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RF Explorer

User Manual

Updated to Firmware Version 1.31 for Standard models

Updated to Firmware Version 3.16 for Plus models

Summary of Contents for RF Explorer

Page 1: ...RF Explorer User Manual Updated to Firmware Version 1 31 for Standard models Updated to Firmware Version 3 16 for Plus models...

Page 2: ...h a growing list of features This little powerful unit is the tool you need to reduce the implementation time and cost of your next wireless project Updates of the RF Explorer User Manual are availabl...

Page 3: ...Explorer Preset Manager 26 HELP button Plus model only 27 RF Generator mode 28 RF Explorer internal battery 30 Charging the internal battery 30 Using the Battery dedicated screen 31 Charging a fully...

Page 4: ...on 50 SMA adapter SMA Plug to SMA Jack right angle 50 SMA connection cables 51 10cm length SMA male to SMA female 6GHz coaxial cable 51 10cm length SMA male to SMA male 6GHz coaxial cable 51 50cm leng...

Page 5: ...ality resolved by the firmware For instance you do not need to adjust Resolution Bandwidth RBW every time you select a different frequency span Actually you do not even need to know what RBW is You ca...

Page 6: ...e Mac OS client is free and Open Source USB Communication protocol is open for custom solutions and extensions Different RF Explorer models available General purpose high frequency model 50KHz to 6100...

Page 7: ...us model There are two versions of RF Explorer PLUS models the more recent model design is the SLIM design with fully molded metallic structure and finished with high quality varnished paint While the...

Page 8: ...For more details see the section Expansion Modules in page 34 The unit will automatically start running on USB power when a compatible mini USB cable is connected Important The internal battery power...

Page 9: ...nal detection using antennas Most measurements can be performed directly with no extra precautions For best results you may need to use external attenuators if working with powerful signals Measurable...

Page 10: ...at is a 60MHz range and the visual amplitude goes from 1 dBm to 110 dBm Configuration settings such as amplitude reference and frequency span are preserved between sessions stored in internal FLASH me...

Page 11: ...ecified by the Calculator mode in the frequency menu Please check the section Frequency Menu in page 16 DSP mode this indicator shows the actual value being used by the Analyzer The DSP Auto is the re...

Page 12: ...u button multiple times you will visit every one of them Optionally you can use the Left and Right keys to go from one screen to another You can exit from a menu anytime by using the Return key The fi...

Page 13: ...RF Explorer User Manual page 13 actually re open the last menu you were working with In this way you save time by not having to navigate through all the menus to go the same place you were before...

Page 14: ...SM Combo only one of the modules may include RF Generator Please select the correct module for RF Generator to be available WiFi Analyzer is available in a subset of models only including 2 4G PLUS 4G...

Page 15: ...RF Explorer User Manual page 15 About displays information about installed firmware and versioning Use any key to get out of this screen...

Page 16: ...and then a Frequency Span Start Stop This alternative mode is very useful to select frequency range between two frequencies of interest with no need to manually calculate the Center or the Span The va...

Page 17: ...click on Return button will close the menu and go back to Spectrum Analyzer main screen Note While RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer screen is enabled the Left and Right buttons can be used to increase o...

Page 18: ...there are exactly 112 steps on each sweep As an example in a 10MHz span each of the 112 measurement steps represents 10MHz 112 0 089MHz or in other words 89KHz2 The range of frequencies represented on...

Page 19: ...of the most challenging aspects of proper Spectrum Analyzer usage Fortunately this is not the case with RF Explorer The design of the internal DSP includes sophisticated internal tables and algorithms...

Page 20: ...our RF Explorer will help you detect which channels have less activity to correctly select the best suitable ones For the 5GHz band up to 28 operational channels are supported in firmware v3 16 for PL...

Page 21: ...channels 2 above and two below For instance you should select channel 6 if activity in channels 4 8 seem to be lower than 1 3 and 9 11 Except for high end professional access points the automatic mode...

Page 22: ...tor graphics and real time activity with vertical bars Use this mode anytime you want to detect activity for a long period of time It is a very powerful mode to detect activity in busy bands such as 2...

Page 23: ...ndard sensitivity use for linear measurements up to 25dBm Attenuator 30dB nominal wideband attenuator use for linear measurement up to 0dBm LNA low noise wideband preamplifier use for linear measureme...

Page 24: ...automatically detect the peak value on screen o Manual The marker can be manually moved anywhere on screen by using Left and Right buttons When this mode is selected the standard functions to move Ce...

Page 25: ...and reset to unused state this option cannot be undone care should be taken to not reset a valid preset Frequency range when an active preset with data stored is selected the last line of the screen s...

Page 26: ...or Mac computer It also includes the ability to define custom Description text for each preset Presets can be uploaded to downloaded from the RF Explorer device using USB standard connection and pres...

Page 27: ...ys to interact with Help screen Scroll text up and down The bottom of screen shows when additional text is available for scroll Use UP and DOWN arrow key buttons to scroll text one line at a time or L...

Page 28: ...ected Sweep steps o When defined to 1 the RF Generator will work in single tone mode In this mode it will permanently transmit a CW on the frequency specified o When defined to any value from 2 to 255...

Page 29: ...to a lower value than you may expect this is because the combination of start frequency step and number of steps must fit into the available range in all cases IMPORTANT You must have connected a 50 o...

Page 30: ...be running from USB but will not use or charge the internal battery RF Explorer may draw up to 500mA according to USB standard and may take up to 3hs max to charge a fully discharged battery in normal...

Page 31: ...ttery charge control Note As long as the USB is connected and the power switch is in the ON position the battery will charge However you can get additional information when using the Battery specific...

Page 32: ...ery power level This is a useful feature to adjust what reference voltage the internal charger considers 100 capacity This reference is subject to change over time as the internal battery reduces tota...

Page 33: ...circuitry will reduce the leakage to about 50uA In any case the internal battery charger will take care of the battery conditions once it gets powered back from the USB and will charge the battery usi...

Page 34: ...nit as well as RF additional coverage in an extra SMA RF port on the right side SMA left connector is always the main unit connector whereas the SMA connector on the right is always the expansion modu...

Page 35: ...enna in all ranges of frequencies between 15 1000MHz In some cases collapsing partially or totally may provide better response in the highest frequencies of the range The metallic structure of the ant...

Page 36: ...enclosed in a plastic case therefore protected from external electrical contact RF Explorer 2 4G PLUS and ISM COMBO PLUS includes a 2dBi antenna tuned for 2450MHz For more details and ordering visit...

Page 37: ...0 2500 2700 MHz It comes in a compact robust articulated lightweight design making it an ideal choice for handheld RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer For more details and ordering visit this link Cloverlea...

Page 38: ...r lost drone or RC plane as long as still transmit valid signal For more details and ordering 2 4Ghz version visit this link For more details and ordering 5 8Ghz version visit this link RF Explorer Ne...

Page 39: ...le has the holder of the antenna You can also connect this semi rigid cable to any external SMA Cable of any additional length to couple it to a distant instrument Magnetic H Loop antennas There are t...

Page 40: ...EAE 10 stub offers a remarkable spatial resolution to determine the exact component in the PCB causing a problem no matter how small it is You can easily determine signal level at the input and output...

Page 41: ...ermanent damage or decreased sensitivity RF Explorer model Max power input left SMA Max power input right SMA 3G Combo 5dBm 30dBm 6G Combo 25dBm 30dBm ISM Combo 5dBm 5dBm WiFi Combo 25dBm 5dBm 6G 25dB...

Page 42: ...that powerful signal and will inject it into the spectrum analyzer with serious risk of damage In addition to RF power you should reduce the likelihood of static discharge over the antenna In particul...

Page 43: ...may alter amplitude readings and in worse case low quality SMA mechanical connectors even damage your analyzer RF SMA ports Based on total input power you may need to measure we recommend the followin...

Page 44: ...amplitude accuracy Use OffsetDB 010 when connected to this attenuator For more details and ordering visit this link 6GHz SMA Attenuator 30dB This precision attenuator can measure up to 6GHz frequency...

Page 45: ...protected with external signals up to 30dBm 1 Watt so you get the same level of protection as in the WSUB3G Furthermore the power limiter includes additional functionality inside that will otherwise...

Page 46: ...s For more details and ordering visit this link Feature Robust small and low weight custom aluminum case 3 in 1 device with Power Limiter DC Block and Attenuator Easy to connect and disconnect when re...

Page 47: ...be connected from the side while the RF Explorer device remains fully operational Also it includes 4 x M2 screw holes at the bottom for easy attaching to underneath surfaces Please note that this is...

Page 48: ...PC The USB cable can be connected from behind the holder or any of the two lateral large holes on each side They re even large enough for bulky USB cables with ferrite beads A pre drilled support brac...

Page 49: ...are fully compatible with RF Explorer You can order them from SeeedStudio as well as many of the RF Explorer distributors SMA BNC adapter SMA Plug to BNC Jack straight Usually HAM and two way handheld...

Page 50: ...Wikipedia for more details4 If you want to use some standard WiFi antennas you may need this adapter in order to interface them with RF Explorer By plugin in this adapter your RF Explorer will be able...

Page 51: ...r to a device or to work as a tracking generator The semi rigid nature of the cable allows for stable measurement independently of the position and helps on adding mechanical robustness when using RF...

Page 52: ...ernal SMA female device or antenna SMA Male Female Adaptor All RF connectors wear with use The RF Explorer SMA ports are subject to minimal wear each time the connector interface is coupled and de cou...

Page 53: ...d to unwanted high radiation or strong electronic fields For instance if you carry on your RF Explorer that is exposed to an X Ray scanner in the airport you should remove the SMA antenna and plug a p...

Page 54: ...rface It can be used to automate external solutions when connected to an external computer or device For full specification of the current API check www rf explorer com API There are NET and Python li...

Page 55: ...ures and providing useful feedback FCC and CE regulations RF Explorer is a Test and Measurement device and therefore compatible with US FCC regulation 47 CFR Part 15 103 c RF Explorer is certified for...

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