Re: Frequency dip between 900MHz to 1.1GHz on tinySA Ultra
Le?mar. 18 juil. 2023 à?17:21, David J Taylor via <david-taylor= [email protected]> a écrit?:
On 18/07/2023 05:39, Thomas wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> My tinySA Ultra has a dip between the frequencies of 900MHz to 1.1GHz, which
> affects the measurement readings.
> I have performed self-calibration and the self-test showed a PASS result.
> I have also manual calibration (with a calibrated signal generator), but the
> issue persists.
> Is this a HW problem?
>
>
>
> Thanks.
>
> BR,
> Thomas
Thomas,
I can see that on my .104 firmware as well.? Turning the LNA on or off reverses
the dip in the middle region - you show a lowering in the middle region - I see
a higher level with the LNA off, and a lower level in the middle with the LNA
enabled.
I hope that helps Erik.
Cheers,
David
--
SatSignal Software - Quality software for you
Web:
Email: david-taylor@...
Twitter: @gm8arv
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Re: TinySASaver runtime error on OSX: "AttributeError: module 'numpy' has no attribute 'complex'. `np.complex` was a deprecated alias for the builtin `complex`."
#bug_report
Chris, I changed references to np.complex to complex in Tinysaver.py ad Calibration.py. After a successful connection to my TinySA Ultra the python app threw an error in a line drawing library. ?I gave up.
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Re: Frequency dip between 900MHz to 1.1GHz on tinySA Ultra
On 18/07/2023 05:39, Thomas wrote: Hi all,
My tinySA Ultra has a dip between the frequencies of 900MHz to 1.1GHz, which affects the measurement readings.
I have performed self-calibration and the self-test showed a PASS result.
I have also manual calibration (with a calibrated signal generator), but the issue persists.
Is this a HW problem?
Thanks.
BR,
Thomas Thomas, I can see that on my .104 firmware as well. Turning the LNA on or off reverses the dip in the middle region - you show a lowering in the middle region - I see a higher level with the LNA off, and a lower level in the middle with the LNA enabled. I hope that helps Erik. Cheers, David -- SatSignal Software - Quality software for you Web: Email: david-taylor@... Twitter: @gm8arv
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Re: Frequency dip between 900MHz to 1.1GHz on tinySA Ultra
I think it is the first interfrequency area. Try what happens when you turn
on LO output.
Mirek OK2BUH
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From: Enchilada
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 2:01 PM
Subject: Re: [tinysa] Frequency dip between 900MHz to 1.1GHz on
tinySA Ultra
?
what
firmware are you on.? Here with latest 1.4.104  
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Re: Frequency dip between 900MHz to 1.1GHz on tinySA Ultra
what firmware are you on.? Here with latest 1.4.104  
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Re: Frequency dip between 900MHz to 1.1GHz on tinySA Ultra
On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 09:39 PM, Thomas wrote:
Is this a HW problem?
it's not a HW problem, let me look into this. --
For more info on the tinySA go to https://tinysa.org/wiki/
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Re: Recent discussion re ebay switched attenuators
Greetings,
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Thanks for the post Roger!?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Since my QEX attenuator article was published a couple of years ago much to my surprise my email forwarding address that I provided for the article became changed by the provider (apparently due to a required email server upgrade). Should anyone wish to contact me regarding the QEX article my direct address is:?
tma.7ta-at-gmail.com
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??I still have a few bare PCB boards available - anyone who wishes is welcome to contact me regarding PCB availability details. Alternately the manufacturing Gerber files are posted on the ARRL QEX website.
Tom
VA7TA
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Frequency dip between 900MHz to 1.1GHz on tinySA Ultra
Hi all, My tinySA Ultra has a dip between the frequencies of 900MHz to 1.1GHz, which affects the measurement readings. I have performed self-calibration and the self-test showed a PASS result. I have also manual calibration (with a calibrated signal generator), but the issue persists. Is this a HW problem?   Thanks. BR, Thomas
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Re: Recent discussion re ebay switched attenuators
Something like this, a handful of switches, a box and an old 12V supply will give anyone willing to put it together a high precision 0-128db in 1db steps attenuator for less than 50 bucks
John
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Re: Cleaning the screen of TinySA Ultra
Hello Andrea, I use Eye glass cleaner and a soft cotton cloth. However, may I seigjest adding a screen protector. I purchased a couple clear plastic like cellphone screen protectors off Aliexpress. I cut one to fit the screen on all my gear with touch screens. That way, no damage from using any stilist used including ballpoint pens. Just a suggestion.? Clyde Lambert KC7BJE?
Hi. What do you recommend to clean the screen of TinySA Ultra without damaging it?
Apart normal screen dirty, I also have few very small ink spots: I didn't notice that one ball poin pen I used had some residual inks in the tip.
Many thanks.
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Re: Recent discussion re ebay switched attenuators
Many of these low cost attenuators are not accurate at all and performance gets worse as you go beyond HF.? One of the major reasons why is RF "blowby" due to stray capacitance.? As the frequency increases the reactance of a capacitor decreases and more signal gets across the attenuator circuit or the switches.? There was a recent article in QEX on how to build a low-cost step attenuator that is reasonably accurate.? It is attached for those interested.  Roger
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Re: New FW release: FM modulation improvement (Ultra only)
Thank you Erik. I also confirm that the modulation of? my TinySA Ultra is fine now.
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Cleaning the screen of TinySA Ultra
Hi. What do you recommend to clean the screen of TinySA Ultra without damaging it?
Apart normal screen dirty, I also have few very small ink spots: I didn't notice that one ball poin pen I used had some residual inks in the tip.
Many thanks.
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Re: Recent discussion re ebay switched attenuators
I will be watching for your results with the QRPKITS attenuator. I picked a switched attenuator with a moderate price, not the cheapest, and I do not expect the performance as from a million dollar instrument. I am not working in an atomic energy lab or on NASA Mars exploration. I expect to eventually replace mine with something better so paying attention to the options.
I ?examined my step attenuator with my nanoVNA and found it a tiny bit off on some of the steps but repeatable. I do need to see reasonable repeatable measurements out to maybe 1 GHz sometimes but I mostly operate at frequencies below 17 meters. Local oscillators in up conversion radios do reach low VHF frequencies and I may want to explore the amateur satellites. Amateur should be all caps and decorated for emphasis. The tools I have may not be suitable for a research lab but they are far superior to what was available only a few years ago. Let us not discourage newer hams.
73,
Bill ?KU8H
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On Jul 17, 2023, at 9:56 AM, ANDY NEHAN via groups.io <andy.nehan@...> wrote:
? Earlier this year I purchased a 0-82dB switched attenuator from a seller called ndvp428411 on ebay.co.uk.
I have a SDR Kits DG8SAQ VNA and today I decided to run said attenuator through its paces:-
Straight through it was -0.3dB, the minus 20 settings (there are three) varied between -18.1 to -18.4dB, 10dB became -11dB and 6dB became -6.6dB, I did not make notes regarding the smaller attenuation figures.
All the above measure at 30MHz. Yes those numbers become more adrift at 100MHz (I did not measure above this frequency) but not massively so.
This may suit your purpose, depending upon your "use case". I open the unit up and the build quality was lamentable, in my opinion.
I have also purchased a 41dB switched kit from QRPKITS.COM which they say is "useable" up to 200MHz and when it arrives and I have built it I will measure it, assuming anyone is interested.
Andy G4HUE
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Re: New FW release: FM modulation improvement (Ultra only)
Yes, Erik, 400 Hz is fine.
On my SINADmeter, the measured value for this particular receiver
is the same as using the HP8657B generator even at 14.2 dB -
however the sensitivity measurement is set to 10 dB.
1000 Hz is already different, but that is to be expected from the
measured spectrum. But you can live with it. The improvement in
TinySA modulation is very noticeable.
Mirek
Dne 17.07.2023 v 15:33 Erik Kaashoek
napsal(a):
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On Sun, Jul 16, 2023 at 11:50 AM, MirekD wrote:
I'm attaching the NF modulation spectrum measurements,
measured under the same conditions as yesterday
Mirek
Up to just below 1kHz the distortion is ok, As of 1kHz for sure it
is no longer a sine wave.
Is the 400Hz good enough for SINAD testing?
?
--
For more info on the tinySA go to
|
Recent discussion re ebay switched attenuators
Earlier this year I purchased a 0-82dB switched attenuator from a seller called ndvp428411 on ebay.co.uk.
I have a SDR Kits DG8SAQ VNA and today I decided to run said attenuator through its paces:-
Straight through it was -0.3dB, the minus 20 settings (there are three) varied between -18.1 to -18.4dB, 10dB became -11dB and 6dB became -6.6dB, I did not make notes regarding the smaller attenuation figures.
All the above measure at 30MHz. Yes those numbers become more adrift at 100MHz (I did not measure above this frequency) but not massively so.
This may suit your purpose, depending upon your "use case". I open the unit up and the build quality was lamentable, in my opinion.
I have also purchased a 41dB switched kit from QRPKITS.COM which they say is "useable" up to 200MHz and when it arrives and I have built it I will measure it, assuming anyone is interested.
Andy G4HUE
|
Re: New FW release: FM modulation improvement (Ultra only)
On Sun, Jul 16, 2023 at 11:50 AM, MirekD wrote:
I'm attaching the NF modulation spectrum measurements, measured under the same conditions as yesterday
Mirek Up to just below 1kHz the distortion is ok, As of 1kHz for sure it is no longer a sine wave. Is the 400Hz good enough for SINAD testing? ? --
For more info on the tinySA go to https://tinysa.org/wiki/
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Re: New FW release: FM modulation improvement (Ultra only)
Hi, Bob!
Thanks! - but it's not hard to be useful when you enjoy it! :-))
Mirek
Dne 17.07.2023 v 9:44 Bob Ecclestone
napsal(a):
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Hi Mirek,
And thanks for your excellent detective work that assisted Erik to
come up with a fix so quickly.
Boy, some of the major T&M companies could certainly do with
people with Erik's dedication to support.
Thank you Mirek and Erik for your dedication.
Regards...Bob VK2ZRE
On 17/07/2023 4:50 am, MirekD via
groups.io wrote:
Hi, Erik,
I tested version 104. The crackling has disappeared, I can't
detect it by ear or oscilloscope. And the modulation
frequencies are also fine. I'm attaching the NF modulation
spectrum measurements, measured under the same conditions as
yesterday.
I think the bug fix was successful. Excellent work, thanks!
Mirek
Dne 16.07.2023 v 10:28 Erik
Kaashoek napsal(a):
New FW release
Version V1.4104
Changes:?
- Improved FM modulation
--
For more info on the tinySA go to
|
Re: New FW release: FM modulation improvement (Ultra only)
Hi Mirek,
And thanks for your excellent detective work that assisted Erik to
come up with a fix so quickly.
Boy, some of the major T&M companies could certainly do with
people with Erik's dedication to support.
Thank you Mirek and Erik for your dedication.
Regards...Bob VK2ZRE
On 17/07/2023 4:50 am, MirekD via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi, Erik,
I tested version 104. The crackling has disappeared, I can't
detect it by ear or oscilloscope. And the modulation frequencies
are also fine. I'm attaching the NF modulation spectrum
measurements, measured under the same conditions as yesterday.
I think the bug fix was successful. Excellent work, thanks!
Mirek
Dne 16.07.2023 v 10:28 Erik Kaashoek
napsal(a):
New FW release
Version V1.4104
Changes:?
- Improved FM modulation
--
For more info on the tinySA go to
|
Re: tinySA Ultra firmware upgrade
#ultra
OK guys, to get the pdf file, YES the SA must be
capitalized, i.e. cut and past like this:
And yes it works.
Mike C. Sand Mtn GA
On 7/15/2023 9:49 PM, Enchilada wrote:
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An older video demonstration from Kurt Poulsen, based on the
cube32 programmer.
Video
Program?
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David J Taylor
Enchilada
John Cunliffe W7ZQ
Clyde Lambert
Roger Need
Andrea I2UEA
Mike C.