The coming week will start off with antenna testing, the main reason I got the SA for. Found one BNC T-connector that was flakey within minutes.
Next I measured the loss of all of my patch cables and connectors. The first thing I did was use this as the world's most expensive FM radio.how? Just attach any short antenna to the input jack, turn on the DEMOD (FM) function, plug in earbuds/headset and set the frequency range to about 90-120 mhz. You will also need an assortment of N adapters, patch cables, T connectors, etc. 1-2W will be ok for most passive measurements, but if you want to hook up any transceiver you better do your math well. They must be of the DC-1500mhz (or higher) variety.
So you MUST get a set of attenuators (called pads) to go with this. It can be damaged very is NOT like a scope! 100mW (+20dbm) is the max you can feed into the input. First off let me say that you must be extremely careful in what/how you connect something.anything to this device.
I got the TG model as I often heard that the tracking generator option is well worth the extra cost, and I must agree. In this case Rigol is good, but Siglent is much better.įirst let me state I had zero experience with a spectrum analyzer (SA). Do the research and I think you will agree. They make some really good stuff and I own a bunch of it! But the Siglent spectrum analyzer wins hands down as to performance. Please understand that I absolutely dont hate Rigol. So back it went, because the reality of the test numbers are not subject to opinion. But once the “wow” factor wore off, and after a friend brought his Siglent SA over for some back to back testing, I realized what a REAL spectrum analyzer could do. I reluctantly returned this unit after playing with it for several days. The equivalent Siglent product is between 12 and 18 db more sensitive, has a radically better noise floor, and only costs about $250 more. Yes, you can sweep an antenna with it (very nice, if you get the tracking generator option which is a mandatory option IMHO!) and you can easily see what mischief is coming out of your transceiver/amp in realtime, but the basic design of this unit is simply a bit flawed. But that being said, this spectrum analyzer just isnt a favorite of mine.
In light of fact, I have a 4-channel Rigol scope, 3 channel Rigol programmable power supply, Rigol bench multimeter (6-1/2 digit), and a Rigol arbitrary waveform generator. They make quality test equipment at an amazingly low price.
Whether your application is radio verification at 455 MHz or monitoring the 3rd harmonic of 2.4 GHz signals find the right spectrum analyzer in the DSA800 Series.Let me begin by saying this is a good (not great) value for the money. A pre-amplifier is standard on all models in the family. In addition, Rigol offers great options including an EMI filter and quasi-peak detector kit, VSWR measurement package, and tracking generator (“-TG” version) for all of these models. The DSA832, DSA832E, and DSA875 have a DANL (displayed average noise level) down to -161 dBm (typical). The DSA815 distinguishes between signals with a frequency difference as little as 10 Hz. The spectrum analyzer offers the ability to measure smaller signals using our digital IF filter, which allows for smaller bandwidth settings and reduces displayed noise levels. The DSA800 family features a widescreen display, compact design, and easy-to-use interface making it ideal for benchtop or field apps in RF and wireless testing and production.
Rigol’s DSA800 Series spectrum analyzers redefine the product category by setting new standards for performance and price.
Performance Spectrum Analyzers with exceptional capabilities and an affordable priceġ.5 GHz to 7.5 GHz models with tracking generators, Preamps, EMI, VSWR, and more options