USB Spectrum Analyzer if anyone came across these higher budget devices

[sairfan1]

For last few days I'm searching for some Spectrum Analyzer to debug 433Mhz, 915Mhz and 2.4Ghz signals, first I looked at cheap Chinese models (ebay/aliexpress stuff) and found that they are useless. I further looked at some higher budget like some models from Siglent, Rigol.

Then I found TSA8G1 and SA44B USB Spectrum Analyzer as in the link below

https://www.triarchytech.com/product8G.html
https://signalhound.com/products/usb-sa44b/

They exist on youtube, I wanted to know if someone on the forum know these devices and found useful, any other recommendations for same applications are welcome. 
I also want to know do these devices demodulate the signal to show what was actually transmitted? or they only show the existance of the signal in the spectrum.

[pdenisowski]

I also want to know do these devices demodulate the signal to show what was actually transmitted? or they only show the existance of the signal in the spectrum.

I would be very surprised if either of these were able to do generic vector signal analysis (i.e. digital demodulation).

Even for "professional" spectrum analyzers, digital demod is often a "mid-range" feature.

[fourfathom]

I also want to know do these devices demodulate the signal to show what was actually transmitted? or they only show the existance of the signal in the spectrum.

I would be very surprised if either of these were able to do generic vector signal analysis (i.e. digital demodulation).

Even for "professional" spectrum analyzers, digital demod is often a "mid-range" feature.

The Signal Hound spectrum analyzers will do vector analysis and display a constellation.  I think they can also show decoded data, at least to some extent -- I haven't put that to much use.  Look at their "Spike" software:



I have a SA44B and it is quite useful.  It does have some annoying spurious response issues.  I hear that their higher-performance analyzers are much cleaner.

[pdenisowski]

The Signal Hound spectrum analyzers will do vector analysis and display a constellation.  I think they can also show decoded data, at least to some extent -- I haven't put that to much use.  Look at their "Spike" software:

Thanks!  That actually is very surprising to me

[sairfan1]

Looks like these both USB Spectrum Analyzers are not known among developers

[fourfathom]

Looks like these both USB Spectrum Analyzers are not known among developers

Signal Hound has been selling Spectrum Analyzers and Tracking / Signal Generators since 2010, and they have a very impressive product line.
https://signalhound.com/

[LinuxHata]

I had that signalhound once, was quite good. Along with their made generator, we were using it to check RF cable assemblies for loss and SWR.

[MarkT]

I really prefer a standalone unit with all the controls and a screen sat on the bench - not that much more money and completely independent of OS updates.  Many have remote USB operation as well for best of both worlds.

But Signalhound are well known, as are Pico Technology, in the headless USB space.

[fourfathom]

I really prefer a standalone unit with all the controls and a screen sat on the bench - not that much more money and completely independent of OS updates.  Many have remote USB operation as well for best of both worlds.

I agree, and I have a nice benchtop SA as well as the Signal Hound.  But I can carry that little USB unit in my jacket pocket -- the portability is a big feature for me.

[sairfan1]

I also agree to have an indipendent unit is much better, does not share screen and resources, there are also some advantages while using PC based system, for example I have Siglent Logic Analyzer because its a small machine can't handle too much data and processing its better to switch to PC based software for such application

Spectrum Analyzer is among very expensive tools (at least for me) by using a PC based we get two advantages, 1. cut in price 2. more functionality with this thought I started looking for USB based Spectrum Analyzer later at some point I will by something from Rigol or Siglent. (Indipendent devices are also quick to setup)