones your channel are producing .. most others, just do very crude shallow walkthrough, and likely from lack of knowledge on these topics. You take it to the ringer and you clearly are comptent on the matter while still explaining & demonstrating it, so I as a rookie can follow along. pls do more videos down this alley on different usecases with TinySA / Ultra and demonstate all these extensive features this device have, same goes for the PC app for the Tiny SA series.. A joy to watch.+1

[@ajlenze8]

Some of what you said went over my head, as I'm more comfortable with digital and computer engineering. But I appreciate that YOU have both the equipment and expertise to test this device. Great video! Would this be valuable for a beginning Ham radio hobbyist?

[@nspireConnection]

Excellent video and I am thrilled to have one and be capable of doing amazing work assessing and mitigating emfs for my new career as a building biologist. As an RF engineer you did many of the things I wanted to know about. Thank you.

[@JAKOB1977]

Checked with my HackRF and it was spot on, up to 6.9Ghz then it started to fall of, and at HackRF sigan generator output highest 7.250Ghz. it was quite off like -90Mhz or maybe it was more. but up to 6.9Ghz it was spot on my Ultra, and clearly the HackRF that wont play along above 6.9Ghz.. TheHackRF (H2+ with PP) was with the inbuild Mayhem signal gen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH7RgKd9bLeCo6s 6.5Ghz sweep. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYHXe32EnbyBqrM

[@krish2nasa]

Excellent review by comparing with HP SA. Thank you very much.

[@Zencat420]

Thanks very much for sharing! I work in location sound for TV and film, and the TinySA is a revelation for RF troubleshooting in the field!!

[@pauldale260]

Thanks for the summary video Kerry. For a future review can you look at some Wi-Fi signals? These will be at least 20 MHz wide and switching in time so the ultra mode algorithms should give degraded results. Would also be interesting to see the waterfall plot with Bluetooth hopping signals. Thanks again!

[@germanjohn5626]

You can look at those signals easy if setting the tinySA up the right way.

[@fitybux4664]

You should be able to better visualize WiFi / Bluetooth signals using the MAX HOLD feature. (And then wait for a few sweeps to go.)

[@bigal159]

Excellent review Kerry, thanks. I would be interested if there is anyway to add some sort of tracking generator capability externally to the TinySA. I think this is the only feature that might force me to a more expensive analyser. Thanks again.

[@charleshines2142]

Considering that good equipment may cost more than some peoples' cars I would not be willing to get into that price range. The TinySA is available rather inexpensively. It is most certainly not in the thousands unless you found an unscrupulous seller scalping them. I am of course now having bad thoughts of 2021 and 2022 when people bought all they could of certain items to create an artificial shortage and demand absurd prices. There is a special place in Hell for those people!!

[@ProdigalPorcupine]

The listen mode is only for AM signals. There's no FM demodulation capability ,which is why the broadcast band sounds distorted.

[@DarkGlassly]

Indeed - it's using slope detection for FM signals. Not ideal, but better than nothing.

[@TUBEORATER]

BS There is no AM. FM is fuzzy no matter. Antenna broke just from first day use, well as headphone jack. Garbage.

[@johanakerblad339]

Great review. Ordered one right away. Does it give an alarm when you get close to the max level for the input? Have ordered 30dBm attenuator for testing 100mW RC 2.4GHz TX.

[@KerryWongBlog]

No, there is no alarm, you will need to make sure the input level does not exceed the maximum.

[@pat806]

I'm considering designing, 3d printing, and sharing a case that includes emf shielding for the TinySA ultra. It would have slots for metal of your choice. I'm new to the spectrum analyzer world, and wanted to protect mine but I don't know if it's worth the effort or if it would negatively impact performance while in the case, or perhaps make it easier to staticly charge the case and then accidentally esd the antenna. Any thoughts on this? Modeling it would not be the issue, I'm only concerned about causing more issues and dangers.

[@zacharyruben1852]

I want one

[@billcosgrave6232]

No need to defend ham radio. Either you understand the technology and its advantages or you don't. Either way, it will never die off.

[@trevorhill1577]

Great video thank you. I want to say measure the gain of a narrow band LNA, say operating at 151MHz and a bandwidth of +/-5MHz. Can I send out a cal signal at 1MHz intervals, observe harmonics on the spec analyser (say centred at 151MHz ) with and without the LNA in place, and just deduce the gain by measuring the size of the cal signal with and without the LNA in place?

[@z000z]

What a remarkable and inexpensive little device. Just added one to the tool box.

[@markkut9419]

Thanks for video I used much expensive HP measuring equipments like network analyzer, spectrum analyzer etc but then can only dream about this tiny field usable equipment

[@mrkattm]

Very cool, nice job. Thank You!

[@prutser67]

Nice for the price, but I wonder...doesn't it come calibrated ? I do not have a generator which goes above 1G

[@juniorcomsono]

How can we calibrate a analyser like this without a 1G+ signal generator?

[@cliveradvan3414]

Thanks for the review on the TinySA. Very well presented. Has helped me determine i really DO need one of these!

[@williamrmeara2162]

Kerry: When in Listening mode, could it be that the detector is for AM? Perhaps that is why the FM stations you were tuning to sounded a bit distorted. I could listen to FM stations here, but I did so (I think) by slope detection. What do you thinK? Thanks for the great video. Bill

[@jameswest3275]

Thank you for this excellent video. I am hoping the software in the future will store frequencies detected to a memory automatically.

[@jhonjvare09]

Great video. Have you figure out a way to synchronize the SA with other any equipment( ex SigGen) to be on the same time or synchronized?

[@roberthopkins8089]

Kerry thank you for such a brilliant video.. Everything covered in just enough detail... As you say a device you would only dream of a few years ago. For the low cost its amazing tech. Keep posting great videos.. Rob U. K

[@vincentjudyjaneric]

thank you, very good presentation - clear and concise👋

[@MakeKasprzak]

Awesome! I wasn't aware there was a new TinySA, especially one that measures so high. 🤩

[@PapasDino]

Thanks Kerry, now I don't have to disassemble mine to look inside! ;-)

[@andymouse]

Me again and another dumb question, why don't these SA's cover the audio range as well ? surely that would make them appeal to more people ?....cheers.

[@dwagner6]

I think it is probably because there are a ton of options in the audio range (oscilloscope FFT, mobile phone and PC software), and also because in the US there are regulatory issues with devices that radiate emissions below 9 kHz. Devices that intentionally emit at 9 kHz or up are covered by different rules than those that emit below.

[@andymouse]

@@dwagner6 Interesting, Oscope 8 BIT FFT are not really up to it and as for mobile phones forget it ! some PC software is OK if paired with a good sound card. Not sure about you regs across the pond but I don't think you mean 'KHz' as my loudspeakers emit above and below 9 KHz every time I use them as the audio band is 20 Hz to 20 KHz but you already know that !...😁cheers.

[@aldograsso9568]

Hello Kerry, i have this spectrum analyzer. By going to Config, More, Expert Config, Harmonic, 5, we can set the Stop Frequency Level to 20,77 GHz maximum. My question is: scanning from 12,72 GHZ to 20,77 GHz in Harmonic 5 mode, the frequencies are real, correct and effective? Thanks.

[@KerryWongBlog]

I haven't tested with the 5th Harmonic yet. Based on the performance of the 3rd Harmonic measurement at 11GHz I'd assume the sensitivity would be relatively poor. The highest leveled frequency I can generate in my lab is 12.4 GHz. I will need to take a look and report back.

[@aldograsso9568]

@@KerryWongBlog Thanks, i'll wait for your test.

[@ovi_4]

Nice Video Tnx. I only just discovered the existence of such a "Tiny SA ULTRA". Seems a decent tool. However, considering the limitations and the not so speedy reactions on the screen and the induced artifacts etc., would this still be a reasonable tool to be used on AM and FM radio alignment as opposes to a proper (but many many times more expensive) full size more respectable digital SA such as the SIGLENT SSA3021X Plus 2.1GHz ? I understand that the "SIGLENT tool" comes with a tracking generator as well but the Tiny SA ULTRA does not. Another question is do you happen to know what is the noise floor of the above SIGLENT for a range of UP to 150MHz? I'm inclined to buy The SIGLENT but considering the price tag....I'm not so sure. Thank you

[@stevec5000]

Kerry, how can your tiny SA go up to 12 Ghz when all the ones for sale on Ebay just go to 5.3 Ghz?

[@KerryWongBlog]

If you take a look at tinySA's website, you will see the reference to 5.3 GHz "The maximum input frequency in ultra mode is limited to 12GHz (in the default HARMONIC 3 mode) or 20GHz (in HARMONIC 5 mode) but the maximum level calibrated frequency is 6GHz. The sensitivity reduces with increasing frequencies and is about 10dB lower above 2.5GHz and 25dB lower above 5.3GHz. The input correction table corrects for these reductions in sensitivity till 6GHz. Above 6GHz there is no frequency dependent correction and sensitivity drops quickly."

[@Pootycat8359]

7:30 Why are there sidebands at (+) and (--) 200, 300, 400, and 500KHz? For a pure 100KHz sinewave, AM, there should only be one USB & one LSB, at 100.1 MHz and 99.9 MHz. What does the time-domain signal look like on a 'scope? Since I assume the H-P S.A. can be trusted, the logical conclusion is that the RF gen. signal is distorted.

[@larslindgren3846]

Looks like FM, not AM?

[@ErikKaashoek]

As described in the tinySA wiki the AM modulation is done using a 8 step approximation of a sine wave

[@larslindgren3846]

The signal at 7:30 is generated on a hp8642b signal generator and look identical on the tiny SA and hp spectrum analyzer so I don't think the tiny SA is to blame. Maybe the modulating signal in the hp8642b has a lot of harmonics?

[@Pootycat8359]

@@larslindgren3846 Maybe, but probably not. For FM, the sidebands vary, higher and lower as you move away from the carrier, they don't just continuously get lower. There might be a particular modulation index that WOULD produce a display like that, I don't know.

[@Pootycat8359]

@@ErikKaashoek If so, that would be a pretty poor "approximation"! He really should show what the signal looks like on a 'scope. Ideally, the RF could be detected, then have its THD measured. My H-P 334A THD analyzer can do that, so I'm sure a more modern model (he seems to have lots of late model test gear) has that capability. Or at least, that level of distortion should be apparent by just looking at the modulated RF envelope.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

A very impressive instrument, especially considering the low price. Thanks for the video.

[@douglas2lee929]

When looking just for a single spike in S.A. mode, how accurate is the digital frequency readout?

[@welcome3933]

We are interested in tinySA Spectrum Analyzer and Signal Generator. How to order ? The price ? Term of Payment ? Thank you for your early reply Robby Kaware

[@MrHolozip]

Amazing review - you convinced me to order one. Do you have to have an external 5.34GHz signal to calibrate the upper range, or is the built-in generator also sufficient?

[@seanet1310]

For the price and size, performance seams excelent. You can do a lot more if you spend a lot more. BTW, Ilove that you used the FM Demoducaiton to listen to the local radio. I miss the days when I had a bit of downtime with the half a mil SpecAn so use to listen to the radio

[@Drone_services]

I would like to know how Tiny SA Ultra can be used to identify GNSS Jamming signals.

[@leehewitt9559]

Excellent detail, many thanks. Subscribed and look forward to your other videos

[@charleshines2142]

what is the micro SD card good for? Does it record any historical data on the signal strengths it has seen (obviously without location)? This could be useful for someone looking to see if there are any devices broadcasting anything. That could be a tracking device. I know not all bad devices do send a signal. I am also aware that this doesn't capture any data but just shows a spectrum of wireless signals being sent.

[@ovalwingnut]

Outstanding review - thank you. Cheers from So.CA.USA 3rd House on the Left

[@W8RIT1]

I've never heard of it being referred to as "modulation depth"...like a measurement of a null and not a peak

[@atsmadane2575]

This device can be used to capture the 5 kilohertz frequency spectrum. if it is possible

[@ronniemacdonald2768]

That Toto Africa song gets everywhere.

[@mauriziocampobasso1982]

Thanks very much for sharing your video which is very useful!

[@WR3ND]

Very nice video and test overview of this device. Thanks. I picked one of these up. I wonder though, can the signal generator be used to measure SWR on antennas at various frequencies to check antenna efficiency?

[@KerryWongBlog]

A nanoVNA would be more suitable for SWR measurement. I have reviewed many on this channel, you can take a look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZLOe61ri7x9Y68

[@WR3ND]

Thanks. I have one on order.

[@WR3ND]

@@KerryWongBlog Actually, I do have another question. Could either or both of these serve as SDRs when connected to a PC? it seems like they might be able to pretty well.

[@KerryWongBlog]

@@WR3NDI demonstrated receiving FM broadcast. You should be able to receive AM/SW/FM at the very least.

[@VasyVasii]

Have you tested the self-test with the latest firmware available? It seems to me that the level of noise is too high.

[@KerryWongBlog]

The noise level is consistent with the harmonic mixing. When I get a chance I will check out the latest firmware.

[@jojojeep1]

Can you use this to see what band people are using on Citizen band a.m. side band?

[@josemesquita603]

Excellent detailed analysis, Thank You!

[@ernestb.2377]

Interesting review and product. As it has RF out does it maybe has a functionality to make Bode plots? And if the attenuation is known at very high frequencies maybe they could implement look-up table to correct for that?

[@Eloybb1]

the version 2024 no is

[@mailtopps1]

Excellent review and great detail in a very clear narration, Thanks

[@piconano]

What is its sweep windows frequency bandwidth around 1.6GHz? Can I monitor signals from 1GHz to 2GHz in one window?

[@KerryWongBlog]

You mean the resolution bandwidth? It can be set between 200 Hz up to 850 kHz: tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=TinySA4.Specification You can monitor between 1GHz and 2GHz but the wider the frequency span the slower the update rate especially with low resolution bandwidth settings.

[@tipsonts]

Super.

[@zachreyhelmberger894]

WOW!! Thank you making this fascinating video!

[@WR3ND]

After making some changes to have optional segments of the frequency range settings load on startup, my unit now freezes on startup and I am unable to use it or make any changes. Any suggestions? If I connect the two internal pins, will that reset it or wipe the ROM?

[@WR3ND]

I found out that if you fully rotate the toggle button while turning the unit on it loads defaults and then I was able to reset the setting and load different defaults for when normally starting the unit. Cheers.

[@erbertofacchinelli4422]

Good morning, sorry for the question, in the characteristics I read that AM modulation is optional, what does this mean? You need to add a card or redo the programming with the PC. Greetings

[@KerryWongBlog]

I am not sure what that meant. If you could let me know where you read it I can take a look.

[@jstro-hobbytech]

Hey Kerry. You've seen me in the comments and answered me a few times and I (as I've come to learn how to sift the wheat from chaff) have come to respect your opinion as one who respects everyone's time and money, no matter knowledge level. I have a chance to buy one spectrum analyzer and use it to learn and still satisfy what I need as I learn more. What would you reccomend me buy as I plan to use it for audio, antenna building and testing after I get my operator license. I went through 4 scopes as I learned and as such ended up buying a rigol which can be stretched (if you will) to suit my needs going forward. I usually donate my old test gear so to get there I was out alot of money. I have a chance to buy an sa with tg and only want to buy one being the price is obscene even for the 12 year old rigol dsa815-tg. I'd like to have a full featured 6ghz model. I'd prefer to stretch the capability. I am 44 with a software degree from the 90s where I majored in search algorithms before it became an engineering degree. I never used the degree so it's useless now but I'm 44 and retired and have alot of time on my hands so I tend to learn quickly relative to average spare time people my age have for hobbies. I plan to start taking electronic engineering classes from a local school online next year to eventually get back to work when I'm healthy enough. I'm not concerned with money perse but I can't afford a keysight or rs box. I won't blame you if I make a bad purchasing decision in retrospect hahaha. Just looking for your learned opinion sir. I'd have hit the thanks button when I asked this if you had it enabled or if you do in the future I'll make good on pestering you wirh this long-winded soliloquy haha. I'd like to stay away from siglent as rcc electronics have burned me in the past and I've given them alot of business, relatively speaking. I usually purchase from electrometers here in canada. I have many hobbies but I'm not a maker. I appreciate the mathematical theory behind this, which is why I'm a dedicated hobbyist with thousands of pages of notes haha. Rf seemed like black magic but I have a cursory knowledge enough to inform the fact I'll outgrow a box that cannot be unlocked with software codes as I learn and need the added features. I appreciate your time and if you have pp listed I'll send a donation for your work.

[@KerryWongBlog]

Thanks for your comment! Ultimately, it comes down to what you need to do with the SA and the price you are willing to pay. In my opinion, this SA is great for you to learn RF and do all sorts of measurements as long as you understand its limitations. For antenna building though, you will need to get a VNA (I have reviewed many on this channel). For this price, there really isn't many better options out there unless you stumble upon a used HP SA in good working condition. These days even a used HP 8590A (up to 1.5GHz) would cost a fortune.

[@bg7jaf]

Nice review. How about it's IIP3 level?

[@monkeypoohonyou]

Great video! Thank you very much!

[@todaysfigures598]

👍👍👍

[@kenandbarbie-b6c]

Very good presentation.

[@dimitris470]

I wish the frequency range was usable on audio as well. Maybe with some THD calculations. It should be a much easier and less demanding application for its power

[@KerryWongBlog]

For audio frequency, you can use an oscilloscope with FFT builtin.

[@leifsalomonsson5426]

Try USB soundcard

[@Janom66]

👍👍👍

[@Boediprasetya]

does this tinySA have a LAN port or something like that so I can access it using my notebook

[@KerryWongBlog]

No LAN you can connect via USB.

[@Boediprasetya]

@@KerryWongBlog thanks for info👍👍👍

[@michaellum2211]

Does the tiny st ultra have a tracking generator?

[@KerryWongBlog]

It does not, but you can use an external mixer and make one. I showed that in a later video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmXHeJR5Zbace9k

[@zandanshah]

Super!!!

[@andymouse]

Great video !

[@zerobow9413]

nice one

[@amk6266]

We, people watching from outside the USA, don't know how much is 100 pounds 😂

[@TUBEORATER]

Really groovy device until the antenna and headphones jack breaks. Garbage.

[@pchunter168]