Greetings Erik,
? ? ? ?A common problem for radio amateurs is the proliferation of modern day RFI sources that cause significant interference particularly to the HF bands. IMHO a portable low cost spectrum analyzer that includes some specific features intended to support tracking down noise sources would be of significant interest for many hams.
? ? ? ? Often noise sources are related to the power line frequency. It has been well documented elsewhere that because there are often multiple A/C power related RFI sources around the home and within the local hydro grid that an ability to record the time domain signature of the most offending noise is helpful for identifying the most significant cause. Once a problem is located within one's home it can usually be corrected. If a power grid problem is pinpointed it has been experienced that usually the utility will repair it expediently. Spectrum analyzers with time domain signature waveform comparison capability are now used by many utility companies for locating RFI sources.
? ? ? I found it interesting that that the tinyVNA firmware already offers a zero span mode with time domain display capability. I wonder if the time domain display could be designed to lock on to a hydro buzz type of noise and store a few cycles? If this were implemented the offending RFI?waveform signature could be compared to noise sources found in the field to help identify the source. Possibly a split screen display with the stored waveform shown within the top half and real time waveform in the bottom half would offer a convenient means for the user to compare signatures.
? ? ? ?I am interested in evaluating a tinyVNA for the purpose of tracking down RFI sources.
Best Regards,
Tom, VA7TA
