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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
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.

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
11
2.5 MARKER
The MARKER menu allows placing a marker, which shows the input power level at
the specified frequency.
MARKER and POWER IN BAND cannot be activated both at the same time.
Tapping the PEAK button turns on and off the automatic search for the highest input
power level in the displayed frequency range, and places the MARKER there. Tapping
the CENTER TO MARKER button changes the CENTER frequency to the current
MARKER frequency (while preserving SPAN, if possible), i.e. centers the graph on the
MARKER.
The current MARKER frequency is displayed in white. 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.
Entering the SPAN menu
The SPAN menu

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
12
While in the MARKER menu, tapping the graph will place the MARKER there.
MARKER can be moved also by dragging it.
If the MARKER frequency is outside of the currently displayed frequency range,
arrows on the graph will indicate beyond which side of the graph the MARKER
is positioned.
To exit the MARKER menu and return to the main screen, tap BACK. When MARKER
is enabled, the MARKER button is green on the main screen. Tapping the MARKER
button when it is active, disables the MARKER. MARKER is disabled by default.
2.6 RBW & VBW
The RBW & VBW menu allows selecting the resolution bandwidth (RBW) and video
bandwidth (VBW) of the spectrum analyzer. The available RBW values are:
10 kHz
30 kHz
100 kHz
300 kHz
Narrower RBW allows to distinguish closer signals, but the span is swept
considerably slower.
Entering the MARKER menu
The MARKER menu

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
13
The 10 kHz RBW is most effectively utilized together with a lower reference
level (see REF).
The available VBW values are:
1 kHz
3 kHz
10 kHz
30 kHz
Narrower VBW stabilizes the displayed trace (i.e. smooths the noise) and
allows to see weaker signals better, but for pulsating signals a wider VBW
should be used.
Tapping the AUTO button enables and disables automatic adjustment of RBW and
VBW depending on the selected SPAN. AUTO ensures optimum use of the filters.
AUTO is enabled by default. When AUTO is enabled, the AUTO button is green at the
RBW & VBW menu. AUTO is disabled instantly if different RBW or VBW is selected
manually. To exit the RBW & VBW menu and return to the main screen, tap BACK.
For most accurate power measurements AVG detector (see TRACE) is
recommended. If utilizing the MAX or MIN detector, please note that a
narrower VBW must be used. In case the manually selected VBW is too
wide for the current RBW, there is a warning displayed on screen, VBW
indication under graph is red and indication “UNCAL”is put under the
battery symbol.
Entering the RBW & VBW menu
The RBW & VBW menu

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
14
2.7 LEVEL
The options regarding the displayed input power levels are accessible at the LEVEL
menu. To exit the LEVEL menu and return to the main screen, tap BACK.
2.7.1 REF
The REF submenu allows changing the gain and thus the reference level of the
spectrum analyzer. Current reference level is displayed at this menu and on the right
side under the graph. The reference level can be raised or lowered by 6 or 12 dB by
using the buttons. Tapping the DEFAULT button sets the default reference level.
Reference level indicates the maximum input power level that Spectrum
Compact is able to display without distortions. By adjusting it, the usable input
power range is tuned: higher reference level allows viewing stronger signals,
lower reference level has lower noise floor thus allows viewing weaker signals.
The reference level is also raised by turning off the LNA and increasing the
attenuation –either by increasing internal attenuation (Main screen LEVEL ATT)
or by adding external attenuators and then correcting the displayed levels with an
offset (Main screen LEVEL SCALE).
The displayed input power range is automatically adjusted for different
reference levels to ensure optimal use of display, but it can be manually
changed at the SCALE menu.
To exit the REF submenu and return to the LEVEL menu, tap BACK.
Entering the LEVEL menu
The LEVEL menu

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
15
2.7.2 ATT
The ATT submenu allows selecting the internal attenuators. Current internal
attenuation is displayed at this menu and on the right side under the graph. Any
additional attenuation raises the noise floor but allows to input stronger signals (i.e.
raises the reference level). The internal attenuation can be adjusted in 5 dB steps by
using the buttons. The internal attenuation is 0 by default.
To exit the ATT submenu and return to the LEVEL menu, tap BACK.
2.7.3 LNA
Tapping the LNA button turns on and off the “Low Noise Amplification”. LNA lowers
the noise floor and allows viewing very weak signals but the reference (overload) level
is considerably lowered.
When LNA is enabled, the LNA button is green and an indication is displayed under
the graph. LNA is disabled by default.
To get best results with the LNA, set internal attenuation ATT to zero and lower
reference level at the REF menu.
Entering the REF menu
The REF menu

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
16
Entering the ATT menu
The ATT menu
The LNA button

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
17
2.7.4 UNITS
The UNITS submenu allows changing the displayed units of the spectrum analyzer.
There are 6 logarithmic units available.
Power units:
dBm (the default units) –decibels referenced to one milliwatt
dBuW –decibels referenced to one microwatt
Voltage units:
dBmV –decibels referenced to one millivolt
dBuV –decibels referenced to one microvolt
Current units:
dBmA –decibels referenced to one milliampere
dBuA –decibels referenced to one microampere
The input power values are converted for the vertical axis, reference level REF
indication and for Center, MARKER and POWER IN BAND readouts.
Only the displayed units on the Spectrum Compact are changed, the power
values are still detected and stored in dBm.
dBuV/m
The “dBuV/m” submenu allows placing a special marker, which shows the electric
field strength at the specified frequency in decibels referenced to one microvolt per
meter. The electric field strength is calculated from the detected input power level
value at the specified frequency.
“dBuV/m” marker is not compatible with the regular MARKER and POWER IN
BAND and with non-default units –the input power values for the vertical axis
and reference level REF indication will be displayed in dBm.
The parameters required for the calculation are:
gain of the receiver antenna GAIN, in dBi;
the MARKER frequency;
(optional) LOSSES value to account for any known additional losses e.g.
cables, rain, obstacles, in dB.
The currently selected parameter (GAIN/ MARKER/ LOSSES) 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 selected
parameter’s box

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
18
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.
While in the dBuV/m menu, tapping the graph will place the dBuV/m marker
there. dBuV/m marker can be moved also by dragging it.
If the dBuV/m marker frequency is outside of the currently displayed frequency
range, arrows on the graph will indicate beyond which side of the graph the
marker is positioned.
To exit the “dBuV/m” submenu, tap BACK. When “dBuV/m” is enabled, the button is
green at the UNITS submenu. Tapping the “dBuV/m” button when it is active, disables
the “dBuV/m” marker.
To exit the UNITS submenu and return to the LEVEL menu, tap BACK.
Entering the UNITS menu
The UNITS menu

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
19
SCALE menu is available only for default units “dBm”. Adjust the scale before
selecting non-default units!
2.7.5 SCALE
The SCALE menu allows selecting the MAX (highest limit of the vertical axis) and
MIN (lowest limit of the vertical axis) values of the displayed input power range in
dBm, and an input power level OFFSET value (e.g. if an external attenuator is being
used) in decibels dB.
SCALE menu is only available for default units “dBm”. See UNITS.
While at the SCALE menu, tapping the upper part of the graph decreases the
displayed input power range (zooms in) and tapping the lower part of the graph
increases the displayed input power range (zooms out). If the input power
range allows it, sliding the graph up or down modifies the MAX and MIN values
by equal amounts.
The currently selected parameter (MAX/ MIN/ OFFSET) 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
The UNITS menu
The “dBuV/m” menu

0.3-3 GHz SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW V5.2.6) OPERATION
20
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 selected
parameter’ box.
To exit SCALE menu and return to the LEVEL menu, tap BACK.
Entering the SCALE menu
The SCALE menu