Using Siglent SSA3021X (no hacking here)

[oz2cpu]

1
using the TG as a signal generator.
Normally you would go to zero span mode, then the TG works as a CW generator.
BUT
is it possible to use the spectrum analyzer normally,
at the same time as the Generator is delivering a fixed frequency CW ?

or can the TG only be used as a TG ?? not a free running signal generator ?
lets say you want to measure the harmonics of an amplifier,
you need to stimulate the amp with the fundamental, using a signal generator.
Most other units I owned, the signal out was free to use as TG or standalone generator.

--
2
The waterfall mode:
have you found a way to change the low db color range
and the high db color
this way changing what you seek to be easier visible.
Also
the waterfall speed ? can that be changed ?

[tautech]

1. Tips here:
https://www.siglenteu.com/operating-tip/ssa3000x-tracking-generator-low-frequency-output-performance/
2. Try changing the sweep speed which hopefully should influence the waterfall refresh rate.

[oz2cpu]

thanks for the tip link, that answers another interesting detail:
the 9kHz to 100kHz range with TG, I am going to play with that too.

But it does not answers the main question : usage of signal generator and SA at the same time,
in non tracking mode, like any other unit can do.

waterfall speed is not affected by sweep time, at least not to the range I like it to be,
I imagine it could be as fast as one line added pr sweep, not the case
to me it looks like it is fixed speed, and fixed color range,
with both those important settings locked, this waterfall feature become close to useless,
anyone know if Siglent are open for customers feelings? software upgrades ?

[TurboTom]

Since the TG is generated by mixing a (PLL-generated but not User-programmable) frequency with the instrument's first local oscillator (VFO) output that's also used to up-convert the SA's input signal in the first mixer, no, it's not possible to have a fixed TG output frequency while the SA sweeps the input frequency band. Moreover, depending on the frequency range you're working at, the TG may produce quite some harmonics. I guess the job you're looking at is genuine signal generator (or possibly AWG) terrain.

I'm not aware of any options to change settings of the built-in "waterfall" visualisation.

[oz2cpu]

Thanks a lot Turbo :-) this explain how the TG works, and why it can not be used as a free generator.

just sold my old HP generator and SA,
what a bummer :-)

by the way, some one wrote to me via email,
about the waterfall color range, i share the findings here, (thanks a lot mate)
 
For the spectrum monitor, if you press amplitude then change the db/div to
2db, press measure, then spectrum monitor again and use the knob to adjust
the bottom of the spectrum you can change the colours. To change the
speed, press bw and alter the RBW setting, the narrower the bin size, the
slower the spectrum monitor will be.

[oz2cpu]

Used the SSA3021X at EMC lab, nice little video

https://youtu.be/M_57a7WzHCQ


Both measurements use Peak modes, same bandwidth and dwell times,
Siglent SSA3021X wins 1.1 sec
Rohde & Schwartz ESCS 30 looses 20 mins
we made 23 measurements today,
so that is 460 mins (7½hrs) saved by the SSA3021X, thanks Siglent..

[Kibabalu]

I have a question regarding the "EMI Measurement" option. I posted it already in another thread, but never got an answer. It was a good idea to start a separate thread with non-hacking related questions and discussions.

Firstly the short version of my question:

How the attenuation by ta LISN is taken into acount during a pre-compliance measuerement with a Siglent SSA3021X?

Now the long Version of the question:

My LISN, in fact the design comes here from this forum, attenuates by 10dB.

During "normal" SA operation I can take an external attenuation into account by using the parameter "Ref Offset" of the Menu "Amplitude". So far so good

But during the "EMI Measurement" mode this parameter doesn't affect the measurement curve, it just shifts the reference level of the graph and "Ref Offset" is not added to the measured spectrum.

Thus I have to lower the EMI limits by 10dB to take the external attenuation into account, just like you manipulated the EMI limit curve inside the video to make the graphical output looking similar to the one from the 'real' EMI measurements. This seems not right for me, it should exactly be like during SA operation.

No one will accept a documentation of an EMI pre-compliance measurement with manipulated limit curves!

Is it a bug or is there a misunderstanding on my side?

[oz2cpu]

in EMC modes you can calibrate the signal scale by external gain/attenuation
you can even put in different gain pr frequency range, very smart if your room / antenna or LISN got gain or attenuation
that even change pr frequency
try look that section

[Kibabalu]

in EMC modes you can calibrate the signal scale by external gain/attenuation
you can even put in different gain pr frequency range, very smart if your room / antenna or LISN got gain or attenuation
that even change pr frequency
try look that section

This was exactly my question: How is this calibration of the signal scale for an external gain/attenuation done? During normal spectrum analyser mode it is done by the parameter 'Ref Offset'. The displayed curve is then corrected by using this gain/attenuation. The external gain/attenuation is compensated and the 'real' emissions are shown on the screen.

But in 'EMI measurement mode' this doesn't work. There this 'correction' just shifts the dBuV-scale together with the curve. The screen always shows the gained/damped measurement results and not the real emissions together with the legislative limit curve. Then the relation between the displayed curves, the spectrum and the limit curve, has no meaning anymore. Just like in your video. You shifted the legislative limit curve approx. 18dBuV down to make it look equal to the real measurements.

[oz2cpu]

darn it !! you are right,
I would be so sad to call this a bug.

do you know where to report a bug ?
do they read and reply ?

I tried to email their support, dont seem to be alive,

another thing : did you try to measure its standby power usage ?

https://youtu.be/UQnlD2c-X_0

I am far from impressed : 3.8 W on my meter, for one rather ignoring led,
that power on/off system is not implemented correctly if you ask me for my humble opinion.

[Kibabalu]

Maybe tautech is reading this. He has quite good connections to siglent ;-)

Nearly 4W in standby mode? What the hell is it doing during standby? Digging for Bitcoins? 

[SHF]

Here is my solution for Siglent devices without hardware switches

[SHF]

that would also be a possibility
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07Z3Y1YJT/?coliid=I2B1S9VSQ7XOL0&colid=YOCID4M21P78&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[Ghislain]

Sure but that is an all on or off solution 
I also use and prefer the individual switch approach as depicted in the post before yours.
It also keeps the noise levels down in the room and saves energy.

[Bad_Driver]

For the sake of my energy bill I use 2 of this on my bench:

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01KFL3C26/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_8ZC9SCWAWQFDZ28XJSJG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This ist the best solution I found and you can plug in several european IEC plugs without any problems.

[bicycleguy]

Maybe tautech is reading this. He has quite good connections to siglent ;-)

Nearly 4W in standby mode? What the hell is it doing during standby? Digging for Bitcoins? 

I think this might be for an temperature controlled xtal oscillator?  Along with that has anyone noted a slight burning plastic smell?  I smell this with the SA plugged in, on or off doesn't matter.  Only have about 8 hours on it.  Is there a running time menu somewhere?

Edit: Confirmed suspicion.   Measured standby power for ~3 minutes after plug-in 18°C room  = 7.2W.
After running about an hour and then shut off =  3.7W.  Looks like an oven controlled oscillator.