Aaronia SPECTRAN HF-2025E User manual
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Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com
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Please check the package contents for completeness before first operation.
Reclaim possible missing parts instantly
The package should include:
(1) Aluminum carrycase
(2) HyperLOG xxxx measurement antenna
(3) SMA cable 1m
(4) Aaronia handle / miniature tripod
(5) Battery charger / mains adapter
(6) SMA tool
(7) SPECTRAN HF-xxxx device
(8) SMA adapter
(9) SMA rod antenna
-Aaronia 1300mAh Power battery (already fitted)
- Express manual
-This manual
- Registration card
-Aaronia product information and respective pricelist
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2.0 Scope of delivery
6
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone 781-665-1400
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com
(1) BATTERYdisplay
(2) BARGRAPH (50 segments)
(3) Bargraph scaling (6 number blocks)
(4) STATUS field:
SETUP, REF, UNCALL, OVERLOAD!, NUMERIC ENTRY, MIN, MAX
LOW, HIGH, MAX-MIN, ZOOM, USB/PC
(5) AUDIO Status field
AM/FM, LEVEL, NORM
(6) MODE Status field:
AVG, PEAK, HOLD, TIME, MIN, MAX
(7) MARKER block 1
(8) Graphics display (Pixel display)
(9) MULTIPLICATOR field
(10) MEMORY Status field:
STORE, RECALL, RECORD, RESET
(11) DISPLAYMODE Status field:
SPECTRUM, RF, AM, FM, EXPOS.-LIMITS
(12) INFO display
(13) MAIN display
(14) MARKER block 2
(15) MARKER block 3
Depending on the model, not all display elements may be available!
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3.0 LC Display
7
(1) Numeric block (Hotkeys)
1= Scan 0-1 GHz
2= Scan 1-2 GHz
3= Scan 2-3 GHz
4= Scan 3-4 GHz
5= Scan 4-5 GHz
6= Scan WLan (2,4GHz)
7= Scan GSM900 (D1 & D2 Cell towers, no cellphones!)
8= Scan GSM1800 (E-Plus Cell towers, no cellphones!)
9= Scan UMTS (UMTS cell towers, no cellphones!)
0= DECT-Analyser (Measure DECT phones)
(2) On-/Off button
Turn the unit on/off
(3) Clear-/Reset key
1.) ESCAPE key: Reset settings and start CW sweep 700MHz to 2,5GHz
2.) With main menu active: Delete input.
(4) Arrow keys
1.) With main menu active: Selection of menu entries
2.) In Spectrum analysis mode:
Right/Left keys: Move frequency range by one SPAN.
Up/Down keys: Move Reference-Level by 10dB.
3.) In Exposure limit calculation mode:
Right/Left key: Select Exposure limitsor W/m²-Display.
4.) In Audio mode:
Right/Left key: Increase/decrease Centerfrequency by one RBW.
Up/Down key: Increase/decrease RBW (bandwidth).
(5) Dot-key
1.) In Spectrum & Exposure limit calculation modes: HOLD on/off.
2.) In Audio mode: Switch between AM /FM.
(6) Shift-key
In Spectrum & Exposure limit calculation modes: PULSE on/off.
(7) Enter-key
1.) Switches between the operation modes spectrum analysis, audio,
exposure limit calculation and broadband detector (power-meter).
2.) With main menu active: Confirms current input (ENTER-key)
(8) Menu-key
Call/Dismiss Main menu for changing various settings.
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4.0 Key layout
8
To explain how to use SPECTRAN, we will perform measurement of a cell
tower. Doing this, you will get to know the 3 different operation modes of
SPECTRAN, including the important HOLD function and the “panning
approach”: It is really very simple, just follow these instructions step by
step:
Prepare SPECTRAN for operation as follows:
Remove the protective film from the display. Now
connect the triangular HyperLOG-antenna with the
SPECTRAN, using the included 1m SMA cable
(more details on page 38). Should you not yet have
charged the internal battery, you can also operate
SPECTRAN with the included power supply (further
information on page 41).
Now press the On/Off button found at the bottom-left of the device.
SPECTRAN is now powered on and starts a short calibration procedure. To be
able to orient yourself better in the following steps, the most important parts of
the SPECTRAN display are briefly explained here:
5.0 Your first measurement / Modes
9
BARGRAPH (trend display)
Depending on signal strength, the half-circle will grow or shrink. Avery
handy function for quickly changing levels!
On all SPECTRAN models with broadband detector the bargraph dis-
play will ALLWAYS show the broadband-power even in spectrum mode.
INFO display
Shows the selected preset (frequency range). Using the keys 0-9, furt-
her presets (DECT, UMTS, etc.) are available.
MAIN display
Displays the level (signal strength) of the strongest signal in dBm.
MARKER block (1 to 3)
Show frequency and signal strength of the strongest signals. Up to 3
markers can be displayed simultaneously.
GRAPHICS display (here: spectrum display)
This highly flexible display field allows display of a great variety of
information, both textual and graphical (spectrum, exposure limits,
menu text, etc.)
DISPLAY-MODE status field
Shows the current operation mode of the SPECTRAN. Possible
modes: SPECTRUM (spectrum analysis), EXPOS.-LIMITS (exposure
limit calculation), AM/FM (audio output) and RF (BB Detector mode).
MODE status field (PEAK & HOLD)
Shows the currently active mode. Possible modes: PEAK (PULSE
mode) and HOLD (Advanced HOLD mode).
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com
The SPECTRAN devices offer 4 different OPERATION MODES:
- SPECTRUM analysis
- EXPOSURE LIMIT calculation
-AUDIO output
- Broadband PEAK-Detector (Powermeter) (Option. Only 2025E Rev3 up)
You can change the operation mode at any time using the Enter-key.
5.1 Operation mode Spectrum analysis:
(The DISPLAYMODE status field shows “SPECTRUM”)
Now press the Enter key until the Display Mode sta-
tus field reads “SPECTRUM”. Should you have “good
reception” and a properly aligned antenna (this is impor-
tant!), you should now have results similar to those shown
in the image on the left. However, should the big Main
display show “----” or “-120”, no signal is being received
and you need to change your location or align the anten-
na differently. During every measurement, a little dot
moves from left to right in the Graphics display. Only
when this dot reaches the right border, the current
measurement is finished and all readings are updated.
The Main display always shows the level of the strongest signal, “-45” in our
example. The bigger this figure is (the closer it gets to “0” or a positive value),
the stronger the received signal (for example: “-35” is much stronger signal
than “-45” shown in our example).
5.0 Your first measurement / Modes
10
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com
Directly beneath, a max. of 3 so-called “Markers” are being displayed. They
show the frequencies and levels of the strongest signal sources. In our example,
we got two Markers: Marker1at 930MHz at -75dBm and Marker2 at 950MHz
at -45dBm (-45dBm also being the strongest signal and thus also shown on the
Main display).
Beneath the Markers, a graphic with several “hills” is shown. It displays the level
distribution over the indicated frequency range. This is the so-called “SPEC-
TRUM DISPLAY”. The higher the “hills”, the stronger the signal at the respective
frequency. The aforementioned markers display the frequency and level at the
peaks of these “hills”.
The indicated frequencies allow exact mapping to origin and provider of the
transmitter. More details on this on page 44 ff., or in the frequency tables on
pages 64 ff.
5.2 The HOLD function
(The MODE status field displays “HOLD”)
As you have probably noticed, the display constantly
changes. This is completely normal, as the signal
strength of the high frequency radiation also constantly
changes. This also depends on the alignment of the
antenna. Moving it only a few cm or a different bearing
can cause abrupt changes in readings. Just try it yourself
by aligning your antenna differently and checking out the
display.
Often, you will only want to evaluate the highest reading.
Though, as the display constantly changes, this proves
rather difficult. Thus, the so-called HOLD function is
used. To activate, press the Dot-key. “HOLD” appears in
the Mode status field. From now on, only the highest
value will be displayed. Also, the spectrum display does
not get erased anymore. The complete display now
appears “frozen”.
5.0 Your first measurements / Modes
11
Marker1
930MHz
-75dBm
Marker2
950MHz
-45dBm
Graphics display with
spectrum
If you press the dot key for a second time, “HOLD” disappears again from the
MODE status field, and the HOLD mode is deactivated. For finding the absolu-
te maximum, the so-called “panning approach” is used:
5.3 The “panning approach”
When evaluating conformance of exposure limits, usually only the maximum
signal is considered. This value can be found using SPECTRAN and the Hyper-
LOG antenna using the so-called “panning approach”. The panning approach is
already officially approved in many countries. Application is as follows:
Choose the desired frequency range. In our example, we already did this
(GSM900 using the 7 key) and activate HOLD mode (dot key) as explained
above. Now turn and tilt the antenna slowly in all directions until the value stops
changing completely. You have now determined the signal maximum.
However, should you wish to evaluate the signal maximum in a room, you addi-
tionally need to take into account all locations. Walk through the entire room.
Measure especially in corners and near windows as these often produce the hig-
hest readings. During measurement, the maximum reading will also quickly
increase until it finally does not change anymore and “freezes” on its highest
level. When measuring a whole room, this may well take a few minutes.
Mostly, you will be able to find the highest reading by rotating the antenna to the
left or right by 90 degrees, as this corresponds with the alignment of the trans-
mission antennas.
As this antenna is directional, you can even do a bearing of the transmission
tower. However, often, this is only possible outside, as inside rooms, there are
too many reflections which produce erroneous bearings.
Now, just try to find the maximum in several rooms to get comfortable with the
“panning approach” and the important HOLD function.
Now, a measurement result is of course not too useful if it cannot be compared
to some kind of reference limit. Until now, this has been extremely complicated,
using complex tables and converting between units. An often exhausting task
even for some professionals, and particularly for the novice. Thus, SPECTRAN
offers a separate, very easy to use mode specifically for exposure limit calcula-
tion:
5.0 Your first measurements / Modes
12
5.4 Operation mode Exposure limit calculation:
(The Display status field shows “EXPOS.-LIMITS”)
Now press the Enter-key until the Display Mode
status field shows “EXPOS.-LIMITS”.
Firstly, the strongest signals are shown along with their
frequencies and levels using markers, just like in spec-
trum mode. The large main display shows the level of the
strongest signal, as usual.
In the graphics display below, the strongest signal is con-
verted to power flux density [W/m²] and displayed. The
cable and antenna data is already considered in these
calculations! Particularly practical: the so-called “Autorange” function: the W/m²
display is complemented with the correct fractional unit automatically:
m= 1/1000 (one thousandth)
µ= 1/1.000.000 (one millionth)
n = 1/1.000.000.000 (one billionth)
p= 1/1.000.000.000.000
f= 1/1.000.000.000.000.000
In our example, the display reads 797,21nW/m², or 797billionth W/m² or in
other words: 0,000.000.797.21 W/m².
As this example clearly shows, one would actually drown in the huge number of
“zeros” without the autorange function.
By the way, the practical HOLD feature is also available in this mode for keeping
the display “smoother”.
Better yet: you can even display a percentage relative to
an exposure limit: as vastly different exposure limits
exist depending on your measurement’s purpose and cir-
cumstances, SPECTRAN offers several exposure limits
right away. You can change between exposure
limits with the left/right arrow keys.
Further explanation of exposure limits can be found
in the Exposure limits chapter in this manual.
Just try for yourself: Select the different limits and com-
pare the results. The available choices are:
5.0 Your first measurements / Modes
13
ICNIRP = International exposure limit (a complex formula)
Salz 1 = Old Salzburg precautionary value (1mW/m²)
Salz 2 = Salzburg precautionary value outdoors 2002 (10µW/m²)
Salz 3 = Salzburg precautionary value indoors 2002 (1µW/m²)
In our fictional example, the bargraph display shows approximation to the inter-
national ICNIRP limit by 0,06%. As you can see, with this exposure limit, even a
relatively “strong” signal of -45dBm only generates a few hundredth of a per-
cent (namely 0,06%) of “deflection”. However, if you change to one of the Salz-
burg limits, the unit will quickly indicate even excess of the exposure limit.
When EXCEEDING a limit, the display shows percentages above 100% (for
example 128,00 = excess of exposure limit by 28%). When the percentage is
greater than 999,99%, “***.**” is displayed. This means overflow.
HINT:You can download new and/or updated exposure limits(which con-
stantly change!) from Aaronia’s homepage and keep SPECTRAN up-to-date at
any time. You should also check out our PC analysis software, which offers a
whole range of additional features.
Please note that the values in the graphic display can slightly change even if the
value at the main display is stable because SPECTRAN also uses the non visi-
ble fractions of the main display value to calculate the graphic display values.
One more alternative for finding the location of a signal source or for identifica-
tion / further processing of signals is the so-called Demodulation. Here, modula-
tion and pulsing of signal sources, if they exist, can be converted to sound and
thus become audible. SPECTRAN offers a special mode for this:
5.0 Your first measurements / Modes
14
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
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5.5 Operation mode audio output (Demodulation):
(The DISPLAYMODE status field shows “AM” or “FM”)
All SPECTRAN units offer a so-called Demodulator. The
demodulator makes pulsing and modulation of a signal
source audible (if it exists).
The frequency-exact, selective acoustic reproduction of a
signal can be very helpful with identifying and finding a
signal source. As demodulation takes place in realtime, it
is also perfectly suited for quickly locating a signal sour-
ce.
SPECTRAN offers two demodulation modes:
AM (amplitude modulation)
FM (frequency modulation).
To switch between the two modes, use the dot key (the DISPLAYMODE sta-
tus field shows “AM” or “FM”).
Volume can be adjusted with the volume control on the
left.
ATTENTION: During audio analysis, the complete dis-
play is “frozen” and the pixel display is shut off to
free up enough CPU power for demodulation. Hence,
ONLYan acoustic reproduction takes place!
In contrast to simple broadband detectors, demodulation
only happens at a certain single frequency (center fre-
quency) with SPECTRAN. Hence, you can selectively
“monitor” very narrow frequency ranges. Please note though that in this mode,
filtering is a bit less effective, which might lead to very strong neighboring sig-
nals also being audible on the actually selected frequency.
For optimal acoustic reproduction of signals, you can select different filter band-
width using the Up/Down arrow keys. The selected filter is displayed in the
large INFO display. possible filters are:
FULL (50MHz)
3MHz
1MHz
300kHz
100kHz
5.0 Your first measurements / Modes
15
Display is “frozen”
Pixel display is shut off
5.0 Your first measurements / Modes
16
Often, you will not be able to exactly “hit” the center frequency of a signal, and
demodulation is bad or impossible. Thus, you can fine-tune the center fre-
quency using the right/left arrow keys. The step width used is derived
from the selected filter. Should you have chosen, for example, the 1MHz filter,
steps are 1MHz wide etc. When changing the center frequency, it will be shown
on the main INFO display (full MHz).
Examples:
- Cell towers/cell phones:
AGSM900 / GSM1800 cell tower (keys 7 / 8) emits a “beeping” or “crackling”
noise with many interruptions and morse-like “pulsing”. This is the so-called
“control channel”, which is always active and “beeps” exactly at 1733,33Hz.
When one or more cellphones are active, you can recognize an additional
217Hz “crackling” noise (similar to morse code).
An optimal reproduction can be achieved with the 1MHz or 3MHz filter.
- DECT phones:
An easily recognizable signal source is the base station of a DECT phone (Key
0). It produces a 100Hz “humming” sound. You can simply “prove” this by dis-
connecting the mains from the base station: the hum disappears. When you turn
the power back on, the hum will reappear after a few seconds.
Optimal reproduction is achieved by using the 1MHz filter.
ATTENTION: for optimal reproduction of a signal, its level should be at least
-70dBm, even better stronger than -60dBm.
HINT:Optionally, you can even visualize the demodulation using a LF spectrum
analyser. The SPECTRAN NF series lends itself optimally for this purpose, as
the NF-5010 and above offer the required signal input.
5.6 Operation mode broadband detector (RF power detector):
(The DISPLAYMODE status field displays “RF”)
All SPECTRAN models with power detector option fea-
ture a integrated PEAK power detector (power meter),
allowing you to do BROADBAND PEAK measurements
of high-frequency power up to 10GHz (12GHz) in dBm or
dBµV.
The measurement sensitivity is about -50dBm. The hig-
hest usable level is +10dBm.
Aprincipal limitation of this mode is that frequency display
is NOT possible, thus only a “0Hz” marker is displayd.
The graphics display now offers a Time Domain Display
and shows the power vs time. You can change the display speed with the
sampeltime (menu “SpTime”). The large main display and the bargraph show
you the measurement result in dBm or dBµV. The noisefloor is about -50dBm.
In addition, a potentially existing amplitude modulation (AM) will be made avai-
lable on the audio output (feature in development). The display mode status field
then will also display “AM”.
Broadband measurements with SPECTRAN offer an instant level display (in
contrast to “spectrum analysis mode“) of the “PEAK”-power in the complete
measurable frequency rage.
By utilizing a high-end, state-of-the-art Silicon-Germanium (SiGe) technology
detector chip, we even provide detection of ultra short pulsings! This opens up
a whole new range of possibilities: For example, measurement of ultra-short
RADAR burstsor other short pulses.
The optional drastically enhanced frequency range of up to 10GHz (12GHz) is
significantly larger than what the spectrum analysis of SPECTRAN can current-
ly offer (currently 7GHz maximum / 9.3GHz is in development) and thus allows,
among others, detection of PAR airport radar in the 9 GHz band.
Obviously, the usefulness of this kind of measurement is limited in certain ways,
as it does not offer any frequency filter (BUT you can use extrenal filter at any
time) or frequency display. Thus, neither direct display of power density or field
strength nor calculation of exposure limit calculation or antenna corection is pos-
sible BUT if you know the transmitter frequency you can calculate the power-
5.0 Your first measurements / Modes
17
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com
density [W/m²] or field strength [V/m; A/m] from power [dBm]. Have a look on
page 63/64 in chapter 18.3. There you get the needet formula, sample calcula-
tions and a easy to use conversion table too.
To detect a signal maximum, you should definitely use the HOLD function (see
chapter 5.2) and the so-called “panning approach“ (see chapter 5.3). This is the
only way to accomplish a useful measurement!
Needless to say, you can also use the broadband option as a power meter. Its
high temperature stability guarantees very well reproducable results. As the
input impedance of the unit is “standard“ 50 Ohms, connection to other measu-
rement equipment is straightforward.
NOTE: On all SPECTRAN models with broadband PEAK detector option the
bargraph display will ALWAYS show the broadband “PEAK”-power even in
spectrum analyzer mode.
This means you can get TWO displays in one:
Broadband “PEAK”-power and frequency selective RMS-power at the same
time on the same display.
A great function!
5.0 Your first measurements / Modes
18
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So far, we have only used the preset frequencies available on the various hot-
keys. However, you can also set a highly precise frequency range (so-called
sweep-range) manually. Like this, the frequency range can be configured for
one particular application to measure only these signals. Additionally, a smaller
frequency range increases sweep speed enormously and improves accuracy.
For setting this frequency range, you only need to know the start- and stop fre-
quencies of the corresponding application and program it in SPECTRAN.
You will also find an excerpt of various radio applications along with their
start- and stop frequencies in the frequency tables on pages 64 and 65.
Subsequently, we will illustrate custom configuration using the new mobile com-
munications standard UMTS as an example. In our case, we only want to find
and evaluate UMTS cell towers of the provider “Vodafone”.
For this, proceed as follows:
First, check the UMTS frequency list on page 65.
UMTS uses frequencies between 1.900,1 and 2.200,0MHz. As we only want to
measure the cell tower and not the cell phone, we only need the so-called
downlink frequency. This frequency, according to the frequency list, ranges
from 2.019,7 to 2.200,0 MHz. The Vodafone cell towers, according to the list,
only use frequencies between 2.110,3 and 2.120,2MHz. These are the start- and
stop frequencies we were looking for. Program them as follows:
Press the menu key.
Using the arrow keys, navigate to the menu entry labeled fLow.
Again, press the ENTER key.
Azero appears on the large main display. Additionally, the big status field reads
START. Now, enter the STARTfrequency, in full MHz, using the number keys.
In this case, we want to start at 2.110,3MHz. So, enter 2110 (rounded) and cor-
rect any typos by pressing the CLR key and repeating the input. When finis-
hed, press Enter again for confirmation.
You are now being returned to the main menu. The next menu entry fHigh has
already been automatically selected.
Now, press the Enter key once more.
6.0 Setting a custom frequency range
19
Azero appears in the main display. Additionally, the status field reads STOP.
Now, enter the STOP frequency, in full MHz, using the number keys. In our case,
we want to measure up to 2.120,2MHz. So, enter 2121 (rounded up) and press
Enter again for confirmation.
You are now being returned to the main menu. The next menu entry RBW
has already been automatically selected.
Again, press the Enter key.
Now, a list of various filter bandwidth is displayed.
3MHz has been chosen automatically and is ideal for measurement of cell
towers. Thus, you can confirm this setting by pressing Enter.
You are now being returned to the main menu.
Finally, press the menu key again, and all settings are being confirmed and
the sweep (measurement) starts! The big status field reads CUSTOM, indicating
a custom configuration.
Now, only the configured frequency range between 2.110 and 2.121MHz is
being sweeped (measured), thus all operation modes (exposure limit calculati-
on, spectrum display) now only refer to this frequency range!
Now, you can precisely evaluate if a Vodafone UMTS cell tower is active and
how strong the exposure exactly is. Using the HyperLOG antenna, you can
quickly take a bearing and locate the cell tower.
HINT:You can also save this setting on one of the keys 0 to 9 as a custom “Hot-
key”. More on this on the following pages.
HINT2: Using the Enter key, you can change between Spectrum analysis,
exposure limit calculation and audio reproduction modes at any time.
Though, as UMTS is an unpulsed signal, audio mode does not make sense
here.
Further tips and information regarding the configuration of a custom fre-
quency range and other main menu entries can be found on the following
pages covering the main menu.
6.0 Setting a custom frequency range
20
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This manual suits for next models
4
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