SAF 0.3-3 GHz Spectrum Compact User manual

1
User manual
0.3 - 3 GHz Spectrum Compact
VER 2.0 (FW V5.2.6)

FCC Compliance statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Spectrum Compact does not contain serviceable parts. Warranty will not
be applicable in the event Spectrum Compact has been opened.
The information presented in this guide is the property of SAF Tehnika, JSC. No part of this
document may be reproduced or transmitted without proper permission from SAF Tehnika,
JSC.
The specifications or information contained in this document are subject to change without
notice due to continuing introduction of design improvements. If there is any conflict
between this document and compliance statements, the latter will supersede this
document.
SAF Tehnika, JSC has no liability for typing errors in this document or damages of any kind
that result from the use of this document.
To get up to date information about accessories and their availability, please contact sales
representative.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2018 SAF Tehnika, JSC. All rights reserved.

Contents
1 OVERVIEW..................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Appearance & features............................................................................. 4
1.2 Technical specification............................................................................ 5
1.3 Accessories .............................................................................................. 5
2 OPERATION................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Basic operation ........................................................................................ 6
2.2 SWEEP CONT............................................................................................ 8
2.3 FREQ ......................................................................................................... 8
2.4 SPAN....................................................................................................... 10
2.5 MARKER.................................................................................................. 11
2.6 RBW & VBW ............................................................................................ 12
2.7 LEVEL...................................................................................................... 14
2.7.1 REF..............................................................................................................14
2.7.2 ATT..............................................................................................................15
2.7.3 LNA .............................................................................................................15
2.7.4 UNITS .........................................................................................................17
2.7.5 SCALE.........................................................................................................19
2.8 TRACE..................................................................................................... 21
2.9 POWER IN BAND .................................................................................... 25
2.10 SAVE ..................................................................................................... 27
2.11 PRESET................................................................................................. 28
2.12 FULL SCREEN ....................................................................................... 29
2.13 TOOLS................................................................................................... 30
2.13.1 FILES ........................................................................................................31
2.13.2 PROFILES ................................................................................................32
2.13.3 MASK MODE ...........................................................................................33
2.13.4 PATH CALC .............................................................................................34
2.13.5 HIGH CONTRAST...................................................................................36
2.13.6 RECORD...................................................................................................37
2.13.7 RECORD TIME PLOT .............................................................................39
2.13.8 AUTO ROTATE........................................................................................41
2.13.9 ABOUT......................................................................................................42
2.13.10 SERVICE MENU....................................................................................42
2.14 SETTINGS ............................................................................................. 44
2.14.1 BRIGHT ....................................................................................................45
2.14.2 TIME .........................................................................................................46
2.14.3 COLOR......................................................................................................47
2.15 Firmware upgrade ................................................................................ 48
2.16 Realtime mode with Spectrum Manager............................................. 48
CONTACTS..................................................................................................... 49

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OVERVIEW
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1OVERVIEW
1.1 Appearance & features
0.3-3 GHz Spectrum Compact analyzer is an ultra-light and easy to use
measurement solution. This battery powered device does not require external down-
converters, and is a must-have tool for any field engineer performing equipment
installation, link troubleshooting, site planning and maintenance. The instrument
utilizes a resistive touch screen for ease of use in the field, allowing the engineer to
wear gloves when using the device. Furthermore, its high sensitivity and low noise
floor make it possible to detect even exceptionally weak signals. The Spectrum
Compact can also be used for high precision detection of existing interference on
installed paths or available radio channels. Data logging of all spectrum scans is
available on the Spectrum Compact device, and enhanced data processing and
analysis is provided by SAF Tehnika designed PC software (included in the price of
Spectrum Compact).
Ultra-compact form factor
Leading sensitivity
Resistive LCD touchscreen
Weatherproof - IP marking 54
Stand-alone functionality
USB type-C for charging and data access
PC software included in the price
Touchscreen
Power button
USB type-C port
Tripod socket
Strap lug

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OVERVIEW
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1.2 Technical specification
P/N
J0SSAP33
Frequency range
0.300 - 3.000 GHz
Input power range
-128 dBm to +20 dBm*
Max input power
+27 dBm (LNA off), +19 dBm (LNA on)
RBW (Resolution bandwidth)
10 kHz/ 30 kHz/ 100 kHz/ 300 kHz
VBW (Video bandwidth)
1 kHz/ 3 kHz/ 10 kHz/ 30 kHz
Min span
0.5 MHz @ 10 kHz RBW
Max span
Full bandwidth
Sweep speed
0.5 s @ 30 MHz span
Accuracy
+/- 1 dB**
Input
50 ohm SMA (f)
Interface
USB Type-C
Battery
2 x 3500 mAh Polymer Lithium-ion
Battery life
up to 4h
Operating temperature
-15°C to +55°C/ 5°F to 131°F
International Protection Marking
IP54
Dimensions
135 x 83 x 34 mm/ 5.31 x 3.27 x 1.34 in
Weight
0.57 kg/ 20.11 oz
*With maximum internal attenuation
**Guaranteed at 21°C/ 70°F
1.3 Accessories
0.3-3 GHz Spectrum Compact has these accessories available:
1SMA(F) to N(M) adapter (P/N: U0ACNM01)
2SMA (F) to RP-SMA (F) (P/N: J0ASFF01)
3SMA (F) to RP-SMA (M) (P/N: J0ASFM01)
4N-type adapter female-female (P/N: U0ACNN02)
5RF cable (P/N: J0ACRF02)
6AC/DC USB-C charger (P/N: J0AB452Ci3)
7Leather bag (P/N: J0APAC11)
8USB-C –USB-C Cable (P/N: J0ACUB05)
9USB-C –USB-A adapter (P/N: J0ACUA31)
10 Lanyard (P/N: J0APAC21)
11 Omni-directional antenna 0.7-3 GHz (P/N: J0AA4LTE01)
12 Omni-directional antenna 0.3-1.1 GHz (P/N: C01AT0STS001)
13 Handle for YAGI-type antenna (P/N: J0SAYAGIRC01)

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
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2OPERATION
2.1 Basic operation
To turn on the Spectrum Compact, press and hold the power button on the left side
for about 1.5 seconds. To turn the device off, press and hold the button again for
about 1.5 seconds. The guaranteed operation time with a fully charged battery is 4 h.
The small battery in the upper right corner indicates the current battery level. When
there is about 15 minutes of active sweeping time left, a red warning “BATTERY LOW”
will be displayed on the screen above the graph.
Turning off the continuous sweeping of the spectrum (SWEEP CONT.), when it
is not monitored, and decreasing the screen background brightness (Main
screen TOOLS & SETTINGS SETTINGS BRIGHT) prolongs the operation
time.
0.3 - 3 GHz Spectrum Compact charges through the USB type-C port. The device
can sweep the spectrum continuously if attached to a power source that can supply
1.5 A.
SAF Tehnika cannot guarantee that any charger, besides the one supplied with
the unit, will ensure continuous sweep.
Graph
USB type-C port
Power button
SMA connector
Available
options

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
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When Spectrum Compact is connected to a power source, a quick press of the power
button allows checking the battery status without turning on the device. While
charging, the LED located under the transparent button will glow red. If the device is
attached to a power source, but the battery is not charging (e.g. the power source
does not provide enough current for charging), the LED will flash red. When the battery
is fully charged, the LED will glow green.
It is recommended to fully charge and discharge a new device few times to
ensure that the battery indication is completely accurate.
The screen of the spectrum analyzer is divided into two parts: the graph and the
buttons, which represent the available menus and options.
The horizontal axis of the graph represents linear frequency range in megahertz
(MHz). Frequency value increases from left to right. The displayed frequency range
can be selected at the FREQ menu. 1 pane represents 1/10th of the currently selected
SPAN.
The vertical axis of the graph represents logarithmic input power range in decibels
referenced to one milliwatt “dBm” by default (see UNITS). The input power level
increases from bottom to top. The displayed input power range can be adjusted at
the SCALE menu. Above the graph the input power level at the CENTER frequency is
displayed (except for CUMULATIVE trace mode, see TRACE).
Tapping the clock in the upper right corner swaps the displayed time/date format.
To save a spectrum curve for later review, use the SAVE button. The files are saved
in Spectrum Compact Curve file format (.scc). They can be reviewed in FILES menu
and are accessible when the device is connected to a computer from folder CURVES.
Tapping the SAF logo in the upper left corner takes a screenshot. The screenshots
are saved as bitmap (.bmp) images. The screenshots are available only when
Spectrum Compact is connected to a computer in the folder SCREENS.
The essential functions of the spectrum analyzer are accessible from the main
screen. All the menus and options are described in detail in the following chapters.
Exceeding the critical input power level of 27 dBm (if the LNA is off and
internal attenuation is zero) and 19 dBm (if the LNA is on and internal
attenuation is zero) may cause irreversible damage to the equipment!
If the detected signal power is higher than reference level (see REF), a red
warning “OVERLOAD” will be displayed on the screen. Initially perform a
scan at full (default) span to detect overload presence since a signal
outside of the displayed frequency range also contributes to overload!

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
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2.2 SWEEP CONT.
Tapping the SWEEP CONT. button starts and stops continuous sweep of the
selected spectrum range and registering of a spectrum curve.
If a sweeping related parameter (frequency, level or trace setting) is modified, the
sweep is restarted from the beginning.
When SWEEP CONT. is enabled, the SWEEP CONT. button is green and a small white
bar is moving under the graph, indicating how far the selected span has been swept.
SWEEP CONT. is enabled by default.
2.3 FREQ
The FREQ menu allows selecting START (left limit of the horizontal axis), CENTER
(center value of the horizontal axis) and STOP (right limit of the horizontal axis)
frequencies of the spectrum range in megahertz (MHz).
While at the FREQ menu, tapping the right part of the graph decreases SPAN
(zooms in) and tapping the left part of the graph increases SPAN (zooms out).
Sliding the graph to the right or to the left modifies START and STOP
frequencies by equal amounts, keeping the SPAN constant.
Modifying START or STOP frequency will alter CENTER frequency and SPAN, but will
preserve the STOP or START frequency, respectively. Modifying CENTER frequency
will alter both START and STOP frequencies, but will preserve SPAN, if possible (it
may not be possible due to limits of supported frequency range).
The SWEEP CONT. button

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
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The currently selected parameter (START/ STOP/ CENTER) is displayed in white. To
select a different parameter, tap on it once. The color of the keypad buttons shows
which numbers can be entered at the current digit position to obtain a valid parameter
value –the numbers on the green buttons can be entered, the numbers on the red
buttons cannot be entered. If the currently entered value is valid, it is displayed in
green (also OK button is green). If the value is not valid, it is displayed in red (also OK
button is red). To confirm a valid value, tap the OK button or tap the parameter’s box.
The frequency value can be entered with precision 0.01 MHz (10 kHz) by using the
“.” on keypad. To input a value with decimal digits, first enter the full MHz’s, then tap
the “.” button and enter the rest of the digits. Until the value is confirmed, the digits
after the point are displayed larger. If there are no digits displayed after the point, it
means that they are zeroes.
To exit the FREQ menu and return to the main screen, tap BACK.
Entering the FREQ menu
The FREQ menu

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
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2.4 SPAN
The SPAN menu allows selecting the range of the horizontal axis (difference
between START and STOP frequencies) i.e. span, in megahertz (MHz).
While at the SPAN menu, tapping the right part of the graph decreases SPAN
(zooms in) and tapping the left part of the graph increases SPAN (zooms out).
Sliding the graph to the right or to the left modifies START and STOP
frequencies by equal amounts, keeping the SPAN constant.
Modifying SPAN preserves CENTER frequency, if possible, but alters START and
STOP frequencies. Tapping the MIN SPAN or FULL SPAN button instantly sets SPAN
to respectively minimum or maximum allowed value. If the current SPAN value is the
actual minimum or maximum, the corresponding button will be green. FULL SPAN is
enabled by default.
The AUTO function at the RBW & VBW menu automatically adjusts resolution
and video bandwidths depending on the selected SPAN. AUTO ensures
optimum use of the filters. AUTO is enabled by default.
The minimum allowed SPAN differs for each of the resolution bandwidths –0.5
MHz for 10 kHz RBW, 1.5 MHz for 30 kHz RBW, 5 MHz for 100 kHz RBW and 15
MHz for 300 kHz RBW.
FULL SPAN is the full supported frequency range of 2700 MHz, but there is a
maximum SPAN limitation for the MIN/MAXHOLD trace mode –200 MHz for
10 kHz RBW and 900 MHz for 30 kHz RBW (see TRACE).
The current SPAN is displayed in white. The color of keypad buttons shows which
numbers can be entered at the current digit position to obtain a valid parameter value
–the numbers on the green buttons can be entered, the numbers on the red buttons
cannot be entered. If the currently entered value is valid, it is displayed in green (also
OK button is green). If the value is not valid, it is displayed in red (also OK button is
red). To confirm a valid value, tap the OK button or tap the parameter’s box.
The frequency value can be entered with precision 0.01 MHz (10 kHz) by using the
“.” on keypad. To input a value with decimal digits, first enter the full MHz’s, then tap
the “.” button and enter the rest of the digits. Until the value is confirmed, the digits
after the point are displayed larger. If there are no digits displayed after the point, it
means that they are zeroes.
To exit the SPAN menu and return to the main screen, tap BACK.