Low cost site survey equipment ?

[garymansperger]

I would like a nice spectrum analyzer, but not the cost.

Is there a low cost solution to checking out what is in the air for a 5GHz network?

[WHT]

The new WiSpy DBX for a/b/g/n will be out in two months, yes...for 5.8 Gig. $700 list, but only $500 if you preregister.

http://www.metageek.net/products/wi-spy-dbx

http://www.metageek.net

[mohave_steve]

As far as I know the SuperRange Express card is supported by Netstumbler.

That would give you good info on 802.11 a/b/g activity at the site but will not show other potential interference sources.

Cost of the card is around $140.

I have the original WiSpy and while it does show all activity on 2.4 regardless of source I find Netstumbler much more informative when looking at other Wifi traffic.

Having both on hand would be ideal.

[MaximumISP]

A motorla canopy sm has a basic analyzer function
which works fairly well and they can
usually be had pretty cheap on Ebay

[garymansperger]

I have a WiSpy for 2.4 but now that I am moving to 100% 5GHz I need something else. $500 seems a bit high for this little guy.

I have an idea. Why don't some very smart person write a program for the NS5 that goes beyond site survey?

[MaximumISP]

Actually OsWave firmware has just added a spectrum analyser for the ubnt gear its very rudimentary but does seem to function

[netmaster]

I have an idea. Why don't some very smart person write a program for the NS5 that goes beyond site survey?

as I understand, that can't be done due the hardware limitations of standard chipsets and radios. Atheros chipset and standard HAL simple do not "see" cordless phones, video extenders and many such things. For reasonable graphic representation of spectrum, 1Mhz or 0.5Mhz channel step required etc. etc. If you need something better, than Netstumbler, then this Metgeek thing is actually good priced bundle of hardware and software. Haven't used it myself, but screenshot's look promising. Add some second hand tablet pc and have fun, instead of using 6Ghz RF spectrum analyzer for 10 times higher price.

[WHT]

The Acer Aspire and ASUS eePC, both for around $349, come to mind.

[netmaster]

The Acer Aspire and ASUS eePC, both for around $349, come to mind.

anything with keyboard, requires light, get dusty, wet and brake with any other way.... Nothing beats touchscreen and stylus. It replaces both - mouse and keyboard if needed. eePC like things are good to start with, but not the best in my opinion. But all this is not the main problem, proper radio hardware is...

[ramaza]

Hi,

there are very professional handheld spectrum analyzers from a german company for up to 9.4GHz. They look a little bit cheap but have award winning electronics and software inside.

The newest product for 10MHz to 6GHz costs about 1500USD without VAT. The older one for up to 6GHz costs about 1000USD without VAT

The new one can also be upgraded to a power meter for measuring real rf output power from -50dBm to 10dBm. With 20dB attenuator also up to 30dBm or 50dBm.

Also included is a complete PC software suite for data logging and analysing.

There are also much cheaper EMF meters. Perhaps they can also show up used WLAN channels.

We are going to buy one of those spectrum analyzers in some weeks.

Regards,
Franz

[WHT]

http://www.spectran.com/

[ramaza]

Yes, you are right.

I think they are much expensiver in the USA. Perhaps I could help getting one from europe.

[WHT]

Spectran RF Spectrum Analyzer HF6060 (10 MHz - 6 GHz) is $3,100 in US.
But I'm sure you could get the HF4060 (100 MHz - 6 GHz) for $1,500.

Or...you could hack an SDK for this...$39.99 :lol:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/zoom/tqualizer_anim.gif

[ramaza]

Here in Europe I can buy the HF-6060 V4 for only 1.500USD!

[WHT]

Here in Europe I can buy the HF-6060 V4 for only 1.500USD!

Are you sure of those prices?

What I'm seeing is:

HF-6060 = 1,500 Euros (in EU) = $3,100 (in U.S.)

HF-4060 =    600 Euros (in EU) = $1,500 (in U.S.)

[ramaza]

I have calculated with actual EUR-USD exchange rate and used a very new Spectran price list.

HF-4060 V3 (100MHz-6GHz) = 1000USD
HF-6060 V4 (10MHz-6GHz) = 1500USD
HF-60100 V4 (1MHz-9.4GHz) = 2000USD

All prices without VAT, import taxes and shipping.

I also get good rebates for higher quantities (3pcs and more)

[garymansperger]

I want one of those shirts with the analyzer built in!!

[WHT]

That......is......so......GEEK.

[WHT]

WTF???

HAHAHAHHA...That freaked me out. I went back to look at my previous post and THIS was my avitar!

http://forum.ubnt.com/forum/images/rank_1337.gif

I has to look at the image URL to see where the heck it came from. It appears I have exceeded 1,337 posts.

[WHT]

Nevermind...its was a one time avatar.

[ramaza]

Is someone interested in one of those Spectran sepctrum analyzers?

At the moment we are two people and there should be at least a third one for getting a good rebate.

Of course you would get a proper invoice and I would handle the shipping.

[WHT]

I may consider that in February.

[ramaza]

Buying in Februar would also be possible for me. What product would be interesting to you?

[WHT]

HF-4060 (100MHz-6GHz)

[WHT]

http://www.metageek.net/products/wi-spy-dbx

$599 if you pre-registered

[WHT]

The new WiSpy DBX for a/b/g/n will be out in two months, yes...for 5.8 Gig. $700 list, but only $500 if you preregister.
http://www.metageek.net/products/wi-spy-dbx

It should arrive Tuesday. And its $599, not $500...my mistake.