Application Overview of SAF Handheld Spectrum Analyzer SC and Handheld Signal Generator SG

1 Typical applications of handheld spectrum analyzers

SAF's team of engineers has directly assisted countless customers with the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of microwave networks for over a decade. When designing Spectrum Compact, it provided SAF with a unique advantage.

Special attention has been paid to ensure the best possible user experience.

From the broad range of features that microwave field engineers need in their daily work, to an intuitive and efficient interface, Spectrum Compact is an unrivaled tool for:

Microwave link planning

Link installation

 On-site acceptance

Link maintenance

Spectrum Compact has a wide range of time- and money-saving features for link troubleshooting and often enables diagnostics even at ground level. Some of the most popular applications are reviewed below.

1.1 Site survey before installation

Spectrum Compact allows you to check the availability of selected radio channels within the installation area. If this step is skipped, the installer will incur additional costs if spectrum availability issues are detected after installation.

1.2 Antenna Adjustment

Spectrum Compact can help you align your antenna by observing the spectrum at the far end of the radio link with very high accuracy.

Identifying sidelobes is no longer a problem - just follow the real-time visual data on the Spectrum Compact's color screen.

Spectrum Compact’s high sensitivity threshold of approximately 20 dBm above maximum radio sensitivity makes it easy to install large antennas as the device can detect even the smallest signal changes.

It is also an ideal solution for installing passive repeaters, as the repeater antenna only needs to be connected to the Spectrum Compact for precise alignment.

Reminder: Spectrum Compact can be connected to all standard antennas via the waveguide flange.

1.3 Radio Verification

Spectrum Compact is great for checking your radio's performance parameters such as Tx power, frequency, band, and signal quality. This will help you verify that your radio is operating to the manufacturer's specifications, and if no deviations are found, rule them out as the source of any link performance issues.

Spectrum Compact provides a range of options for link troubleshooting at GROUND LEVEL, allowing you to check:

Signal polarization

Transmitting frequency

Transmission bandwidth

Antenna-radio interconnect quality

Transmitter operating status

After climbing the tower without interrupting the link function, you can check:

 Antenna alignment, if done improperly, will result in insufficient system gain.

Antenna gain

Interference troubleshooting. Interference can degrade or completely destroy a radio link, and can be present after installation, making Spectrum Compact a useful tool for maintaining links and installations.

Transmitter quality

Receiver quality. That’s right – you can detect the link factor causing performance issues, even if it is at the far end of the link.

2 Applications combining handheld spectrum analyzer and microwave signal source

2.1 On-site investigation:

Determine the minimum antenna height

 Free radio channel selection on unlicensed frequencies

Interference detection

Line of sight verification distance up to 86km

2.2 Solve the radio link RF parts problem:

Antenna alignment verification

Antenna gain verification

Antenna polarization verification

Center frequency verification

Channel bandwidth verification

 RF component fault identification on one side of the link

Receive level fluctuation

Minimum receiving level

Multipath effect detection

 Transmitter working condition verification

Verify that the radio is properly installed

2.3 Installation of radio links and passive repeaters:

Antenna alignment

No need for radio antenna alignment

Antenna cross polarization adjustment

Antenna cross-polarization discrimination measurement

High frequency antenna alignment

HSB, FD, SD link installation

HSB, FD, SD optimal antenna height determination

Interference detection

Replace installed antennas with minimal downtime

Receiving level measurement

Transmitter verification

Transmit power measurement

Waveguide quality verification