10th August 2020: I have now ordered a small batch of the V2 panels for testing the Tracking Generator concept being worked on by Dave's software. By using our website and services, you expressly agree to the placement of our performance, functionality and advertising cookies. It is part of the Tektronix "Measurement Concepts" series. The firmware has features that require spending big bucks to add to my expensive spectrum analyzer. the RF section. RTL-SDR also has a jumperable bias tee that allows power injection to power an antenna mounted pre-amplifier. Group Settings All members can post to the group. You should not need any modified software to use a real spectrum analyzer in the time domain. Their industry is highly mechanized, and technologically at the top. A spectrum analyzer is a tool that allows users to visualize signals on the radio spectrum. Note the provision for extensive shielding. The tell-tale indications for internally generated spurs is that they move faster or slower than the expected rates for harmonics, or even moving in the opposite direction, or moving at the wrong rate as the center frequency is changed, i.e., if you change the CF by 1 MHz, any signal that does not move 1 MHz is a spur. See official store and look for V2 Plus4/V2 Plus4 Pro versions only to avoid getting a bad clone. The companies have to be carefully verified first. ), On the SA RF board (the one behind the control bd.) This Schematic is based on original work by PD0EK for a simple and low cost Spectrum Analyzer, known as "tinySA". Overall, for $50, its a pretty handy device. A caveat: Im by no means an expert on spectrum analyzers. There is no designated place on the V1 pcb. This is a copy of the changes, but please refer to the post above also. I tried playing with the modulation function, and it worked pretty much as I expected. By enabling the ultra mode you acknowledge that you understand and agree with the limitations of the ultra mode. The IMSAI Guy series is useful, but the more knowledgeable have noticed that he sometimes gives wrong information, so dont take everything there as gospel. There is provision in Dave's code to use the simpleSA as a Panadaptor. There is another application specific to the TinySA here, appropriately named tinySA: http://athome.kaashoek.com/tinySA/Windows/, As noted here: https://tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.PCSW. Id rather use an old b/w TV set or green monitor. A flux pen can be handy also. Description: TINYSA USER MANUAL, FOR PRINTER. NOTE: It's not a full blown SA but very useful nonetheless. Here's how I fitted them, using smd parts. March 3, 2021 At fifty bucks it is hard to say, no. If anything, it would be nice to have a, disposable, piece of test gear for situations where a lab grade instrument with NIST traceable calibration is not required. Cheap Spectrum Analyzer LT-DZ 35-4400M - YouTube The Keysight N9320B spectrum analyzer is a portable, swept spectrum analyzer with a frequency range of 9 kHz to 3.0 GHz. The Schematic now uses an ESP32 Micro instead of original NANO board. Further work has been done by John,WA2FZW, Jim, G3ZQC and myself, vk3pe. as this relates to the tinysa? Sent: 16 May 2021 03:56. I do not think the tinySA can be converted into an oscope. One of the input enables working frequencies over the MF/HF/VHF bands of 100KHz to 350MHz and the second input enables a lower quality frequency measurements over the UHF band of 240MHz to 960MHz. So, for me its gotta be tinySA-saver. Switchable resolution bandpass filters from 200Hz to 850kHz. For 50 bucks, this thing is sweet! Theres also what appears to be a Peregrine Semiconductor PE4302 RF digital attenuator, and a bunch of other goodies. (the upper frequency limit AND Si4342 module issues. The built in signal generator function is handy, too, and the output level is high enough that you can use it as the LO for common double balanced mixers. Typo: Replace lower noise floor ~100dB for the frequency range spec. with lower noise floor ~-100dB for the frequency range spec., Heres Erik Kaashoek Youtube with new tinySA videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/superduramen/videos. Again, this was only a rough test, with a test setup leaving much to be desired. does the tinysa have the ability to compete with a 10k dollar (or more) spectrum analyzer? It reduces the overall current draw a little and still the BL level is OK. I love that the tinySA is portable and runs on batteries I can take it anywhere with me! Prefer to Read a document instead of original NANO board tinysa spectrum analyzer manual pdf is & ;. When you were measuring the Baofeng spurs did you have the transmit power in High or Low power mode? (VK local time). I love my NanoVNA and will be adding one of these to my collection. Be patient, it is possible to fit parts like this. We have stopped selling V2.2 versions since October 2020, so all V2 hardware that are not Plus or Plus4 are . Here is the current copy of the V2.0 Schematic. Are you sure you wish to delete this message from the message archives of [email protected]? tinySA is a trademark owned by its respective owner. Currently, the software by the above is at Version 2.9 (July 2020) For the latest version though, see Github for M0WID. https://scottyspectrumanalyzer.us. 1 and 2. Spectrum analyzer =/= VNA, They might both deal with frequency and even have similar technology. The first thing I noticed was that the fundamenal was off a bit from the where it should be. 2 x EPCOS B3555 SAW filter 433.92MHz, ( $ ?? the Files area of the [email protected] group. Add option use or not string lib for fatFS, tinySA3 touch repaired and HAM_BANDS added, env: replace git submodule url as http to prevent failure to fetch wi, Multi band level triggering when not in ALTERN mode, Restore trace table, display center and band freq display, Reduce differences and remove unneeded parts, Repaired USB cfg and help commands: added, Allow more better define waterfall_palette size and use, Select menu Config->DFU (needs recent firmware). . I used a single strand from a piece of hook-up wire. LEVEL activates a keypad for entering the trigger level. That said, the RTL-SDR can be a useful supplement to the tinySA for spectrum analysis. TRACE sets everything related to a trace. I think this message isn't appropriate for our group. Here it is at 30MHz and the Cal output is a nominal -30dBm. Is it possible to combine the two softwares into one on a single device? I "might" alter the PCB at some time to V2.1 to correct that, but right now it's not on my to do list. This hardly makes a fully usable and portable instrument so I decided to make a PCB for the "simpleSA" project and it is shown below. Would recommend this product for people who need a spectrum analyzer occasionally and still want good performance while . Made in CN. Pressing the jog wheel in (no left or right movement) activates and deactivates menus. https://github.com/erik_kaashoek/tinySA Possibly invalid now, see tinySA.org. NOTE: For TG, TWO RF boards are required. In fairness, I would think that you should add the followup link. transportation costs. I may be a bit biased, since I was a beta tester for the tinySA, but I have to say the tinySA is a bargain. Selectable resolution filters between 3kHz and 600kHz. Developed an allergy by opening too many micro SD cards I guess. The TinySA also has a more open design (the RTL-SDR is mostly implemented in a proprietary chip from Realtek) and has various useful SA features (attenuators, etc.). Sorry, I havent kept up on the latest firmware features, but it shouldnt be too hard to get data from the tinySA to a .csv file. Theyre all between 800mAh and 1400mAh, and theyre also from China. Itll never substitute for a larger, full-featured instrument, but if your only need for a spectrum analyzer is to design the occasional filter or check signal quality, the tinySA is a pretty good deal. It also fills a gap for NanoVNA owners trying to use the vna as a spectrum analyzer or signal generator. I also noticed a small forest of spurs starting at 500 MHz and extending all the way up past 800 MHz. Make sure there are no shorts to other pads. The components used in high input mode are: In high input mode the signal enters the tinySA through the high SMA connector. Then a wave using cable converters for the front end. R23, 24, 11, 18, 19 & 20 need to be fitted as either smd or axial parts. It looks awesome for the price, but, the main thing I want an SA for is to look at sources that are emitting noise, and ambient noise. and from what i have learned so far watching folks put the tinysa up against lab quality spectrum analyzers, the tinysa is good enough for the girls i run with! Gregor said: Is there a chance this could be used as a oscilloscope (with modified SW)?. claiming they produce shit materials and products. 2023 A panel is one of each only. . Just an android app and an OTG cable away from reality. There are several numbers of great companion PC tools from third-party. Methane-Tracking Satellites Hunt For Nasty Greenhouse Gas Emissions, ChatGPT V. The Legal System: Why Trusting ChatGPT Gets You Sanctioned, Chatting About The State Of Hacker-Friendly AR Gear, Hackaday Podcast 221: The Future Of The Raspberry Pi, Sniffing A Toothbrush, Your Tactical Tool Threshold, Simulated ET To Phone Home From Mars This Afternoon, AI Camera Imagines A Photo Of What You Point It At, Perovskite Sensor Array Emulates Human Retina For Panchromatic Imaging, SMA Connector Footprint Design For Open Source RF Projects. They produce in huge quantities and have low prices. ALSO, at this stage, don't fit the SAW filters on the TG board. Spectrum analyzers like the tinySA use a resolution filter that is used to isolate the input power in a small frequency range. the RF section and the Control section. Use leaded 1/8W preferably components, as they are smaller and fit nicer. This low input impedance may load down (and possibly damage) the circuit you are trying to measure. Ask Hackaday: Whats Your Tactical Tool Threshold? Nothing triggered me. It is a surprisingly good instrument for less than $100 US. Posts to this group do not require approval from the moderators. Because the Japanese company would get in trouble IN JAPAN for scamming me. With Spektrum or GRC, from what Ive done, you can get a slow sweep so to have a wider bandwidth at the cost of sampling rate with the RTL-SDRs. It's an experimantal mode and experments are continuing. The names tinySA4 and tinySA Ultra refer to the same device. (pin 1 is the square pad) And the track on the bottom, leading to pin SEVEN. I "might" alter the PCB at some time to V2.1 to correct that, but right now it's not on my to do list. (I was in a hurry to try it out ! ) Using a PC is not mandatory, "simpleSA" can be used on it's own, using for example, a Li-Po battery bank as power source. I also have a giant box of 2800mAh cells from Japan. The document contains many screen captures of example measurements. standalone with lcd display, portable device with battery. I would definitely throw over 150 to an instrument like that. or tinySA Ultra for any spectrum analyzer product, without written permission. DISPLAY controls various aspects of how the signals are being displayed. Really neat experience for RF design studies and learning too. I will probably buy a TinySA. This repository contains source of tinySA firmware. It can be varied to a number of different frequencies. BUT it is all MADE IN CHINA. 12 People liked this. For those of us who prefer a real manual, Kurt Poulsen, a ham from Denmark, has written up a comprehensive how-to document that might be of help. When not used as Spectrum Analyzer it can be used as Signal Generator, MF/HF/VHF sinus output between .1MHZ-350MHz, UHF square wave output between 240MHz-960MHz. Twice as fast for the 2nd harmonic, three times as fast for the third, and so on. However, I would happily pay 20-30 more bucks just to have a 7 screen. Note, since this version is based on Erik's original concept, some limitations apply. Briefly, it involves removing some filters used on the Si4342 board. Not a problem if you have V1 gerber's and have bought 5 or 10 PCB's out of China. (This changes the I2C serial address of the Attenuator module. Because, of course, if a device shows you something, it must be precisely correct, right? The latest firmware has added optimizations for these signals, The latest firmware adds an optimization for observing AM modulated signals. tinySA/Build instructions for the Tiny Spectrum Analyzer.pdf. if you think they as a people are inferior to western people in production capability, you would be sadly wrong. Many products made in China use components with dubious specifications or are outright counterfeits. Signal Generator with two output, sine wave output for 0.1MHz - 350MHz and square wave output for 240MHz-960MHz when not used as Spectrum Analyzer. The Schematic and PCB above, is based on Dave's work. TinaSA can do many things besides the basic function as Spectrum Analyzer, with 6 filter band widths from 3KHz to 600KHz, in two frequency ranges 0.1 to 350MHz with super performance, within + - 1dB accuracy, and one expands frequency range from 240 to 960MHz with a some reduced data. I decided to remove the 12k resistors from the back of the PE4302 module (6 in all) Now levels are much better and well in spec at full supply (3v3) which is to be expected with the pull-ups. The industrial field is not the same as consumer The material presented above is for a "tinySA" based on materials and software as described. There are also other Spectrum Analyzer factors such as resolution bandwidth, IF bandwidth and type of detector (peak/average/log/minimum) that are not as important considerations to a vector network analyzer that is generating its own controlled stimulus signal. Shakoor Baba wrote a comment on TAS5825M I2S Audio Amp. This happened to me the other day, and like many of you it was one of those times when I puzzled to myself: I wonder what I bought this time?. The tinySA hardware has components that the NanoVNA doesnt have, and the NanoVNA has components that the tinySA doesnt have. Is there a printable manual, like in a PDF. It can also be achieved by swapping the ports in the software, but to avoid any confusion or forgetting to do it, in later software releases, it's probably best to do it on the PCB. The instructions, however, appear to be written for use with a NanoVNA, not a spectrum analyzer and unfortunately most of the tinySA settings are not available in tinySA-Saver, at least that I could see in the version tested in early January. The Ultra version brings enhancements to the frequency range, signal . You could probably modify the firmware to get some functionality, but I would guess the frontend would not be sensitive enough to be useful. (11th & 24th Aug, see above information) As for the needed software, that's beyond my capabilities. The minimum level is ~0.7 * 3v3 = 2.31v so there is a margin but not a lot. Spectrum analyzer let you look at a signal and figure out its frequency components. Andreas Spiess did a review of that SA. Details below.. Please dont take me wrong. The parts removed are small, 0402 sized, so keep this in mind if you decide to do this modification. (Pictured above) Still thousands of dollars though. Stop being triggered, it is the market position theyre trying to occupy. Hi, is there a similar device, but with a proper BAS output ? The PC can also be used to adjust parameters. With all the pleasantries dispensed, I turned to the one task pretty much every ham will want to turn a spectrum analyzer on: finding out just how bad the signal from a cheap handy talkie is. Transfer fuction in laymans term is output vs input and is usually in S domain. When the steel was check in a lab it wasnt even good enough to be used as rebar. The picture above shows the output from the "simpleSA"'s internal Cal output signal. Caution, not all Si4432 modules maybe the same layout as this ! The new topic will begin with this message. I did have bad experiences with some companies in China. The original tinySA uses several eBay modules which can be just connected up with co-ax cables and wires and connected to the PC. Switching the waveform to a square wave at the same frequency did what I thought it would a big peak at the fundamental and a bunch of spurs at the odd fundamentals. See this video: https://youtu.be/VDhER1WxN6k?t=244. Thank you -- 73, Bernie, VE3FWF (most typos in this message were generated by highly sophisticated auto-correction software) 2.5v. Previously the standard tinySA was released back in 2020. They want to sell cheap shit, they do sell cheap shit, theyre very happy selling cheap shit. 7th May:- There is a small modification required to my V1.0 PCB. Download the manual for the programming software here, click the "Documentation" tab. [see also links below for later versions] (NOTE R15 has been removed from the original Schematic links above) Right now I have NOT released Gerber files for this V2.0 version nor the software. Shakoor Baba wrote a comment on TAS5825M I2S Audio Amp. This is a spectrum analyzer capable of operating between 0.1 - 800 MHz, or 0.1 MHz - 6 GHz with the 'Ultra' mode enabled. Spectrum Analyzer with two inputs, High quality MF/HF/VHF input for .1MHZ-350MHz, Lesser quality UHF input for 240MHz-960MHz. ie for the 4 inductors, fit a 0 ohm resistor (in place of L8, 9, 10, 11) and fit a link across the SAW filters. Sonny Supilanas has updated the log for Pi Radio Gateway. Updated for Software V2.9, 12th July Will need to be updated as other features have been added by Dave, M0WID. Tap DISPLAY, CALC, MAX HOLD, or DISPLAY, CALC, MIN HOLD to use these functions. The mods are only if the TG function is to be used and you built TWO RF boards. The PCBs can be very poor quality, lacking impedance control and proper shielding of RF sections. For the proposed Tracking Generator function, an additional bottom half of the panel will be required. Refer to the Schematic and BOM, as some parts need to be fitted on the rear or top of the PCB using either smd or axial parts. Just for completeness, I repeated the same test on the 2-m band. Great for tracking down power line noise and other interference. Episode 536See update: https://youtu.be/VjqbMDNlCBs (manual settings and newer firmware is improved)Some initial tests of the TinySA comparing against HP8921. . Another point to their advantage is that all the related industries are close together. Ive seen some that used multiple crystal filters for selectible selectivity, useful for analyzing a transmitter signal. Switchable resolution bandpass this earlier this year, https://www.banggood.com/Geekcreit-Spectrum-Analyzer-USB-LTDZ-35-4400M-Signal-Source-with-Tracking-Source-Module-RF-Frequency-Domain-Analysis-Tool-With-Aluminum-Shell-p-1494125.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN. Due to the low cost and very small form factor there are certain relevant, See left navigation bar for more subjects. There are always companies who trick people. Watch [IMSAI Guy]s video after the break for his opinion. I prefer to read the PDF files on my tablet or computers. The PE4302 module has 12k pull-downs on my module. For more information consider joining the HBTE Group as per link above. The moral of the story is that the products from China are only as good as the Quality inspectors. The PCB uses mainly SMD components, but with care, most any experienced builder should be able to tackle this project using standard hand tools. The screen is far too small for my meathooks, but without a proper stylus, I resorted to a plastic spudger that worked only most of the time. Companies making transformers are close to companies making copper wires Ultra mode is disabled by default but can be enabled using the command CONFIG/MORE/ENABLE ULTRA using 4321 as the unlock code. More info as it progresses. Connected to a PC via USB it becomes a PC controlled Spectrum Analyzer, Rechargeable battery allowing a minimum of at least 2 hours portable use. Input Step attenuator from 0dB to 31dB (can not be used in combination with LNA). Nobody else is allowed to use the name tinySA Now I wish I had waited battery + display! I have incorporated the required changes in a V2.0 version of the "simpleSA" boards in future. Am I missing something? Description of TinySA a real Spectrum Analyzer for little money. Sure, its got its shortcomings (which have been plainly spelled out on the wiki), but for the price its outstanding. Probably something like the Siglent SVA1015X or Rigol RSA3015N would be a better choice if you need both a VNA and spectrum analyzer, although the price point is a lot higher. The following files have been uploaded to the Files area of the [email protected] group. It is Fit this module onto the "simpleSA" board using very short spacers (eg nuts or washers) so that the 7 connections can be made without any shorts. The tinySA is a small spectrum analyzer having dual inputs. Now you can get a $49 spectrum analyzer to go with it. If new to smd work, some patience may also be required ! The tinySA was developed in conjunction with Erik Kaashoek a respected member of the electronics community and an outstanding . PRESET loads or saves configurations. Also, there are PC-based USB scopes. Id like to have a very basic spectrum analyer, but with a real screen. Jog wheel operation is a secondary means of user input. Learn more, WiiBoy Color Is Exactly What It Sounds Like, https://www.tindie.com/products/hcxqsgroup/nanovna-v2/, https://www.youtube.com/c/IMSAIGuy/search?query=TinySA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGy1p3_2qAY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4CnecfAzng, https://www.youtube.com/user/superduramen/videos, http://athome.kaashoek.com/tinySA/Windows/, https://tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.PCSW, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-oADu3SdEw, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrgSk10HW1g, This Week In Security: Barracuda, Zyxel, And The Backdoor. I own Baofeng radios, theyre shit, and yes it is because theyre made in China. My thoughts exactly, only I have an old Nexus 7. Remove the SMA connectors before fitting. The sine wave generated on the low output looked clean across the specified bandwidth, and the frequency was spot on. In fact, this is the first time Ive ever handled one, unless you count using the FFT functions in my digital oscilloscope, which you probably shouldnt. If a signal has harmonics, they WILL move faster than the fundamental. I grabbed my Baofeng UV-5RA, a homebrew 40 dB attenuator I built a while back, and an unwieldy collection of adapters to connect everything together. The TFT screen for the "simpleSA" features a touch screen menu structure. The tinySA FW is based on the NanoVNA FW created by edy555. You will also need an additional RF PCB. EDGE select the trigger direction UP or DOWN Works well below -30dB so consider using with attenuation or signals of interest. The layout is nice with plenty of via stitching, and the assembly quality is really good. Reference only!!. Like all prototypes, a few things usually go wrong ! Unauthorized use the the name tinySA not permitted. (I do need to wear my glasses to use it, but thats true of the NanoVNA, too. Regards. From the tinySA.org website: A lot of cheap scopes and PC-based scopes can do spectrum analysis, too, of course, so this isnt as exotic as a VNA.