Metageek Wi-Spy & Chanalyzer WiFi Spectrum Analyser

[@sputniksam]

It’s a competent piece of hardware but of limited use for the hobbyist or casual user, not so much bang for the Buck. For a few years now I’ve been using an opensource device called the HackRF1 from Great Scott gadgets. With it being opensource there are other manufacturers and prices vary. It has a spec’d RX/TX range of 1MHz to 6GHz, so will cover all those RC bands, and I’ve had reasonable success up to 10GHz and down to 10KHz. There are plenty of free W10 programs that support it but where it really shines is on Linux using GNURadio. As it’s programmable in GNURadio you can easily create your own applications from simple O’Scopes and Spectrum Analysers through to full fledged digital and analog transceivers, even some shall we say less than ethical applications. In the RC hobby I’ve found it quite invaluable for analysing the signals and protocols we use and for troubleshooting those pesky unwanted RF coupling issues. It’s also a reasonable WiFi analyser. Edit: There are also Android APPs that support it and a self contained portable enclosure so you’re not tied to the desk.

[@An.Individual]

Looks great. Note the cost is between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on package. That is for professionals only and far too much to satisfy general curiosity.

[@MadRC]

The Hardware is one part of the cost and the software is another, as A kit yes it can be around £700 UK or $800 for basics that will allow you to do what I have shown. It is somewhat of a Pro tool and really it comes down to what you want to do and how often really. If you doing it regularly its definitely worth it.,

[@jerryaaronson7061]

I really like what information they give you in the meta geeks software however the refresh rate of the screen is so slow it is very frustrating for hunting down a rogue signal. I would think these guys would have come up with something faster by now.

[@franky12]

Phew, that's pretty expensive for private use... Is there anything like it for an RTL-SDR stick?

[@MadRC]

There are some open source and clone products out there, there are definitely options cheaper if your willing to play with a setup and use open source software however this is really an out the box solution that just works.

[@MemeScreen]

Is there a cheaper option using a standard SDR?

[@zerobow9413]

The red spikes are bluetooth I would say...

[@andreapaolautriaballestero9657]

amigo tengo uno pero no se como usararlo ni dnd venderlo soy de colombia me ayudaria porfa

[@MaxAltair]

Que es lo que tienes?

[@andreapaolautriaballestero9657]

@@MaxAltair tengo esto

[@andreapaolautriaballestero9657]

@@MaxAltair wi spy DBx y un ALFA network

[@andreapaolautriaballestero9657]

@@MaxAltair ?

[@MaxAltair]

@@andreapaolautriaballestero9657 como lo conseguiste sabes si funciona?

[@Lucky32Luke]

Aren't there android apps doing very similar analysis already to check wifi on 2.4GHz and 5.8Ghz also? I used one of those and my mobile (LG G6) to spot what channels are overcrowded in my neighbourhood and pick one channel accordingly. dB reading and channels used etc. I got very decent results. I admit that this device probably has faster refresh rate but also seems very over engineered and for the purpose its aimed for this can be a down side if average Joe whats only to know which channel to set his router to to achieve the best performance. Thanks for the review anyways but over one grand for such a one way tool is beyond reasonable. On my bench my spectrum analyser was costing me less and it has way more use.

[@MadRC]

There is software for IOS and Android however you phone or tablet can not detect other non wifi devices like I showed with the CCTV cameras or the Drone, while you can do similar things for the wifi channels etc its the other items that you wont see on the band. There are other products out there and you can do some open source things and get similar results, this kit is really an out the box solution for those who just want it to work. you paying for the Hardware and then the Software. Channelizer has a massive amount of options I did not show as well. Its not for everyone but if your doing it regularly or professionally its a very good kit. Also id love to find a Spectrum for under £3K that can do the 2.4 and 5ghz bands.

[@Lucky32Luke]

@@MadRC I agree the mobile APPs only showing the case you have explored (what channel to pick on your home device when it is showing a data transfer drop) but one of my friend was using a very similar handheld gizmo when exploring RF spectrum before installing his costumer's Wi-Fi setup. Looking only at Amazon I have found a few up to 6.1GHz for less than £400 with very similar casing and design features indeed. (Those maybe rubbish I don't know) I need to address I am not very familiar with RF signal analysing devices I was just pointing out what the value of this gear represents for it's price range is beyond what an average user who only wants to know how to pick the right channel for he's home wifi is ready to spend. I was using the app and after seeing which channels are already in heavy use just pick another one and restart my router and check what speed I got. After a few tries I got what I was aiming for. Maybe for a more advanced engineer who professionally have to use RF analysis this is a great tool worth having.

[@Lucky32Luke]

Anyway, I appreciate your reply and understand that this device might be helpful in the good hands. I just think this is a very narrow field of costumers who will find it appealing to purchase. In our hobby it would be a total loss as investment using it only a few times a year. I know MrSteele is using RF scanning to determine if he is in a RF crowded environment before taking off on a job. But he is a pro in many respect. ;)

[@veggieweggie3650]

Price really is a shame, even for professional use, I need this, but not that much. Workarounds are more valuable for the

[@Chio_OB]

my jumper t16 and galaxy s9 do this