SAF Spectrum Compact User manual

1
User manual
Spectrum Compact
VER 1.7 (FW V3.31)

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 © 2017 SAF Tehnika, JSC. All rights reserved.

Contents
1 OVERVIEW..................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Front view ................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Technical specifications.......................................................................... 5
1.3 Unpacking................................................................................................. 6
1.4 Initial power-up ........................................................................................ 7
1.5 Connecting to antenna............................................................................. 7
2 USING SPECTRUM COMPACT ..................................................................... 8
2.1 Main display ............................................................................................. 8
2.2 SWEEP CONT button................................................................................ 9
2.3 SAVE button ............................................................................................. 9
2.4 FREQUENCY menu ................................................................................... 9
2.5 SPAN menu ............................................................................................ 12
2.6 MARKER menu .......................................................................................13
2.7 HIGH CONTRAST button........................................................................ 15
2.8 TRACE MODE menu ............................................................................... 16
NORMAL .....................................................................................................16
MAXHOLD...................................................................................................16
CUMULATIVE .............................................................................................17
AVERAGE 2/4/8/16...................................................................................18
FILL ..............................................................................................................19
2.9 TOOLS menu ..........................................................................................20
2.9.1 SETTINGS submenu................................................................................20
2.9.2 MASK MODE submenu ...........................................................................23
2.9.3 PROFILES submenu ................................................................................25
2.9.4 LEVEL submenu .......................................................................................25
2.9.5 PRESET submenu ....................................................................................27
2.9.6 FILES submenu ........................................................................................27
2.9.7 RECORD submenu ...................................................................................28
2.9.8 ABOUT submenu......................................................................................29
2.10 POWER IN BAND menu ........................................................................ 30
3 FIRMWARE UPGRADE ................................................................................ 32
CONTACTS..................................................................................................... 33

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) OVERVIEW
4
1OVERVIEW
1.1 Front view
Spectrum Compact is an ultra-light and easy to use measurement solution. It
operates in a frequency range of 2 - 40 GHz. Designed specifically for comfortable
outdoor use, this battery-powered device is a must-have tool for any microwave
radio engineer performing actual installation of the link or gathering data for site
planning purposes. Built-in LCD touchscreen ensures smooth and intuitive on-site
use of the spectrum analyser, which can be connected directly to any antenna via
SMA connector. The industry leading sensitivity of Spectrum Compact makes it
possible to detect existing interference paths and available radio channels with extra
high precision, which also helps to avoid accidental side-lobe alignment of an
antenna. Data logging is used for enhanced data processing and analysis via SAF
designed PC software.
SMA connector (antenna port)
Power switch
Strap lug
Touchscreen
USB connector
Charge indicator

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) OVERVIEW
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1.2 Technical specifications
P/N
J0SSAP10
J0SSAP11
J0SSAP12
J0SSAP13
Frequency bands
2.4/2.5/3.6/4.9/
5/6/7/8 GHz
6/7/8/10/11
GHz
10/11/13/15/17
GHz
17/18/23/24
GHz
Frequency range
2.000-8.000
GHz
5.925-12.000
GHz
10.000-18.000
GHz
17.000-24.300
GHz
Input power range
-105 dBm to -40 dBm
Max input power
0 dBm
RBW (Resolution
bandwidth)
1 MHz
Span
100 MHz to full bandwidth
Sweep speed
0.5 s @ 100 MHz span
Guaranteed
accuracy
+/- 3 dB
Input
50 ohm SMA (f)
Interface
mini USB 2.0 (1.1)
LED indication
when charging
Battery
2380 mAh Polymer Lithium-ion
Battery life
up to 4 h
Operating
temperature
-15°C to +55°C/ 5°F to 131°F
Dimensions
128x81x24 mm/ 5.04x3.2x0.94 in
Weight
0.3 kg/ 10.6 oz
P/N
J0SSAP14
Frequency bands
24/26/30/32/38 GHz
Frequency range
24.000-40.000 GHz
Input power range
-100 dBm to -40 dBm
Max input power
0 dBm
RBW (Resolution
bandwidth)
1 MHz
Span
100 MHz to full bandwidth
Sweep speed
0.5 s @ 100 MHz span
Guaranteed
accuracy
+/- 3 dB
Input
50 ohm 2.92 mm (f)
Interface
mini USB 2.0 (1.1)
LED indication
when charging
Battery
2 x 2380 mAh Polymer Lithium-ion
Battery life
up to 3 h
Operating
temperature
-15°C to +55°C/ 5°F to 131°F
Dimensions
130x81x28 mm/ 5.11x3.2x1.1 in
Weight
0.4 kg/ 14.11 oz

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) OVERVIEW
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1.3 Unpacking
Before opening, please inspect the package for any visible damage.
The following accessories are available:
1 –AC/DC USB charger with USB cable (P/N J0AB4505i1);
2–Leather bag for Spectrum Compact (P/N J0APAC11);
3–Attenuators 20/40dB or 60dB kit;
4–Watertight, crush and dust proof case for Spectrum Compact (P/N J0SPAC03);
5–Rugged RF cable, SMA-SMA/2.92mm-2.92mm, 0.3 m (J0ACRF02);
6–Waveguide adapter UBR to SMA:
-P/N J0S07WA004: UBR84 to SMA, 5.9–10.0 GHz, WR112;
-P/N J0S10WA003: UBR100 to SMA, 8.2–12 GHz, WR90;
-P/N J0S15WA003: UBR140 to SMA, 12–17 GHz, WR62;
-P/N J0S22WA003: UBR220 to SMA, 17–24.3 GHz, WR42;
-P/N J0S26WA001: UBR260 to 2.92, 22–33 GHz, WR34;
-P/N J0S38WA001: UBR320 to 2.92, 26–40 GHz, WR28.
7–Riflescope, tripod and case for sniffer antennas (P/N J0AASA01, J0AASA02,
J0AASA03);
8–Horn antennas:
-P/N J0AA0610HG02: SMA connector, 6.0–11.0 GHz, Gain: 14.5–18.0dBi;
-P/N J0AA1115HG01: UBR120 flange; 10.7–15.35 GHz, Gain: 19.5–20.5dBi;
-P/N J0AA1724HG01: UBR220 flange; 17.0–24.5 GHz, Gain: 21.0–21.5dBi;
-P/N J0AA2640HG03: 2.92mm connector; 26.5–40.5 GHz, Gain: 20.5–21.5dBi.
9–Lanyard (P/N J0APAC21).
Spectrum Compact accessories

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) OVERVIEW
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1.4 Initial power-up
Slide power switch towards the red dot (●) to power on your Spectrum Compact. If
the battery meter is indicating LOW BATTERY, connect USB charger via USB
connector and charge the Spectrum Compact. Full charging cycle (with 1A power
source) is approximately 5 hours for P/N J0SSAP11/J0SSAP12/J0SSAP13 and 8-10
hours for P/N J0SSAP14.
Operation time with a fully charged battery is up to 4 hours for P/N
J0SSAP11/J0SSAP12/J0SSAP13 and up to 3 hours for P/N J0SSAP14. Using a
Spectrum Compact while charging it via USB will prolong its operation time by
approximately 1 hour, but it can’t ensure continuous operation.
1.5 Connecting to antenna
1) Connect an appropriate 50 Ω coaxial cable to SMA or 2.92mm connector (antenna
port).
2) Attach waveguide-to-coaxial converter to an antenna or radio flange.
3) Attach the coaxial cable to the waveguide-to coaxial converter.
If Spectrum Compact is attached directly to a radio, add
a 60dB attenuator to the coaxial cable (if
measurements will be done with an input signal above
-20dBm) and enter the correct offset value in
TOOLSLEVELOFFSET.
Exceeding the critical input signal level (0dBm) may
cause irreversible damage to the equipment.
Initially perform scan at maximum (default) span to
detect overload presence. Apply appropriate
attenuation if detected.
In order not to affect operation of scannable equipment
do not scan operating frequencies when directly
connected to a coupling port.

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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2USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
2.1 Main display
The display is mapped on a grid, where the horizontal axis has 10 divisions and the
vertical –4 ½ divisions. The horizontal axis represents a linear frequency scale that
increases from left to right. The vertical axis represents a logarithmic power scale
that increases from bottom to top.
HOME menu
Chapter 2.5
USB
connector /
charge
indicator
Chapter 2.6
Chapter 2.9
Chapter 2.2
Chapter 2.4
Chapter 2.10
Chapter 2.3
Chapter 2.8
Chapter 2.7

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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2.2 SWEEP CONT button
SWEEP CONT state determines whether Spectrum Compact measures continuously
(SWEEP CONT button is displayed in green) or once (SWEEP CONT button is
displayed in dark yellow). Tapping the SWEEP CONT button will switch between
continuous and single sweep modes.
Continuous sweep mode is active by default.
Use single sweep mode to conserve battery power or if you plan to save or
analyse a specific measurement.
2.3 SAVE button
Pressing the SAVE button instantly saves the visible spectrum in a separate
spectrum curve file. The list of saved spectrum curve files can be reviewed in the
TOOLS  FILES submenu.
Saving the spectrum stops an ongoing continuous sweep. In order to resume the
continuous sweep, tap the SWEEP CONT button.
2.4 FREQUENCY menu
The frequency selection menu allows setting a CENTRE frequency (centre of X
axis), START frequency (left limit of X axis) and STOP frequency (right limit of X axis)
in megahertz (MHz).
Continuous sweep

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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Modifying any of the START/CENTRE/STOP frequencies preserves the current
frequency SPAN if possible. Therefore any frequency change will alter all three
frequencies (START/CENTRE/STOP).
If it is not possible to preserve the frequency SPAN due to the limits of the
supported frequency range (depending on Spectrum Compact model –2000…8000,
5925...12000, 10000…18000, 17000...24300 or 24000...40000 MHz), frequency SPAN
is changed in accordance with the modified frequencies.
The selected frequency is displayed in white. Unselected frequencies are displayed
in blue. An incorrectly entered value is displayed in red. If an entered START
frequency would change the STOP frequency and vice versa, and if an entered
CENTRE frequency would affect the current frequency SPAN, its value is displayed in
pink. See screenshots below.
You can confirm an entered value by tapping the ENTER button or by tapping the
entered value.
RF input level of a CENTRE frequency is displayed in yellow above the grid.
Entering FREQUENCY menu
Selecting START frequency

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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In FREQUENCY or HOME screens you can tap left or right on the spectrum
graph to move the frequency left or right.
Entering invalid START frequency
Entering correct START frequency
Entering START frequency which will
change STOP frequency

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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2.5 SPAN menu
SPAN menu allows defining a frequency SPAN (range of X axis - difference between
STOP and START frequencies) in megahertz (MHz).
Modifying a frequency SPAN preserves the chosen CENTRE frequency if possible,
but alters START and STOP frequencies.
FULL SPAN and MIN SPAN buttons allow you to change a frequency SPAN instantly
to the maximum or minimum supported value. If maximum or minimum frequency
SPAN is already applied, the appropriate button will be displayed in green. If applying
FULL SPAN would change the CENTRE frequency, it will be displayed in purple,
otherwise –in grey.
Maximum frequency SPAN (FULL SPAN) depends on Spectrum Compact model –
6000, 6075, 8000, 7300 or 16000 MHz. Minimum frequency SPAN (MIN SPAN) is 100
MHz for all models. FULL SPAN is enabled by default.
Current frequency SPAN is displayed in cyan. If changing the frequency SPAN
would not affect the CENTRE frequency, the entered value is displayed in bright
green, otherwise in pink. Valid frequency SPAN range (minimum and maximum
values) is displayed above the grid. Invalid entered values are displayed in red. See
screenshots below.
You can confirm an entered value using the ENTER button or by tapping on the
entered value.
Entering SPAN menu
Current frequency SPAN

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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In the SPAN screen you can tap left or right on the spectrum graph to
increase or decrease the frequency span.
2.6 MARKER menu
MARKER menu allows setting markers for input level measurements of a specific
frequency or in automatic mode (PEAK) for the highest input level in a configured
frequency SPAN (visible spectrum). CENTRE TO MARKER allows centring spectrum
at the marker’s current position. If executing CENTRE TO MARKER won’t change the
frequency SPAN, it is coloured in grey, otherwise –in purple.
Current MARKER frequency is displayed in white. If an entered MARKER frequency
fits inside the currently visible spectrum, it will be displayed in bright green, otherwise
–in pink. Invalid entered values are displayed in red. If an entered MARKER frequency
is outside the current frequency SPAN, a pink arrow located above the grid will
indicate if the MARKER frequency is to the left or right of the current frequency SPAN.
See screenshots below.
You can confirm an entered value and activate a MARKER using the ENTER button
or by tapping on the entered value.
You can set a PEAK marker by tapping on the PEAK button.
When a MARKER is active, the MARKER menu button is coloured green in the HOME
screen and an indication is shown in the top left corner of the screen.
MARKER and POWER IN BAND cannot be active simultaneously. If POWER IN BAND
is activated, MARKER will be automatically deactivated.
Entering invalid SPAN value
Entering SPAN with CENTRE
frequency change

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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Tap on the Marker indication in the top left corner of the screen to display
bigger digits.
While in the MARKER screen, tap left or right on the spectrum grid to move the
Marker left or right. To move the MARKER faster, tap and hold.
Entering MARKER menu
Entering MARKER outside currently
visisible spectrum

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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2.7 HIGH CONTRAST button
HIGH CONTR button switches the high contrast mode on and off. High contrast
mode is off by default.
High contrast mode changes the colour of the spectrum graph and the controls to
black and white for maximum visibility in direct sunlight.
Tap the HIGH CONTR button in the HOME screen to activate high contrast mode.
Another tap will deactivate it.
In high contrast mode the active buttons are vertically narrowed (see the
screenshot below).
HIGH CONTRAST mode

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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2.8 TRACE MODE menu
TRACE menu allows setting the following trace modes:
NORMAL
Normal trace mode (default mode)
MAXHOLD
A blue trace shows the highest level detected since sweeping commenced.
During each sweep, only the frequency points with higher power levels are
updated. Tapping the MAXHOLD button repeatedly resets the MAXHOLD
trace. A counter below the grid shows in blue the number of sweeps since
the beginning of the latest MAXHOLD mode. Above the grid there’s an
indication in blue of the CENTRE and MARKER (if activated) frequencies’
power levels.
MAXHOLD mode is useful for identifying intermittent signals in the spectrum
or the maximum power of fluctuating signals.
MAXHOLD trace mode

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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CUMULATIVE
Shows in green the power levels of each frequency for all previous sweeps
since sweeping commenced. During each sweep, only the frequency points
with previously unsaved levels are updated.
CUMULATIVE trace mode allows seeing how the signal energy is divided
within the spectrum.
CUMULATIVE trace mode

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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AVERAGE 2/4/8/16
AVERAGE 2/4/8/16 sets a sweep averaging mode whereby the trace shows
the average values of the two, four, eight or sixteen most recent sweeps.
Tapping the AVERAGE 2/4/8/16 button repeatedly restarts averaging.
AVERAGE mode is useful for reducing noise effects.
AVERAGE 8 trace mode

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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FILL
Tapping the FILL button will paint the area below the spectrum curve. This
mode can be enabled only for the following trace modes: NORMAL,
MAXHOLD, AVERAGE 2, AVERAGE 4, AVERAGE 8 and AVERAGE 16.
Repeatedly tapping FILL will revert to the default spectrum curve
representation.
Tap the HOME button to exit TRACE MODE menu and return to the HOME menu.
FILL mode

SPECTRUM COMPACT (FW 3.31) USING SPECTRUM COMPACT
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2.9 TOOLS menu
TOOLS menu allows accessing SETTINGS, MASK MODE (reference mask),
PROFILES (create and set profiles), LEVEL (Y axis adjustment), PRESET (reset to
factory defaults), FILES (view saved spectrum curves), RECORD (create and view
recordings) and ABOUT (information about Spectrum Compact) submenus.
2.9.1 SETTINGS submenu
SIGNAL ID (By default on for 2-8GHz unit)
Filters out signals visible on the screen, which are on different harmonic
frequencies (F/2 F*2 F/3*2 etc.). Such signals can appear if input signal
strength exceeds -60dBm and they will be filtered up to -80…-90 dBm on the
screen. SIGNAL ID has no effect if visible signals are below -80 dBm.
DRAW
DRAW submenu allows taking and saving field notes, as well as testing
touchscreen functionality. You can save a note using the SAVE button and
any of the eight available memory slots. Saving a note in an occupied slot
will overwrite its contents. The screen can be cleared using the CLS button.
A saved note can be reviewed using the VIEW button.
TOOLS menu