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Showing 1 of 32 conversations about:
cheema91
7
Jan 9, 2016
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So, what exactly is this for? Is it able to find bugs/wire taps/hidden camera signals or something?
Jan 9, 2016
Emmanuel_Goldstein
14
Jan 10, 2016
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cheema91A spectrum analyzer shows you visually where there are radio frequencies in use, and at what power. You could use it for finding some wire taps (RF wire taps), but you'd need to know what you are looking for(and there are better/easier techniques for this). Otherwise, it would just look like another transmission, of which there are many. This is essentially a piece of test equipment. Others have used it to look at which WiFi channel is clearest for them to use with their WiFi routers. You'll see other discussion above about stage managers using it to help find a clear channel for their wireless mics. I am a ham radio operator/electronics tinkerer and there are a lot of applications for a device like this in that realm. For example, it is very important for ham radio operators that their transmissions are clean and on frequency. If we are radiating harmonics, spurs or other harmful interference, we want to know that. Hope that helps!
Jan 10, 2016
Crucial
3
Mar 28, 2016
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Emmanuel_GoldsteinWould it be able to focus it or make a bigger antenna for radio astronomy?
Mar 28, 2016
grogling
2
Mar 29, 2016
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CrucialThis wouldn't really be a good tool for radio astronomy. Further, there's no audio output and the frequency range is too restricted for such applications. But you could definitely attach a much higher gain antenna, either directional or onmni-directional, for a small subset of bandwidth which would greatly enhance the analyzer's performance for specific applications.
Mar 29, 2016
thisisausername
0
Mar 29, 2016
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Emmanuel_GoldsteinIf you're on Android, WiFi analyzer is way cheaper than this. The app isn't allowed on iOS but helps me troubleshoot channel and frequency issues more than I can count. Thanks for explaining what this device is for, yet it seems like it should be used for more with the pricetag?
Mar 29, 2016
Emmanuel_Goldstein
14
Mar 30, 2016
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thisisausernameWiFi analyzer only does wifi channels. this 3G/6G combo has a much wider frequency range and a selection of antennas that are closer to resonant on the different bands. Your android phone isn't going to have that.
Mar 30, 2016
Emmanuel_Goldstein
14
Mar 30, 2016
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CrucialI would suggest an inexpensive RTL-SDR dongle for radio astronomy. Build the right kind of antenna and there is a ton of cool stuff you can do for about $25. In fact, one of these RTL-SDR dongles is likely going to do a lot more for you than this spectrum analyzer. Check out some of the articles here: http://www.rtl-sdr.com/category/radio-astronomy-2/
Mar 30, 2016
grogling
2
Apr 6, 2016
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thisisausernameThere's a lot more than WiFi in the frequency ranges the devices cover. This unit isn't going to help you with OTA protocols or being able to sniff. Think of it more as a device to help you see what's going on in the environment around you. Ever see a weird utility box on the side of the road with an antenna attached to it? You'd be able to figure out what frequencies it operates on. Curious what frequencies are used by your local police / fire / medical / taxi cabs / shopping malls / drive through windows / etc? This can help you pinpoint those. Buy a scanning received from Uniden and you can enter the frequencies you find into the analyzer unit to hear the voice / data traffic.
Apr 6, 2016
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