Don
Thanks for the detailed advice! I’ll dig out my RSP2pro and perhaps get a
windows tablet. I have a laptop to get started with but it’s a bit clumsy
to walk with.
Thanks!
Jim
On Wed, Sep 13, 2023 at 10:14 PM Don Kirk <wd8dsb@gmail.com> wrote:
> Jim,
>
> Two more quick comments.
>
> When using the TinySA Utlra it’s best to keep the maximum signal level
> into the TinySA Ultra mixer below -25dBm to prevent internal generation of
> spurious emissions due to mixer overload (you can use internal attenuation
> or external attenuation to accomplish this).
>
> Also regarding TinySA Ultra sensitivity you will have maximum sensitivity
> (lowest noise floor) when using the smallest RBW setting but this will also
> slow down the sweep time.
>
> Don wd8dsb
>
> On Wed, Sep 13, 2023 at 9:46 PM Don Kirk <wd8dsb@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi Jim,
>>
>> The TinySA Ultra has a LNA (low noise preamp) that you can enable for
>> best sensitivity. With the LNA turned on you should be in good shape
>> regarding sensitivity for very weak signals when used with the portable
>> flag and the DXE preamp that was designed for use with the portable flag.
>> I suggest having the AM filter selected on the DXE preamp unless you are
>> trying to see signals below 1.8 MHz. You probably will typically not need
>> more than 20dB of gain on the DXE preamp which provides 30 dB of gain and
>> you can therefore often select the -10db attenuator on the DXE preamp and
>> still have adequate sensitivity.
>>
>> I have the TinySA as well as the TinySA Ultra and one thing you might
>> want to play with on the Ultra is the VBW setting as a form of averaging.
>>
>> I love the TinySA and the TinySA Ultra but I hardly ever use them for
>> tracking down RFI as I have found they are much less useful due to their
>> slow response time compared with the SDR receiver I use which is really
>> like a real time spectrum analyzer versus a swept spectrum analyzer which
>> is what the TinySA models are.
>>
>> You will see even on higher end modern swept spectrum analyzers they now
>> include a real time spectrum analyzer mode which is the way of the future
>> as it captures events/signals that are often missed with a swept spectrum
>> analyzer.
>>
>> If the RFI you are trying to see is a constant discrete signal then a
>> swept spectrum analyzer is adequate assuming you have settings configured
>> appropriately but you just can’t beat the performance of an SDR receiver
>> for capturing things “real time” and with much better RBW capabilities
>> compared with the TinySA Ultra.
>>
>> The TinySA Ultra is handy if you want to view a very wide spectrum (large
>> frequency range).
>>
>> Just FYI,
>> Don wd8dsb
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Sep 13, 2023 at 9:12 PM Jim Miller <jim@jtmiller.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I've got a TinySA Ultra and recently purchased the DXE Flag by WD8DSB and
>>> Preamp. I'm wondering if the combination will be adequately sensitive or
>>> should I use some other receiver?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> Jim ab3cv
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> RFI mailing list
>>> RFI@contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
>>>
>>
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