Signal Hound USB-SA44B User Manual

USB-SA44B Spectrum Analyzer
User Manual

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Signal Hound USB-SA44B User Manual

 2016, Signal Hound, Inc.

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 .............................................................................................................................................................. 1

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

3 Theory of Operation .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

4 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................ 8

5 Calibration and Adjustment ............................................................................................................................................. 9

6 Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................. 10

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7 Warranty and Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................ 13

Preparing for Use | Initial Inspection

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1 Preparing for Use

Unpacking your Signal Hound and Installing Software

The Signal Hound USB-SA44B is a USB-based 1 Hz to 4.4 GHz economy spectrum analyzer and
measuring receiver with an RF preamplifier. 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 only ten ounces, 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-SA44B.

1.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

The Signal Hound is operated from a Windows®-based PC using our SpikeTM application software.

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 launch

Getting Started | Front & Rear Panels

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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.

2 Getting Started

Learn about the features of your USB-SA44B Signal Hound Spectrum Analyzer

2.1 FRONT & REAR PANELS

The front panel includes a 50Ω SMA RF input. Do
not exceed +20 dBm 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, automatically detected
after each sweep completes. Use a clean 10 MHz
reference with >0 dBm level. +13 dBm is
recommended.

2) A USB type B connector. Connect to your PC
using the included USB cable.

3) A multi-purpose BNC connector. This may be
used as a Self Test Signal output, a Tracking
Generator Sync signal, or a TTL/CMOS trigger/sync
in some legacy modes. The Signal Hound software
controls the function of this BNC. It defaults to
unused / no output.