Spectrum Analyzer
I’ve decided to move Spectrum Analyzer information here to keep it mostly out of the blog posts. I’ve finally got almost all the parts I need, so I’ll be able to start writing build pages. I’m excited, are you!? 
Anyway, stay tuned to this place for more information….
I’ve started building and testing boards in earnest, and I’ve started a list of boards that I’ve finished below. Also, I’ve been updating the graphic from a previous post to improve readability and reflect not only boards that are “complete” but complete and tested. Almost all the modules of the analyzer have been built, but they haven’t been integrated or tested. On the graphic below, I’ve highlighted the modules that are integrated and tested in green.
Analyzer Master Layout
The graphic above not only functions as a scoreboard, of sorts, for the status of my analyzer, It’s also the physical layout of the modules. I’ve included space for some optional modules that I don’t have yet. These include the PDM, Mixer 4, and both the filter and 1G-2G mode switches. I figured that if I plan for them now, I won’t be disappointed later. The boxes in yellow are those that I’ll use removable SMA connectors on, while the white ones will be direct-soldered coax. The number in the boxes are the port number on each module. I’ve omitted the control board from this diagram because it will be installed on the rear panel, and this frame will be installed near the front panel. Also left out of this diagram is the cavity filter. The filter needs to be made of copper pipe and sheet brass. It’s large at 4″x4″x1″, so I’ll have to buy an enclosure with adequate internal space. Another decision that I’ll have to make is whether I want to include a power transformer (taking A/C from the wall) inside the case.
Mounting Frame
Master Oscillator mounted
Coaxial wiring
Coaxial wiring
Digital Wiring
Completed module harness
Master Oscillator
Finished Master Oscillator
Control Board
Finished control board
Analog Digital Converter
Completed analog digital converter
Log detector
(almost) complete Log Detector
I.F. Amplifier
Completed IF Amplifier
DDS 1 & 3
Completed DDS module
PLOs
(almost) complete PLO 1
Cavity Filter
Hairpin installation
Just started building my boards up, so your in depth comments and pictures are much appreciated. Thank you for your significant efforts.
You’re welcome!
hi i am quite interested in building the analyser and desire some further info.
you’re obviously quite busy with the project and i would not wish to impose.
some info re the eventual cost……….will i be able to resolve sigs at 1.5 ghz …
is there an information document i can download
i thank you for your consideration……………de ea5ei9eh………….in downtown spain
I’m certainly not the designer of this project. I’m building this off these designs: http://scottyspectrumanalyzer.com/
If you’re interested in building one, I recommend joining the Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spectrumanalyzer/
Expect to spend the equivalent of a few hundred US dollars: http://scottyspectrumanalyzer.com/msaslim.html#Cost_of_the_MSA_using_SLIMs
This device can operate in 3 bands:
(close to) 0 to 1Ghz,
1Ghz to 2Ghz,
2Ghz to 3Ghz.
Good luck!
Hi William,
I love your “scoreboard” idea. I was admiring your pictures when I noticed your Master Oscillator. Both R1 and R3 are resistors marked “3300″. Normally, a 4 digit resistor would tell me that those are 330 ohms. You really want 33 ohmers, and mine are marked 33R0. I can’t read R3, but it is obviously different than the other two.
Scotty
Thanks scotty! I had better check that, I’ve always had somewhat weak output from my oscillator!
William–Nice work. You may want to reserve room for the video switch (single SLIM) and the recently discussed Mixer 3 amps (single SLIM). I see your 1G/2G switch space is a double SLIM; this can actually be done with a single SLIM–the SPDT with PE4251. I think Scotty is right on the MO resistors. Also, C7 on the MO looks like it is unsoldered on one end.
Good Luck
Sam W.
Thanks Sam,
I designed the layout back when the switches were double slims and the video switch and mixer 3 amp didn’t exist. As I haven’t built either switch yet, I’ll probably massage the extra slims in to the opened space. I’ll add C7 to my list of stuff to check
have you finished yet?
if not please update your scorecard
Looks good so far, did you make the base from copper plate? looks like its a couple of Millimeters thick, I’ll bet that was not cheap!!
regards
Steve W