[time-nuts] Signal Hound

[Edgardo Molina]

Dear Jim,

I own the 4 GHz version of this product. I have used it in my amateur radio activities, but has also proven to be useful with my time and frequency pursuits.

I have used the instrument for basic measurements as signal level, spectral purity, testing attenuation, harmonics, etc. I haven't done phase noise measurements yet with it (sorry). I have compared it with HP spectrum analyzers and it does a really nice job it's price. I find it convenient for field use as it is very compact and it rides comfortably inside a Pelican case along with the attenuators, adapters and HP netbook. The software that governs it's operation is clear and intuitive. It has proven to be very dependable and the measurements show a very good consistency. I feed the instrument's 10 MHz reference input with either a telecom Rb (portable operation) or with a T-Bolt in my lab. The software runs very well with the Atom processor, Windows 7 Home edition and 2GB RAM along with couple of other programs running in the background like TimeLab.

Best of all is the customer service. I got numerous emails following up my online purchase and delivery. I know the owner of the company stands behind his products. I even spend a couple of minutes talking to him over the phone to say thank you for the remarkable service. Every single email regarding questions and concerns was clearly and timely answered by the support desk.  Courteous people on the phone every time.

I hope this small contribution regarding my limited experience with this product, can help you with your questions and concerns. 


Kind regards,



Edgardo Molina





On Apr 14, 2013, at 10:39 PM, Jim Lux <jimlux at earthlink.net> wrote:

> Inexpensive USB spectrum analyzer.. http://www.signalhound.com/
> 
> I think it has the ability to capture raw samples, too. (the BB60 definitely does.)  They have a 10MHz ref input.
> 
> The spectrum analyzer has a phase noise feature
> Phase Noise Plot
> : Displays the phase noise amplitude, in dBc/Hz, vs. offset from carrier when checked. You must have a span of 10 KHz or less, and the signal should be within 1 division of the reference level (e.g. within 10 dB). This utility takes about 1 minute to run. It will sweep several times, then combine the sweeps into a phase noise plot. The data is approximate and is limited by the phase noise of the SignalHound itself. For best closein phase noise, use an external 10 MHz reference with > 10 dBm power level. To resume normal operation,click "Phase Noise Plot" a second time to uncheck.
> 
> 
> Anyone fooled with one?  Think it might work as a low cost part of a phase noise test set.
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