Tektronix RSA306 USB Spectrum Analyzer

Well, I am yet to receive my kit yet, so it seems I won't be playing with this one over the weekend, but I will let you all know as soon as it arrives.

I agree that it seems a little out of character for Tektronix and it seems a little disappointing, but I suppose it could be understandable to some extent. Gear is expensive, and "giving away" ex-demo units is something which is often done for competitions and the like. Sometimes, you might even get your hands on earlier revision gear with very specific serial numbers which imply "early" units.

While generally, RoadTests so far are generally new unused gear, and it's always nicer to have your hands on something shiny, I'd be happy as long as it's functional and works/looks like it should as that's what's most important.

In the meantime, I've got a set of N to {bnc, sma, rp-sma, f-connector} adapters, BNC terminators, and SMA telescopic antennas on order, in preparation for the unit's arrival.

- Gough

That can't be right ... Let's see what the others get and what Christian has to say.

This would be a bad move from Tektronix and/or Element14 as the product will not benefit from an unhappy reviewer ...

Hello Kas,

That really does not sound like e14 nor Tektronix. The spectrum analyser should come with the dcomentation as well as the antenna there must have been some mistake and should be able to rectify it. Send an email to doctorcdf and prolly it will get sorted out ASAP.

In the mean time I suggest downloading and getting familiarized with the software.

All the best and hope things work out.

Regards,

Inderpreet

Inderpreet Singh Just got my kit and so far disappointment. The Laptop is used and from 2013, looks like it was stuffed back in the box to be shipped out... The RSA306 Looks like it was also stuffed in a box and both units look to be demo modules. There is no paper with the RSA306, no quick start or anything explaining anything just a USB stick. Even the eRIC kits that had a USB stick with them had some paper information. There is also no antenna with the RSA306 so will need to work something out or talk to E14. Not to sound like a ungrateful person but, on first glance it looks like Tektronix put this together last minute with whatever was laying around and ended up giving a very bad first impression. Hopefully moving forward from here things will be better. I will try post pictures of the packaging etc. later tonight or tomorrow.

Kas

Pictures of the unboxing are here

https://picasaweb.google.com/108113566010609692014/TektronixRSA306USBSpectrumAnalyzerReview?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Any update when we can expect to get review unit ?

Hey Kas,

I'd be really curious to read more about those spurs, see how they interfere with the measurement. For example, it would be interesting to see at which stage the noise get injected into the measured signal, because that might give an idea if workarounds are possible. Figuring out if the spurs can be easily identified would also help, otherwise you can't trust anything you see below the -50 something dBc level.

Spurs aside, I would also like to see this compared to a stand alone SA.

I guess the question I'd like to see answered is if it can actually be thought of as a SA worthy of bench space, or if its main purpose is that of a field tool, for quick measurements.

Razvan

What a great piece of news to wake up to. Thanks to Christian and Tektronix - I very much look forward to investigating many on-air and generated signals with it, and providing a highly detailed impartial review.

And to everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

- Gough

Congrats to the selected.

Can't say I am not dissapointed but maybe next time.

Cheers,

IP

Good choices

Mark

Hello doctorcdf,

Thank you very much for this opportunity, as usual I look forward to the privilege of testing this on behalf of the community and writing a decent road test review about it.

Kas

Hey,

If you dont mind letting us know what is you wanted to try and we can see if we can get it done for you.

Kas

Congratualation to all the tester for their nice Christmas present. I'm looking forward to read everything I wanted to try out by myself 

Congratulations to all. Looking forward to seeing the reviews.

Clem

Hello Christian
It looks like Christmas is coming
One think to note, i have exams in my university until February, but i should still produce review in time

Thank you for giving me opportunity to do roadtest, as well as make science

I have one MDO demo board, and i will definitely use it if Tektronix select me as roadtester

would indeed be very helpful to do the review.

I saw one of those MDO Demo Boards in person at electronex and it was pretty awesome in the number of signals and specific test cases it integrates. It would be a dream to have one of them around for comparing DSOs and the like.

Hope they send this too:

@Is it possible to purchase the MDO Demo 1 board? | Tektronix

Clem

And it's over...soon we will know the winners!