Related Manuals for LATNEX RF Explorer
Summary of Contents for LATNEX RF Explorer
- Page 1 RF Explorer ® User Manual Updated to Firmware Version 1.31 for Standard models Updated to Firmware Version 3.16 for Plus models...
- Page 2 RF Explorer ® RF Explorer is an affordable Handheld Spectrum Analyzer with a growing list of features. This little powerful unit is the tool you need to reduce the implementation time and cost of your next wireless project. Updates of the RF Explorer User Manual are available online.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Introduction.............................. 5 Description of main features ........................6 Understanding RF Explorer Plus model ....................... 7 Understanding RF Explorer Standard model ....................8 Correctly handling input power levels ......................9 Spectrum Analyzer mode - Main Screen ....................10 Using menus ............................ - Page 4 SMA Termination – 50 ohm dummy load....................53 Connecting RF Explorer to a computer ..................... 54 API programming specification for RF Explorer..................54 RF Explorer for Windows open source code ....................54 Specifications ............................55 Acknowledgments ........................... 55 FCC and CE regulations ........................... 55...
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Page 5: Introduction
Introduction RF Explorer has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use. There is no need to read large user manuals to get advantage of its advanced functionality. Most of the complexity inherent to full sized Spectrum Analyzers is simplified with automatic functionality resolved by the firmware. -
Page 6: Description Of Main Features
Wideband UHF - ISM models: 50Khz - 960MHz and 2350 - 2550MHz • Narrow band ISM models: 2.4GHz, 433MHz, 868MHz or 915MHz band ✓ Expandable: RF Explorer base model unit can be easily expanded to additional bands using the internal expansion port. ✓ Some models include an Integrated RF Signal Generator. -
Page 7: Understanding Rf Explorer Plus Model
Understanding RF Explorer Plus model There are two versions of RF Explorer PLUS models, the more recent model design is the SLIM design with fully molded metallic structure and finished with high quality varnished paint While the slightly older aluminum design is functionally equivalent... -
Page 8: Understanding Rf Explorer Standard Model
USB cable is connected. The internal battery will not charge when the power switch is in the OFF position. Note: There are a number of SMA adapters to easily interface RF Explorer SMA connector to any other standard RF connector format, including BNC, N, RP-SMA, etc. For more information of adapters available see... -
Page 9: Correctly Handling Input Power Levels
The RF Explorer Standard models includes 7 functional buttons in the front side. The unit also includes at least one RF connector 50 ohm impedance standard SMA format. All models have a SMA left connector installed and, optionally, some models have a second SMA connector at the right position for extended range and functionality. -
Page 10: Spectrum Analyzer Mode - Main Screen
Spectrum Analyzer mode - Main Screen Upon start, RF Explorer goes to Spectrum Analyzer mode automatically. The X axis represents frequency in MHZ and Y axis display actual received power in dBm or dBuV (selectable). In this example above, the frequency span goes from 2390 MHz to 2450 MHz (that is a 60MHz range), and the visual amplitude goes from -1 dBm to -110 dBm. - Page 11 Alternatively, a battery icon with charge level indicator will display when the RF Explorer unit power switch is set to ON. If both connections are enabled, then USB and Battery will alternate and, in this case, the battery will be charging.
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Page 12: Using Menus
You can exit from a menu anytime by using the [Return] key. The first time you click on [Menu] button in a RF Explorer session, Frequency Menu will open. This may change as we will see later, so every time you click on [Menu] from Spectrum Analyzer main screen, you... - Page 13 In this way you save time by not having to navigate through all the menus to go the same place you were before. RF Explorer User Manual page 13...
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Page 14: Operational Mode Menu
Use [Up] and [Down] arrow keys to select the desired mode and click on [Enter] to activate it immediately. • Spectrum Analyzer mode is the default mode, available in all RF Explorer models • RF Generator option is available in some models only. These include models ISM Combo, 2.4G, 433M, 868M and 915M, other models do not have internal RF Generator circuit. - Page 15 • About displays information about installed firmware and versioning. Use any key to get out of this screen. RF Explorer User Manual page 15...
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Page 16: Frequency Menu
Center or the Span. The valid values for Frequency and Span are defined based on RF Explorer model and operational mode. As you edit Center/Span or Start/Stop, the other values are updated accordingly, so feel free to use the method you prefer. - Page 17 A click on [Return] button will close the menu and go back to Spectrum Analyzer main screen. Note: While RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer screen is enabled, the [Left] and [Right] buttons can be used to increase or decrease the Start/Stop frequency, virtually moving the visible spectrum to the left or the right 25% on every key press.
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Page 18: Analyzer Screen In Advanced Mode
Alternatively, there is a simpler way to increase and decrease frequency span while keeping the center frequency. As this is a usual workflow, the RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer screen enables the [Return] key to switch between standard visualization mode and advanced mode. - Page 19 Spectrum Analyzer usage. Fortunately, this is not the case with RF Explorer: The design of the internal DSP includes sophisticated internal tables and algorithms to make the best possible choice at all times automatically. No user intervention is required to get the best compromise between scan speed, noise floor and sensitivity every time.
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Page 20: Wifi Analyzer Mode
There are two WiFi bands supported, depending on the model: • RF Explorer 2.4G, 4G Combo PLUS and ISM Combo/PLUS: 2.4GHz band • RF Explorer 6G Combo/PLUS and WiFi Combo: 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands For 2.4GHz band, 13 channels are supported but note some regions may only have 11 channels available for actual usage, in such case channels 12-13 must be ignored. - Page 21 In MaxHold mode, the highest level used by any channel is permanently recorded by a horizontal marker. RF Explorer is a fully capable Spectrum Analyzer and, as such, will properly detect not only true 802.11 WiFi activity but also any other 2.4Ghz signal that may create interference. This is a much better and more reliable method to finetune your WiFi setup than smartphone-based apps, which only detect 802.11 sources and...
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Page 22: Attenuator Menu
Note: Selecting a higher or lower Top dBm value is a very frequent workflow, as you typically want to zoom in or out based on signal power being measured. RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer main screen offers two keyboard shortcuts: [Up] and [Down] arrow keys can be used to increase or decrease Top dBm respectively... - Page 23 5dBm each time. This shortcut, together with [Left] and [Right] for moving Center Frequency or Span as described before, are very convenient to make configuration changes real-time with no need to visit the Menu. Included in RF Explorer Plus models is a selectable input stage with three possible signal paths: Attenuator 30dB To next Ω...
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Page 24: Configuration Menu
However, this is not recommended as the connection will go really slow, so do this only if there is a good reason to. The port speed in the RF Explorer and PC Client settings must match to properly establish a connection. -
Page 25: Preset Menu
Preset Menu Preset is a convenient facility to store multiple configurations which can be easily recovered. This feature is supported in selected models only: RF Explorer Combo models (since firmware v1.26) and RF Explorer Plus models. • Identifier: Numerical index of the preset valid from 1-100 (Plus model) or 1-30 (Combo models) •... -
Page 26: Using Rf Explorer Preset Manager
It also includes the ability to define custom Description text for each preset. Presets can be uploaded to / downloaded from the RF Explorer device using USB standard connection, and presets definitions can be imported / exported to share definition among devices easily. -
Page 27: Help Button (Plus Model Only)
HELP button (Plus model only) RF Explorer WSUB1G Plus model includes HELP button for easy, intuitive context-sensitive help. The HELP text can be displayed in all functional screens, effectively complementing this User Manual with handy information, always available with a simple click. -
Page 28: Rf Generator Mode
RF Generator mode Some RF Explorer models can generate a CW RF tone or a configurable sweep for testing RF receivers and simulating interference very easily. • Frequency: Transmit frequency in MHZ in single tone mode, or start frequency in MHZ in sweep mode. - Page 29 If you switch the transmitter ON without a proper antenna, you may damage the RF module of your RF Explorer, as the power amplifier will not have a load to feed. Think of the equivalent to an audio amplifier running at full power with no speakers connected: you are likely damaging the power transistors.
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Page 30: Rf Explorer Internal Battery
USB but will not use or charge the internal battery. RF Explorer may draw up to 500mA according to USB standard, and may take up to 3hs max to charge a fully discharged battery in normal conditions. We recommend the first time to be charged for up to 8hs. -
Page 31: Using The Battery Dedicated Screen
SLEEP MODE - all internal circuits and LCD backlight go off, except for charging and minimal CPU monitoring - This is the recommended procedure to charge the device RF Explorer User Manual page 31... - Page 32 3hs charge process, it will keep asking to DISCONNECT USB. By doing so, the firmware adjust for a few seconds the new charge level and save in internal ROM for future use. RF Explorer User Manual page 32...
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Page 33: Charging A Fully Depleted Battery
Note: A more limited, equivalent functionality was available in old firmware versions prior to v1.16 in the About screen, it has now moved to the new Battery screen. The About screen no longer sets the device to sleep. RF Explorer User Manual page 33... -
Page 34: Expansion Modules
Expansion Modules RF Explorer includes an internal expansion port to enhance the capabilities and frequency coverage of the main unit with RF Explorer compatible Expansion Modules. To learn more about different expansion options available for your unit, please visit www.rf-explorer.com/models Assembling an expansion module is very easy task;... -
Page 35: Rf Explorer Antennas
The included antennas are suited for most popular frequency bands, but do not have full coverage of all possible frequency ranges. The user must order separated antennas for additional frequency ranges, if that is required, for proper operation. RF Explorer is compatible with any 50-ohm standard antenna of any shape, size or application. -
Page 36: Whip Dipole Antennas
5.9GHz, specifically WIFI channels. It offers reasonable coverage in the 2.4 Ghz band too, so can be used as dual band antenna for WiFi. This antenna is included in RF Explorer 6G Combo/PLUS. For more details and ordering visit this link. -
Page 37: Additional Antennas
For physical reasons, there is no antenna design which can effectively work at all possible frequencies, therefore we provide additional antenna choices based on required band. Any 50ohm antenna can be connected to RF Explorer, but we selected, tested and validated a few convenient quality antennas as listed below. -
Page 38: Directional Patch Sma Articulated Antenna, Versions For 5.8Ghz And 2.4Ghz
For more details and ordering 5.8Ghz version visit this link. RF Explorer Near Field antennas The RF Explorer Near Field Antenna Kit is a set of 4 high performance antennas designed for the most demanding RF diagnosis tasks: • RFEAH-25 – H-Loop magnetic 25mm diameter •... - Page 39 RFEAH-25 for best sensitivity with connectors, large ICs and isolated signal traces, whereas RFEAH-5 works best for very narrow selective work in a populated PCB with close-by signal traces. RFEAH-15 is a good in-between compromise. RF Explorer User Manual page 39...
- Page 40 PCB causing a problem, no matter how small it is. You can easily determine signal level at the input and output of a filter, amplifier, mixer, etc in a tight SMD assembly as picture below. RF Explorer User Manual page 40...
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Page 41: Protecting Your Instrument From Damage
Protecting your instrument from damage RF Explorer is a very sensitive device. It can detect signals as low as -120dBm, which is 10E-12mW or 9nA over a 50ohm load. This extreme sensitivity comes at the price of some fragility; your device needs care handling and protection in order to run for many years without problems. - Page 42 FM high power transmit station won’t be detected by this model, but still induces enough RF power to kill the RF circuitry with ease. And that doesn’t depend on RF Explorer being ON or OFF because the antenna will receive that powerful signal and will inject it into the spectrum analyzer, with serious risk of damage.
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Page 43: External Attenuators
SMA attenuators are used to reduce the input power, and therefore enable RF Explorer to measure stronger signals. It is also used to protect the input SMA port of RF Explorer when unknown strong signals may be in the environment, so you can use this attenuator on demand. You can easily unplug the attenuator when measurement is for weak signals. -
Page 44: 6Ghz Sma Attenuator - 10Db
6GHz SMA Attenuator - 30dB This precision attenuator can measure up to 6GHz frequency range with high amplitude accuracy. Use OffsetDB: +030 when connected to this attenuator. For more details and ordering visit this link. RF Explorer User Manual page 44... -
Page 45: Rf Explorer Power Limiter
RF Explorer Power Limiter The RF Explorer Power Limiter is a custom device designed from scratch to be the perfect protection against strong RF fields. All RF Explorer models have some power ranges for input signal beyond which can be damaged. For some models, the limit is on +5dBm, some others are ok up to +10dBm but only 6G, 6G Combo, and the RF SMA connector on the right side in a 3G Combo are protected up to +30dBm. - Page 46 Easy to connect and disconnect when required • Wide broadband frequency application • Directional 1 Watt rating • Suitable for all RF Explorer models, not required for WSUB3G. Specification • Frequency range: DC ~ 3.0 GHz • DC block: +16V DC •...
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Page 47: Rf Explorer Holder - Plus Slim Version
RF Explorer Holder – PLUS SLIM version This custom made, high quality holder is the perfect support for your RF Explorer SLIM model, offering protection and convenient viewing angles. It is made from ABS which results in a compact, lightweight and robust design, perfect to carry on where your RF Explorer goes. -
Page 48: Rf Explorer Holder - Standard Version
RF Explorer Holder – Standard version This is a great accessory for the RF Explorer, a high quality stand / holder for the desk while USB cable is connected. The holder is made of robust laser cut blue acrylic and has provisioned room for a USB cable to connect to a PC. -
Page 49: Rf Explorer Accessories
RF Explorer uses standard SMA quality connectors. By using adapters you can connect RF Explorer to any RF device or antenna. You can buy SMA adapters and devices on any RF shop, but sometimes is difficult to find what you need and have the certainty the connector you are ordering is the right one. -
Page 50: Rf Adapter Rp-Sma Jack To Sma Plug Straight-Long Version
This RF connector is ideal to use RF Explorer deployed horizontally, with any antenna connected onto it. For instance when you are on the road and you don't have a RF Explorer Stand, you can still easily fit the USB cable, the antenna and connect to a computer with easy. -
Page 51: Sma Connection Cables
This SMA male to female is a quality cable able to handle 6GHz with very low attenuation. It is the perfect cable to connect the RF Explorer Signal Generator to a device, or to work as a tracking generator. The semi-rigid nature of the cable allows for stable... -
Page 52: 50Cm Length - Sma Male To Sma Female Rf Pigtail Coaxial Cable Rg316
To protect the SMA port for frequent plug/unplug operations, you can use this adaptor and keep it directly attached to the RF Explorer port. Then you plug/unplug other RF devices into this adaptor, not the original SMA port. After hundreds of operations, if the adaptor wear and show attenuation or reliability problems, you can just replace it by a new one and always keep your original RF Explorer SMA port intact. -
Page 53: Sma Termination - 50 Ohm Dummy Load
SMA port of your RF Explorer when the device is exposed to unwanted high radiation or strong electronic fields. For instance, if you carry on your RF Explorer that is exposed to an X-Ray scanner in the airport, you should remove the SMA antenna and plug a protection 50 ohm SMA termination. -
Page 54: Connecting Rf Explorer To A Computer
API programming specification for RF Explorer RF Explorer offers a compact, easy to use, USB / RS232 programming interface. It can be used to automate external solutions when connected to an external computer or device. For full specification of the current API, check www.rf-explorer.com/API... -
Page 55: Specifications
RF Explorer is a reality thanks to the great community behind, always suggesting features and providing useful feedback. FCC and CE regulations RF Explorer is a Test and Measurement device, and therefore compatible with US FCC regulation 47 CFR Part 15.103(c). RF Explorer is certified for CE compliance under regulations EN/IEC61236 and EN/IEC61000.