Hi, KE5FX, I'm actually confused about what you said. It is exciting to see you on the forum. I tried to use your SSM software but my Japanese GPIB card is not supported despite playing around with the configuration utility. I am debating ordering a national interments one (I know the one I have works because I managed to hail my 34401A).
Can you clarify what the benefits are to connecting a FFT device to the IF output. I am waiting on a ultra wide bandwidth if section in the mail right now. It is the wideband section with the 324.1MHz output.
Does this give you real time performance over a non zero frequency band, or just the benefits or waterfall etc? Like, do you see whats going on around the center frequency, or is it still zero span? I tried connecting a rigol FFT scope to my 2MHz IF output on the front of one of the IF cards, but I can't make heads or tails out of whats going on. Does adding a SDR give a "real time bandwidth" capability to the device? I phrased the question 3 ways because I am not sure how to ask it. (like, so you have a "real time probability of intercept of signals ZZZ uS").
I'm interested in hunting down a narrow bandwidth infrequent but powerful pulse.
The 3d mode on the 70000 is really nice BTW.. interesting to see the RF 'landscape'. Different then what your program displays since the traces smear off at an angle.
Also, how bad is the smear? Fast sweep of a 10GHz bandwidth connected to a bicone is different then what you propose, I think. Like, imagine trying to hunt down a frequency hopping device transmitting short bursts on different frequencies (or perhaps a digital logic chip (mcu, cpu, complex system) generating narrow band short duration interference infrequently cross a wide span). So the probability of intercept is basically 'blind luck' with conventional speed. But lets say this might be happening all over the spectrum analyzers input range.
Based on what your saying, I imagine the HP70000 will degenerate to a cheap 20$ RTLSDR dongle at some point, if swept fast enough, with spurs, etc... but I am interesting in metering the instrument. Perhaps some 'happy range' can be found. And of course it will sweep to 26.5 GHz..
Is there a convenient port or modification point where a fast sweep signal can be injected? I am willing to break traces and reroute 'plumbing' or even build distribution circuits. I am quite apt at stuff thats not RF.
am a noob at spectrum analyzers and RF. Normally I like precise low frequency stuff, control systems, protection systems, analog op-amp Jim Williams stuff.