Re: Attenuator needed for my purpose?
Yes, I once worked for?? LEC? TRO?? SON?? ICS, ? Lectrosonics, the wireless mic. company (and more) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.?
I always got a kick dealing with suppliers and reps, especially those from back east.? They invariably would ask if they needed an export license.? I fired back with, "What's between eastern Arizona and west Texas?"? Many did not realize that was the place of the fifth largest state in the lower 48 - New Mexico.? And that it was, indeed, one of the lower 48.? It always gave me a smile.
Dave - W?LEV
On Wed, Jun 5, 2024 at 2:50?PM Derek H via <hansonsoundcorp= [email protected]> wrote: I was assuming Dave meant Lectrosonics and that was a typo.?
On Tue, Jun 4, 2024 at 11:05 AM, W0LEV wrote:
Lectronics
Any relation to the popular wireless microphone manufacturer who is still in business, "Lectrosonics"???
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Re: No signal visible in IN ULTRA (LNA) CURVE calibration
#bug_report
Sorry for my wrong reply, please ignore. The official maximum input frequency in Ultra mode is 5.34GHz. Some HW samples have an out of spec LO that can go higher so some extra points where added, just in case they where needed. Please ignore these when calibrating and you do not see an input signal In normal input mode the tinySA switches between Ultra and Harmonic mode and at 5.51GHz it is operating in Harmonic mode. Use the HARM curve? above 5.34 GHz --
Designer of the tinySA
For more info go to https://tinysa.org/wiki/
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Re: New FW release: EXTERNAL GAIN restored after restart
I would like to thank you for answering my previous question. You are correct: the information is already saved in a PRESET, so it is not necessary to store it in the RTC RAM with every click. However, the only detail that seems to be a bug is when switching between modes and also when accessing any mode within MEASURE.
Thank you again for your attention and clarification!
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Re: Attenuator needed for my purpose?
Yeah, there is. Check out the next hamfest,
they're cheap (~ $2 ea)
Mike C. Sand Mtn GA
On 6/4/2024 2:41 PM, Richard B. Emerson
wrote:
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Show quoted text
Er, nice thought but not particularly cost effective at about 50%
the cost of an Ultra (or 2/3 of an Ultra via DigiKey - are they
nuts??). Surely there's something a little more cost effective.?
73
Rick
KC3DOO
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Re: No signal visible in IN ULTRA (LNA) CURVE calibration
#bug_report
There is a problem with the calibration points for very high frequencies. Try to sweep the generator a bit around the target frequency and you may see the signal --
Designer of the tinySA
For more info go to https://tinysa.org/wiki/
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Re: TinySA Ultra generates signals while sweeping
Thanks Bruce, and to Dave and of course to Erick
for ALL the little tid-bits necessary for us to enjoy our hobby,
bravo.
Mike C. Sand Mtn GA
On 6/4/2024 11:28 AM, Bruce Hawkins via
groups.io wrote:
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Regarding other interesting things one could measured/
listen to with our devices...
Before the big earthquake in 1989 in the bay area/ Santa Cruz
(1989 Loma Prieta earthquake), there was a big radio noises
heard coming from Earth. It was theorized that it was the
piezoelectric effect of the ground getting squeezed.
I can't find the original story but this is what I could find
for any one interested:
Bruce Hawkins AC6DN
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 08:19:41 AM CDT, Matt Harris
<kd4pbs@...> wrote:
Apparently the subliminal sarcasm font I used did not
make it through the Groups.io interface. ;)
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Re: New FW release: EXTERNAL GAIN restored after restart
On Wed, Jun 5, 2024 at 06:20 AM, Wander Lucio wrote:
apologize for bothering you again, but I¡¯m still awaiting feedback regarding the modification of the external attenuator saving behavior in the TinySA. Unfortunately, no one has responded so far. It appears that the issue may be specific to my device. Here¡¯s the scenario: although the attenuator is being saved, when switching between modes (analyzer and generator) or entering a measurement option (MEASURE), the 30 dB external attenuator I had set gets lost. Would it be possible to implement permanent saving of the attenuator within the configuration, similar to fixed calibration?
Ah, the problem happens when switching between modes. That can easily be solved. Once in a mode the EXT GAIN should be restored after power cycle
I understand that the TinySA doesn¡¯t solely use the RTC RAM for saving all configurations. You likely already use bit masking to expand the RTC RAM addresses. However, the TinySA has several boolean options that are lost and could potentially be stored using just one RTC RAM address for 32 settings:
- SPUR REMOVAL
- PULSE HIGH
- LO OUTPUT
- PROGRESS BAR
- DIRECT MODE
- LINEAR AVERAGING
- HAM BANDS
?
Why is it not sufficient to store these in the config or in the startup settings? ? --
Designer of the tinySA
For more info go to https://tinysa.org/wiki/
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Re: updating firmware with cudeide
https://tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.UpdatingTheFirmware --
Designer of the tinySA
For more info go to https://tinysa.org/wiki/
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updating firmware with cudeide
Can i update tinysa ultra with custom firmware by using cubeide?
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Re: TinySA Ultra generates signals while sweeping
?On Mon, Jun 3, 2024 at 08:02 PM, vbifyz wrote:
I attribute some of my eye and skin damage to it, confirmed by doctors. Talk about horrors.
Now that I have had a day (and morning coffee) I see that?I am the one who also didn't detect the sarcasm font ;)? Ha!? Thanks, Mike!
On Tue, Jun 4, 2024 at 11:29 AM, Bruce Hawkins wrote:
big radio noises heard coming from Earth.
This info about the VLF signals is interesting.? Too bad the TinySA is virtually deaf at these frequencies, but understandably; a highly sensitive and selective VLF/ULF receiver is oddly difficult (read "expen$ive) to create.
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Re: Attenuator needed for my purpose?
I was assuming Dave meant Lectrosonics and that was a typo.?
On Tue, Jun 4, 2024 at 11:05 AM, W0LEV wrote:
Lectronics
Any relation to the popular wireless microphone manufacturer who is still in business, "Lectrosonics"???
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Re: Attenuator needed for my purpose?
On Tue, Jun 4, 2024 at 11:05 AM, W0LEV wrote:
Lectronics
Any relation to the popular wireless microphone manufacturer who is still in business, "Lectrosonics"???
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Re: New FW release: EXTERNAL GAIN restored after restart
Good morning, Erik,
I apologize for bothering you again, but I¡¯m still awaiting feedback regarding the modification of the external attenuator saving behavior in the TinySA. Unfortunately, no one has responded so far. It appears that the issue may be specific to my device. Here¡¯s the scenario: although the attenuator is being saved, when switching between modes (analyzer and generator) or entering a measurement option (MEASURE), the 30 dB external attenuator I had set gets lost. Would it be possible to implement permanent saving of the attenuator within the configuration, similar to fixed calibration?
I understand that the TinySA doesn¡¯t solely use the RTC RAM for saving all configurations. You likely already use bit masking to expand the RTC RAM addresses. However, the TinySA has several boolean options that are lost and could potentially be stored using just one RTC RAM address for 32 settings:
- SPUR REMOVAL
- PULSE HIGH
- LO OUTPUT
- PROGRESS BAR
- DIRECT MODE
- LINEAR AVERAGING
- HAM BANDS
I use a bit masking function that converts one 32-bit address into 32 1-bit addresses. When byte storage is needed, I use one 32-bit address for 4 1-byte addresses. Here¡¯s an example of how I achieve 32 boolean addresses using only RTC address 0:
void Save_Memory_32Bit(uint8_t byte_address, bool value)
{
uint32_t Bank_32Bit = rtc_read_ram(0);
bitWrite(Bank_32Bit, byte_address, value);
rtc_write_ram(0, Bank_32Bit);
}
bool Read_Memory_32Bit(uint8_t byte_address)
{
uint32_t Bank_32Bit;
Bank_32Bit = rtc_read_ram(0);
return bitRead(Bank_32Bit, byte_address);
}
Perhaps this approach will free up more space in the RTC RAM and allow for saving the external attenuator state.
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude for your work and dedication in developing the TinySA. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
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Re: Input curve values are not updated after calibration
Please read this document starting with page 17: --
Designer of the tinySA
For more info go to https://tinysa.org/wiki/
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Re: Input curve values are not updated after calibration
IN DIRECT: 140, 150 MHz
IN DIRECT LNA: 140, 150, 170 MHz
IN HARM: 7.996 - 10 GHz
IN HARM LNA: 4.294 GHz - 10 GHz
For all the other frequencies the correction values get updated well.
For the problematic frequencies the correction values can be changed only via USB commands.
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Input curve values are not updated after calibration
Hi Erik,
for some frequencies the input curve calibration values are not updated when doing the calibration.
Steps to reproduce:
1. Apply an input signal at 140 MHz with -25 dBm.
2. Choose the menu ICONFIG --> LEVEL CORRECTION --> IN DIRECT CURVE --> 140 MHz
3. Observe the correction value at 140 MHz (default 35.1 dB)
4. Select 140 MHz and wait for the measurement
5. Press OK
Observe, that the correction value did not change, regardless the measured level offset.
This behavior occurs only for certain frequencies:
IN DIRECT CURVE:
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Re: No signal visible in IN ULTRA (LNA) CURVE calibration
#bug_report
Hi Erik, I've tried now with increased input power level at 5.51 GHz, but there is still no signal visible when doing the IN ULTRA CURVE calibration. I increased the input power up to 0 dBm.? Here is a screenshot:  In normal spectrum analyzer mode the same signal (here with Pin = -25dBm) is visible: 
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Re: Attenuator needed for my purpose?
Dave,
Ah & oh.?? Got it.? Eric has designed & implemented an
AMAZING piece of equipment.? It's TOO compact to have a ground lug
& come with three grounding leads.? One to go to a good ground
FIRST, one for the device, & the other for the coax / device's
output/antenna.? Of course the device would be powered OFF.
ESD can be an easy to encounter problem and with practice - caution,
an easier to AVOID problem.
Remain WELL & be SAFE!
Robin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
On 6/4/2024 6:14 PM, W0LEV wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
No, it does
not specifically address ESD.? However, I will be effective
for low level ESD.? The best insurance against ESD if
care......CARE......? Further, when working with this sort of
equipment, its always a good idea to touch the chassis before
anything else like connecting cables.? That way you and the
unit will be at the same potential.
Dave - W?LEV
Dave,
Odds are I misunderstood what you wrote (said)?
Here's the link/URL for the MiniCircuits model
VLM-33W-2w-S%2B spec sheet:
In part it states: Mini-Circuits¡¯
VLM-33-2W+ is a coaxial RF limiter ideal for protecting
sensitive receiver circuitry from high-power signals,
while allowing low-scattered signals to be received
No where in - on the site do I see a (any) info - data about
"ESD" charge, discharge, etc.? Did I miss something?
Remain WELL & be SAFE!
Robin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
On 6/4/2024 10:05 AM, W0LEV wrote:
>SNIPPED>
Since
you do this professionally, I'd strongly advise you
permanently (in addition to any attenuators) attach a
limiter to snub any ESD.? The unit is quite sensitive
to damage from exposure to ESD discharges, especially
with the supplied antenna attached directly.? I'd
recommend a small unit from MiniCurcuits:? the
VLM-33W-2W-S+
????
That
should be installed directly and permanently on the
input of the TinySA.
Long
ago and far away, I used to be one of the design
engineers for a wireless mic. company, Lectronics.? I
don't believe they are around anymore, but some good
experiences with wireless mics.
Dave
- W?LEV
--
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Re: Attenuator needed for my purpose?
No, it does not specifically address ESD.? However, I will be effective for low level ESD.? The best insurance against ESD if care......CARE......? Further, when working with this sort of equipment, its always a good idea to touch the chassis before anything else like connecting cables.? That way you and the unit will be at the same potential.
Dave - W?LEV
Dave,
Odds are I misunderstood what you wrote (said)?
Here's the link/URL for the MiniCircuits model VLM-33W-2w-S%2B spec
sheet:
In part it states: Mini-Circuits¡¯ VLM-33-2W+
is a coaxial RF limiter ideal for protecting sensitive receiver
circuitry from high-power signals, while allowing low-scattered
signals to be received
No where in - on the site do I see a (any) info - data about "ESD"
charge, discharge, etc.? Did I miss something?
Remain WELL & be SAFE!
Robin
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
On 6/4/2024 10:05 AM, W0LEV wrote:
>SNIPPED>
Since you do
this professionally, I'd strongly advise you permanently (in
addition to any attenuators) attach a limiter to snub any
ESD.? The unit is quite sensitive to damage from exposure to
ESD discharges, especially with the supplied antenna attached
directly.? I'd recommend a small unit from MiniCurcuits:? the
VLM-33W-2W-S+
????
That should be
installed directly and permanently on the input of the TinySA.
Long ago and
far away, I used to be one of the design engineers for a
wireless mic. company, Lectronics.? I don't believe they are
around anymore, but some good experiences with wireless mics.
Dave - W?LEV
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Re: Attenuator needed for my purpose?
On Tue, Jun 4, 2024 at 10:10 PM, Martin wrote:
That's the dilemma with a lot of kit these days, it was a lot easier back in the day when a $50 attenuator could help save a $50K SA, and a fair amount of embarrassment from the operator's perspective, especially when paying the repair bill. It was also when such expensive instruments were only available to folks who had some training prior to being let loose on one.
This has now changed, and hobbyists tend to learn just by using one, which means that it's much easier to make a mistake, and why I think it's still a good habit to learn.
Regards,
Martin
Hi Martin, I know that dilema all too well. Gladly I was always so scared that I would damage this piece of equipment that cost more than twice my yearly wages that I would always start with twice the attenuation that back of a cigarette packet maths predicted that I would need. My advice to anyone starting out would be to invest in a set of attenuators so that you can stack any attenuator value needed from 1dB to at least 100dB in 1dB steps. This can easily and faily cheaply done with just 8 attenuators which would give you 112dB of attenuation in 1dB steps. Just a simple set of 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 20, 30 and 40dB attenuators will provide you with 1dB-112dB of attenuation in 1dB steps. A small investment that WILL save you time and time again from accidental misscalculations or the occaisional brain fart. Forgive my spelling as sent from my phone. Paul
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Wander Lucio
Mike C.
Derek H