Re: True frequency band upper limit detection level of TinySA Ultra ZS-407 and corresponding signal dropoff
I ended up buying some 10 db, 20db and 30db attenuators rated up to 18 GHz to use with my TinySA for these super strong high frequency 10+ GHz signals I'm detecting at my house.??
Does anyone else have a high frequency signal generator that they can use with their TinySA Ultra ZS-407 to run similar tests as Erik for comparison purposes? I had found someone in the Denver area with an ADF-5355 frequency synthesizer which goes up to 13.6 ghz which I was going to use to calibrate my TinySA, but he flaked out on me. I have been considering buying an ADF-5355?or an LMX2820 which goes up to 22.6 ghz. But it seems kind of silly to be spending $160-250 for a signal generator or frequency synthesizer to use it essentially one time for calibration purposes. If I bought one it would likely be the LMX2820 as it goes up to 22.6 ghz.?
So I'm thinking if I could get some more data from someone else, then I'd use an average of that with Erik's data in order to figure out what data points to program for my level correction curve. If anyone has a signal generator that goes above 7 ghz, I'd be very interested in seeing what signal drops you're seeing. I'm detecting strong high frequency signals all the way up to 24 GHz on my ZS-407 (using harmonic 5 mode) and I want to find out just how strong these signals really are, and how much attenuation I should be using to avoid damaging my TinySA. As a reminder, here's Erik's test result data from earlier. He said this was with a less sensitive tinySA, so it would be interesting to contrast that with a higher sensitivity ZS-407 so that I could average the two datasets out and use that to program my level correction curve. And if anyone has a signal generator that goes above 15 ghz, that would be especially helpful since Erik's signal generator appears to top out around 15 ghz. The ZS-407 is technically only rated for 7.3 ghz but it actually goes up to 30.522 ghz in harmonic 5 mode, obviously with significantly reduced sensitivity.?
(Erik's test results data) Tested with -10 dBm input and all settings factory default: ? 7 GHz -0.5 dB 8 GHz -6.7 dB 9 GHz -14.8 dB 10 GHz -14.9 dB 11 GHz -16.9 dB 12 GHz -8.8 dB 13 GHz -5.8 dB 14 GHz -15.3 dB 15 GHz -22.8 dB ?
Agree, but not everybody has such a sensor
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Designer of the tinySA
For more info go to
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
Thank you Erik for allowing? this long post.? And a big thank you to those who have collaborated giving their time, advices and knowledge.
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I hope to solve the issue.
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Many thanks
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EA2DSU
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
Enrique is attempting to start a conversation in the DRAKE-RADIO group. Interested parties are invited to participate there. Disinterested parties should be aware that they can mute any topic that does not interest them. On Mon, 26 May 2025 04:22:14 -0700 "Prawlin via groups.io" <prawlin10@...> wrote: Yes please Erik. I¡¯m so NOT interested in the general ham radio chit chat traffic occurring on this forum. -- 73 -Jim NU0C
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Re: HELP to Check car remote control ?
Just as an example this capture of an outdoor TH sensor at my home.
The result is good enough to decode the message.
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
Yes please Erik. I¡¯m so NOT interested in the general ham radio chit chat traffic occurring on this forum. I only come here to read about TinySA, it¡¯s features, firmware updates, bugs, repairs etc. There seems to be endless well meaning but totally off topic discussion threads. Not everyone here is a radio ham! The endless threads on attenuators are mind numbing if you have no interest. I sometimes feel the forum could be renamed ¡°Ham radio general¡± Sorry, guys, but that is just my opinion. (Flak jacket and tin hat now donned). Peter
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
--
Designer of the tinySA
For more info go to
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
I have come across this information, should be replaced Q14 and IC1?? MPF102 and CA3028 are recommended.
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http://www.zerobeat.net/drakelist/drakemod/drmod101.html
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Re: HELP to Check car remote control ?
I think 433.92 MHz (or 864 MHz, but rarer) in Europe and about 315 MHz in USA.
A 433.92 MHz (AKA 434 MHz) OOK receiver is about €10 and then the output can be seen on the scope. I've not connected up the "listen" output on my TinySA Basic yet, but in Zero span it should work to put ASK/OOK signals on a scope (digital or analogue).
However, just to see if it's doing anything, you only need to see the signal, so 5MHz span at 315 MHz (USA), or 434 MHz (Europe) or 864 MHz (Europe) will tell you that.
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Re: HELP to Check car remote control ?
Well ...
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First watch this to understand zero span :
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Step by step:
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Assuming it is a signal around 434 MHz, set the SA to a center of 434, BW 500 kHz, max hold, telescopic antenna (with ~ 20 dB attenuator for safety).
Note the frequency of the remote. Set max hold off.
Change to Zero Span and enter the frequency you found.
Engage your remote, watch the signal and adjust the display to capture with the best vertical resolution.
Set the trigger to about half the signal. Activate single trigger, pre signal.
Try and find a repeating pattern by changing the sweep time.
Adjust RBW/VBW to get the best picture.
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Remember: at 434 there's a lot of signals, so it might be difficult to isolate your remote. Also, if your remote uses rolling code it might be difficult to find the repeating part.
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Other methods to check your remote:
- use a cheap OOK receiver and hook up your scope with single trigger. Modern digital scopes allow you to focus on different parts of the captured signal. The receiver will output a well defined signal to capture.
- use any sdr receiver in AM and record the signal as audio. Import in audacity, isolate the signal part, maximize.
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Hello,
My old original tiny sa battery has swollen to 3 times its normal thickness.? Where can I buy an exact replacement.? I see it has a small circuit board inside the battery so I am guessing it has to be exact replacement battery.
Thank you Ken
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Re: HELP to Check car remote control ?
On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 11:16 AM, pa3cqn wrote:
Use zero-span mode.
Also, use the widest IF bandwidth/resolution bandwidth and video bandwidth for the widest bandwidth of detected signals, consistent with dynamic range/noise level requirements; narrower bandwidths will have less noise but slower response, equivalent to reduced oscilloscope bandwidth.
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Set center frequency to desired measurement frequency
Set span to zero.
73, Don N2VGU
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 11:48 AM, Jim Shorney wrote:
Are the three power supply voltages normal? Do voltage readings agree with the DC voltage charts in the manual?
Along with, "Is it plugged in and turned on?", Troubleshooting 101, Rules #1, 2, 3
73, Don N2VGU
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
Jim, Q25 collector is 2,05 volts
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
Thanks Dave, I have just made the S-meter adjustment in the one that was out of specs. Fortunately I had at hand? bnc 50 Ohms bnc load.
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Right now, rf gain set is fully clockwise and indicates 0,same like the other rx.
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Re: HELP to Check car remote control ?
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wow GREAT !!!!??
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i am a begineer and not a expert? .... can help me to set for this ?? descibe the all passed to set the TinySA nut step by step ?
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help me ?? tnx 73
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
Per the voltage chart that would be about right. What is the collector voltage with no signal applied and RF gain fully cloackwise? On Sun, 25 May 2025 11:03:03 -0700 "enriqueeeeee2001 via groups.io" <enriqueeeeee2001@...> wrote: Voltage in Q25 emitter is -4,86v? I think is right -- 73 -Jim NU0C
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
Hi Erique Sorry for my comment about transmit. Your rake is a receive only device ? Kind regards Kurt ? ? Hello Kurt, thanks for your comments. Answering your questions and indications: ?1. S-.meter is always deflected (negative going) because according to the mnual indicates the RF gain control must be fully clockwise, so it does not matter if the Tiny is on or off. 5. Moved the Tiny , no deflection in the S-meter and attenuator connected to the Rx antenna terminal. I have even put the Tiny inside a thick aluminium bag in order to shield it. I am not able to understand why the manual ask (point 4) for a slight AVC deflection if the RF gain is at its fullest. I attach a couple og pics showing the S-meter and the RF gain clockwise as the manual indicates. Can be noticed the S-meter deflection. ?Second pic shows the S-meter with Signal 1 but the RF gain at less than medium scale.
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
Hi Enrique I see you have not followed the manual procedure. There is 3 potentioners you have to adjust In point 2 the receiver sensitivity control is adjusted so TP2Voltage is -1.35V ?with the input band and preselector detuned In point 3 the S meter zero control are adjusted to S meter reading 1 In point 4 the TP2 voltage is adjusted to -15V with the Gain control ??and the S.meter sensitivity control adjusted to S meter reading 40dB over S9 In point 5 repeat step 3 and 4 If not possible then you have circuit problem to find and fix First now it is worth to connect the Drake to an antenna ?and listen to some signals and then also to wire up the TinySA and ?with attenuators at the RX input BUT NEWER TRANSMIT else the attenuators are blow up Kind regards Kurt ? ? 
? Hello Kurt, thanks for your comments. Answering your questions and indications: ?1. S-.meter is always deflected (negative going) because according to the mnual indicates the RF gain control must be fully clockwise, so it does not matter if the Tiny is on or off. 5. Moved the Tiny , no deflection in the S-meter and attenuator connected to the Rx antenna terminal. I have even put the Tiny inside a thick aluminium bag in order to shield it. I am not able to understand why the manual ask (point 4) for a slight AVC deflection if the RF gain is at its fullest. I attach a couple og pics showing the S-meter and the RF gain clockwise as the manual indicates. Can be noticed the S-meter deflection. ?Second pic shows the S-meter with Signal 1 but the RF gain at less than medium scale.
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
A negative
S-Meter deflection is not uncommon in radios of this era.? With no
signal input and maybe a match 50-ohm load on the antenna port with the RF Gain set to maximum clockwise rotation, there should be an adjustment
to set the S-Meter to Zero.? Then, any additional signal should deflect
the meter upward.? Also, in that era, it would not be at all uncommon for the
meter to deflect upward as the RF gain is reduced (counter-clockwise
rotation).?
My
Kenwood TS-130 and TS-700A, and both my Swan SS-100 and 100MXA, and Icom 71A (receiver
only) operate in such a manner.? I haven't tested the others.....
Dave - W?LEV
A negative S-Meter deflection is not uncommon in radios of this era.? With no signal input and maybe a match 50-ohm load on the antenna port with the RG Gain set to maximum clockwise rotation, there should be an adjustment to set the S-Meter to Zero.? Then, any additional signal should deflect the meter upward.? Also, in that era, it would not be uncommon for the meter to deflect upward as the RG gain is reduced (counter-clockwise rotation).?
My Kenwood TS-130 and TS-700A, both my Swan SS-100, and Icom 71A (receiver only) operate in such a manner.? I haven't tested the others.....
Dave - W?LEV
You need to find out why your meter is deflecting negative. The manual does a good job of explaining how the circuits work. See section 4.9 AVC System. Are you using a DC blocking capacitor in series with your generator signal? Are the three power supply voltages normal? Do voltage readings agree with the DC voltage charts in the manual? Troubleshoot.
On Sun, 25 May 2025 07:51:44 -0700
"enriqueeeeee2001 via " <enriqueeeeee2001=[email protected]> wrote:
> Hello Kurt, thanks for your comments. Answering your questions and indications:
>
> 1. S-.meter is always deflected (negative going) because according to the mnual indicates the RF gain control must be fully clockwise, so it does not matter if the Tiny is on or off.
>
> 2.Yes as indicated in 1.
>
> 4. Done.
>
> 5. Moved the Tiny , no deflection in the S-meter and attenuator connected to the Rx antenna terminal. I have even put the Tiny inside a thick aluminium bag in order to shield it.
>
> I am not able to understand why the manual ask (point 4) for a slight AVC deflection if the RF gain is at its fullest.
>
> I attach a couple og pics showing the S-meter and the RF gain clockwise as the manual indicates. Can be noticed the S-meter deflection.
> Second pic shows the S-meter with Signal 1 but the RF gain at less than medium scale.
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73
-Jim
NU0C
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Re: TinySA Ultra 50 Khz as a signal generator
A negative S-Meter deflection is not uncommon in radios of this era.? With no signal input and maybe a match 50-ohm load on the antenna port with the RG Gain set to maximum clockwise rotation, there should be an adjustment to set the S-Meter to Zero.? Then, any additional signal should deflect the meter upward.? Also, in that era, it would not be uncommon for the meter to deflect upward as the RG gain is reduced (counter-clockwise rotation).?
My Kenwood TS-130 and TS-700A, both my Swan SS-100, and Icom 71A (receiver only) operate in such a manner.? I haven't tested the others.....
Dave - W?LEV
You need to find out why your meter is deflecting negative. The manual does a good job of explaining how the circuits work. See section 4.9 AVC System. Are you using a DC blocking capacitor in series with your generator signal? Are the three power supply voltages normal? Do voltage readings agree with the DC voltage charts in the manual? Troubleshoot.
On Sun, 25 May 2025 07:51:44 -0700
"enriqueeeeee2001 via " <enriqueeeeee2001=[email protected]> wrote:
> Hello Kurt, thanks for your comments. Answering your questions and indications:
>
> 1. S-.meter is always deflected (negative going) because according to the mnual indicates the RF gain control must be fully clockwise, so it does not matter if the Tiny is on or off.
>
> 2.Yes as indicated in 1.
>
> 4. Done.
>
> 5. Moved the Tiny , no deflection in the S-meter and attenuator connected to the Rx antenna terminal. I have even put the Tiny inside a thick aluminium bag in order to shield it.
>
> I am not able to understand why the manual ask (point 4) for a slight AVC deflection if the RF gain is at its fullest.
>
> I attach a couple og pics showing the S-meter and the RF gain clockwise as the manual indicates. Can be noticed the S-meter deflection.
> Second pic shows the S-meter with Signal 1 but the RF gain at less than medium scale.
--
73
-Jim
NU0C
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Jim Shorney
Mike EI9FEB
Donald S Brant Jr
Rud61
Kurt Poulsen