Tektronix RSA306 USB Spectrum Analyzer

Dear kas.lewis,

Yes, I did have issues with it post Windows 8.1 update. I tried removing it via Remove Programs in Control Panel but the applet was broken, so I had to delve into the Program Files folders and get rid of the Conexant folder. Then you must uninstall the Conexant audio driver through Control Panel as well.

Then, I downloaded the latest driver from http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-edge-laptops/thinkpad-edge-e431 and install it (which takes a while). If done correctly, it will no longer error on boot-up and would work just fine.

On the other note, the Intel USB over IP for Wi-Di device doesn't work under Windows 8.1 - no driver is available as far as I know, and so you will probably have an Unknown Device with no driver after updating to Windows 8.1. Not much we can do about that one really.

Hope it helps,

Gough.

Hey Gough Lui,

You had mentioned upgrading to windows 8.1 and resolving driver issues, did you have one with the Dolby driver if so how did you resolve that issue.

Thanks

Kas

It's surprising how many companies underestimate the importance of looking after customers.

Sometimes the ones who have trouble and get a good response, can be more beneficial than those who buy and have no issues.

Well done Joe and Tetronix.

Mark

Great to hear that they are responsive to the customer. Far too few companies realize the need for us.

Clem

WOW! I got the missing parts from Tektronix and I was VERY impressed. Not only did the person there (Joe) help like I wish every company would but he even included a handwritten letter apologizing for the missing parts, that alone was worth the package.

Thank you Joe (Tektronix) for the very helpful service.

Kas

very prety

Hey, look what i get from Tektronix/Element14,
Yes, it its RSA306, so far i really like what i see, compared to my MDO3104 spectrum analyzer

I had no problems with package, it was well protected, and no bumps or anything

That's good news!

Hey Guys,

I got a call from Tektronix and they were very understanding and apologetic for the presentation I received. They will be sending me the missing documentation and packaging from the box. I was also told all units are calibrated and they will send me teh letter of calibration as well. I am impressed by the prompt help as well as their willingness to make to make the situation right.

THANK YOU Tektronix !!!

Kas

Yes, e14 should handle all duties. Mine got through just fine, and it would have likely been taxed with a declared USD 1000 value according to the docket on my box.

In the interim, I did grab a cable with an N-connector on the end, chopped off some of the shielding leaving the core as a "crude" random-length antenna, and I'm seeing four of my local S-band (2.7-2.9Ghz) weather radars show up somewhat - it's a good start although the software isn't always as flexible or intuitive as I would like.

The full details will take a while, but lets just say, I've spent many hours updating the software on the laptop (and troubleshooting some driver issues with the Windows 8.1 upgrade). But, I've also been using the base software with the RSA306 for an hour and I am impressed (at least, in some fairly important ways).

In the meantime, element14's Communities is having big issues for me ... it's throwing up errors 80% of the time ... I wonder if the Raspberry Pi 2, Model B RoadTest is causing it to crash!

- Gough

it looks like it is stuck in customs. As far as i know, element14/Tektronix should take care any expenses, since it looks like it was shipped from USA, not Europe, and that means around 24% on declared value 

Well, I didn't expect an antenna to have arrived, because many users will need band-specific antennas or special near-field probes for EMC work. As a result, they probably already have the antennas they'd like to use, or they'll be willing to purchase them for their specific purpose, often at costs of about $200-500, sometimes more. I think this is most sensible as it stops them from bundling a mediocre "random length" stick antenna which will probably have marginal performance at a vast majority of frequencies. I think the choice is appropriate from that respect.

I do understand your frustration, as my gear is not typically "oriented" for N-connector, I'm scrambling parts together too, but the days of the BNC are over especially for high frequency work. It is interesting that your bundle does vary from mine subtly - I'm surprised you didn't get a calibration certificate with yours, as this is pretty much an expectation for any decent gear.

Also, managed to boot up the unit - I have the warranty on the laptop expiring in 6 days - all of the software is (very) out of date and begging for upgrades. The installed SignalVu is not the latest (3.4.0245) but it seems that none of the 30-day evaluations have been activated on mine, so I have no issue with expiry as such it seems. The OS, drivers, BIOS, SSD Firmware all need an update too ... to ensure best performance. Looks like this one is going to take me a little while.

{EDIT: Just checked the SSD Power-on-Hours count through CrystalDiskInfo and it was at just 13 hours ... which means it's practically brand new (as some hours are used by the manufacturer to load the image). That gives us a pretty good idea of the "age" of the laptop.}

I wonder what Linas' unit will be like ...

- Gough

Gough Lui Its interesting that the units are in different states.

The RSA306 had its cord, safety manual still packaged, but the software pack with the USB appeared to be opened (so, likely used to install the software on the laptop). Calibration date is 30th Oct 2014.

With mine there was no software package or safety manual the USB cable was not from Tektronix and as for calibration... well all I can say is from what I can see it never happened. I understand the whole cost thing, which for Tektronix really isn't much, markup is at least 4 times by the distributor so that means $1000 which includes the profits for Tektronix, so actual cost to Tektronix for manufacture I would peg at about ~$250. I guess the issue that is bothering me is the fact that you are asking for a review of your product and then present a clumsily put together package for the evaluator.

I also understand that as someone who would purchase such a kit I would not want an antenna or extras included as I would prefer to choose what I want and pay for only that. But if I was asking someone to evaluate my product I would preferably give them everything to evaluate the kit, I assume this is why they included the laptops to enable the testers to test the units properly. For this reason I am confused by the expiration of the demo software 2 days after I received the unit, nevermind full software to do a full evaluation, again software does not actually cost Tektronix anything.

Either way I have looked through ebay and will probably put in an order for some n-sma adapters, attenuators as well as antennas in the next day or two but as they will all be low end kit that will effect the overall performance of the road test as well as the end review. I'm sure some people will ride me for my view of this road test but as someone who takes the end users feeling and wow factor into account not just product performance this has left a lacking feeling about how Tektronix views its end users or at least its reviewers.

Hi Kas,

My kit just arrived today. Just like yours, mine appears to have been (at least tested or) used as part of a demonstration. The laptop is manufacture-dated 19th October 2013 similarly with the "helpful" DYMO labels all over, and both of my units are a little dusty but otherwise relatively clean. The RSA306 had its cord, safety manual still packaged, but the software pack with the USB appeared to be opened (so, likely used to install the software on the laptop). Calibration date is 30th Oct 2014.

It's just my guess, but from the shipping labels, it seems my RSA306 was sent to Tim McDonald at Newark for RoadTest purposes some time 17th to 19th November 2014. The laptop has a different number and was sent at around the same time. Both packages appear to originate from Tektronix, Inc. C/O Menlo Worldwide, so Newark/element14 are (likely) just passing them on as supplied. This is a little different from my experiences with Tektronix in the past, but I haven't yet booted up the laptop or hooked up the RSA306. It's sitting on the charger, but I suspect I will run into a similar (potential) issues with the software and licensing. I will have to check if it has the latest version of SignalVu-PC (version 3.4.0253 at time of writing) installed or not.

As long as it's all functional, I will be happy, although I will probably have to do some trial and error to emulate what a "new" user might expect to encounter (especially licensing wise) when setting up the product.

- Gough

Linas,

I would be interested also in the condition of the laptop and software. When I booted up the laptop I got a warning about 10 days left for the warranty... always a nice surprise (I think in away it would have been better for them to remove the warranty then have this pop up) and when I opened the Tektronix software I was informed that the demo software installed only had 3 days left before needing a licence.

While I know these are not deal breakers and some people will say I'm complaining for nothing it goes to the overall experience. When a customer opens the package the first thing you often want is "WOW this is nice" and I think Tektronix really missed that with this product.

if all goes well with customs, i should get it at Monday. Will report about package condition and so on.

By looking to posted pictures, does tektronix really need to glue sticker to indicate USB 3.0 connection ? it looks a bit redundant for me, every knows difference between usb3.0  and usb2.0 if they use equipment like that

Coax adapters can get pretty pricey - you can always look up adapter kits and the like, but I find the cheaper way is just to go looking for the ones you want and buy them. I decided to get mine from eBay, so the quality is probably not going to be #1, and it's probably going to take a month to arrive (Chinese New Year is coming up soon as well, national holiday) but each adapter costs about AU$3 that way.

Just do a few searches for N to SMA adapter, or something of the sort, and look at the pictures to find the one most suitable for you (e.g. N-male to SMA-female) etc. I'm not sure where you are, so my links aren't particularly useful as they're in AU$ and they might not ship to your location - you might find cheaper by sorting your local results.

As for the antenna, recommendations depend on the bands you wish to explore. If you have certain frequency ranges in mind, then of course, buying a dedicated antenna cut for that band (or making your own) is the way to ensure consistent performance. If you want a wide-band performance, you might need to spend a decent amount on a log-periodic antenna array (I already have a Winradio AX-31B from ages ago, which cost a decent amount). But otherwise, using a dipole antenna can be adequate for some investigations - I decided to grab a Diamond SRH789 which is basically a "telescopic" dipole antenna similar to those you find on a regular AM-FM radio, but more suited for radio amateur usage. This will let you adjust the length of the antenna to suit your application (within range, of course). Most basic scanner whip antennas are just multiple-dipole arrays or random lengths of wire spring, so their performance varies (sometimes rather dramatically) as a function of frequency.

If you're in a hurry, maybe the best place to look is a local ham/amateur radio shop. I'm sure they'd at least have an N to BNC adapter and an N to SMA adapter, because those are fairly common items to need in the "ham" fraternity.

- Gough

Gough Lui Can you send me a link to those parts, I can't seem to find them. Also after digging through the Tektronix website it does not appear that the antenna is included and finding a place to get one (they have a list of their own) appears to be impossible as even Tektronix does not have them to sell.

Christian DeFeo As always, thank you for your help it is very much appreciated.

Kas

Kas -

Thanks for letting me know about this - I'm communicating this back to Tektronix for their resolution.

Best Regards, Christian