Signal Hound USB-SA124B User Manual

USB-SA124B Spectrum Analyzer
User Manual

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Signal Hound USB-SA124B User Manual

 2017, Signal Hound

35707 NE 86th Ave

La Center, WA 98629 USA

Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]

This information is being released into the public domain in accordance with the Export Administration

Regulations 15 CFR 734

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Contents

1 Preparing For Use ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

2 Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

3 Theory of Operation ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

4 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................. 12

5 Calibration and Adjustment ........................................................................................................................................... 13

6 Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................. 13

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7 Revision History .............................................................................................................................................................. 16

8 Warranty and Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................ 16

Preparing For Use | Initial Inspection

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1 Preparing For Use

Unpacking your Signal Hound and Installing Software

The The Signal Hound USB-SA124B is a USB-based 100 kHz to 12.4 GHz econoy spectrum analyzer and
measuring receiver. Using recent innovations in RF technology, the Signal Hound has the sensitivity,
accuracy and dynamic range you’d expect in a unit many times its cost. The Signal Hound is powered
from the USB cable, eliminating the need for a separate power supply. Measuring less than 8 inches
long and weighing less than 1 pound, the Signal Hound can be used virtually anywhere!

1.1 INITIAL INSPECTION

Check your package for shipping damage before opening. Your box should contain a USB cable, a CD­ROM, and a Signal Hound USB-SA124B.

1.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

The Signal Hound is operated from a Windows® based PC using our SpikeTM application software. If
your USB-SA124B did not come with a copy of Spike, download it from our website,
www.signalhound.com/Spike.

The Signal Hound software and drivers are compatible with 64 and 32-bit Windows® 7/8/10 operating
systems*. 64-bit Windows operating systems are recommended. You must have a computer with at
least 500 MB of free disk space, 4 GB of RAM, and USB 2.0. An Intel® Core i3 or equivalent is
recommended. For serial numbers below 21000000, an internet connection is required the first time you

Getting Started | Front & Rear Panels

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launch the software. See the Spike

TM

software manual for additional installation instructions and

software features.

Legacy software is available for 32-bit operating systems. Contact [e-mail] for further
information.

(* We do not recommend running the SA124B in a virtual machine (i.e. Parallels/VMWare/etc.))

2 Getting Started

Learn about the features of your USB-SA124B Signal Hound Spectrum Analyzer

2.1 FRONT & REAR PANELS

The front panel includes a 50Ω SMA RF input. Do not
exceed +20 dBm or +16VDC or damage may occur. A
READY / BUSY LED flashes orange each time a command
from the computer is processed.

The rear panel has three connectors:

1. 10 MHz Reference input / output, or 63

MHz IF output

2. A USB 2.0 type B connector. Connect to

your PC using the included USB cable.

3. A Self Test / Sync Out connector. This

may be used as a Self Test Signal output,
or a Tracking Generator Sync signal. It
defaults to unused / no output.