USB spectrum analyzer comparison

[joeqsmith]

The BB60C is provided with a Y cable.  The USB3 is for the data and USB2 for power only.  Against their advice, I use a powered hub which has dedicated charge ports which I used with some decent cables.  I mainly do this because the location of the PC to the bench.   Most of the time, it will connect just fine even after the PC has booted.   As long as I don't do anything to create a lot of noise in the lab, the mice and BB60C are rock solid once they connect.   For the most part and only gives me trouble when I am in a hurry to get something done.   I had upgraded Spike in 2020 and the connection problem seemed to have worsened but it's so random, I'm not sure. 
 

When I bought a band new PC just for the BB60C (which is now fairly old), it still would not work.   I was doubting it would ever be usable.  Dell's USB ports were the problem, so I bought a couple of different USB PCIe cards to try.  Both of these proved to be reliable with the BB60C.   

I use it with the external GPS which has caused no problems. 

Looking on their site:
BB60C Version 8 (6/7/2018)
* Resolves power cycling issues on certain computers.
* Power cycles in all cases where the device is not connected as USB 3.0.

Version 7 is installed...  Time for an upgrade....

"

[joeqsmith]

Looks like you can't simply download it.  I have written them to see if they feel it would address the problem and if they will supply a copy.  I'll post an update.

[joeqsmith]

Sounds like it may be the cause.  They have sent the new FW and I have upgraded it along with SPIKE to the latest.   I attempted 4 power cycles after the PC was booted and it seems fine so far.   The problem with it being so random,  it will take some time for me to say for sure that it's been corrected. 

That's one thing I will say about Signal Hound, they have always been responsive to any questions I've had. 

[_Wim_]

That's one thing I will say about Signal Hound, they have always been responsive to any questions I've had.

That was indeed quick. Big plus in my book! 

[2N3055]

The BB60C is provided with a Y cable.  The USB3 is for the data and USB2 for power only.  Against their advice, I use a powered hub which has dedicated charge ports which I used with some decent cables.  I mainly do this because the location of the PC to the bench.   Most of the time, it will connect just fine even after the PC has booted.   As long as I don't do anything to create a lot of noise in the lab, the mice and BB60C are rock solid once they connect.   For the most part and only gives me trouble when I am in a hurry to get something done.   I had upgraded Spike in 2020 and the connection problem seemed to have worsened but it's so random, I'm not sure. 
 

When I bought a band new PC just for the BB60C (which is now fairly old), it still would not work.   I was doubting it would ever be usable.  Dell's USB ports were the problem, so I bought a couple of different USB PCIe cards to try.  Both of these proved to be reliable with the BB60C.   

I use it with the external GPS which has caused no problems. 

Looking on their site:
BB60C Version 8 (6/7/2018)
* Resolves power cycling issues on certain computers.
* Power cycles in all cases where the device is not connected as USB 3.0.

Version 7 is installed...  Time for an upgrade....

"

Joe,

What I was referring to is something called Option 10 and it is a return to factory installation or you have to order it like that from factory.
Discussed here:
https://signalhound.com/support/forums/topic/external-power-cable-for-bb60c/

That is separate issue from fact that USB3 data is sometimes disconnects with heavy traffic which firmware updates solve.
Unfortunately, unlike you that had V7 of the firmware, I have V6, and for it also says that firmware update is RMA.

Only thing is that it requires involving customs (export for repair) and not very cheap postage and insurance..
Kinda costly and expensive for just firmware update.
So I'm toying with thought to maybe send it in for Power cable conversion and firmware update and maybe calibration....
Option 10 would give me opportunity to power it with something clean, and also allow battery power separate from PC/laptop.

Still, you reminded me of this so I'll contact Support and see what they say..

Best,
Siniša

[joeqsmith]

Thanks for the link.  This is the first I have heard of it and surprised they never mentioned it in the times I have asked them about USB problems.  I am using the type A connector on the hub.  If I see the problem again, I will ask them about option 10. 

When I upgraded mine from 6, I thought the firmware was on-line.  I wonder with the warnings, maybe they saw lot of returns.  After all, you have an unstable connection that you are trying to fix by upgrading the firmware, which requires a stable connection... 

[Electro Fan]

Maybe/probably a different situation but I have found that some USB devices powered from the USB ports built into the front of a computer case will randomly disconnect but if the same devices are plugged into a molex powered PCIe USB card in an expansion slot at the back of the case they generally run reliably.

[2N3055]

Maybe/probably a different situation but I have found that some USB devices powered from the USB ports built into the front of a computer case will randomly disconnect but if the same devices are plugged into a molex powered PCIe USB card in an expansion slot at the back of the case they generally run reliably.

That is only logical :-)...
That guaranties least voltage drop.
I actually run that config too, and my USB expansion card has power connector on (same as SATA disk). But I found that it is most reliable if I power it by connecting one connector from the Y to that expansion card (one with power and data) and other (just power) from a built in USB on the back.

[jjoonathan]

Next time don't cheap out on your motherboard 

But yeah, if it has already been done, putting those PCIe slots to work is the ticket 

[GreyWoolfe]

  Dell's USB ports were the problem, so I bought a couple of different USB PCIe cards to try.  Both of these proved to be reliable with the BB60C.   

Dell USB ports are always a problem.  I have had exposure to this back to the Optiplex GX-270s we supplied to our customer in 2004.  At contract renewal, we went to HP which eliminated the problem.  Then the customer decided to supply their own computers--Dell.  Now we are back to USB issues.  Especially, the front USB ports on the Optiplex 7030 and 7050 computers they deployed.  Any initial deployment issues with our USB equipment is always traced back to the installers putting our equipment in the front USB ports even when they are not supposed to.  I recently bought a certified refurbed Dell computer for Mrs. GreyWoolfe because I can't be bothered to build them anymore and the wireless keyboard and mouse dongles are plugged into the back ports.  I don't want to cheese her off with flaky connections.

[rvalente]

Is there any SA + VNA combo with specs similar to a Siglent SVA1032X that is cheaper than the SVA itself?

My main use would be for EMI/EMC, some EMI/MC HW and set up some HAM antennas, testing some cables and etc... so up to 3GHZ is way more than enough, actually, 2GHz is good enough

[joeqsmith]

Dell USB ports are always a problem.  I have had exposure to this back to the Optiplex GX-270s we supplied to our customer in 2004.  At contract renewal, we went to HP which eliminated the problem.  Then the customer decided to supply their own computers--Dell.  Now we are back to USB issues.  Especially, the front USB ports on the Optiplex 7030 and 7050 computers they deployed.  Any initial deployment issues with our USB equipment is always traced back to the installers putting our equipment in the front USB ports even when they are not supposed to.  I recently bought a certified refurbed Dell computer for Mrs. GreyWoolfe because I can't be bothered to build them anymore and the wireless keyboard and mouse dongles are plugged into the back ports.  I don't want to cheese her off with flaky connections.

This is an old Dell 5810.   I've not really had really any problems outside of the BB60C.   So far, no problems after updating the firmware but it's early.   

[Kean]

Is there any SA + VNA combo with specs similar to a Siglent SVA1032X that is cheaper than the SVA itself?

My main use would be for EMI/EMC, some EMI/MC HW and set up some HAM antennas, testing some cables and etc... so up to 3GHZ is way more than enough, actually, 2GHz is good enough

Maybe start with an SSA3021X Plus then follow these instructions:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ssa3000x-spectrum-analyzers/msg3180754/#msg3180754

(I don't own one, so I have no personal experience with this process... yet)

[joeqsmith]

Dell USB ports are always a problem.  I have had exposure to this back to the Optiplex GX-270s we supplied to our customer in 2004.  At contract renewal, we went to HP which eliminated the problem.  Then the customer decided to supply their own computers--Dell.  Now we are back to USB issues.  Especially, the front USB ports on the Optiplex 7030 and 7050 computers they deployed.  Any initial deployment issues with our USB equipment is always traced back to the installers putting our equipment in the front USB ports even when they are not supposed to.  I recently bought a certified refurbed Dell computer for Mrs. GreyWoolfe because I can't be bothered to build them anymore and the wireless keyboard and mouse dongles are plugged into the back ports.  I don't want to cheese her off with flaky connections.

This is an old Dell 5810.   I've not really had really any problems outside of the BB60C.   So far, no problems after updating the firmware but it's early.   

It's been over a month since I installed that patch.   I've not had a single connection problem after installing it.  Problem solved.