tinySA quick comparison of clone vs genuine

[@fitybux4664]

If I am trying to replace a $2,000 - $25,000 spectrum analyzer, (with it's understood limitations) it's probably best not to scrimp and save an extra $20 to $40 to have something that could have an inferior bits inside and not pay the original author to continue their work! Thanks for pointing this out, great job with tinySA!

[@charlesharkin2165]

Great demo no silly talking professional

[@martynh5410]

I bought mine from R&L Electronics. They are the only authorized dealer for TinySA in the USA.

[@ascaniosobrero]

I had a clone as well, as it resulted from trying to implement the "listen" feature. Which could not be activated on the hardware of the clone. However, I got a full refund from the seller, and then bought a genuine.

[@kb1awv]

The unit I have checks out as a clone as you demonstrated in the first two procedures. For now I will experiment with my non-authentic unit that I am stuck with. Next time I will be better informed. It is unfortunate that you are not able to prevent this theft of your work. In any event, thanks for creating an interesting and useful device.

[@brianmiller6320]

Just what we were waiting for, clarification of genuine and clone. my TinySA came from eBay and does pass the first two tests, so I think? it is genuine, unable to test the frequency response but very pleased with this product. Many thanks.

[@peteropstals2128]

Ha Erik bedankt voor jou video’s Waar kan ik het beste een Tinysa ultra kopen die zeker origineel is ?? Alvast bedankt

[@ErikKaashoek]

Ziehier: tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.Buying Eleshop zit ook in nederland

[@mrbambix]

Yeah i have the genuine one for some time great litle device

[@ham-radio]

Sadly, I can't seem to get the answer that I might need and that was the driver. I was hoping to get the driver file name. But no luck on that. I uninstalled, reinstalled, ran control alt delete, started in DFU, not in DFU, turned on before, turned on after, restarted the computer many times, read the instructions, reread the instructions, followed another video step by step...this thing sucks! This is way too hard for the average ham. Having been one for 57 years, having built many computers, having several pieces of test gear, I should be able to get the thing working. But, I cannot. It goes back today as defective. I won't rebuy because of the software being impossible to use. Thanks for the help. 73, Jim Heath W6LG

[@ErikKaashoek]

STM has broken compatibility and you should use the SMT32Cube programmer with the STM32 BOOTLOADER driver To be found here: www.st.com/en/development-tools/stm32cubeprog.html

[@ham-radio]

@@ErikKaashoek Thanks Erik! I will give it a try. 73, Jim

[@batfalcononyoutube]

For a moment I thought that it was only me having trouble to update the firmware. From waht I read here, there are many of us who can not procceed to the update due to various reasons. I too, do not have a clone, but I find it impossible to follow the "Smoking Ape's" video reagrding the update.

[@theironwoodtable]

Strange issue: My unit is not a clone but after a firmware update (1.3-325) attempt it fails several calibration steps (otherwise it seemed to work fine). I reverted back to the previous firmware (1.3-17) and now the level calibration responds like the clone in this video including the higher noise floor. I did perform the clearconfig 1234 also.

[@ErikKaashoek]

Join this group for support: groups.io/g/tinysa and post pictures of the failing steps

[@rfdave3980]

I bought mine from Zeenko, I got the same as you. Was it a patched firmware version?

[@JAKOB1977]

What is that fitting at the middle on the clone, almost looks like some makeshift contraption? and what kind of price difference are we talking between org vs clone, a rough ballpark as where they stand price4wise as that often a helpfull info. and are all original changed from 10db markings to 6db, as it seem there was some confusion about that.? and last question, are the newer version Ultra cloned as of April 2023?

[@ErikKaashoek]

Not sure what you mean with "fitting". Clones sometimes sell for below $40. This is a clear sign its a clone.. No Ultra clones (yet)

[@andrewverran6998]

Hi Erik, my TinySA appears to be genuine , however calibrates to -27 dB instead of -25db ? Your thoughts appreciated. Thanjs

[@ErikKaashoek]

In newer version -27 dBm is OK

[@andrewverran6998]

@@ErikKaashoek great to hear.. Thank you.

[@TOPTHL]

I bought a new one from your website.

[@joolz989]

Just got one of these it has the same results in the tests shown here are the real article but its case markings match the clone in the video. Looking at the tiny sa wiki its serial number and HW version look to be correct!

[@batfalcononyoutube]

Is it possible to give us some guidence regarding the firmware update? There are videos regarding this, but the links at the Tiny SA have changed, since the Ultra came along, plus there is no accurate description of the whole process.

[@ErikKaashoek]

Join groups.io/g/tinysa/messages for support on upgrading the firmware. Detailed guide can be found here: tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.UpdatingTheFirmware

[@batfalcononyoutube]

@@ErikKaashoek i already have done these. I followed the instructions to the letter. But when I switch the TinySA to DFU mode the computer makes that characteristic sound of disconnection and the DFUseDemo does not recognize anything connected. Also the Core Isolation is already turned OFF. The Self test is not completing as it should. It stops at Test 3: Signal Level Fail. (written in red). Any suggestions? Is there a way to reset it?

[@alexanderpummer5842]

Hi Erik, where did you get the genuine

[@ErikKaashoek]

Se here : tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.Buying

[@stevecarlisle3323]

You can find clones that work fully like the original.

[@wdbyrd2]

I didn't know there was a genuine Clone issue and authorized seller. I bought on on aliexpress from a random so I will test it against the most recent firmware and I hope it passes every thing.

[@stevecarlisle3323]

@@wdbyrd2 Lots of Good videos on that subject

[@giorgioperer2817]

The clone is the one above right?

[@ErikKaashoek]

Yes

[@giorgioperer2817]

@@ErikKaashoek Thanks Erik, luckily I bought the original one, the one below 👍👋

[@ham-radio]

Mine appears to be genuine but it cannot be updated. I tried many drivers and tried Zadig. No matter what I tried, it is not shown as a device by the STM software. I have used STM in the past. Their whole system is glitchy. Even registration is difficult. So, I have given up; on the device as have some others. It just seems to be to difficult to update and to use. Without being to update it, has no value to me.

[@ErikKaashoek]

Hope this document contains some extra info: groups.io/g/nanovna-users/files/Firmware/Windows%20guide%20on%20how%20to%20write%20firmware.pdf The nanoVNA forum contains a lot of useful information such as this: groups.io/g/nanovna-users/topic/34550986#22449

[@ham-radio]

Hi, there are a few thousand posts. How do I find the ones that will help with the firmware update on the TinySA?

[@ham-radio]

I guess this is a good example what is so frustrating. I am asking about the TinySA and this seems to be only about the NanoVNA. So, I am confused about the your answer and reference to another product. Specially, I cannot get the TinySA to be listed at the top right side of the program's screen. This really should be so much easier.

[@ErikKaashoek]

@@ham-radio The tinySA and the nanoVNA uses EXACTLY the same FW update method. Everything is the same except the FW itself

[@ham-radio]

@@ErikKaashoek I have been trying for hours with no luck. As I said, this is just way too difficult. I did create a folder. I did upload all files. I did extract. I did try 86 and 64. I did try 4 windows 10 drivers. I did upload various updates. I tried all of them. I did read through the referenced materials. STM is frankly a pain in the butt. Glitchy, not much help and often does not work as advertised. I get the same answer every time device not found. Software correctly uploaded. So, I will do a video about my experiences with the Tiny SA and not recommend purchasing one until the software/firmware issues that many are having are resolved. As I said, it is just way too difficult and the help does not address the issue of device not found. No one has told me precisely what to do to resolve the problem. So, I give up and will send it back to Amazon with a negative review at this time. If I can't keep up with the latest improvements then it is a waste. The device is correct and not a clone based up what I saw in the video and other places. As a ham for 57 years, this should be simple and not impossible to use. Thanks Erik and 73, Jim Heath W6LG

[@TRONMAGNUM2099]

Yes I just got a clone from bag good. Says tiny SA on it.

[@ErikKaashoek]

Can you send a photo of the front and back and a copy of your order to me?

[@TRONMAGNUM2099]

@@ErikKaashoek yes. Do you have an email I can send it to. It even has your name on the back of it.

[@ErikKaashoek]

@@TRONMAGNUM2099 Please send to erik@

[@TRONMAGNUM2099]

@@ErikKaashoek done

[@stevecarlisle3323]

And they pass all the self tests. I presume that when you had your product manufactured in China it was copied. I would expect that !

[@TOPTHL]

Thansk I have a clone.

[@phyzxengrmoore6928]

I tested mine @ v1.4-40-g2f63e1c and its the real McCoy.