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Table of Contents
Summary of Contents for RigExpert IT-24
- Page 1 IT-24 RigExpert ® 2.4 GHz ISM Band Universal Tester User’s manual...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of contents 1. Description 2. Specifications 3. Using the tester 3.1. Before you start 3.2. Turning the tester on and off 3.3. Main Menu 3.4. Settings menu 4. Measurement modes 4.1. Return loss and SWR 4.1.1. Single-point measurement 4.1.2. SWR graph 4.1.3. -
Page 3: Description
1. Description RigExpert IT-24 is a universal, ultra-portable device for testing, checking, tuning or repairing antennas and antenna feedlines of the 2.4 GHz ISM band (operating frequencies are 2.3 … 2.6 GHz). The following tasks are easily accomplished by using the IT-24: •... -
Page 4: Specifications
• Receive preamplifier: -10 dB, 0 dB, +6 dB are not charged inside the tester) Size: 17•8•3 cm • From a computer USB socket Operating temperature: 0…40 °C Weight including batteries: 350 g. RigExpert IT-24... -
Page 5: Using The Tester
When this button is pressed, firmware version number as well as battery voltage are displayed on the LCD. The on-screen menu system of the RigExpert IT-24 provides a simple but effective way to control the entire device. -
Page 6: Main Menu
The help system (a list of keys and their functions) is built into the tester: there is a “Help” item in the menu in each mode. Here is an example of the help screen for the main menu: RigExpert IT-24... -
Page 7: Settings Menu
3.4. Settings menu The Settings menu (press the button in the main menu) is used to change the setting of the tester, such as interface language, keypress sounds, colors, backlight, splash screens and battery type. In addition, you may reset the tester to factory settings. -
Page 8: Measurement Modes
(right) keys change the operating frequency. To hold the measurement, press the (ОК) key: you will then see the “H” pictogram in the top right corner of the screen. Pressing the (menu) key will display a help screen for this measurement mode. RigExpert IT-24... -
Page 9: Swr Graph
4.1.2. SWR graph In this mode, antenna is also connected to the RP-SMA socket. One of four frequency sub-bands may be chosen by pressing (left) or (right) keys: watch the filled bar and the numbers at the bottom of the screen. OK) button will hold the measurement, displaying the “H”... -
Page 10: Tester Calibration
SMA connector; the calibration will then be done automatically. In general, it is sufficient to perform calibration only once, after the tester is turned on for the first time. However, it is recommended to re-calibrate the device if ambient conditions, such as temperature, are significantly changed. RigExpert IT-24... -
Page 11: Transmitter Power Measurement
4.3. Spectrum analyzer There are three modes the RigExpert IT-24 can display spectrum of the input RF signal. In each mode, you may press the menu button ( ) to set the scan bandwidth (100 MHz, 20 MHz and 10 MHz) and the pre-amplifier mode (-10 dB –... -
Page 12: Peak And Average Levels
An example density graph is shown on the next page. In the density graph mode, data is collected on the screen until the user presses (OK) key to re-start the measurement. RigExpert IT-24... -
Page 13: Waterfall
4.3.3. Waterfall In this mode, the screen is continuously filled with data (the “old” lines of the image are replaced with “new” lines). The color of each point corresponds to the certain level of the RF signal at a given frequency at the input of the tester. Even small changes of the input signal are clearly visible, since the data is collected on the screen for a long time. -
Page 14: Computer Connection
5. Computer connection The RigExpert IT-24 may be connected to the USB port of a personal computer running Windows operating system. All necessary drivers are installed automatically. You may find the latest software for the IT-24 at the manufacturer’s website, www.rigexpert.com. -
Page 15: Examples Of Use
6. Examples of use 6.1. SWR measurement of antennas While the ISM band covers frequencies from 2.4 to 2.5 GHz only, it is appropriate to scan wider range (2.3 to 2.6 GHz) to see how the SWR curve behaves at different frequencies. - Page 16 In the third experiment (see the screenshot below), yet another antenna was connected to the tester: a 17 dBi, parabolic reflector and a log-periodic feed. It looks like this antenna has never been tested at the factory: the SWR curve looks fully random. RigExpert IT-24...
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Page 17: Testing Rf Cables
6.2. Testing RF cables A cable under test is connected to the RP-SMA socket if the IT-24. The far end of the cable should be terminated with a 50-Ohm dummy load. The load should have low SWR (less than 1.2) at working frequencies. -
Page 18: Transmitter Power Measurement
6.3. Transmitter power measurement Two different Wi-Fi access points were connected to the IT-24 (by using an SMA to RP- SMA converter cable) during this experiment. A “beacon” mode was activated, sending data packets with 100-millisecond intervals. The measured output power of the first access point was 15 dBm. -
Page 19: Spectrum Analyzer Examples
6.4. Spectrum analyzer examples Thanks to the three spectrum analyzer modes, the IT-24 may be used to explore narrow-band as well as wideband signals, differentiating these signals by power levels as well as their distribution in frequency and time domain. - Page 20 The data packets of the “beacon” are usually transmitted with a period of 100 ms. The packets are quite short (less than 1 ms), so they are displayed as individual dots inside the frequency limits of the chosen Wi-Fi channel. RigExpert IT-24...
- Page 21 Signals, which are different by level but are transmitted at the same frequency, can all be easily seen at the density graph. In this example, you can see a signal of the “beacon” at the 1st Wi-Fi channel. The same channel is used to transfer data (with smaller signal levels).
- Page 22 You can see the moment when the microwave oven turns on, and see the frequencies of the interference. The second screen shot (a density graph) can help determine the difference in signal levels. Four your own network, choose interference-free areas: channels 5 or 6 and then 12 and up. RigExpert IT-24...
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Page 23: The Wimax Protocol
6.4.2. The WiMAX protocol The IT-24 can successfully be uses to find WiMAX base stations and measure signal levels of their transmitters. Two WiMAX base stations (2355 and 2375 MHz) are visible at the first screen shot (waterfall mode). The second screen shot (a density graph) helps compare the signal levels of both base stations. -
Page 24: The Bluetooth Protocol
(from about 2430 to about 2480 MHz) range. Data is transferred from a PC to the peripheral device. Apparently, Bluetooth transmitter frequencies do not overlap with active Wi-Fi channels (adaptive frequency hopping algorithm is in use). RigExpert IT-24... -
Page 25: Proprietary Data Transfer Protocols
6.4.4. Proprietary data transfer protocols By using the RigExpert IT-24, it is interesting to study signals with parameters not known in advance. The tester was placed near the car alarm RFID transmitter/receiver, operating somewhere at 2.4 GHz. A group of short signals appear at different frequencies periodically (every 20-30 seconds) –... - Page 26 (red color). This is because the transmitter is on all the time. On the contrary, the Wi-Fi access point does not transmit too often: there is a large difference between its peak and average levels. RigExpert IT-24...
- Page 27 Rig Expert Ukraine Ltd. ...
- Page 28 RigExpert IT-24 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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