LATNEX RF Explorer User manual

RF Explorer®
User Manual
Updated to Firmware Version 1.31 for Standard models
Updated to Firmware Version 3.16 for Plus models

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.
Please consider the environment before printing this document.

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........................................................................................................................................... 12
Operational Mode menu .......................................................................................................................... 14
Frequency Menu ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Analyzer screen in Advanced Mode .......................................................................................................... 18
Advanced: Understanding RBW................................................................................................................ 18
WiFi Analyzer Mode................................................................................................................................. 20
Fine tuning WiFi deployment................................................................................................................ 20
Attenuator Menu ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Configuration Menu................................................................................................................................. 24
Preset Menu ........................................................................................................................................... 25
Using RF Explorer Preset Manager........................................................................................................ 26
HELP button (Plus model only)................................................................................................................. 27
RF Generator mode................................................................................................................................. 28
RF Explorer internal battery ..................................................................................................................... 30
Charging the internal battery ............................................................................................................... 30
Using the Battery dedicated screen ...................................................................................................... 31
Charging a fully depleted battery.......................................................................................................... 33
Automatic idle mode with battery charge .............................................................................................. 33
Expansion Modules.................................................................................................................................. 34
RF Explorer antennas .............................................................................................................................. 35
Telescopic dual band 144/430MHz ....................................................................................................... 35
UHF 400-900MHz antenna ................................................................................................................... 35
Whip dipole antennas .......................................................................................................................... 36
Rubber duck 5.8GHz antenna............................................................................................................... 36
Additional antennas................................................................................................................................. 37
LTE antenna ....................................................................................................................................... 37
Cloverleaf dual band 2.4 / 5.8Ghz omnidirectional ................................................................................. 37
Directional Patch SMA Articulated Antenna, versions for 5.8Ghz and 2.4Ghz ........................................... 38
RF Explorer Near Field antennas........................................................................................................... 38
Protecting your instrument from damage.................................................................................................. 41

External Attenuators............................................................................................................................ 43
6GHz SMA Attenuator –60dB ........................................................................................................... 43
6GHz SMA Attenuator - 10dB............................................................................................................ 44
6GHz SMA Attenuator - 30dB............................................................................................................ 44
RF Explorer Power Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 45
RF Explorer Holder –PLUS SLIM version................................................................................................... 47
RF Explorer Holder –Standard version ..................................................................................................... 48
RF Explorer accessories ........................................................................................................................... 49
SMA-BNC adapter SMA Plug to BNC Jack straight .................................................................................. 49
SMA-N adapter SMA Plug to N Jack straight .......................................................................................... 49
RF Adapter RP-SMA Jack to SMA Plug straight-long version.................................................................... 50
SMA adapter SMA Plug to SMA Jack right angle..................................................................................... 50
SMA connection cables ........................................................................................................................ 51
10cm length - SMA male to SMA female 6GHz coaxial cable ............................................................... 51
10cm length - SMA male to SMA male 6GHz coaxial cable .................................................................. 51
50cm length - SMA male to SMA female RF pigtail Coaxial Cable RG316.............................................. 52
50cm length - SMA male to SMA male plug pigtail cable RG316 .......................................................... 52
SMA Male/Female Adaptor ................................................................................................................... 52
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
License................................................................................................................................................... 55

RF Explorer User Manual page 5
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. For instance, you do not need to adjust Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) every time
you select a different frequency span. Actually, you do not even need to know what RBW is. You can progress
in your RF learning curve and come back to this manual and online tutorial anytime.
We welcome your feedback and look for ideas to make this manual more useful. Please contribute with ideas,
suggestions, typo corrections and comments on the official discussion list
www.rf-explorer.com/forum

RF Explorer User Manual page 6
Description of main features
✓Pocket size and light weight with solid aluminum metal case.
✓The Spectrum Analyzer calculator includes Peak Max, Max Hold, Normal, Overwrite and Averaging
modes.
✓Lifetime free firmware upgrades available.
✓Open to new features requested by user community.
✓High capacity Lithium Ion battery up to 16hs of continuous run, rechargeable by USB.
✓Microsoft Windows software is free and Open Source.
✓Mac OS client is free and Open Source.
✓USB Communication protocol is open for custom solutions and extensions.
✓Different RF Explorer models available:
•General purpose high frequency model: 50KHz to 6100MHz
•General purpose wideband model: 15 –2700MHz
•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.
✓For more details on different models and capabilities available, please check online
www.rf-explorer.com/models

RF Explorer User Manual page 7
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

RF Explorer User Manual page 8
The RF Explorer Plus models includes 9 functional buttons in the front side, including context sensitive HELP
and easy preset handling with SET button, and a silicone rubber protector. 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. For more details see the section Expansion Modules in
page 34.
The unit will automatically start running on USB power when a compatible mini-USB cable is connected.
Important: The internal battery power switch must be in the ON position for the battery to charge when the
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
section RF Explorer accessories in page 49.
Understanding RF Explorer Standard model

RF Explorer User Manual page 9
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. For more details see the section Expansion Modules in
page 34.
The unit will automatically start running on USB power when a compatible mini-USB cable is connected.
Important: The internal battery power switch must be in the ON position for the battery to charge when the
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
section RF Explorer accessories in page 49.
Correctly handling input power levels
RF Explorer is specifically designed to get best results in low power signal detection using antennas. Most
measurements can be performed directly with no extra precautions. For best results, you may need to use
external attenuators if working with powerful signals.
Measurable input range
Recommended external attenuator
Lower than -30dBm / 1 micro Watt
No need
-30 to 0dBm / 1 microWatt to 1 milliWatt
30dB external or internal
-30 to 10dBm / 1 microWatt to 10 milliWatt
40dB external
0 to 33dBm / 1 milliWatt to 2 Watt
60dB external
Note there are three different power levels types to know when using spectrum analyzers, from lower to
higher:
•Measurable input range: This range includes all levels the analyzer can correctly measure
without distortion or false reading. The above table shows typical levels for RF Explorer, see
section External Attenuators in page 43 for recommended accessories to correctly perform
any measurement you may need.
•Safe but not measurable range: In this range the instrument will not get damage, the
measurement will be distorted and, in most cases, incorrect. Read section Protecting your
instrument from damage in page 41.
•Damage range: In this range the instrument may get permanent damage and readings may
be incorrect at any time.
RF Explorer models with internal Attenuator and LNA offer added flexibility to work with different input signal
levels.

RF Explorer User Manual page 10
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.
Configuration settings such as amplitude reference and frequency span are preserved between sessions,
stored in internal FLASH memory.
The main screen automatically displays a small marker with a triangle shape. This will indicate the peak
amplitude found in the current frequency span, being the first text line the frequency in MHZ and the second
line the amplitude at that particular point.
The main screen has a number of additional indicators: