Your output is incredible, I can hardly keep up.🙂

I purchased this spectrum analyzer back in 2020. It's funny how this is the most expensive unit on my bench but used the least. But I bought it for one purpose and at the the time knew it was overkill for what I needed but wanted to learn more in the RF realm. Still happy I did. I haven't even scratched the surface of it's capabilities. So, this is a treat for me to you bought one and playing with it...most importantly sharing that experience with us. Thank you!!!!

@enojelly9452

Жыл бұрын

I wanted to buy an SA for a long while now, but could never really justify it. Like what would I actually use it for? My oscilloscope gets a lot of use, would the SA? Finally I wanted to do some EMI measurements on one of my projects (I don't even plan on selling it, but thought it would be a good idea to limit emissions for using in a car etc.). So finally I had a good reason. Besides that one instance, I don't do a lot of EMI measurements now that I have it, though. It's more handy for ham stuff (but still overkill of course).

Nice content. I’m always appreciative of learning new things.

Nice attenuator! You know, you can set the units to Watts to see power in watts right on the screen too :)

Congrats on the SA! I have the "Plus" version and have been using a no-name Chinese 10W 30dB attenuator to protect the front-end when testing anything that has the power potential to damage my unit. It always bothered me relying on an attenuator of questionable quality to protect such an expensive piece of equipment, but buying high-dollar attenuators doesn't really make economic sense for a hobbyist like me either. Thanks to this video, I just ordered one of these Pasternaks for myself so I can enjoy the best of both worlds....quality that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Thank you!

@johnwest7993

Жыл бұрын

Your comment sounds precisely like it could have been written by me, except the no-name attenuator I got changed resistance after one usage at 4 watts of intermittent testing, so I too just ordered the Pasternak. I also ordered some of the used crystal oven oscillators he tested a week or 2 ago. Imsai Guy needs to hook up with some of the vendors of the devices he is testing for us and get a cut on the sales. Honest, knowledgeable reviews on tech components are damn hard to come by, especially on used devices, so I hope he reads this and sees about doing it because I bet the vendors notice an increase in sales after these reviews.

@W3DRK

Жыл бұрын

@@johnwest7993 I'm a bit of a time-nut so I use a GPSDO and 10MHz distribution amplifier as a reference for my gear. Otherwise I'd probably be buying some of those OCXOs too. Yeah, I love this channel. Honest, real-world reviews based on practical knowledge that covers all the bases. I won't give examples, but some of the other more popular channels out there are apparently provided with test gear in exchange for reviews. It drives me nuts when it's obvious that, besides performing basic measurements, they have never used these kinds of tools in a professional or academic setting and aren't remotely qualified to be providing reviews on the subject matter.

Found the attenuator on eBay before they all disappeared, that's a great deal! Thanks, looks like you're having fun with the new SA

Like last video, I think it's always worth to check under the "Amplitude" button if you're happy with the settings. With a 30 dB pad, you might not want the extra 10 or 20 dB attenuation that might be default at your reference level. I deeply enjoy your videos by the way, became a Patreon a while ago, and I see the money is going towards a very good use! (Not implying that I had any expectations for that money to go towards the channel in the first place, it's more to say thanks.)

Good to see it all working.

Deal-of-the day!

I bought one of that power and attenuation with SMAs on eBay because I had a gap in my attenuators for QRP work, and that value filled it. I ran 4 watts through it for 10 second about 5 times and the return loss went to Hell. I checked the resistance of the attenuator and it was up to 70 some Ohms. Damn China. So I'm back to using the 25 W attenuator from my HP RF power meter, and it's much too big for convenient hook-up to my TinySA's or my Anritsu. It's just clumsy and I worry about breaking off connectors. I would have ordered one from a different vendor, but once bitten, twice shy. However, with you doing a quality check I feel confident with buying one of the Pasternaks, so I just ordered 1. Thanks for the tip. I'm tempted to buy 2 at that price, but I know I don't really need it. If there was one with SMA's on it I would, because then I could do most anything QRP without adding a bunch of adaptors. Again, thanks.

@johnwest7993

Жыл бұрын

Follow-up. My attenuator arrived, and it performs just like the one in the video. I paid an eBay price for a new professional-grade product. Good stuff. Still thinking about buying another one. BTW, I also bought a handful of those 10 MHz Xtal ovens. Tiny, precise, and at $4 each they are a STEAL, turning a cheap, hobbyist grade freq counter into a precision instrument, and ensuring that my digi-mode transceivers will be precisely on freq. Now, for $4 each I don't use a crystal oven reference to calibrate my gear, I just stick the crystal oven in the gear! Most hams still don't understand what a precise frequency accuracy and stability can do for digital communications, but I do. Very good times for hobby electronics.

I have a Labloot SA that works very well, other door version of another namebrand...Just ordered 1 of these to add to the front end arsenal, been a fan of Pasternak for many years, retired from 40 years in the CATV business. I agree, you should get a cut! Keep up the great vids!

@Randrew

Жыл бұрын

Would the "other door" be the backdoor of the Rigol plant? I was really tempted by the Labloot unit because it has an HDMI output. Have you tried that? I wound up getting a Siglent SSA3015X Plus on manufacturer sale at $999 in Dec 2022.

@jimwolsiffer4397

Жыл бұрын

@@Randrew Bingo! It was sub 800 at the time but was worried it would have issues. So far haven't found any. Have not tried the HDMI but it is one reason I went with it. Have a monitor in the box waiting to find room to place it then will hook it up.

Maybe a connector saver on the front of the SA might reduce wear on the N connector. Also I think the display vertical scale can be set in Watt mode. Keep up the great work.

thanks for tip,after your vid I ordered one

A 30dB attenuator also makes a very nice dummy load. You don't even have to terminate it.

@IMSAIGuy

4 ай бұрын

yes, I did a video on that: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iZWfxLJ-fq2uiKQ.htmlsi=qnIFN7EiRyWRGUbT

I have been contemplating this scope for a long time, I have an older spectrum analyzer but does not have tracking out. The majority of its use is just to see RF ranges, I never really measure signal strengths, just identify freq. but every once in a while I wish I had the TG. Seeing you use it in these videos is giving me ideas to how I can use it with the work I do. I understand them, but havent fully used them. Thanks for the videos, great insight

@johnwest7993

Жыл бұрын

In order to expand on their utility just build a cheap RF noise source for $5 or so. They are quick and simple, and it's the next best thing to having a tracking generator in the analyzer.

@portblock

Жыл бұрын

@@johnwest7993 I see, thank you, I will play with that.

Coincidentally I just ordered a 30db SMA attenuater to protect my TinySA. I already have a USB programmable step job, but I suppose IT could fail.... so extra insurance.

Of course you can set the analyzer to measure in Watts in the amplitude menu which is handy. I've got a 100 watt 30 db attenuator which is flat to 2 ghz & only cost £10 at a radio rally, I don't think they knew its true value!

Just ordered a couple for the bench, thanks for the lead! It's amazing again how good your are at spending my $$! 🤣

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

Lucky this time is was pretty cheap 😎

@Randrew

Жыл бұрын

You and a bunch of others! If I'm looking at the same ebay link, they've sold 32 in the past day... 8 left. Ahum. 7 left ;)

@vincei4252

Жыл бұрын

@@Randrew 2 left :-) I snagged mine.

@PapasDino

Жыл бұрын

@@IMSAIGuy My pair arrived today and just checked them, perfect at 3 GHz! They didn't last long, the guy should give you a bonus for advertising! Saved me $900, not that I would have spent that much on them but boy, what a deal, thanks! And of course they're all gone now. ;-)

Picked up the 20dB 4GHz version for free December. Now just need to get the SA to go with it as well.....

latest spectrum analyzer is amazing

I got some of the 20W Narda attenuators and a big 100W Bird. All used, for reasonable prices. For most purposes the exact attenuation is not critical but I think some of them are not exactly as marked. For use to measure power it would be nice to have a chart so you could compensate. But I am not gonna buy a really expensive device like you got just to figure that out. I would be hard pressed to justify full price for rare uses I might have. My power meter is like 1969 vintage, hamfest cheap bargain. That stuff is costly because of govt and commercial customers and also their demands of traceability or high quality.

How does it compare to cheap attenuators made of chinasium?

Thanks for the presentation. But one concern; please be a bit gentle to the connectors even if it's very cold in California.... just for fun 👍 De VU2RZA

Are there SMA pads with the same quality? I've got a good pad, but it's clearly not high wattage since it's small and has no cooling fins. I basically have the N-to-SMA adapters "fixed" on my Spectrum Analyzer, in that I don't like removing them too much. First because it's a bit of a pain to do so (especially because on the Rigol, the ports are actually recessed... not sure if that's intentional because they expect people to use adapters as well, or just weird design), second because I'm quite happy about the adapter taking the primary wear and tear on the screw connector instead of the SA itself. Finally, at 3.2GHz it also seems to need a bit more torque than "finger tight", so having as little reason as possible to remove the adapter is good.

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

yes, Alan, Pasternak, Weinschel, Midwest microwave, Narda to name a few

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/np5-xbt_gbafe7g.html

Coincidentally I recently ordered two 10W pads, 10 and 30 dB from China for $20 each. They are rated to 3 GHz but having an SSA3015X I could only test them to 1.5 GHz - their response is pretty flat across that range so I think they'll be just fine for my amateur radio fiddlings. Having seen the prices of "proper" attenuators - even in used condition - I was pretty leery of these, thus I tested them right away. Don't anybody take my word for it, though, or you might just get what you pay for :|

Does the open circuits book have the cross section of an RF power attenuator?

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

no, I did a tear down of an SMA attenuator once, but can't find which video it was in.

I managed to purchase this same attenuator for $29. It has a part number that has been xxx out of PE 7010-30 which is the 30db 10W 2ghz model. Do you have the ability to verify if indeed it’s the 12.4 ghz unit (PE7048-10)?

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

The N-connector has PE7048-30 marked on it. I've tested to 4.4GHz

So Im new to the spectrum analyzers, but know they are sensitive on their front ends. I recently picked up a e4402b and have been looking for an attenuator to leave on the front end to protect it from me not knowing what Im doing. In this video you choose to use a 30db pad. I understand the 10 watts for a 5 watt transmitter, but why did you choose to use the 30db over say a 20db? My 4402b does not have a tracking generator. How can I test a attenuator without that built in function? Can I use a 6061a rf signal generator to drive a signal through the attenuator and then watch it on the spectrum analyzer?

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

my general rule is not to have more than 0dBm on the input of an analyzer. 30dB pad allows me up to 1 watt input. to measure the pad, use your generator set to 0dBm and measure that on the analyzer. then disconnect the cable and insert the pad. you will measure the dB loss

@mattrupert

Жыл бұрын

@@IMSAIGuy Thank you!!

Can you make a video on RF connectors. I mainly work with F-Connectors(Compression by Cabelcon) and want to know how they stack up against sma and N

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHamp5aHqtrAptI.html

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/eYN3ppd9prLQZcY.html

@niklasp.5847

Жыл бұрын

@@IMSAIGuy i have watched the videos. Do you have any on F-Type Connectors?

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

the F-connector is 75 ohms, so you only see it on television/cable applications the center conductor is the wire in the coax so it can corrode. other connectors have gold plating. I think the F is good to about 1 GHz

@niklasp.5847

Жыл бұрын

@@IMSAIGuy exactly thats the industry i work in. Good F-Connectors are speced to at least 3GHz. Other Connectors in use are SMA, BNC, MCX and IEC

Hi 👋 I have an adc module with 50 ohm input impedance it says it's input voltage should be below 5v p-p if I use an amplifier with 5v supply like lna moduls before my adc should I use attenuator before my adc???

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

I never operate at the extreme. If I am not sure I start with attenuator and make the measurement. I it looks safe, I will then remove the attn

@ltlt6117

Жыл бұрын

@@IMSAIGuy thanks a lot.

At that price I would suspect it it counterfeit maybe?

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

this is the real deal

Is there a 50 ohm load somewhere along the way?

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

Attenuators are designed to have 50ohm inputs

@davidv1289

Жыл бұрын

The spectrum analyzer is a 50 ohm load - has an input impedance of 50 ohms.

@analog_guy

Жыл бұрын

A 30 dB attenuator itself with no termination on the other end makes a very good 50-ohm load. The round-trip attenuation is 60 dB, which works out to be a standing wave ratio of just 1.065 if the attenuator were otherwise perfectly reflection-free. That reflection is often better than the specification for the attenuator when properly terminated with 50-ohm load. In practice, the round-trip reflection will superimpose on the terminated reflection, making the resulting total reflection either better or worse, depending on the phase relationship between the two. This gobbledygook can be summarized in the old saying, "It is close enough for government work". (My apologies to the National Bureau of Standards -- it is not close enough for them!) 😀

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

@@analog_guy Yes, I have shown that trick in a different video.

A new, genuine, $450 gadget selling for $29 dollars on eBay strongly suggests a five-finger discount from an employer's shelf. I have purchased similar deals in the past and live with a tiny sliver of guilt. Hmm, have a link to that auction? I could use one of those. 😃

@W3DRK

Жыл бұрын

My company disposes tens of thousands of dollars of equipment without batting an eye, some of it new. Much of it likely ends up on the surplus market and is completely legit. No need to assume a good deal must mean it's not kosher. When you're a couple hundred million dollar organization, once assets have been on the books long enough to be depreciated down to $0, it's simply not worth doing anything besides disposing of surplus equipment regardless of it's street-value.

@R50_J0

Жыл бұрын

I agree with you but the property is usually purchased by an asset liquidation company who then starts selling it themselves or sells it again to specialized liquidation companies. Liquidation companies know the value of the items and will price at a discount but $30 vs $450, labeled, sealed in bag, and new stock seems too cheap.

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

I worked for a 70 billion dollar company. they just threw stuff in the bin outside.

@R50_J0

Жыл бұрын

True, the liquidation services usually are brought in for plant closings and bankruptcies. I used to pick dumpsters at a military base. They also just tossed thousands of dollars of perfectly good surplus or obsolete stuff every week. Our tax dollars at work.

Its $100 now.

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

and now he won't sell any

the guy thought he was hacked,sold the supply in few hours,he sent me a mesage, i told him where i got the tip

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

Who knows how long he has been selling them on eBay until this.

You're losing me. I'm happy for you that you have the new equipment but I would like it more if you concentrated more on content that us folks that can't afford a 2000+ piece of equipment can use. I guess I'll just have to watch your old stuff. Thanks

@IMSAIGuy

Жыл бұрын

I understand many can not afford new stuff. I have many videos using the TinySA $49 and the new TinySA Ultra $120 and my old HP SA $250 used. There are plenty of options on the used market. The video content using the new SA is applicable to any device as they all act about the same. This video shows a 10W attenuator. you will need something like this for all spectrum analyzers if you want to test radios. I have a video on a DIY version. I hope you find information you can use in my 1300 videos.

@enojelly9452

Жыл бұрын

I don't fully understand that. A lot in the past few videos is applicable to cheap SAs as well. And even without, isn't it just interesting to see usage of a $2000+ device? I know I certainly watched the HP analyzer videos with pleasure before I had any SA of my own. I personally think restricting the content to "affordable"/low end devices would be an unnecessary restriction on the videos, I don't see why every video needs to be stuff that I can replicate. That would be towards losing me, probably.