Portable spectrum-analysis equipment allows you to investigate interference directly in the environment where the problem occurs. Paired up with an appropriate directional antenna, the same equipment can help turn interference detection into signal hunting.
A portable analyzer like the Spectrum Compact can help determine whether unexpected RF energy is present and examine signal level and frequency.
Measurement can also help distinguish an RF interference problem from other system issues.
Once the signal of interest has been identified, establish its approximate level at the starting location.
This provides a reference as the operator moves through the environment.
Depending on the application, measurements may also be saved for later analysis, comparison, or reporting.
A spectrum analyzer tells you that a signal is present.
A directional antenna can provide the next piece of information: where the signal appears strongest.
Cyntony's VHF/UHF Signal Hunting & Direction Finding Kit pairs a Spectrum Compact analyzer with a wideband LPDA directional antenna on a pistol-grip handle.
You can point the antenna in different directions, observe the received signal level, and identify the direction associated with the greatest amplitude.
Once a probable direction has been established, you can move toward the suspected source and repeat the measurement.
Point.
Measure.
Move.
Repeat.
As the operator approaches the source, changes in received signal strength can help narrow the search area.
Cyntony's VHF/UHF Signal Hunting & Direction Finding Kit combines:
The analyzer provides RSSI directly on its touchscreen, allowing one operator to scan, identify, and walk down a signal without a laptop.
Potential applications include:
SAF's broader Spectrum Compact platform also supports applications across frequency regulation, satellite communications, smart-grid connectivity, broadcast operations, and other environments where unexpected RF activity can affect system performance.
Different signal-hunting applications may require different antennas. Important considerations include:
Cyntony's broader antenna portfolio includes log-periodic, monitoring, omnidirectional, and direction-finding antennas covering a wide variety of frequency ranges and deployment requirements.
Explore Monitoring & DF Antennas
A typical field configuration includes a spectrum analyzer covering the frequencies of interest and an appropriate antenna. A directional antenna can be especially useful when the objective is to locate the source rather than simply detect the interference.
Directional antennas receive signals more strongly from certain directions. By comparing signal level while changing antenna orientation and position, an operator can progressively narrow the likely direction and location of a signal source.
Not for the basic workflow used by Cyntony's VHF/UHF Signal Hunting Kit. Signal level can be observed directly on Spectrum Compact's touchscreen.
Yes. Spectrum Compact supports saving measurement data, and SAF's Spectrum Manager software provides additional capabilities for reviewing and analyzing measurements.
Cyntony can help evaluate analyzers, antennas, cables, adapters, and accessories for different frequency ranges and field requirements.
Let us know:
What frequency are you working with?
What are you seeing?
Where is it happening?
What are you trying to locate?
Cyntony can help identify the equipment and configuration appropriate for the job.