On Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:49:49 -0500, dave wrote:
http://www.tek.com/products/spectrum-analyzer/sa2600/
The scope is running Windows and can constantly compute intermod products
(aka predict spurs) based on the real time environment. It has an option
for advanced wireless signals.
Nice. I didn't know that existed. However, the way it works isn't
anything magic that can't be done with PC controlled spectrum
analyzer. It also seems to have some serious limitations when looking
at broadband noise (i.e. CDMA). The SA2600 looks at the display and
records all the frequencies and amplitudes that it sees. It then
computes the likely intermod products. This would be really cool for
sites where carriers come and go (i.e. frequency hopping trunking
systems, cellular handoffs, FHSS). However, I didn't see anything in
the notes on how it would handle a broadband signal. If it were
smart, it would measure the upper and lower frequencies of the
broadband noise, and use that to predict similar broadband
interference bands. However, I couldn't tell from the destructions if
that's what they're doing. The box would certainly be handy for
"monitoring" the receive frequency waiting for the intermod to appear.
Of course the signal levels would need to be well controlled to
prevent displaying mixing products in the SA front end. Much of what
I see in the way of intermod would never show up on a spectrum
analyzer. For example, you're not doing to see PIM on a SA.
I don't think I can justify the cost on the basis of time saved. For
example, I once isolated the source of intermod to another mountain
top, about 20 miles away.
I could never get my boss to buy me one;
they are enamored of Rohde Fish 313s.
http://nefl-dstar.com/blog/2010/07/01/the-fsh313-spectrum-analyzer/
$11,000 spectrum analyzer with tracking generator and you're
complaining? You should try using some of my antique test equipment
and see if your opinion changes. I don't think I have anything newer
than about 20 years old.
http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/home/slides/BL-shop6.html
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http://802.11junk.com
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