SKU: RF-Explorer-Narrow RF Explorer Narrow Band Spectrum Analyser

RF Explorer - Available in 868MHz or 915Mhz Frequency Bands - Australian Local Stock

The RF Explorer is an affordable Handheld Spectrum Analyser designed from scratch to be a multi-purpose tool for the specific needs of digital radio frequency communication. The RF Explorer is aimed to provide a very affordable tool for work in all ISM popular frequency bands. It is based on a highly integrated frequency synthesizer which offers high performance, compact size, low consumption and low cost.

The RF Explorer offers about 90% of what a high cost unit will do for RF digital band communication, at about 5% of the cost! Additionally, it can be carried easily anywhere, used remotely for hours with a single battery charge. The RF Explorer spectrum analyser displays full frequency spectrum in the appropriate band, including carrier and modulated shape. It will also display Spread Spectrum activity that exists and can show bandwidth to monitor collisions and frequency deviation. It includes PC connectivity for extra functionality using standard mini-USB 2.0 connector.

RF Explorer Narrow Band Versions Specification (See details specs in the table further below):

• Frequency band: 860-870MHz / 910-920MHz depending on model
• Graphics LCD 128x64 pixels, great visibility outdoors
• PC Windows client supports Windows XP/Vista/Win7/Win8 both 32 and 64bits (Downloadable)
• Backlight for great indoor visibility
• Standard SMA 50 Ohms connector, a matching antenna is included (aerial may vary with unit)
• RF Generator
• Size: 113x70x25 mm approx.

Features:

• Pocket size and light weight
• Solid aluminium metal case
• Spectrum Analyser mode with Peak Max and Hold, Normal, Overwrite and Averaging modes
• Integrated RF Signal Generator
• Lifetime free firmware upgrades available, open to community requested features
• High capacity LiPo battery for 16hs+ of continuous run, rechargeable by USB
• Windows PC client Open Source
• Can be extended with internal Expansion Modules for additional bands and functionality
• Note: USB Cable not supplied, available as an option.
• Manuals can be downloaded here.

 
RF Explorer Narrow Band version - note actual product and aerial might look slightly different.

Detailed Specification Comparison Chart:

Notes:

• Some of these features require latest firmware upgrade, please upgrade your unit from www.rf-explorer.com/download page.
• Models with two connected modules includes two RF SMA connectors. In such case, some differences may apply when comparing left or right SMA connector. This table above include clear details on which is applicable to each connector.
• (*) This feature or range extension is available with an Expansion Module installed, such as RFEMWSUBxG or RFEM2.4G.
• (**) Note some frequency ranges may have a more limited, lower measurable range. Please contact us for more details on a particular frequency range if you need to measure input power close to -10dBm. In all cases, using a 20 or 30dB attenuator is suggested in order to lower the input power to a -30 or -40dBm range, as it will exhibit better behavior by limiting spurious and signal overload. If you use an attenuator, you also improve the VSWR of the measurement and can be adjusted in OffsetDBparameter of RF Explorer ATTENUATOR MENU in order to read the exact value on screen, saving you from doing any math.
• (i) The Expansion Module is already installed in this RF Explorer Model and therefore there is no room for additional expansion.

Downloads:

Click here for available firmware updates, documentation and software (use at your own risk!)

Expansion Modules:

In addition to that, RF Explorer can fit an optional Expansion Module for further band coverage and enhanced capabilities. You can combine various RF Explorer models with any Expansion Module you wish. The firmware will correctly recognize your configuration and will work in all cases. Check compatibility on the above table.

Compliance:

• All RF Explorer models are compliant with FCC as well as CE regulations.
• All RF Explorer Wideband models have been certified under EN/IEC61236 and EN/IEC61000.
• All RF Explorer models are RoHS compliant.

Getting Started:

The first thing you want to do is to power up your unit and play with it! This is perfectly ok; just make sure you are not near any strong RF field before plugging in your antenna in the SMA connector. At very same instant you plug in the antenna, the device will start receiving RF energy even if it is powered off. This is not much of an issue if you are using a 3G Combo or a RFEMWSUB3G card, but other RF Explorer models are not protected against very strong fields.

Please read this article for more details on how to protect your device from strong RF fields. Failing to do so may damage your RF Explorer.

This is a battery operated device, please charge the battery before use; it comes with half charge as the standard way to extend the battery life when it is stored for an undetermined period of time. But to use it you should fully charge it. Never charge your device unattended.

Note the device will automatically switch ON as soon as you plug it in the USB port, but that doesn't mean it is being charged: to charge the battery you need to switch the battery power to ON. There are more details in this FAQ article, including battery handling and care information.

To start learning the many things you can do with RF Explorer please download the user manual and release notes. We also suggest upgrading your unit to the very latest firmware available. Everything is available in the download area.

You can connect your PC or Mac to RF Explorer for additional functionality, please check the download area as well as the user manual online.

If you ordered an Expansion Module together with your main unit, you may want to follow these simple instructions to install and use it.

Last but not least, there are a few online pointers you may want to be aware of:

• Latest news, subscribe to RSS feed or follow the RF Explorer on Twitter
• General support distribution list
• RC Group support thread for RC and FPV pilots
• Article list and FAQ if you run into any problem or question, let us know.

If you run into any problem or question, let us know. We want this to be a useful tool, your comments, questions and suggestions are of high value to us.