A couple of instruments from the Russian developer Kroks were submitted for an independent test review. These are quite miniature RF meters, namely: a spectrum analyzer with a built-in signal generator, and a vector network analyzer (scatterometer). Both devices at the upper frequency have a range of up to 6,2 GHz.
There was an interest to understand whether these are yet another pocket "display meters" (toys), or really noteworthy devices, because the manufacturer positions them: - "The device is intended for amateur radio use, since it is not a professional measuring instrument."
Attention readers! These tests were carried out by amateurs, in no way claiming to be metrological studies of measuring instruments, based on the standards of the state register and everything else related to this. It is interesting for radio amateurs to look at comparative measurements of devices often used in practice (antennas, filters, attenuators), and not theoretical "abstractions", as is customary in metrology, for example: mismatched loads, non-uniform transmission lines, or segments of short-circuited lines, in this test are not applied.
An anechoic chamber, or open space, is required to avoid the influence of interference when comparing antennas. In view of the absence of the first one, the measurements were carried out outdoors, all antennas with directional RPs “looked” at the sky, being fixed on a tripod, without displacement in space when changing devices.
The tests used a phase-stable measuring-class coaxial feeder, Anritsu 15NNF50-1.5C, and N-SMA adapters from well-known companies: Midwest Microwave, Amphenol, Pasternack, Narda.
Cheap Chinese-made adapters were not used, due to the frequent lack of repeatability of contact during reconnection, and also because of the shedding of a fragile antioxidant coating, which they used instead of conventional gold plating ...
To obtain equal comparative conditions, before each measurement, the instruments were calibrated with the same set of OSL calibrator, in the same frequency band and current temperature range. OSL is "Open", "Short", "Load", that is, a standard set of calibration standards: "idle measure", "short circuit measure" and "terminated load 50,0 ohms" with which vector network analyzers are usually calibrated. For the SMA format, an Anritsu 22S50 calibration kit was used, normalized in the frequency range from DC to 26,5 GHz, link to the datasheet (page 49):
For N type format calibration, respectively Anritsu OSLN50-1, rated from DC to 6 GHz.
The measured resistance at the matched load of the calibrators was 50 ± 0,02 Ohm. The measurements were carried out with calibrated, precision laboratory-grade multimeters from HP and Fluke.
To ensure the best accuracy, as well as the most equal conditions in comparative tests, the instruments were set to a similar IF filter bandwidth, because the narrower the bandwidth, the higher the measurement accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio. The largest number of scan points (closest to 1000) was also chosen.
To get acquainted with all the functions of the considered reflectometer, there is a link to the illustrated, factory instructions:
Before each measurement, all mating surfaces in coaxial connectors (SMA, RP-SMA, N type) were carefully checked, because at frequencies above 2-3 GHz, the purity and condition of the antioxidant surface of these contacts begins to have a rather noticeable effect on measurement results and stability their repeatability. It is very important to keep clean the outer surface of the center pin in the coaxial connector, and the mating inner surface of the collet on the mating half. Everything is the same for the “braided” contact. Such control and necessary cleaning is usually done under a microscope, or under a high magnification lens.
It is also important to prevent the presence of shedding metal chips on the surface of insulators in mating coaxial connectors, because they begin to introduce parasitic capacitance, significantly interfering with the performance and signal transmission.
An example of a typical metallized clogging of SMA connectors that is not visible to the eye:
According to the factory requirements of manufacturers of microwave coaxial connectors with a threaded type of connection, when connecting, it is IMPOSSIBLE to allow the central contact of the collet to be turned. To do this, it is necessary to hold the axial base of the screwed-on half of the connector, allowing only the nut itself to rotate, and not the entire screw-on structure. This significantly reduces scratching and other mechanical wear of mating surfaces, providing better contact and extending the number of switching cycles.
Unfortunately, few amateurs know about this, and most screw it up entirely, each time scratching the already thinnest layer of contact surfaces. This is every time evidenced by numerous videos on Yu.Tuba, from the so-called "testers" of the new microwave technology.
In this test review, all numerous connections of coaxial connectors and calibrators were carried out strictly in compliance with the above operational requirements.
In comparative tests, several different antennas were measured to check the reflectometer readings in different frequency ranges.
Comparison of the 7-element 433 MHz Uda-Yagi antenna (LPD)
Since antennas of this type always have a rather pronounced back lobe, as well as several side lobe, for the purity of the test, all the surrounding conditions of immobility were especially observed, up to locking the cat in the house. So that when photographing different modes on the displays, he imperceptibly did not end up in the area of \uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbthe rear lobe, thereby introducing perturbation into the graph.
The pictures contain photos from three devices, 4 modes from each.
The top shot is from a sabzhe VR 23-6200, the middle one is from Anritsu S361E, and the bottom one is from GenCom 747A.
VSWR charts:
Reflected loss graphs:
Graphs of the Volpert-Smith impedance diagram:
Phase charts:
As you can see, the resulting graphs are very similar, and the measurement values have a spread within 0,1% of the error.
1,2 GHz coaxial dipole comparison
VSWR:
Return loss:
Smith Chart:
Phase:
Here, too, all three devices, according to the measured resonance frequency of this antenna, fit within 0,07%.
Comparison of a 3-6 GHz horn antenna
An extension cable with N-type connectors was used here, which introduced a little unevenness into the measurements. But since the task was simply to compare the devices, and not the cables or antennas, then if there was some problem in the path, then the devices should show it as it is.
Calibration of the measuring (reference) plane, taking into account the adapter and feeder:
VSWR in the band from 3 to 6 GHz:
Return loss:
Smith Chart:
Phase graphs:
Comparison of a 5,8 GHz Circular Polarized Antenna
VSWR:
Return loss:
Smith Chart:
Phase:
Comparative measurement of the VSWR of the Chinese LPF filter 1.4 GHz
Filter appearance:
VSWR charts:
Comparative Feeder Length Measurement (DTF)
I decided to measure a new coaxial cable, with N type connectors:
With a two-meter tape measure in three steps, I measured 3 meters 5 centimeters.
And here is what the devices showed:
Here, as they say, comments are superfluous.
Comparison of built-in tracking generator accuracy
On this GIF picture, 10 photos of Ch3-54 frequency meter readings are collected. The upper halves of the pictures are the readings of the subject VR 23-6200. The lower halves are the signals from the Anritsu reflectometer. Five frequencies were chosen for the test: 23, 50, 100, 150 and 200 MHz. If Anritsu applied the frequency with zeros in low signs, then the compact VR applied with a slight excess, numerically growing with increasing frequency:
Although according to the performance characteristics of the manufacturer, this cannot be any “minus”, because it does not go beyond the declared two digits, after the decimal sign.
Pictures collected in a GIF about the internal "decoration" of the device:
Pros:
The advantages of the VR 23-6200 device are its low cost, portable compactness with complete autonomy, which does not require an external display from a computer or smartphone, with a fairly wide frequency range displayed in the marking. Also, as a plus, you can add the fact that this is not a scalar, but a full-fledged vector meter. As can be seen from the results of comparative measurements, VR is practically not inferior to large, eminent and very expensive devices. In any case, climb onto the roof (or mast) to clarify the condition of the feeders and antennas, preferably with such a baby, rather than with a larger and heavier apparatus. And for the now fashionable 5,8 GHz range for FPV racing (radio-controlled flying multicopters and aircraft, with on-board video broadcasting to glasses or displays), it’s generally a must-have. Since it allows you to easily choose the optimal antenna from the spare ones right on the flight, or even straighten and adjust the antenna, crumpled after the fall of the racing flying car, on the go. The device can be called "pocket", and with a small dead weight it can easily hang even on a thin feeder, which is convenient when carrying out many field work.
Cons are also noted:
1) The greatest operational disadvantage of the reflectometer is the inability to quickly find the minimum or maximum on the chart with markers, not to mention the search for “delta”, or auto-search for subsequent (or previous) minimums / maximums.
This is especially often in demand in the LMag and SWR modes, where such an ability to control markers is greatly lacking. You have to activate the marker in the corresponding menu, and later manually move the marker to the minimum of the curve in order to read the frequency and SWR value at that point. Perhaps in future firmware the manufacturer will add such a function.
1 a) Also, the device is not able to reassign the desired display mode for markers when switching between measurement modes.
For example, I switched from VSWR mode to LMag (Return Loss), and the markers still show the VSWR value, while logically they should display the reflection modulus value in dB, that is, what the currently selected graph shows.
The same is true for all other modes. In order to read the values corresponding to the selected chart in the marker table, each time you need to manually reassign the display mode for each of the 4 markers. It seems a trifle, but I would like a little "automaticity".
1 b) In the most demanded VSWR measurement mode, the amplitude scale cannot be switched to a more detailed one, less than 2,0 (eg 1,5, or 1.3).
2) There is a small feature in the inconsistent calibration. As if always "open", or "parallel" calibration. That is, not a consistent possibility of recording the read measure of the calibrator, as is customary on other VNA devices. Usually, in the calibration mode, the device consistently prompts itself which one should be installed (next) calibration standard and read it for accounting.
And on ARINST, the right to select all three presses of recording measures is simultaneously given, which imposes an increased requirement for care from the operator during the next calibration stage. Although I never got confused, but pressing the button that does not correspond to the end of the calibrator that is currently connected, there is an easy possibility of making such an error.
Perhaps in subsequent firmware upgrades, the creators of such an open “parallelism” of choice will “change” into a “sequence” to eliminate a possible error from the operator. After all, it is not without reason that large instruments use a clear sequence in actions with calibration standards, just to eliminate such an error from confusion.
3) Very narrow calibration temperature range. If Anritsu after calibration provides a range (for example) from +18°С to +48°С, then on Arinst it is only ± 3°С from the calibration temperature, which may be small during field work (outdoors), in the sun, or in shadows.
For example: I calibrated after lunch, and you work with measurements until the evening, the sun has gone, the temperature has dropped and the readings are not correct.
For some reason, a stop message does not pop up, saying that “recalibrate, due to going beyond the temperature range of the previous calibration.” Instead, erroneous measurements begin with a shifted zero, which significantly affects the measurement result.
For comparison, here is how Anritsu reflectometer reports it:
4) For the room is normal, but for the open area, the display is very dim.
On a sunny day on the street, nothing is readable at all, even if you shade the screen with your palm.
There is no display brightness adjustment at all.
5) I would like to solder the hardware buttons to others, since some do not immediately work out pressing.
6) The touchscreen is not responsive in some places, but in some places it is too sensitive.
Conclusions on reflectometer VR 23-6200
If you do not cling to the minuses, then in comparison with other budget, portable and freely available solutions on the market, such as RF Explorer, N1201SA, KC901V, RigExpert, SURECOM SW-102, NanoVNA - this Arinst VR 23-6200 looks like the most successful choice. Because for others, either the price is already quite unbudgetary, or they are limited in the frequency band and thus not universal, or in fact they are toy-type display meters. Despite the modesty and relatively low price, the VR 23-6200 vector reflectometer turned out to be a surprisingly decent device, and even so portable. Even if the manufacturers in it finalized the minuses and slightly expanded the lower frequency edge for shortwave radio amateurs, then the device would take the podium among all the world's public sector employees of this purpose, because it would have an affordable coverage: from "KaVe to eFPeVe", that is, from 2 MHz for HF (160 meters), up to 5,8 GHz for FPV (5 centimeters). And it is desirable without breaks in the entire band, unlike as it was on the RF Explorer:
Undoubtedly, even cheaper solutions will appear soon, in such a wide frequency range, and it will be great! But so far (as of June-July 2019), in my humble opinion, this reflectometer is the best in the world, among portable and inexpensive commercially available offerings.
— Part two
Spectrum analyzer with tracking generator SSA-TG R2
The second device is no less interesting than the vector reflectometer.
It allows you to measure the "end-to-end" parameters of various microwave devices in the 2-port measurement mode (S21 type). For example, you can check the performance and accurately measure the gain of boosters, amplifiers, or the amount of signal attenuation (loss) in attenuators, filters, coaxial cables (feeders), and other active and passive devices and modules, which cannot be done with a single-port reflectometer.
This is a full-fledged spectrum analyzer, in a very wide and continuous frequency range, which is far from common among inexpensive amateur equipment. In addition, there is a built-in tracking radio frequency signal generator, also in a wide range. Also the necessary help to the reflectometer and antenna meter. This allows you to see if there is any carrier frequency deviation in transmitters, parasitic intermodulation, clipping, etc.
And having a tracking generator and a spectrum analyzer, adding an external directional coupler (or bridge), it becomes possible to measure the same VSWR of antennas, though only in the scalar measurement mode, without taking into account the phase, as it would be in a vector one.
Link to factory manual:
This device was mainly compared with the combined, measuring complex GenCom 747A, with an upper frequency limit of up to 4 GHz. The new Anritsu MA24106A precision class power meter also took part in the tests, with factory-wired correction tables for the measured frequency and temperature, normalized to 6 GHz in frequency.
The spectrum analyzer's own noise shelf, with a matched "stub" at the input:
Minimum -85,5 dB, turned out to be in the LPD region (426 MHz).
Further, with increasing frequency, the noise threshold also slightly increases, which is quite natural:
1500 MHz - 83,5 dB. 2400 MHz - 79,6 dB. At 5800 MHz - 66,5 dB.
Measuring the gain of an active Wi-Fi booster, based on the XQ-02A module
A feature of this booster is the automatic switch-on, which, when powered, does not immediately keep the amplifier on. Empirically sorting through the attenuators on a large device, it was possible to find out the threshold for turning on the built-in automation. It turned out that the booster switches to the active state and starts amplifying the transmitted signal only if it is greater than minus 4 dBm (0,4 mW):
For this test on a small device, the output level of the built-in generator was simply not enough, which has a range of adjustments documented in the TTX, from minus 15 to minus 25 dBm. And here it was necessary as much as minus 4, which is much more than minus 15. Yes, it was possible to use an external amplifier, but the task was different.
I measured the KU of the included booster with a large device, it turned out to be 11 dB, in accordance with the performance characteristics.
For that, with a small device, it was possible to find out the attenuation value of the booster turned off, but with power on. It turned out that a de-energized booster attenuated the transmitted signal to the antenna by 12.000 times. For this reason, once flying and forgetting to power up the external booster in a timely manner, the longrange hexacopter after flying 60-70 meters stopped and switched to auto-return to the take-off point. Then it became necessary to find out the value of the pass-through attenuation of the turned off amplifier. It turned out to be about 41-42 dB.
Noise generator 1-3500 MHz
A simple amateur grade noise generator made in China.
Linear comparison of readings in dB is somewhat inappropriate here, in view of the constant change in amplitude at different frequencies, caused by the very nature of the noise.
But nevertheless, it was possible to remove very similar, comparative frequency response graphs from both devices:
Here the frequency range on the devices was set equal, from 35 to 4000 MHz.
And in terms of amplitude, as you can see, quite similar values were also obtained.
Pass-through frequency response (measurement S21), filter LPF 1.4
In the first half of the review, this filter has already been mentioned. But there its VSWR was measured, and here the frequency response of the transmission, where it is clearly visible what and with what attenuation it passes, as well as where and how much it cuts.
Here you can see in more detail that both devices almost equally removed the frequency response of this filter:
At the cutoff start frequency of 1400 MHz, Arinst showed an amplitude of minus 1,4 dB (blue marker Mkr 4), and GenCom minus 1,79 dB (marker M5).
Measurement of attenuation of attenuators
For comparative measurements, I chose the most accurate branded attenuators. Specially not Chinese, in view of their rather large spread.
The frequency range is still equal, from 35 to 4000 MHz. The calibration of the two-port measurement mode was carried out just as carefully, with the obligatory control of the degree of cleanliness of the surface of all contacts on the mating coaxial connectors.
0 dB calibration result:
The sampling frequency was made in the middle, in the center of a given band, namely 2009,57 MHz. The number of scanning points was also equal, 1000+1 each.
As you can see, the result of measurements of the same instance of the attenuator by 40 dB turned out to be close, but slightly different. Arinst SSA-TG R2 showed 42,4 dB, and GenCom 40,17 dB, all other things being equal.
Attenuator 30 dB
Arinst = 31,9 dB
GenCom = 30,08 dB
Approximately a similar small spread in percentage terms was obtained when measuring other attenuators. But to save the reader's time and space in the article, they are not included in this review, since they are similar to the measurements presented above.
Min and max track
Despite the portability and simplification of the device, nevertheless, manufacturers have added such a useful option as displaying the cumulative minimums and maximums of changing tracks, which can be in demand with various settings.
Three images assembled into a gif image, using the LPF filter of the 5,8 GHz band as an example, in the connection of which switching noise and disturbances were deliberately introduced:
The yellow track is the current curve of the extreme sweep.
The red track is the maximums collected in memory from past sweeps.
Dark green track (gray after processing and compression of images) - respectively, the minimum frequency response.
Measurement of VSWR of antennas
As mentioned at the beginning of the review, this device has the ability to connect an external directional coupler (Direct coupler), or a measuring bridge offered separately (but only up to 2,7 GHz). The software provides for OSL calibration, to indicate the reference point for the instrument according to VSWR.
Shown here is a directional coupler with phase-stable measurement feeds, but already disconnected from the instrument after the VSWR measurement is complete. But here it is presented in an expanded position, so ignore the inconsistency with the apparent connection. The directional coupler is connected to the left side of the device, but reversed with the marking back. Then the supply of the incident wave from the generator (upper port) and the removal of the reflected wave at the input of the analyzer (lower port) will work out correctly.
The combined two photographs show an example of such a connection and the removal of VSWR from the previously measured above, circular polarization antenna of the "Clover" type, 5,8 GHz band.
Since this possibility of measuring VSWR is not among the main purposes of this device, but nevertheless there are reasonable questions for it (as can be seen from the screenshot of the display readings). Hard-coded and unchangeable display scale of the VSWR graph, with a large value of as much as 6 units. Although the graph shows an approximately correct display of the VSWR curve of this antenna, but in a numerical value, for some reason the exact value is not displayed on the marker at all, tenths and hundredths are not displayed. Only integer values are displayed, like 1, 2, 3 ... It remains, as it were, an understatement of the measurement result.
Although for rough estimates, in order to generally understand a suitable antenna or on damage, it is very acceptable. But it will be more difficult to make fine adjustments in working with the antenna, although it is quite possible.
Built-in oscillator accuracy measurement
As with the reflectometer, here, too, only 2 decimal places of accuracy are declared in the performance characteristics.
All the same, it is naive to expect from a budget-pocket device, the presence of a rubidium frequency standard on board. *smiley smile*
Nevertheless, the inquisitive reader will certainly be interested in the magnitude of the error in such a miniature generator. But since the verified precision frequency meter was only available up to 250 MHz, I limited myself to viewing at only 4 frequencies at the bottom of the range, just to understand the error trend, if any. It should be noted that photographs from another device were also prepared at higher frequencies. But to save space in the article, they were also not included in this review, due to the confirmation of the numerically the same percentage value of the existing error in the lower digits.
Four photos at four frequencies were collected into a gif image, also to save space: 50,00; 100,00; 150,00 and 200,00 MHz
The trend and the magnitude of the existing error are clearly visible:
50,00 MHz has a slight excess of the generator frequency, namely 954 Hz.
100,00 MHz, respectively, a little more, +1,79 kHz.
150,00 MHz, even more +1,97 kHz
200,00 MHz, +3,78 kHz
Further up, the frequency was measured by the GenCom analyzer, which turned out to have a good frequency counter. For example, if the generator built into GenCom did not produce 800 hertz at a frequency of 50,00 MHz, then not only the external frequency meter showed this, but the spectrum analyzer itself measured exactly the same amount:
Below is one of the photographs of the display, with the measured frequency of the generator built into the SSA-TG R2, using the example of the middle of the Wi-Fi range of 2450 MHz:
To reduce the space in the article, I also did not post the rest of the similar photos of the display, instead of them a brief squeeze of the measurement results for the bands above 200 MHz:
At a frequency of 433,00 MHz, the excess was +7,92 kHz.
At a frequency of 1200,00 MHz, = +22,4 kHz.
At a frequency of 2450,00 MHz, = +42,8 kHz (in the previous photo)
At a frequency of 3999,50 MHz, = +71,6 kHz.
But nevertheless, the two decimal places declared in the factory specifications are clearly maintained in all ranges.
Comparison of signal amplitude measurement
The gif below contains 6 photographs, where the Arinst SSA-TG R2 analyzer itself measures its own generator, at randomly selected six frequencies.
50 MHz -8,1 dBm; 200 MHz -9,0 dBm; 1000 MHz -9,6 dBm;
2500 MHz -9,1 dBm; 3999 MHz - 5,1 dBm; 5800 MHz -9,1 dBm
Although the maximum amplitude of the generator is declared to be no higher than minus 15 dBm, other values are visible in fact.
To find out the reasons for such an indication of the amplitude, measurements were taken from the Arinst SSA-TG R2 generator, on an Anritsu MA24106A precision sensor, with calibration zeroing at a matched load, before starting measurements. Also, each time the frequency value was entered, for measurement accuracy, taking into account the coefficients, according to the correction table sewn from the factory for frequency and temperature.
35 MHz -9,04 dBm; 200 MHz -9,12 dBm; 1000 MHz -9,06 dBm;
2500 MHz -8,96 dBm; 3999 MHz - 7,48 dBm; 5800 MHz -7,02 dBm
As you can see the amplitude values of the signal generated by the generator built into the SSA-TG R2, the analyzer measures quite adequately (for an amateur accuracy class). And the amplitude of the generator indicated at the bottom of the display of the instrument, it turns out that it is simply “drawn”, since in reality it turned out to give out a higher level than it should within adjustable limits from -15 to -25 dBm.
There was a doubt that crept in, and whether the new Anritsu MA24106A sensor was undermining, I specifically compared it with another laboratory system analyzer from General Dynamics, model R2670B.
But no, the difference in amplitude turned out to be not at all large, within 0,3 dBm.
The power meter on the GenCom 747A, also showed not far, the existing excess level from the generator:
But at the level of 0 dBm, the Arinst SSA-TG R2 analyzer for some reason slightly exceeded the amplitude indicators, moreover, from different signal sources from 0 dBm.
At the same time, the Anritsu MA24106A sensor shows 0,01 dBm from the Anritsu ML4803A calibrator
It seemed not very convenient to adjust the amount of attenuation of the attenuator on the touchscreen with your finger, as the ribbon with the list slips, or often returns to its extreme value. It turned out to be more convenient and more accurate, to use an old-fashioned stylus for this:
When viewing the harmonics of a low-frequency signal of 50 MHz, almost over the entire operating band of the analyzer (up to 4 GHz), a certain “anomaly” was encountered, at frequencies of about 760 MHz:
With a wider band at the upper frequency (up to 6035 MHz), so that Span would be exactly 6000 MHz, the anomaly is also noticeable:
At the same time, the same signal, from the same built-in generator in SSA-TG R2, when applied to another device, does not have such an anomaly:
Since this anomaly was not noticed on another analyzer, it means that the problem is not in the generator, but in the spectrum analyzer.
The built-in attenuator for attenuating the amplitude of the generator clearly attenuates in 1 dB steps, all of its 10 steps. Here, at the bottom of the screen, you can clearly see a stepped track on the timeline, showing the performance of the attenuator:
Leaving connected the output port of the generator and the input port of the analyzer, turned off the device. Turning it on the next day, I found a signal with normal harmonics at an interesting frequency of 777,00 MHz:
The generator was left off. After checking the menu, indeed it turned out to be off. In theory, nothing should have appeared at the output of the generator if it was turned off the day before. I had to turn it on in the generator menu to any frequency, and then turn it off. After this action, the strange frequency disappears and does not appear again, but only until the next time the entire device is turned on. For sure, in the next firmware, the manufacturer will fix such self-switching, at the output of the switched off generator. But if there is no cable between the ports, then it is not at all noticeable that something is wrong, well, except that the noise shelf is a little higher. And after the forced switching on and off of the generator, the noise shelf becomes a little lower, but by an inconspicuous amount. This is a minor operational minus, the solution of which takes an extra 3 seconds after turning on the device.
The interior of Arinst SSA-TG R2, shown in three photos collected in gif:
Comparison of dimensions with the old Arinst SSA Pro spectrum analyzer, on which a smartphone is placed on top, as a display:
Pros:
As in the case of the previous Arinst VR 23-6200 reflectometer in the review, the Arinst SSA-TG R2 analyzer considered here is a miniature but rather serious assistant for a radio amateur in exactly the same form factor and dimensions. It also does not require external displays, on a computer, or a smartphone, as past SSA models.
A very wide, solid and uninterrupted frequency range, from 35 to 6200 MHz.
The exact battery life has not been investigated, but the capacity of the built-in lithium battery is enough for a long battery life.
Quite a small error in measurements for a device of such a miniature class. In any case, for the amateur level - more than sufficient.
Supported by the manufacturer, both firmware and physical repair, if necessary. It is already widely available for purchase, that is, not on order, as sometimes happens with other manufacturers.
Cons were also noted:
Unaccounted for and undocumented, spontaneous supply to the output of the signal generator with a frequency of 777,00 MHz. Surely this misunderstanding will be eliminated with the next firmware. Although if you know about this feature, it is easily eliminated in 3 seconds by simply turning the built-in generator on and off.
You need to get used to the touch screen a little, since the slider does not immediately turn on all the virtual buttons if you move them. But if you do not move the sliders, but immediately poke into the final position, then everything works immediately clearly. This is rather not a minus, but more of a "feature" of the drawn controls, specifically in the generator menu and the attenuator control slider.
When connected via Bluetooth, the analyzer, as it were, successfully connects to a smartphone, but the frequency response graph track does not display, such as the outdated SSA Pro. When connecting, all the requirements of the instructions were fully observed, described in section 8 of the factory instructions.
I thought that since the password is accepted, confirmation of switching is displayed on the smartphone screen, then this function is possible only for upgrading the firmware through the smartphone.
But no.
Instruction 8.2.6 clearly states:
8.2.6. The device will connect to the tablet/smartphone, the graph of the signal spectrum and the information message about the connection to the ConnectedtoARINST_SSA device will appear on the screen, as in Figure 28. (c)
Yes, confirmation appears, but there is no track.
Repeatedly reconnected, each time the track did not appear. And from the old SSA Pro, right away instantly.
Another of the disadvantages of the notorious "universality", due to the limitation on the lower edge of the operating frequencies, is not suitable for shortwave radio amateurs. For that, for RC FPV, they fully and completely satisfy the needs of amateurs and pros, even with a vengeance.
Conclusions:
In general, both devices left a very positive impression, since in fact they provide a complete measuring complex, at least even for the level of advanced radio amateurs. The pricing policy is not considered here, but nevertheless it is noticeably lower than other closest analogues on the market in such a wide and continuous frequency band that one cannot but rejoice.
The purpose of the review was simply to compare these gauges with more advanced measuring technology, and to provide readers with photo-documented display readings to form their own opinion and make their own decision on the possibility of purchase. In no case were any advertising purposes pursued. Only third-party evaluation and publication of observational results.
Source: habr.com