Does anyone here have experience of using spectrum analysers in RF applications and feel like sharing their knowledge with a new specan owner?
CJay
Clint,
As an EMC and RF Engineer I feel I may be qualified to provide assistance!
Alex
Ah,I had a feeling the person I needed to speak to was Alex, good to know
the old memory hasn’t quite failed.
We met and chatted a little about RF when I joined only for me to never
return due to work, life and ‘stuff’…
If I were to turn up one evening with the analyser would you show me the
ropes a little?
I have an idea of how it all works but would appreciate some guidance.
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Clint,
Let me know when is convenient and I will meet up with you at the space to show you a few of the tricks of the trade. It might help to know what you are trying to achieve with the Spec AN and what make and model it is…do you know if it has a tracking generator built in? A spectrum analyser with a tracking generator is much more useful - it then becomes a scalar vector analyser which can be used to profile amplifiers, filters networks etc. A spectrum analyser alone is useful but only for measuring the received power from an antenna or signal source.
Well it’s a cellphone tester, one of the Rohde & Schwarz Ones that were
sold off from the NVidia auctions, but under the cellphone specific tests
it’s a 10MHz to 2.7GHz spectrum analyser with signal generator (not
tracking generator), there is a tracking generator add on available which I
will buy once my credit card has recovered from the shock of this purchase.
I’m looking at noise sources until I can afford the TG and will also need
to get hold of a DC block so I don’t accidentally kill it.
As for what I’m trying to achieve, I’m pursuing the FOundation licence and
will hopefully be experimenting with HF to UHF radio construction and when
the tracking generator turns up I’ll be using it for filters and amplifiers
as well.
I would certainly look at getting a transient limiter which I suspect is the same as a DC block…I would also get a high power attenuator…one capable of at least 50 watts wouldn’t be a bad idea. That way you can introduce signals from just about anything without blowing the input stage. Rohde and Schwarz do make very good equipment but it’s also very expensive. I am very interested in seeing it when you have time. We use R & S kit in the lab at work to make the measurements…
I believe the model I have in transit is capable of handling a 50w input
dependant on fitted options. The seller had no idea of config so I will
have to wait and see what’s in it.
Will be good to get a professional eye cast over it to verify it’s working
Well, it’s arrived. It’s a Rohde & Schwarz CMU200 which is 10MHz to near
as 3GHz, it’s got the hi stability OCXO and the audio analyser option.
It’s also got dual RF generators, to - 139dBm.
So, if you are around next week to share some of your knowledge, I’d be
very happy to bring it along.
Sure, I can be around any time just let me know when and I’ll turn up.