RF Explorer User Manual Updated to Firmware Version 1.
RF Explorer ® RF Explorer is an affordable Handheld Spectrum Analyzer with 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 available online. Please consider the environment before printing this document.
Table of Contents Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Description of main features ............................................................................................................................... 6 Connecting RF Explorer .......................................................................................................................................
SMA Attenuator - 30dB ................................................................................................................................. 36 SMA Male/Female Adaptor ........................................................................................................................... 37 Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................... 38 Acknowledgments ......................
Introduction RF Explorer has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use. There is no need to read large user manuals to get advantage of its advanced functionality. Most of the complexity inherent to full sized Spectrum Analyzers is simplified with automatic functionality resolved by the firmware. For instance, you do not need to adjust Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) everytime you select a different frequency span. Actually, you do not even need to know what RBW is.
Description of main features Pocket size and light weight with solid aluminum metal case. The Spectrum Analyzer calculator includes Peak Max, Max Hold, Normal, Overwrite and Averaging modes. Lifetime free firmware upgrades available. Open to new features requested by user community. High capacity Lithium Ion battery for 16hs+ of continuous run, rechargeable by USB. Microsoft Windows software is free and Open Source. Mac OS client is free and Open Source.
Connecting RF Explorer The unit includes 50 ohm impedance RF connector standard SMA format. All models have a SMA left connector installed and, optionally, some models have a second SMA connector at the right position for extended range and functionality. For more details see the section Expansion Modules in page 25. The unit will automatically start running on USB power when a compatible mini-USB cable is connected.
Spectrum Analyzer mode - Main Screen Upon start, RF Explorer goes to Spectrum Analyzer mode automatically. The X axis represents frequency in MHZ and Y axis display actual received power in dBm or dBuV (selectable). In this example above, the frequency span goes from 2390 MHz to 2450 MHz (that 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 memory.
The available indicators are: USB / battery status: this indicator will display USB1 when a valid 5V USB connection is available. This will be true even if the connection is through a wall wart charger, so it does not actually means a data connection but a power bus connection. Alternatively, a battery icon with charge level indicator will display when the RF Explorer unit power switch is set to ON.
Using menus There are several menus in RF Explorer. They are organized on different screens, which you can iterate through by using the [Menu] key. If you click [Menu] 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 first time you click on [Menu] button in a RF Explorer session, Frequency Menu will open. This may change as we will see later, so every time you click on [Menu] from Spectrum Analyzer main screen, you 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.
Operational Mode menu The menu display different functional modes available in your Analyzer. Use [Up] and [Down] arrow keys to select the desired mode and click on [Enter] to activate it immediately. Spectrum Analyzer mode is the default mode, available in all RF Explorer models RF Generator is available in a subset of models only. These include models ISM Combo, 2.4G, 433M, 868M and 915M.
RF Connections enumerates the installed RF modules and how each one is connected to each SMA RF port. This example below shows a standard 3G Combo with a 240-960MHz connection on the left port, and 15-2700MHz on the right port. Click on any key to get out of this screen. About displays information about installed firmware and versioning. Use any key to get out of this screen.
Frequency Menu Center Freq: Center frequency in MHZ Freq Span: Frequency span (or range) to display on screen in MHZ Start Freq: Lower frequency range to display on screen in MHZ Stop Freq: Higher frequency range to display on screen in MHZ Module: Active selected RF module. When an expansion module is installed, click [Enter] key to enable the module you need.
As an example, a center frequency of 430MHz with a 20MHz span: A click on [Menu] button will open the Frequency Menu: Selecting a span of 10MHz, the Start/Stop frequency changes accordingly: A click on [Return] button will close the menu and go back to Spectrum Analyzer main screen.
Analyzer screen in Advanced Mode Alternatively, there is a simpler way to increase and decrease frequency span while keeping the center frequency. As this is a usual workflow, the RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer screen enables the [Return] key to switch between standard visualization mode and advanced mode. In this screen above, the frequency reading at the bottom changed from Start/Center/Stop frequency to Span/Center/RBW.
To put it simple: Selecting the best combination of RBW, scan speed and sensitivity requires significant experience. In most Spectrum Analyzers, operator needs to fully understand and select RBW for each measurement, being this one 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 to make the best possible choice at all times automatically.
Attenuator Menu Calculator: internal DSP calculator mode. Top dBm: Visual max amplitude on screen. Bottom dBm: Visual min amplitude on screen. Iterations: Internal DSP calculator iterations. Offset dB: external dB attenuation or gain value to compensate for external devices, such as attenuators or amplifiers. Units: dBm or dBuV. RF Explorer automatically handles internal pre-amplifier and attenuator in order to provide the best possible dynamic range with no need of manual selection.
Iterations: The number of sweep data iterations to perform calculations on. It goes from 1 to 28. As an example, a value of 5 with Calculator: Average means the DSP will use 5 complete accumulated sweeps to average data. Note: Selecting a higher or lower Top dBm value is a very frequent workflow, as you typically want to zoom in or out based on signal power being measured.
Configuration Menu Backlight: Several levels of display backlight. RF Explorer has good visibility indoor and outdoor, including direct sunlight. The level of backlight should be the appropriate for each condition, and you may want to limit backlight brightness to preserve battery capacity. Contrast: There are 10 different display contrast levels to choose from. USB Bauds: Default is 500Kbps, which is also the recommended setting.
RF Generator mode Some RF Explorer models can generate a CW RF tone or a configurable sweep for testing RF receivers and simulating interference very easily. Frequency: Transmit frequency in MHZ in single tone mode, or start frequency in MHZ in sweep mode. Power: Transmit power in dBm, increasingly changed by 3dB steps each time [Enter] key is pressed. Accuracy is typically +-3dB and can be significantly influenced by the matching load.
IMPORTANT You must have connected a 50 ohm antenna or RF load before you switch your transmitter ON. If you switch the transmitter ON without a proper antenna, you may damage the RF module of your RF Explorer, as the power amplifier will not have a load to feed. Think of the equivalent to an audio amplifier running at full power with no speakers connected: you are likely damaging the power transistors. You can use any kind of RF 50 ohm load, including a dummy load, a coaxial with a 50 ohm termination, etc.
RF Explorer internal battery The internal battery is a high capacity Lithium-ion polymer 860mAh - recently migrated to 1000mAh. This is the same battery technology used in cell phones and modern laptops and tablet computers. The power switch is a true hard switch that connects the battery when in ON position or fully disconnect it in the OFF position.
Charging the internal battery You charge it by plugging it in to a powered USB port or USB wall-wart charger via the USB mini socket. For the internal charger to access the battery, you must set the power switch to ON position, otherwise the device will be running but will not use the battery at all nor charge it. 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 conditions.
Expansion Modules RF Explorer includes an internal expansion port to enhance the capabilities and frequency coverage of the main unit with RF Explorer compatible Expansion Modules. To learn more about different expansion options available for your unit, please visit www.rf-explorer.com/models Assembling an expansion module is very easy task; see step by step details at www.rf-explorer.
RF Explorer antennas RF Explorer includes one antenna for standard models, or two antennas for Combo models. The antennas are selected for its versatility, and they offer reasonable response over the applicable band. However, certain applications and uses may require additional antennas to be purchased separately, such as directional high gain antennas, narrow band antennas for a specific band, etc. RF Explorer is compatible with any 50 ohm standard antenna of any shape, size or application.
The core RF connection is enclosed in a plastic case, therefore protected from external electrical contact. RF Explorer 433M: includes a 2dBi antenna tuned for 433MHz RF Explorer 868M: includes a 2dBi antenna tuned for 868MHz RF Explorer 915M: includes a 2dBi antenna tuned for 915MHz RF Explorer 2.4G: includes a 2dBi antenna tuned for 2450MHz RF Explorer ISM Combo and 3G Combo: In addition to the NA-773, the Combo models include a 2dBi antenna tuned for 2450MHz.
Protecting your instrument from damage RF Explorer is a very sensitive device. It can detect signals as low as -120dBm, which is 10E-12mW or 9nA over a 50ohm load. This extreme sensitivity comes at the price of some fragility; your device needs care handling and protection in order to run for many years without problems. Most RF technicians know the RF instruments have to be protected in order to survive the high Electro Magnetic (EM) fields that may be in the environment.
In addition to RF power, you should reduce the likelihood of static discharge over the antenna. In particular, the naked metallic antennas such as the Nagoya telescopic antenna we include in the wideband models.
RF Explorer Power Limiter The RF Explorer Power Limiter is a custom device designed from scratch to be the perfect protection against strong RF fields. All RF Explorer models have some power ranges for input signal beyond which can be damaged. For most models, the limit is on +5dBm, some others are ok up to +10dBm but only WSUB3G (as well as the RF SMA connector on the right side in a 3G Combo) is protected up to +30dBm.
The Power Limiter is assembled in a rugged aluminum case and it is very compact when compared to other market offerings, not to mention it includes internal DC block and attenuator which makes it a really small device for what it offers. It is a recommended add-on to all users who may expose their unit to strong external fields.
RF Explorer Holder This is a great accessory for the RF Explorer, a high quality stand / holder for the desk while USB cable is connected. The holder is made of robust laser cut blue acrylic and has provisioned room for a USB cable to connect to a 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.
RF Explorer accessories RF Explorer uses standard SMA quality connectors. By using adapters you can connect RF Explorer to any RF device or antenna. You can buy SMA adapters and devices on any RF shop, but sometimes is difficult to find what you need and have the certainty the connector you are ordering is the right one. Therefore we have included a selection of quality connectors, adapters and RF devices that are fully compatible with RF Explorer.
RF Adapter RP-SMA Jack to SMA Plug straight-long version Some WiFi antennas and cables are designed for RP-SMA (reverse polarity SMA) and cannot be connected to a standard SMA plug. RP-SMA is a variation of the SMA connector specification which reverses the gender of the interface. The reason for that was a decision made by FCC in order to prevent end-users from manipulating certified WiFi devices at home, using other available SMA antennas.
50cm length - SMA male to SMA female RF pigtail Coaxial Cable RG316 RF cables are required when connecting RF Explorer to other instruments or devices. This 50cm cable is good for any frequency up to 3GHz, and can fit RF Explorer with any external SMA-male device or antenna. If you need extra length for your connection, you can easily daisy chain two or more of these cables in series.
SMA Attenuator - 10dB SMA attenuators are used to reduce the input power, and therefore enable RF Explorer to measure stronger signals. It is also used to protect the input SMA port of RF Explorer when unknown strong signals may be in the environment, so you can use this attenuator on demand. You can easily unplug the attenuator when measurement is for weak signals. You can also combine multiple attenuators to get additional values.
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-coupled with an antenna, a SMA cable, an attenuator or a RF device of any kind. If you repeat plug/unplug operations over the RF Explorer SMA port hundreds of times, the SMA port may underperform over time and exhibit undesired attenuation.
Specifications For a complete list of features and RF Explorer models, expansion boards available, and accessories please check the RF Explorer Model Map online. www.rf-explorer.com/models Acknowledgments This product could not be possible without the SeeedStudio Team who manufacture, test and distribute RF Explorer worldwide. RF Explorer is a reality thanks to the great community behind, always suggesting features and providing useful feedback.
