I wish you happy, prosperous and healthy New Year 2016
29 December 2015
04 December 2015
$60 MR100 antenna analyzer - the output frequency quick test
Hi all,
I found on the internet that some of these Chinese analyzers like SARK100/MR100 have a serious problems with their DDS chip. This resulted in an output frequency being 1.5 times lower than what was displayed on the analyzer. To check if this was the problem with my analyzer I did a quick test.
Simply I connected the MR100 module to Agilent Frequency Counter in my laboratory and set the filter as same as input attenuator ON.
After I switched 160m thru 6m band range in order to check the frequency accurracy as same as stability.
The results can be seen on the pictures below:
The laboratory test conditions: T=25.5C +/-0.5C, Hum=45% +/-15%.
It looks like this module works as it should. The articles I read about this problem were all older articles so I guess it’s an old problem that doesn’t occur anymore?!
Hope it helps.
73 - Petr, OK1RP
I found on the internet that some of these Chinese analyzers like SARK100/MR100 have a serious problems with their DDS chip. This resulted in an output frequency being 1.5 times lower than what was displayed on the analyzer. To check if this was the problem with my analyzer I did a quick test.
Simply I connected the MR100 module to Agilent Frequency Counter in my laboratory and set the filter as same as input attenuator ON.
After I switched 160m thru 6m band range in order to check the frequency accurracy as same as stability.
The results can be seen on the pictures below:
The laboratory test conditions: T=25.5C +/-0.5C, Hum=45% +/-15%.
It looks like this module works as it should. The articles I read about this problem were all older articles so I guess it’s an old problem that doesn’t occur anymore?!
Hope it helps.
73 - Petr, OK1RP
$60 MR100 antenna analyzer - PC interface and post-analysis software test
Hi all,
after first few tests of the analyzer alone I tried to connect MR100 antenna analyzer to PC also... in order to test the post-measurement data analysing.
First of all after connecting the module to PC using USB cable you have to check if the FTDI chip adapter is already recognized by PC. I do not know if there is genuine FTDI chip implemented but I can suppose it isn't. In my case I found in Win Device Manager that FTDI chip is unknown and related driver is not installed. Luckily in my Win7 the system found automatically the proper driver and installed it in few minutes. So after finishing it the FTDI adapter is showed in Device Manager as that all is installed and it works properly.
After that you should find which COM port is assigned when the analyzer module is connected. In my case it was COM7 which will need to be added into the post-processing software.
The SARK100 Antenna Analyzer Software for Windows usable also for it's derivates is available here:
http://www.sm6why.n.nu/SARK-100
I decided to test for the first shot the software which was recommended by seller. It is the WinPCC for Mini60 and should work also with SARK100/MR100 in it's version 0.9 in Chinese language...
Run your antenna analyzer and click Config button to get PC Link, then click Down button to get Waiting Link... message.
After running the WinPCC software .exe file the main screen shows that Chinese vs english words is 50/50%...hi. The most important is left side command panel.
In the top left corner you need to select the proper assigned COM port then click on the left Chinese button which means "Connect" in english. After that you should see on the antenna analyzer itself that Waiting Link is already changed to "scanr" message which means it's connected and ready to scan upon PC software commands request.
Lowest left side command panel button means in english "Stop Scan", next button above is "Continue Scan" and next button above means "Start Scan". Screen with translated buttons to english is in improved later version WinPCC v.1.0_eng:
By clicking to the Start Scan button you should see scanning procedure and you should see the plot of SWR and other impedance parameters on the screen.
During my intensive testing I realized that this version of the WinPCC software has probably some bug in the code as the programm stucked many times when I tried to change some parameters like frequency range, step etc. The only solution is to quit the programm and run the .exe file again. Unfortunatelly you have to set COM port again...
Another problem is that if you want to use magnification button on the top (magnifying glass symbol) then it is always switching the plot into 3D vision... it is not possible to play with magnifition funtion in 2D only.
Well in general the basic WinPCC v0.9_ch software works. MR100 antenna analyzer PC interface is working. Connection or sync with PC is working and post-alanysis is possible. Now it will be funny to test other more sophisticated softwares... see links above.
Hope it helps.
73 - Petr, OK1RP
after first few tests of the analyzer alone I tried to connect MR100 antenna analyzer to PC also... in order to test the post-measurement data analysing.
First of all after connecting the module to PC using USB cable you have to check if the FTDI chip adapter is already recognized by PC. I do not know if there is genuine FTDI chip implemented but I can suppose it isn't. In my case I found in Win Device Manager that FTDI chip is unknown and related driver is not installed. Luckily in my Win7 the system found automatically the proper driver and installed it in few minutes. So after finishing it the FTDI adapter is showed in Device Manager as that all is installed and it works properly.
After that you should find which COM port is assigned when the analyzer module is connected. In my case it was COM7 which will need to be added into the post-processing software.
The SARK100 Antenna Analyzer Software for Windows usable also for it's derivates is available here:
Another software for SARK100 and derivates is here:
http://die-jetzis.de/WinPCC-Sark100-V0.9-DH1KLM.rar
Chinese language (partly in english) software for Mini60/SARK100/MR100 v0.9 is here:
http://cq.hub.tw/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=866and
Nice software that scans the SARK100/MR100 and plot the SWR on frequency by SM6WHY is here:Chinese language (partly in english) software for Mini60/SARK100/MR100 v0.9 is here:
http://cq.hub.tw/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=866and
http://www.sm6why.n.nu/SARK-100
I decided to test for the first shot the software which was recommended by seller. It is the WinPCC for Mini60 and should work also with SARK100/MR100 in it's version 0.9 in Chinese language...
Run your antenna analyzer and click Config button to get PC Link, then click Down button to get Waiting Link... message.
After running the WinPCC software .exe file the main screen shows that Chinese vs english words is 50/50%...hi. The most important is left side command panel.
In the top left corner you need to select the proper assigned COM port then click on the left Chinese button which means "Connect" in english. After that you should see on the antenna analyzer itself that Waiting Link is already changed to "scanr" message which means it's connected and ready to scan upon PC software commands request.
Lowest left side command panel button means in english "Stop Scan", next button above is "Continue Scan" and next button above means "Start Scan". Screen with translated buttons to english is in improved later version WinPCC v.1.0_eng:
By clicking to the Start Scan button you should see scanning procedure and you should see the plot of SWR and other impedance parameters on the screen.
Here you can see the plot of very bad 50Ohms load measured in 6m band range including the Smith diagramm plot... nice feature.
If you will have problems with running the WinPCC then maybe the following link to Youtube will be helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJZuUeRieZEDuring my intensive testing I realized that this version of the WinPCC software has probably some bug in the code as the programm stucked many times when I tried to change some parameters like frequency range, step etc. The only solution is to quit the programm and run the .exe file again. Unfortunatelly you have to set COM port again...
Another problem is that if you want to use magnification button on the top (magnifying glass symbol) then it is always switching the plot into 3D vision... it is not possible to play with magnifition funtion in 2D only.
Well in general the basic WinPCC v0.9_ch software works. MR100 antenna analyzer PC interface is working. Connection or sync with PC is working and post-alanysis is possible. Now it will be funny to test other more sophisticated softwares... see links above.
Hope it helps.
73 - Petr, OK1RP
23 November 2015
$60 MR100 antenna analyzer toy
Hi,
maybe you heard about the simple, cheap antenna analyzers which are available on different e-shops, auctions, shopping galleries etc. already.
There is one of them - $60 MR100 antenna analyzer toy - first test
http://youtu.be/82JGs1yC_cM
I got it from our local radioclub staff last week for testing. He bought it somewhere on the internet for $60.50 fully assembled and tested. It does not look so bad for these money.
According to discussion with mentioned friend in the radioclub the cheapest way is to buy the analyzer module itself w/o BT option. The metal housing, BT, battery pack, etc. is up to you. Latest v.13 firmware should be available.
The full spec can be found in the manual here:
http://115.28.16.44:81/file/3803.pdf
Basics:
The toy is powered from 12V/500mA w/auto power off
Max. measured impedance/reactance (C/L mode) is 2000 Ohms
Max. measured freq. is 60MHz
Steps 100Hz to 100kHz
Mini USB port to PC
Tests:
SWR, magnitude impedance, complex impedance, capacitance, inductance.
Derivate tests: ground loss, C, L, velicity factor, coax el. lenght, etc.
As it is using AD9851 DDS chip (Nyquist at 90MHz w/internal x6 multiplier clocks the DDS at 180MHz), the practical maximum output frequency from AD9851 is however about 70MHz. In my opinion as a third of the maximum DDS clock frequency for the AD9851 chip I prefer the maximum of 60MHz output frequency (lot spurs/aliases above). It is corresponding to the analyzer module spec.
After getting it from our local radioclub staff for testing I browsed on the net and I found that there is several clones and derivates from genuine SARK-100 like MR100, Mini60, GA-60 and many others. All of them are using the same generic EA4FRB f/w...
The genuine SARK-100 has been retired already. More information you can find here:
https://sites.google.com/site/ea4frb/antenna-analyzers/sark100/Archive
It is now replaced by new and much more sophisticated SARK-110.
More information can be found here:
http://www.sark110.com/
I do not like the illegal chineese copies and MR100 unit is definitely one of them.
Once I have it in hands I am planning to compare it with AA-200, MFJ-259 and even more I will try to make some comparison with professional Agilent E5061 network analyzers which I have available in my shack and lab.
I do not know more about MR100 analyzer as I have not schematic yet but I will try to make another video with functions and options available incl. calibration and some measurement.
The SARK100 Antenna Analyzer Software for Windows usable also for it's derivates is available here:
Battery pack solution to power the MR100 or SARK100 by Ham Source:
http://www.hamsource.com/WLB-817.html
Hope it helps,
maybe you heard about the simple, cheap antenna analyzers which are available on different e-shops, auctions, shopping galleries etc. already.
There is one of them - $60 MR100 antenna analyzer toy - first test
http://youtu.be/82JGs1yC_cM
I got it from our local radioclub staff last week for testing. He bought it somewhere on the internet for $60.50 fully assembled and tested. It does not look so bad for these money.
According to discussion with mentioned friend in the radioclub the cheapest way is to buy the analyzer module itself w/o BT option. The metal housing, BT, battery pack, etc. is up to you. Latest v.13 firmware should be available.
The full spec can be found in the manual here:
http://115.28.16.44:81/file/3803.pdf
Basics:
The toy is powered from 12V/500mA w/auto power off
Max. measured impedance/reactance (C/L mode) is 2000 Ohms
Max. measured freq. is 60MHz
Steps 100Hz to 100kHz
Mini USB port to PC
Tests:
SWR, magnitude impedance, complex impedance, capacitance, inductance.
Derivate tests: ground loss, C, L, velicity factor, coax el. lenght, etc.
As it is using AD9851 DDS chip (Nyquist at 90MHz w/internal x6 multiplier clocks the DDS at 180MHz), the practical maximum output frequency from AD9851 is however about 70MHz. In my opinion as a third of the maximum DDS clock frequency for the AD9851 chip I prefer the maximum of 60MHz output frequency (lot spurs/aliases above). It is corresponding to the analyzer module spec.
After getting it from our local radioclub staff for testing I browsed on the net and I found that there is several clones and derivates from genuine SARK-100 like MR100, Mini60, GA-60 and many others. All of them are using the same generic EA4FRB f/w...
The genuine SARK-100 has been retired already. More information you can find here:
https://sites.google.com/site/ea4frb/antenna-analyzers/sark100/Archive
It is now replaced by new and much more sophisticated SARK-110.
More information can be found here:
http://www.sark110.com/
I do not like the illegal chineese copies and MR100 unit is definitely one of them.
Once I have it in hands I am planning to compare it with AA-200, MFJ-259 and even more I will try to make some comparison with professional Agilent E5061 network analyzers which I have available in my shack and lab.
I do not know more about MR100 analyzer as I have not schematic yet but I will try to make another video with functions and options available incl. calibration and some measurement.
The SARK100 Antenna Analyzer Software for Windows usable also for it's derivates is available here:
Another software for SARK100 and derivates is here:
http://die-jetzis.de/WinPCC-Sark100-V0.9-DH1KLM.rar
Chinesse language (partly in english) software for SARK100/MR100 v0.9 is here:
http://cq.hub.tw/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=866and
Chinesse language (partly in english) software for SARK100/MR100 v0.9 is here:
http://cq.hub.tw/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=866and
More information can be found here:
https://sites.google.com/site/ea4frb/an ... 00/Archive
http://www.sm6why.n.nu/SARK-100
Short review done by Cees, PA1CA:
http://www.pa1ca.nl/from-china-the-sark100-good-bad-or-ugly/
http://www.sm6why.n.nu/SARK-100
Short review done by Cees, PA1CA:
http://www.pa1ca.nl/from-china-the-sark100-good-bad-or-ugly/
Battery pack solution to power the MR100 or SARK100 by Ham Source:
http://www.hamsource.com/WLB-817.html
Hope it helps,
73 - Petr, OK1RP
23 October 2015
A corrected version of QST's KSYN3A in K3 review
there is the link for corrected version of QST's KSYN3A board review which is replacing the erroneous TX phase noise plot in their last QST article:
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/QST%20KSYN3A%20revised.pdf
Figures 10 and 11 have been updated by the ARRL to show the KSYN3A's actual transmit phase noise. As you can see, relative to the original synth, the KSYN3A has far lower noise at close offsets (toward the left end of the graph), and nearly identical noise at wider offsets (toward the right).
As Wayne, N6KR mentioned previously, this is a *transmit* phase noise plot. Phase noise is even lower right at the output of the synth module itself, accounting for the KSYN3A's outstanding RMDR (reciprocal mixing dynamic range, which applies to receive mode).
There is also explanation of their mistake in LF bands performance (500kHz/137kHz) measurement due to lack of proper modification on tested K3!
Thanks to Wayne, N6KR for sharing the link...
Hope it helps,
73 - Petr, OK1RP
20 October 2015
TMP-K01X-A1 connectors and cables for Elecraft K3
as it was hard to find the TMP connectors for making the calibration of K3 in Czech even in nearest Europe in the past I tried to looking for distributor world-wide. I realized that some sales contacts does not work or links fails so I sumarized the actual links and informations again.
BTW: What is the TMP connector or even TMP cable in K3 transceiver...?
It is one of the cables used for the second receiver module KRX3.
If you have the receiver module then you can start reading at page 22 of the installation and operation manual (assuming Rev. B of manual). Also it is used for KSYN3A, KAT3 to AUX and other modules inside of K3. You are not aware if you ordered K3-F (factory assembled) unit :) but for all those assembled their K3s by themself it is very known...
The TMP cable 12" is the Elecraft part: #E850339.
For all who would like to make coaxial cable for calibration of K3 instead of some temporary solution there are useful informations I guess:
Type: TMP-K01X-A1 connector 50ohms for RG-174/U coaxial cable type
Assembly Standard:
http://www.scsiglobal.com/TaikoDenki/Documents/TMP-K-WorkingStandardWithAssembly.pdf
Quick assembly reference:
http://www.scsiglobal.com/TaikoDenki/Documents/TMP%20Recommended%20Cable%20Assembly-QUICK%20REFERENCE.pdf
Sales links:
http://www.hdcom.com/mmconn.html
http://therfc.com/taiko.htm
http://www.inrad.net/product.php?productid=336&cat=163&page=1
on eBay:
http://www.ebay.it/itm/Taiko-Denki-TMP-K01X-A1-RF-Coaxial-Plug-TMP-Connector-Plug-x2-/111778478751?hash=item1a06843a9f
http://www.ebay.it/sch/sis.html?_nkw=TMP%20Plug%20Connector%20to%20Open%20wire%2030cm%20Length%20RG174%20Coax%20TMP%20K01X%20A1&_itemId=121636263595
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TMP-Plug-Connector-to-Open-wire-30cm-Length-RG174-Coax-TMP-K01X-A1-/111781981751?hash=item1a06b9ae37:g:LPkAAOSw-jhUHbiB
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TMP-Plug-Connector-to-BNC-Female-Connector-1m-Length-RG174-Coax-TMP-K01X-A1-/121776411269?hash=item1c5a709285:g:qDsAAOSwEK9UHbp4
or here:
http://www.ebay.it/itm/TMP-Plug-Connector-to-Open-wire-30cm-Length-RG174-Coax-TMP-K01X-A1-/111781981751?hash=item1a06b9ae37
http://www.ebay.it/itm/TMP-Plug-Connector-to-BNC-Female-Connector-1m-Length-RG174-Coax-TMP-K01X-A1-/121776411269?hash=item1c5a709285
Hand-crimp-tool to buy:
http://www.scsiglobal.com/TaikoDenki/hand_crimp_tool.htm
The tips and hints discussed here:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-No-Receive-No-Transmit-SOLVED-td7609301.html
The most important is to be ensured that the center pin is in it's socket properly, not bended, not misaligned during installation and as Guy, K2AV is saying..."The outer shell of the TMP plug can be connected without being fully inserted into the TMP connector. This can result in an intermittent on the center conductor that comes and goes with temperature change, or breathing hard, or changes in phases of the moon. The little flanges on the TMP plug should be nearly up to the TMP connector shell when fully inserted."
When it is in use I am recommending to check time to time (you do not need to do it before "each flight" :) the connectors if all of them are correctly inserted and if there is no rust, corrosion or silver coated TMP connectors are not becoming black...
Hope it helps.
73 - Petr, OK1RP
QST Review of KSYN3A synth in K3 has erroneous TX phase noise plot
although I am not re-posting the articles from the other sources to my blog over here in that case I am doing it as it is very important for many of Elecraft K3 users.
In order to better understaning the situation about the KSYN3A boards and parameters after the upgrade and for explaining the QST Review results there is the latest statement from Wayne, N6KR...
"Hi all,
You may have noticed that QST recently reviewed the K3's performance before/after swapping in a new KSYN3A synthesizer. While the review text was accurate (and complimentary), there was a significant error in the KSYN3A TX phase noise plot (Figure 10). This error made it appear as if the original synthesizer had lower (better) wide-spaced phase noise than the KSYN3A (starting where the plot lines cross), which is not the case.
We should have caught this ourselves before the article went to print. We greatly appreciated the League's efforts to determine the source of error -- equipment setup -- and re-test. The digital-print version of QST will be corrected, and a correction will also appear in the December QST.
The ARRL sent us the revised TX phase noise plot for the K3+KSYN3A that they tested. You can see it here:
In
addition they're testing a K3S. Its TX phase noise plot looks as good or
slightly better:
These
plots (used with permission) were for 20 meters, and are also representative of
the other bands, including 6 meters. The bottom line is that the K3S, or a K3
with a KSYN3A, has extremely low phase noise at both close and narrow spacings.
In the case of narrow spacings, the new synth also significantly improves the
RMDR (reciprocal mixing dynamic range) over the original, as described in the
article.
Note that the above plots show *transmit* phase noise. In receive mode, phase noise with the new synth is even lower, especially at close spacings (under 3 kHz from the carrier).
There's one other measurement in the QST review that needs a disclaimer. As you may know, the KSYN3A allows the K3 (or K3S) to be tuned down to as low as 100 kHz, thus including the 137 kHz band. The review showed an MDS of -44 dBm at this frequency, while in fact it is more like -115 dBm. It appears that the K3 under test didn't have the RF board modification required, or the modified KBPF3A filter module.
73,
Wayne
N6KR"
Note that the above plots show *transmit* phase noise. In receive mode, phase noise with the new synth is even lower, especially at close spacings (under 3 kHz from the carrier).
There's one other measurement in the QST review that needs a disclaimer. As you may know, the KSYN3A allows the K3 (or K3S) to be tuned down to as low as 100 kHz, thus including the 137 kHz band. The review showed an MDS of -44 dBm at this frequency, while in fact it is more like -115 dBm. It appears that the K3 under test didn't have the RF board modification required, or the modified KBPF3A filter module.
73,
Wayne
N6KR"
I hope it helps and it will clarify more the results and measurement done by labs reviewed in QST magazine.
73 - Petr, OK1RP
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)