NARDA IDA User manual

IDA-3106
Interference and Direction Analyzer
Operating Manual
IDA
IDA 2

Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH
Sandwiesenstraße 7
72793 Pfullingen, Germany
® Names and Logo are registered
trademarks of Narda Safety Test Solutions
GmbH - Trade names are trademarks of the
owners.
© 2022
Order no.: 3106/98.21
Issue: 06/01.2022, A ...
Previous issues: 05/06.2016, A ...
Subject to change.
Our normal terms of warranty and delivery
apply.
Printed in Germany

Contents
Narda IDA-3106 I
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 About this device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 The antenna handle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Narda directional antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4 PC connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.5 Overview of options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.6 About this operating manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1 Using this operating manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2 Before connecting up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Proper use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4 Improper use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.5 General hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.6 Dangers due to electromagnetic fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.7 AC adapter / charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.8 Rechargeable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.9 Faults and unusual stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.10 Proper disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3 Connecting Up and Starting to Use the Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.1 Unpacking the device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.2 Device overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.3 Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.4 Fitting the Narda directional antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.5 Attaching other Narda antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.6 Using cables and antennas from other manufacturers . . . . . 34
3.7 Using the carrying strap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Contents
II IDA-3106 Narda
4 Operation and Basic Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.1 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.2 Switching the device on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
4.3 Switching stealth mode on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
4.4 LCD screen elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4.5 Fundamental operating steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5 The Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
5.1 Menu overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
5.2 Displaying and editing system settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
5.3 Displaying and editing configuration data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
5.4 Saving and loading setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
5.5 The memory menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
5.6 The SD Card menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
6 Common Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.1 Notes on this chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
6.2 Resetting all device settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
6.3 Setting the center frequency (Fcent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
6.4 Setting the bandwidth (RBW / CBW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
6.5 Setting the video bandwidth (VBW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
6.6 Setting the reference level (Reference Level) . . . . . . . . . . . 97
6.7 Selecting the trace type (Trace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
6.8 Changing the displayed units (Unit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
6.9 Adjusting the Y axis (Y-Scale). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
6.10 The Marker function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
6.11 Using the Magnifier function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
6.12 Using Multi-Channel Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
6.13 Demodulating signals (Audio). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
6.14 Setting the noise threshold (Noise Thresh.) . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
6.15 Measuring with multiple axis antennas (Axis). . . . . . . . . . . 124
6.16 Changing the operating mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Contents
Narda IDA-3106 III
7 Direction Finding Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
7.1 About Direction Finding mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
7.2 Operating mode specific functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
7.3 Manual Bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
7.4 Horizontal Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
7.5 Localizing a signal source (Outdoor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
7.6 Exchanging bearings between instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
7.7 The Map menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
7.8 Finding the location of a signal scource (Indoor). . . . . . . . . 154
8 Spectrum Analysis Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
8.1 About Spectrum Analysis mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
8.2 The Spectrum measure menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
8.3 Comparing spectra (Delta Spectrum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
8.4 Displaying the time characteristic (Spectrogram) . . . . . . . . 168
8.5 The Spectrogram Marker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
9 Level Meter Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
9.1 About Level Meter mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
9.2 Display overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
9.3 Operating mode specific functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
10 Time Domain (Scope) Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
10.1 About Time Domain (Scope) mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
10.2 Display overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
10.3 Selecting measurement parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
10.4 Measurement parameter examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
10.5 Using the trigger function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
10.6 Saving measured values automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
10.7 Measuring the Duty Cycle and Time Domain Power . . . . . . 196
11 I/Q Analyzer Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
11.1 About I⁄Q Analyzer mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Contents
IV IDA-3106 Narda
11.2 Display overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
11.3 Selecting measurement parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
11.4 Using the trigger function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
11.5 Saving measured values automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
12 Multi-Channel Power Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
12.1 About Multi-Channel Power mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
12.2 Operating mode specific functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
12.3 Using the Table view. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
12.4 Using the Bar Graph view. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
13 Measurement Data Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
13.1 About the Memory menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
13.2 Viewing and recalling data sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
13.3 Exporting data (Export to SD Card) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
13.4 Viewing screenshots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
13.5 Replaying demodulation recordings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
13.6 Saving measured values manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
13.7 Saving measured values automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
13.8 Changing the comment modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
14 Maintenance, Repairs, Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
14.1 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
14.2 AC adapter / charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
14.3 Updating the device software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
14.4 Activating options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
15 PC Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
15.1 PC software versions and functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
15.2 Connecting the device to a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
15.3 Working with the PC software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

Contents
Narda IDA-3106 V
16 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
16.1 About remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
16.2 Connecting to the PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
16.3 Connecting to the network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
16.4 Activating / deactivating remote control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
16.5 Syntax rules for remote control commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
17 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
17.1 Definitions and conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
17.2 IDA-3106 Basic Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
17.3 Operating modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
17.4 Antenna handle and antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
17.5 Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
18 Annex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
18.1 Holding and panning the directional antenna properly . . . . 266
18.2 Determining the polarization plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
18.3 Horizontal Scan in practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
19 Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277

Contents
VI IDA-3106 Narda

Narda IDA-3106 1
1Introduction
This chapter contains basic information on measuring electromagnetic
fields, on using the IDA-3106, and on how this manual is laid out.
1.1 About this device (page 2)
1.2 The antenna handle (page 3)
1.3 Narda directional antennas (page 4)
1.4 PC connection (page 5)
1.5 Overview of options (page 5)
1.6 About this operating manual (page 6)

1 Introduction
2 IDA-3106 Narda
1.1 About this device
The Interference and
Direction Analyzer IDA-3106
is a compact, portable system
for measuring
electromagnetic signals in the
frequency range 9 kHz to
6 GHz. As well as the
spectrum display with its
extremely fast measuring
speed, other optional
operating modes such as
Multi-Channel Power, Level
Meter and Time Domain
(Scope) allow sophisticated
analysis of the signals.
Together with the handle and
Narda directional antennas,
the IDA-3106 is particularly
used for identifying and
localizing signal sources. The
bearings determined manually
using the Manual Bearing
function or automatically with
the Horizontal Scan function
can be directly superimposed
on an electronic map in
Direction Finding mode.
Triangulation can then be
used to determine the location
of the transmitter.
The IDA-3106 can be used
outdoors even under difficult
environmental conditions
thanks to its robust casing,
controls that can also be
operated when wearing
gloves, and rechargeable
batteries that can be hot
swapped.
Figure 1: IDA-3106 in field use

1.2 The antenna handle
Narda IDA-3106 3
1.2 The antenna handle
The antenna handle is designed for attaching to the Narda directional
antennas, providing an ergonomic grip for the antenna. An electronic 3-axis
compass, a 20 dB preamplifier, and a button for starting measurements are
all built in to the handle. The snap fixing allows you to quickly and easily
adjust the antennas by 90° to match the polarization plane. The antenna
module used and the polarization plane are automatically detected by the
basic unit. The power supply is provided from the basic unit via the separate
data cable.
Figure 2: Antenna handle
An arm support, which simply clips on to the handle and allows effortless
long term use, is included with the handle.
Figure 3: Antenna handle with arm support

1 Introduction
4 IDA-3106 Narda
1.3 Narda directional antennas
Three Narda directional antennas that are specially matched to the
IDA-3106 and which fit the antenna handle are available. They cover the
frequency range from 20 MHz to 6 GHz. A highly sensitive loop antenna is
also available as an accessory for covering the lower frequency range from
9 kHz to 30 MHz.
You can of course also use directional or omnidirectional antennas from
other manufacturers with the IDA-3106. Even Direction Finding mode is
possible when using the antenna with the antenna handle and adapter.
Figure 4: Directional antenna 1, frequency range 20 MHz to 250 MHz
Figure 5: Directional antenna 2, frequency range 200 MHz to 500 MHz
Figure 6: Directional antenna 3, frequency range 400 MHz to 6 GHz

1.4 PC connection
Narda IDA-3106 5
Figure 7: Loop antenna, frequency range 9 kHz to 30 MHz
1.4 PC connection
The device IDA-3106 can be connected to a PC via the optical interface or
the USB port (Mini B type). This allows access to the device functions and
measurement results. You can find detailed information about this in the
following chapters:
•PC Software on page 235
•Remote Control on page 239
1.5 Overview of options
The table below shows all the options available for the IDA-3106. Your
particular device may not be equipped with all the options listed here and
described in this operating manual. Contact your local sales representative
to order an option, and refer to the chapters Updating the device software
on page 233 and Activating options on page 233.
Table 1: Available options
Name Function Order No.
Mapping Mapping activation status
(Activated / Deactivated)
3100/95.01
Time Domain (Scope) Time Domain (Scope) activation
status (Activated / Deactivated)
3100/95.04
I/Q Analyzer I/Q Analyzer activation status
(Activated / Deactivated)
3100/95.05

1 Introduction
6 IDA-3106 Narda
1.6 About this operating manual
1.6.1 User interface language
This operating manual uses English terminology to describe the user
interface. The user interface of the IDA-3106 can however be displayed in
other languages.
If you select another language for the user interface, the displayed terms will
differ from the ones described in this manual.
Level Meter Level Meter activation status
(Activated / Deactivated)
3100/95.06
Demodulation Demodulation activation status
(Activated / Deactivated)
3100/95.07
Multi-Channel Power Multi-Channel Power activation
status (Activated / Deactivated)
310/ 95.08
Direction Finding Direction Finding activation status
(Activated / Deactivated)
3100/95.09
I/Q Streaming I/Q Streaming activation status
(Activated / Deactivated)
3100/95.10
Audio Streaming Audio Streaming activation status
(Activated / Deactivated)
3100/95.11
Table 1: Available options
Name Function Order No.

1.6 About this operating manual
Narda IDA-3106 7
1.6.2 Symbols and characters used
Various elements are used in this operating manual to draw attention to
special meanings or important points in the text.
Symbols and terms used in warnings
The following warnings, symbols and terms are used in this document in
compliance with the American National Standard ANSI Z535.6-2011:
Warning format
All warnings have the following format:
This general danger symbol in conjunction with
the terms CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER
warns of the risk of severe injury. Follow all
subsequent instructions to avoid injury or death.
NOTICE Indicates a danger that could lead to damage or
destruction of the device.
CAUTION Indicates a danger that represents a low or
medium risk of injury.
WARNING Indicates a danger that could lead to death or
severe injury.
DANGER Indicates a danger that will result in death or
severe injury.
WARNING TERM
Type and source of danger
Consequences of ignoring the warning
Action needed to avoid danger

1 Introduction
8 IDA-3106 Narda
Symbols and characters
!Important action instruction
Indicates an instruction for action that must be followed in order to avoid
danger.
Requirement
Indicates a requirement that must be fulfilled before the subsequent action
can be taken. Example:
The measurement screen is displayed.
Action
Indicates a single action. Example:
Switch the device on.
1.
2.
3.
Sequence of actions
Indicates a sequence of actions that must be performed in the order given.
Result
Indicates the result of an action. Example:
The device starts a self test.
Bold text Control element or menu name
Indicates device control elements and menu names. Example:
Press the OK key.
Gray text Orientation
To keep things simple, only the softkeys that you need to press are
indicated in this manual, not the menus and sub-menus that contain the
softkey commands. To help you find your way around, there is a line of text
in gray at the start of each section indicating the order of selection for the
menus and sub-menus. This line is omitted if the function is on the topmost
level. Example:
Multi-Channel Power • Select Menu
Note: Important additional information or details of special features or situations.

Narda IDA-3106 9
2Important Safety
Instructions
This chapter explains important terms that are used in this operating
manual.
2.1 Using this operating manual (page 10)
2.2 Before connecting up (page 10)
2.3 Proper use (page 10)
2.4 Improper use (page 11)
2.5 General hazards (page 11)
2.6 Dangers due to electromagnetic fields (page 12)
2.7 AC adapter / charger (page 14)
2.8 Rechargeable batteries (page 15)
2.9 Faults and unusual stresses (page 18)
2.10 Proper disposal (page 18)

2 Important Safety Instructions
10 IDA-3106 Narda
2.1 Using this operating manual
Please read this manual carefully and completely before using the
device.
Keep this manual so that it is readily available to all users of the device.
Always make sure that this manual accompanies the device if it is given
to a third party.
2.2 Before connecting up
The device left the factory in perfect condition. We recommend that the
following instructions be followed to ensure that this condition is maintained
and that operation of the device is without danger.
2.3 Proper use
The device may only be used under the conditions and for the purpose for
which it was constructed.
The IDA-3106 is designed for measuring and evaluating electromagnetic
fields.
Only use the device under the conditions and for the purpose for which it
was constructed.
Proper use also includes the following:
Following the national accident prevention rules that apply at the place of
use.
Only allowing appropriately qualified and trained persons to use the
device.

2.4 Improper use
Narda IDA-3106 11
2.4 Improper use
The IDA-3106 is not a warning device that gives indication of the presence
of dangerous fields by means of visible or audible signals.
Always consider the device as a measuring device, never as a warning
device.
Always carefully observe the actual measurement value display when
approaching unknown fields.
In case of doubt, use an additional warning device such as RadMan or
Nardalert from Narda Safety Test Solutions.
2.5 General hazards
CAUTION
Hot connector sockets
The connecting sockets can get very warm if the instrument is used
for long periods. This is normal.
Please be careful when touching the connectors after using the
instrument for a long period of time.

2 Important Safety Instructions
12 IDA-3106 Narda
2.6 Dangers due to electromagnetic fields
WARNING
Strong fields
Very strong fields can occur in the vicinity of some radiation
sources
Be aware of and observe any safety barriers and markings.
In particular, persons fitted with electronic implants (e.g. pacemakers)
must keep away from dangerous areas.
WARNING
Unsuitable frequency range
Dangerous fields may not be detected if an unsuitable frequency
range is selected
Always select the largest available or the most suitable frequency
range.
Always carefully observe the actual measurement value display when
approaching unknown fields.
In case of doubt, use an additional wideband warning device such as
RadMan or Nardalert from Narda Safety Test Solutions.