The following image shows the Touchstone software that can be used with the device. In addition to use as a handheld scanner, software is available to use the device as a USB spectrum analysis adapter with Windows. This is very acceptable for quick-and-dirty spectrum analysis tasks like looking for a non-Wi-Fi interferer or evaluating the noise floor in an environment. The frequency resolution is 1 KHz and the resolution bandwidth (RBW) varies, depending on sweep width (range of frequencies swept) from 58 KHz to 812 KHz. The typical accuracy of this reading is +/- 3 dB in typical devices. 5 dBm, which indicates that it may detect power level variances in RF energy at ½ decibel. The amplitude resolution of the analyzer is. However, this only shows signal strength and there is no way to see the Wi-Fi AP generating the signal in the Spectrum Analyzer view. In the above image, the -29.0 value is a reference to the highest dBm value seen on the center frequency, revealing that the device can be used to measure signal strength at various locations. The following figure shows this basic configuration. When you do this, the typical 802.11 spectrum masks begin to show, which are not as easily seen when sweeping the entire 2.4 GHz band. For example, you could view 25 MHz of bandwidth with the center frequency set to 2.437 so that channel 6 is analyzed in higher resolution bandwidth. To increase the resolution, change to a lower frequency range. Therefore, if you view the entire 2.4 GHz band, for example, you will be viewing it with a much lower resolution. However, the view shows 112 sweep steps only. The spectrum view can show a wider range or narrower range of frequencies depending on your desired view.
The following images show the 2.4 GHz model from the WLAN Pros Lending Library.
I purchased the dual-band model from for $270 and can perform analysis in both bands with it. I received a loaner from the WLAN Pros Lending Library (available at ) and it was a 2.4 GHz-only model. Some models may be 2.4 GHz-only, so be careful when selecting your unit.
The current model of the RF Explorer offers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band analysis. The device can be purchased here: Īdditional purchase locations can be found here. At under $300 U.S., the price is much easier to accommodate than other, more advanced, handheld spectrum analyzers. The RF Explorer device is a useful tool for the price point. Low-Cost Handheld Spectrum Analyzer (RF Explorer)
0 kommentar(er)
