Video: What is a dB, dBm, dBc, etc., and their use in a Spectrum Analyzer

[w2aew]

This topic has been requested very often.  This video describes what a decibel (dB) is, and what is meant by units such as dBm, dBu, dBmV, dBc, etc., and how these are used in a Spectrum Analyzer:

[BravoV]

Great tutorial video as always. 

You're making this so painless and so effective, current new generation are so lucky. I wished this kind of video were there when I was trying to understand the dB. 

Btw, about that scope, is there any chance there are some spare unused one that you tucked somewhere ? I don't mind paying the premium shipping cost. 

[electronics man]

briliant video, i was just watching it when you posted it on the forum. you do make it so easy, before i was confused as to how Dbm relates to watts but not now you have explained it, thanks W2AEW

[KD0CAC John]

You guys are double teaming on the drool factor , you and the signal path blog with the new 4000 .
You need to lone me one of those also , I do not learn without repeated use of what I am taught !!!

[ohmineer]

Thanks for this excellent video. The way you teach some concepts is impressive.
It is funny to see how simple they can be and how difficult made them some of my lecturers during my college years.

[GreyWoolfe]

Most definitely clear as day instead of clear as mud.  I agree with the other posters, you seem to have a knack of simplifying fairly difficult concepts and making them understandable by every one.  Please keep up the good work and keep the videos coming.

[w2aew]

At 11:27 you said dBm. Did you mean dBu? I don't know how to type a Mu.

This was a helpful video. Thanks
Also, on my computer the video paused momentarily several times when I watched in 720p. Only for a split second. This is quite unusual behavior so I thought I'd mention it in case it isn't just me.

Yeah - I meant to say dB mu at that point.  I added a short annotation to the video at that point.  Sorry about that.

I'm not sure why you paused - but the video has had a lot of hits over the last 10-12 hours, so maybe it was just traffic related.

[IanB]

Also, on my computer the video paused momentarily several times when I watched in 720p. Only for a split second. This is quite unusual behavior so I thought I'd mention it in case it isn't just me.

My YouTube videos have been doing that a lot lately. I thought perhaps it was a background process in my computer doing it, but now you've mentioned it perhaps it is YouTube fiddling with their streaming algorithms. They've been making sorts of adjustments in recent months.

[Technicial]

Great video. Now i want a spectrum analyzer hehe. Maybe i'll look up how to make one some time.

[w2aew]

Great video. Now i want a spectrum analyzer hehe. Maybe i'll look up how to make one some time.

There are several plans on the internet showing how to make one using an old TV or VCR tuner.  Here's a link to one such design:
http://www.science-workshop.com/

Also, one of Dave's recent videos where he visited a local ham radio club meeting/gathering, featured a completely homemade spectrum analyzer.  Here's the link to that one:

[Zh4ng]

For me, the link to www.science-Workshop.com is down. I got a 403 Forbidden ?! 

Great Tutorial.... Thx

Zh4ng

[w2aew]

For me, the link to www.science-Workshop.com is down. I got a 403 Forbidden ?! 

Great Tutorial.... Thx

Zh4ng

Maybe it is some kind of a regional restriction?  The link works for me (I just tried it).

[HighVoltage]

I really enjoyed this straight forward explanation of units on a spectrum analyzer.
Thanks for making these videos.

One question I have, if it comes to SA:
Why are so many of them have a minimum frequency of 9 kHz
Why not 10 or any other number?
Probably is a simple explanation, that I do not see at the moment.

[FrankenPC]

The old saying is certainly true here: only an expert can sound like a beginner.

Great video.  It's a rough road on my way to understanding analog and RF electronics.  You have really made that ride much smoother.  Thanks.

[Zh4ng]

For me, the link to www.science-Workshop.com is down. I got a 403 Forbidden ?! 

Great Tutorial.... Thx

Zh4ng

Maybe it is some kind of a regional restriction?  The link works for me (I just tried it).

Damned, way they block Germany.... or maybe the rest of the world.. 

[enz]

For me, the link to www.science-Workshop.com is down. I got a 403 Forbidden ?! 

Great Tutorial.... Thx

Zh4ng

Maybe it is some kind of a regional restriction?  The link works for me (I just tried it).

Damned, way they block Germany.... or maybe the rest of the world.. 

Sorry, but it works for me (also Germany). So it must be a problem on your side.

[Zh4ng]

For me, the link to www.science-Workshop.com is down. I got a 403 Forbidden ?! 

Great Tutorial.... Thx

Zh4ng

Maybe it is some kind of a regional restriction?  The link works for me (I just tried it).

Damned, way they block Germany.... or maybe the rest of the world.. 

Sorry, but it works for me (also Germany). So it must be a problem on your side.

Ok, it was the fucking google Proxy on Chrome Mobile....