Received my RF Explorer 3G Combi couple of questions

[Dartec]

Hi,

I have received my 3G Combi unit and really pleased but have a couple of questions to clarify so as not to damage it etc.

1. The two aerial sockets are they specific as one of the screens shows left to be 240 to 960 with the right one 15 to 2700mhz?

2. Can any aerial be used or only the supplied ones, I know I asked about a discone which not recommended but I have a couple of aerials I used on my handheld scanner/freq counter?

3. If I remove an aerial as both currently connected do I need to put a dummy load on socket with no aerial?

I would appreciate any other advise in relation to above I may not be aware of, please.

Regards

[rfexp...@arocholl.com]

Darec,

 

1 – Yes, every SMA connector enables a specific module. You have to select the ACTIVE one in the FREQUENCY MENU, last option at the bottom.

2 - Yes, any 50ohm antenna can be used. If you want to use 75ohm or other impedance antenna, you will need an impedance adapter.

3 – No need to put a dummy load, except you expect your unit to pass on x-ray scanner on the airport – check this article for more info www.rf-explorer.com/care

 

-          Ariel

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[Ariel Rocholl]

On Saturday, October 27, 2012 11:57:54 AM UTC+2, Magnus Johansson wrote:

I just ordered the 3G Combi and want to be clear about some points:

1. The 3G Combi-version still has the "original" module (WSUB1G?) with a SMA-connector (the left one?)?

Yes, it includes the WSUB1G on the left, and the RFEMWSUB3G on the right.
 

2. I still have to be very careful about the "original" connector, right (max +5 dBm)?

Correct.
 

3. Will the 3G-module use the "original" SMA-connector at all? Or does the 3G-module has a "built-in" dummy load for it?

Both SMA connectors are 100% independent and deal to completely different RF circuits. The 3G includes an internal power limiter that makes it safe to at least +30dBm.
 

I will probably only use the 3G module, so I guess I could put a dummy load on the left connector and forget about it? If I don't put a dummy load on it, and don't connect an antenna to it, how careful must I be? Will I fry it if I'm too near a cell phone base station or a FM radio tower? I'm not planning on climbing in a radio tower, but I'm thinking if I'm passing one when I'm out. How close can I get without risking breaking my RF Explorer without dummy load(s)? Probably depending on the output of the radio tower, but let's say it's 10 kW. 

Just removing the antenna is all you need to be safe in pretty much any environment, but if you can fix a permanent dummy load it is even better, certainly, and you will also protect it from dust and dirt.
 

[Dartec]

Thank you answered some of questions and has helped me.

[Magnus Johansson]

I have another question. Sometimes when i scroll the spectrum window with the arrow buttons, the screen blanks out for a short while (maybe 0.5-1 s). The backlight stays on, but all the pixels on the screen disappears briefly. It really doesn't bother me so much, just want to know if it's normal or if it's a glitch in my unit?

[Ariel Rocholl]

Magnus,

This is expected but only happens rarely, and has no functional side effects of any kind. It has to do with coincidental interrupt event (button key) with LCD synchronism.

Regards,
Ariel