Dave, thank you for your years of service to the public. Your videos have made a impact in my life seeing how cool electronics are actually. I am 42 and have messed with and been fascinated with all electrical stuff since I was a baby, according to my parents. I never really understood ICs until I found your channel. It’s fantastic and I feel like I have gotten a very good education on everything I didn’t know and invaluable insights into things that I knew. I work on BMWs for a living and now days I am able to fix some of the electronics instead of putting new ones on. Thanks again Dave you have my sincerest gratitude for the knowledge that you have shared with the world.
I can't find many decent EE blog posts on youtube. yours; probably the best by a long shot. loving the teardowns, circuits you create and explain. this one alone you've changed the circuit 2,3 times to show us different responses with the analyzer. great patience and enthusiam from you to explain all this from the old drawing board (online filter calculator) to actual practice. all this info and knowledge edited down to around 20 min. VERY informative and entertaining. Thankyou EEVblog.
Huh? You complain about me showing expensive equipment you can't afford, and then also complain about I don't do use it on a worthwhile project? WTF? BTW, this is the lowest priced spectrum analyser on the market that can do this. It's only $1500, which is CHEAP for a spectrum analyser in case you didn't know.
Exactly, and i'll back that up I have a Unahohm spectrum analyzer that does DVB-C and DVB-S, DVB-T , I paid $7,500 some years back $1,500 is fuck all for a spectrum analyzer
He warned you ahead of time in that comment Dave, "OK - this is insane." He was referencing his own comment... You have to put the emphasis in the correct way.... Some people just cannot be happy unless they are complaining. Keep up the good work!
For full span, your analyzer sure has a fast response time! I just won a bid for a good spectrum analyzer off of ebay for only $150, and I know what it does and what to use it for. However, I don;t know what all the 1,000,000,000,000,002 buttons and knobs on the thing do. Please do a video on how to use a spectrum analyzer. I wish that I had your brain. I failed electrical engineering school because God did not give me a brain that can understand calculus. However, I do everything in electronics, including simple circuit-design engineering, but nothing to complex. Because I knew that I was not good at calculus, I went and got a Master of Science degree in biology, degree in geology, and my electronics is from vocational school. I love science. You are so impressive to listen to; you really know your stuff! Watch my videos by typing in Frank Reiser M.S. Enjoy. Frank
after auto scaling the amplitude the result looks like a companies stock market graph! Awesome video, I'm really interested in learning more about spectrum analyzers.
The reverse and bounce back up at UHF is probably because of capacitive coupling to the board's groundplane allowing the signal to bypass the filter entirely.
Doesn't changing the span AFTER normalize result in non-normalized data? When I return the span to the 'normalized' span the TG is flat again. So you'd need to normalize the SPAN/Ctr freq of interest before you run the test or you have no accuracy.
I have the Tektronix 2712 with the tracking generator. The manual is easy enough to find. I've never used the tracking generator. What I really want to know is setting up the unit with tracking generator on for measurements
Excellent video, I am testing some LP filters right now for my Softrock RXTX output. It makes me want to find a tracking gen for my old HP spectrum analyser now, definitely goes near the top of my "must get" list for later this year! Thanks Dave.
G'Day from the U.S. Dave! Your channel has sparked my interest in pursuing a career in electronics. I am an amateur but I still watch your videos religiously to absorb information. I know the blog is geared towards professionals, but what are the chances of you doing any videos aimed more towards my class of viewer? Maybe you could do one with a bunch of good beginner projects? I love your work, please keep it up!!!
Dave... Some people can't be happy unless they have the Cadillac of test equipment. Well let me tell you the DAS815 does terrific for the price and then some. If you know how to use it which a lot of so called Engineers don't then there's nothing wrong with using a Ford. Great job on your video's... Love them...
Hi guy. Love your blog. I've been wanting to ask you a question, so I first tried to find a video that is semi-closely related. I'm using a wide-band, handheld spectrum analyzer to check the carrier frequencies on both pulsed and CW microwave signals. I've noticed that when I'm checking the pulsed signals, I have to play with the sweep to have signal displayed steadily. Otherwise, I won't see the signal at all, or it will pop in and out of view. I've noticed some of the later models of say Rhode and Schwarz handhelds will show the signal steadily from full span, from the very beginning without having to play with any settings...see the peak, grab the peak and do what you want from there. Do you know why some spectrum analyzers might have a problem with pulsed signals while others don't? Is there a particular spec I need to look for when shopping for them? This particular one is an Agilent N9344C. Thanks!
Hola amigo como estas tengo una Falla en mi analizador de espectro marca Ifr 2399a al prender no arranca bien se queda en el mensaje YIG Cal Fail ya mire el oscilador de 10Mhz esta bien que puedo revisar ..todo fue porque un conector estaba en corto en la entrada de Rf in del equipo desde allí quedo así ante mano por favor me ayude gracias saludos desde sur América Colombia
Dave, where can I buy such a filter enclosure together with M+F BNC connectors you are using in the video (plus empty PCB inside) so I can make custom filter by myself ? Thank you for the video.. BR
Hi Dave, I see you did this back in 2012 but just coming across it now. Just a thought, I think you'll find that all the peaks and troughs you are seeing is purely from the Cable itself, if you had used a shorter high quality bit of coax i.e. a HP Calibration lead you should see a much flatter looking response. I beg to differ that your Equipment is not so good. When you "Normalized" the lead and then fitted the Filter you created new ripples in the "un-normalized" connection between the Filter and the input. What you need is to have two high quality short coaxial leads with a good quality joiner, connect the two cables together normalize remove the joiner and install the Filter. That should be better approach maybe....but again I think your Spec/Track Analyzer is most likely quite acceptable....but of course I could be wrong...;)
Is it Radio Frequency Interference if I hear an unusual "Hum" sound in a video. (This sound is heard as clear as if it was part of the video, but the first time I saw that video, it wasn't there)
Thank you for this video! I have used a Agilent VNA Model 8753D and E models when tuning filters some years ago. I was able to incorporate a tuning "Mask" for the filters. Is it possible to do that on the spectrum analyzer as well? 73's de K8KEM David from Ohio
I have looked for a spectrum analyzer tutorial with no success. I prefer an exhaustive tutorial. I didn't get a job because somebody else could buy their own and knew much more than I did. Have you done such a tutorial? Are you going to do such a tutorial? Will you recommend such a tutorial? thank you.
Hi Dave. I am trying to equip a small electronics lab and I got across to a Trent type A telegraph and data analyzer. What is this used for? Is it worth buying($70)? Thanks heaps
in my experience , and i've been doing this as long as dave has. for $70 if you don't know what it is , but your'e intersted in it .. BUY IT AND FIGURE IT OUT Trust me, you'll thank me for this advice
Hi Dave I want to thank you for the videos, I am from Brazil and buying test and analysis equipment is very difficult as they are very expensive in our country. It could help me find a low cost spectrum analyzer that I can buy and use to repair equipment up to 5ghz? Thanks Carlos Brazil
I wonder why people write stupid comments about how this is a worthless instrument. Either a lack of engineering knowledge or simply trolling. I have an ancient Tek 492 at home and I can confidently say that the Rigol exceeds what you can do compared to the Tek for the price. If you are hesitant about buying it, do some more reading; there is a discussion forum around that on EEnews that has extensive coverage from several engineers and amateur radio operators.
i realize this post is 6 years old but just in case someone else wonders the same thing HERE IS THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION S.N.R. = Signal to Noise Ratio What does that mean ? it's the difference (Measured in dB decibel's) between a) THE TOP OF THE NOISE FLOOR and b) THE TOP OF THE SIGNAL (The Signal / Frequency you are analyzing or measuring) so..... Noise kills a signal or at the least interfere's with it as a general rule THE FURTHER AWAY FROM THE NOISE YOU CAN STAY, THE LESS LIKELY IT IS THAT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE A PROBLEM IN YOUR SIGNAL Example : Let's say you a measuring TV Signal's in Australia, let's say it's channel 7 for arguments sake (don't worry about the frequency) Now, let's say the noise floor is at an amplitude of 30dBuV (decibel micro volts) and let's say your signal is at an amplitude of 40 dBuV in this scenario YOU HAVE AN SNR of 10dB well... now.. if you get really high winds that cause interference in the signal and cause the SIGNAL TO DEGRADE BY 10 dB or more YOU WILL LOSE YOUR SIGNAL BUT.. in the same scenario, if your signal amplitude was at 60 dBuV so..... you now have an SNR of 30dB and the same thing happened with the weather the noise floor would jump up to 40dBuV thus the SNR would drop from 30dB to 20dB but... YOUR SIGNAL WOULD BE FINE, so.. yes HIGHER SNR IS BETTER because it means the peak of your signal is further away from the peak of the noise floor / interference HOPE THAT HELPS SOMEONE
Hi Dave This is my first comment.. i am going overseas and i take my laptop and phone charger there but they get too hot there and phone charges very very slowly compared to here in Australia... Whats going on?? if ac power is bad then can u tell me a good circuit i can buy or build something like a AC power filter or something... i don't know.... Thanks Dave Please help :D
Which Country did you go to ? i mean, if you're from Australia, and we use 240 V , 10 Amp at 50Hz for residential mains power in Australia. so.. if your laptop's supply is rated at INPUT 240 V AC , 10 AMP 50Hz and let's say the output is something like 16V DC, 2A and you take it to a country that has say 100 V Mains at 60 Hz and i don't know the current in those countries, yes.... it's gonna charge slower, of course , if it charges at all. as for getting hot check the AMPS Rating so... if your little charger is rated for 10 Amps but they have 15 or 20 Amps overseas.... yes, its' gonna get hot , of course it maybe even blow a few caps or other components BE CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS, you might be buying a new laptop
Great stuff!!!! Thank you!!!!! Maybe some day you could show us a similar presentation but with a filter that has a better response. That would be fun!
I'm sure this will be the must retarded question ever: Can a Spectrum Analyzer also work as an oscilloscope too? Why are latest more expensive? Lots of election magic to learn!
Louis Wilen Thanks! I'll try to understand it when I get better at electronics then. I had been health issues and the exams are in two weeks, tons of undone homework an such. Anyway, any info about this can be quite appreciated and I'll read it later.
Dave, thank you for your years of service to the public. Your videos have made a impact in my life seeing how cool electronics are actually. I am 42 and have messed with and been fascinated with all electrical stuff since I was a baby, according to my parents. I never really understood ICs until I found your channel. It’s fantastic and I feel like I have gotten a very good education on everything I didn’t know and invaluable insights into things that I knew. I work on BMWs for a living and now days I am able to fix some of the electronics instead of putting new ones on. Thanks again Dave you have my sincerest gratitude for the knowledge that you have shared with the world.
I have just discovered your youtubes just today but rest assured I won't lose more time to watch them all. Thanks much appreciated.
Lol I think I express myself wrongly .... I meant I won't lose more time and watch them all ..... sorry buddy .... the yare really interesting
I can't find many decent EE blog posts on youtube. yours; probably the best by a long shot. loving the teardowns, circuits you create and explain. this one alone you've changed the circuit 2,3 times to show us different responses with the analyzer. great patience and enthusiam from you to explain all this from the old drawing board (online filter calculator)
to actual practice. all this info and knowledge edited down to around 20 min. VERY informative and entertaining. Thankyou EEVblog.
It's not rubbish. Were do you get that idea? It's a decent and usable spectrum analyser for the price.
Huh?
You complain about me showing expensive equipment you can't afford, and then also complain about I don't do use it on a worthwhile project? WTF?
BTW, this is the lowest priced spectrum analyser on the market that can do this. It's only $1500, which is CHEAP for a spectrum analyser in case you didn't know.
Exactly, and i'll back that up
I have a Unahohm spectrum analyzer that does DVB-C and DVB-S, DVB-T , I paid $7,500 some years back
$1,500 is fuck all for a spectrum analyzer
HA just got a silent SSA3021x plus and it blows this out of the water for the same price
He warned you ahead of time in that comment Dave, "OK - this is insane." He was referencing his own comment... You have to put the emphasis in the correct way.... Some people just cannot be happy unless they are complaining. Keep up the good work!
For full span, your analyzer sure has a fast response time! I just won a bid for a good spectrum analyzer off of ebay for only $150, and I know what it does and what to use it for. However, I don;t know what all the 1,000,000,000,000,002 buttons and knobs on the thing do. Please do a video on how to use a spectrum analyzer.
I wish that I had your brain. I failed electrical engineering school because God did not give me a brain that can understand calculus. However, I do everything in electronics, including simple circuit-design engineering, but nothing to complex. Because I knew that I was not good at calculus, I went and got a Master of Science degree in biology, degree in geology, and my electronics is from vocational school. I love science. You are so impressive to listen to; you really know your stuff!
Watch my videos by typing in Frank Reiser M.S. Enjoy.
Frank
The jumper wires used for the two resistors are adding a series inductance with the capacitors. Try to "air" solder them together.
Best video and explanation that I've ever seen. Keep up the good work.
after auto scaling the amplitude the result looks like a companies stock market graph! Awesome video, I'm really interested in learning more about spectrum analyzers.
The reverse and bounce back up at UHF is probably because of capacitive coupling to the board's groundplane allowing the signal to bypass the filter entirely.
Doesn't changing the span AFTER normalize result in non-normalized data? When I return the span to the 'normalized' span the TG is flat again. So you'd need to normalize the SPAN/Ctr freq of interest before you run the test or you have no accuracy.
10:45 after connecting filter in series which button you pressed to get response
I have the Tektronix 2712 with the tracking generator. The manual is easy enough to find. I've never used the tracking generator. What I really want to know is setting up the unit with tracking generator on for measurements
from books calculation to application. Now this is we want to see. Thanks Dave
Excellent video, I am testing some LP filters right now for my Softrock RXTX output. It makes me want to find a tracking gen for my old HP spectrum analyser now, definitely goes near the top of my "must get" list for later this year! Thanks Dave.
I always watch your videos and think to myself......"I won't be able to live long enough to know everything you know"
G'Day from the U.S. Dave! Your channel has sparked my interest in pursuing a career in electronics. I am an amateur but I still watch your videos religiously to absorb information. I know the blog is geared towards professionals, but what are the chances of you doing any videos aimed more towards my class of viewer? Maybe you could do one with a bunch of good beginner projects? I love your work, please keep it up!!!
Getting old Dave back. Keep it up.
Dave, mayst we suggest you use a shielded inductor ? Fill up the case with absorbing foam to reduce coupling from input to output.
Superb and very helpful video as always. This one may be 7 years old, but the software is almost identical to the latest Siglent SSA3032X I'm using.
Edit to add:
Replace the 200pf capacitors with two 400pf in series. One of the caps will take the place of the jumper.
Dave... Some people can't be happy unless they have the Cadillac of test equipment. Well let me tell you the DAS815 does terrific for the price and then some. If you know how to use it which a lot of so called Engineers don't then there's nothing wrong with using a Ford.
Great job on your video's... Love them...
so the tracking generator just turns it into a low frequency S11 only network analyzer?
Is there a way to use the spectrum analyzer and sweep generator to evaluate shielding such as EMI coating to tell how well it works over frequency?
Hi guy. Love your blog.
I've been wanting to ask you a question, so I first tried to find a video that is semi-closely related. I'm using a wide-band, handheld spectrum analyzer to check the carrier frequencies on both pulsed and CW microwave signals. I've noticed that when I'm checking the pulsed signals, I have to play with the sweep to have signal displayed steadily. Otherwise, I won't see the signal at all, or it will pop in and out of view. I've noticed some of the later models of say Rhode and Schwarz handhelds will show the signal steadily from full span, from the very beginning without having to play with any settings...see the peak, grab the peak and do what you want from there.
Do you know why some spectrum analyzers might have a problem with pulsed signals while others don't? Is there a particular spec I need to look for when shopping for them?
This particular one is an Agilent N9344C.
Thanks!
Hola amigo como estas tengo una Falla en mi analizador de espectro marca Ifr 2399a al prender no arranca bien se queda en el mensaje YIG Cal Fail ya mire el oscilador de 10Mhz esta bien que puedo revisar ..todo fue porque un conector estaba en corto en la entrada de Rf in del equipo desde allí quedo así ante mano por favor me ayude gracias saludos desde sur América Colombia
what about no inductor? just a straight pass from point to point with a piece solid core.
and by the way I do use high-end Agilent analysers at work in the 10Ghz range
use coilcraft inductor and murata cap will do, the flyback at high frequency will gone
Thanks Dave! I am amazed at what you get for around $1,400.00 USD. John
Dave, where can I buy such a filter enclosure together with M+F BNC connectors you are using in the video (plus empty PCB inside) so I can make custom filter by myself ? Thank you for the video.. BR
Can you make review for the Signal Hound? It looks much more interesting
Hi Dave, I see you did this back in 2012 but just coming across it now. Just a thought, I think you'll find that all the peaks and troughs you are seeing is purely from the Cable itself, if you had used a shorter high quality bit of coax i.e. a HP Calibration lead you should see a much flatter looking response. I beg to differ that your Equipment is not so good. When you "Normalized" the lead and then fitted the Filter you created new ripples in the "un-normalized" connection between the Filter and the input. What you need is to have two high quality short coaxial leads with a good quality joiner, connect the two cables together normalize remove the joiner and install the Filter. That should be better approach maybe....but again I think your Spec/Track Analyzer is most likely quite acceptable....but of course I could be wrong...;)
You might never read this (old video), but I wonder how much the tracking generator response cleans up with a pad on the output. Say 5 or 10 dB.
Is it Radio Frequency Interference if I hear an unusual "Hum" sound in a video. (This sound is heard as clear as if it was part of the video, but the first time I saw that video, it wasn't there)
Thank you for this video! I have used a Agilent VNA Model 8753D and E models when tuning filters some years ago. I was able to incorporate a tuning "Mask" for the filters. Is it possible to do that on the spectrum analyzer as well? 73's de K8KEM David from Ohio
I like this video a lot too. Makes me want to pull out my AWG and have a go myself...
Is the Siglent SSA-3021x any better?
Now Im going to track down some pie.
Excellent video Dave. Thanks.
I have looked for a spectrum analyzer tutorial with no success. I prefer an exhaustive tutorial. I didn't get a job because somebody else could buy their own and knew much more than I did. Have you done such a tutorial? Are you going to do such a tutorial? Will you recommend such a tutorial? thank you.
You've probably figured it out by now, but w2aew had a really good video explaining RBW and VBW.
Hi Dave. I am trying to equip a small electronics lab and I got across to a Trent type A telegraph and data analyzer. What is this used for? Is it worth buying($70)? Thanks heaps
in my experience , and i've been doing this as long as dave has.
for $70 if you don't know what it is , but your'e intersted in it .. BUY IT AND FIGURE IT OUT
Trust me, you'll thank me for this advice
I thought '1R0' meant it was a 1 Ohm resistor.
Check out w2aew's video " Basics of Capacitor & Inductor self-resonance, parasitics, etc. - "
Hi Dave I want to thank you for the videos, I am from Brazil and buying test and analysis equipment is very difficult as they are very expensive in our country. It could help me find a low cost spectrum analyzer that I can buy and use to repair equipment up to 5ghz? Thanks
Carlos
Brazil
Very cool video. Thanks Dave!
Did you take it apart yet?
I wonder why people write stupid comments about how this is a worthless instrument. Either a lack of engineering knowledge or simply trolling. I have an ancient Tek 492 at home and I can confidently say that the Rigol exceeds what you can do compared to the Tek for the price. If you are hesitant about buying it, do some more reading; there is a discussion forum around that on EEnews that has extensive coverage from several engineers and amateur radio operators.
I get a Bad Request (Invalid Hostname) for calculatoredge
why is important to have high snr
i realize this post is 6 years old but just in case someone else wonders the same thing
HERE IS THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
S.N.R. = Signal to Noise Ratio
What does that mean ?
it's the difference (Measured in dB decibel's) between
a) THE TOP OF THE NOISE FLOOR
and
b) THE TOP OF THE SIGNAL (The Signal / Frequency you are analyzing or measuring)
so..... Noise kills a signal or at the least interfere's with it
as a general rule
THE FURTHER AWAY FROM THE NOISE YOU CAN STAY, THE LESS LIKELY IT IS THAT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE A PROBLEM IN YOUR SIGNAL
Example : Let's say you a measuring TV Signal's in Australia, let's say it's channel 7 for arguments sake (don't worry about the frequency)
Now, let's say the noise floor is at an amplitude of 30dBuV (decibel micro volts)
and let's say your signal is at an amplitude of 40 dBuV
in this scenario YOU HAVE AN SNR of 10dB
well... now.. if you get really high winds that cause interference in the signal and cause the SIGNAL TO DEGRADE BY 10 dB or more
YOU WILL LOSE YOUR SIGNAL
BUT.. in the same scenario, if your signal amplitude was at 60 dBuV
so..... you now have an SNR of 30dB
and the same thing happened with the weather
the noise floor would jump up to 40dBuV
thus the SNR would drop from 30dB to 20dB
but... YOUR SIGNAL WOULD BE FINE,
so.. yes HIGHER SNR IS BETTER because it means the peak of your signal is further away from the peak of the noise floor / interference
HOPE THAT HELPS SOMEONE
Geez if only I could afford one. How about a build your own Sig Gen and Scope series - this is getting way beyond the level of us amateurs on here.
Hi Dave This is my first comment.. i am going overseas and i take my laptop and phone charger there but they get too hot there and phone charges very very slowly compared to here in Australia... Whats going on?? if ac power is bad then can u tell me a good circuit i can buy or build something like a AC power filter or something... i don't know.... Thanks Dave Please help :D
Which Country did you go to ?
i mean, if you're from Australia, and we use 240 V , 10 Amp at 50Hz for residential mains power in Australia.
so.. if your laptop's supply is rated at INPUT 240 V AC , 10 AMP 50Hz
and let's say the output is something like 16V DC, 2A
and you take it to a country that has say 100 V Mains at 60 Hz and i don't know the current in those countries,
yes.... it's gonna charge slower, of course , if it charges at all.
as for getting hot
check the AMPS Rating
so... if your little charger is rated for 10 Amps but they have 15 or 20 Amps overseas.... yes, its' gonna get hot , of course
it maybe even blow a few caps or other components
BE CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS, you might be buying a new laptop
Too much inductance between the caps and the inductor.
Great stuff!!!! Thank you!!!!!
Maybe some day you could show us a similar presentation but with a filter that has a better response. That would be fun!
Dave' s video and chocolate, good vision
Great video! Theoretical meets practical!
an apple pi?
So it only takes 3 seconds to make a plot...
SICK i want to see more
I'm sure this will be the must retarded question ever:
Can a Spectrum Analyzer also work as an oscilloscope too? Why are latest more expensive? Lots of election magic to learn!
+timofonic timofonic No, a spectrum analyzer and an oscilloscope measure complete different things.
Louis Wilen Thanks!
I'll try to understand it when I get better at electronics then. I had been health issues and the exams are in two weeks, tons of undone homework an such.
Anyway, any info about this can be quite appreciated and I'll read it later.
+timofonic An oscilloscope measures voltage vs. time. A spectrum analyzer measures signal strength vs. frequency.
but an fast enough oscilloscope with FFT feature can "mimic" a spectrum analyzer feature, however not close to a real spectrum analyzer...
-.- I thought it was a Mass spectrum analysis
muchas gracias
thank you for a great tutorial
@13:37 Yeah VSWR!
Please convey one msg. at a time
Anything under 1GHz is DC as far as they're concern 😂😂
nevermind
what kind of comment is that?
Whoo!
Wow it? worked , not ur program my antivirus program
Online Signal Generator with Spectrum Display ruclips.net/video/XbPr4i89ARU/видео.html - if you don't have a scope yet ;)
Nice video. Thanks for it.
Spectrum Analyser Crappy tracking
nice game and vid
AnalyZer
Dave why do you talk the instrument up so much when it appears to be rubbish?
How the Hell can I normalize in a HP 8566B?