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 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.

Lectronics

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!

开云体育

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

开云体育

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

>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

That's pretty pricey for our units...