Design of simple/cheap "spectrum analyzer"-like device

[JJalling]

Hello,

As the title says, what I think I need, is a spectrum analyzer-like device.
I was contacted by a friend, regarding a fun little project. The goal of the project, is to monitor the S/N ratio or signal strength on 10-20 radio transmitters, each with transmitting with their own frequenzy in the 400MHz-450MHz range.
My first thought was to use a USB-SDR dongle and a small computer, but I don't find that solution very elegant. Does anyone have an idea of an alternative solution to this?

I'm sorry about the very vague description, but it is more or less what I know right now.

EDIT: Clarification about the project scope.
The goal of this project, is to have multiple receivers in a room (like sports arena) and do triangulation to calculate the relative position of the transmitters.
The reason for using the existing transmitters, is that we don't want to add more hardware/weight to the the devices carrying the transmitters.

Hopes that this clarifies it a bit.

BR Jonas

[kripton2035]

http://j3.rf-explorer.com/

available at seeedstudio for $99 model 433MHz
will cost you more to design your own.

[JJalling]

http://j3.rf-explorer.com/

available at seeedstudio for $99 model 433MHz
will cost you more to design your own.

Hi,

yes, besides the frequency range is too narrow, it could be a solution.

BR Jonas

[BravoV]

TI MSP-SA430 ?




Frequency Ranges:
    300 – 348 MHz
    389 – 464 MHz
    779 – 928 MHz

Quite costly though at $249. 

There was a crazy sales by TI few years ago for this at only $25 with s/h included, and this made quite a riot of buying frenzy -> $25 Spectrum analyzer ...

[kripton2035]

Hi,
yes, besides the frequency range is too narrow, it could be a solution.
BR Jonas

then you can go to the $175 model which has an ISM band.
still cheap compared to any other solution IMHO
https://www.seeedstudio.com/RF-Explorer-ISM-Combo-p-1092.html

[MasterT]

There is product line from SiLabs, Si4432 & Si4463. You may get a module on aliexpress.
Seems main objective is to build  a  radio direction finder. Quite easy for CW and AM, but you didn't tell what kind of modulation, if it's digital may be tricky or not possible in reasonable price range.

[SiliconWizard]

If your project is strictly for indoor positioning, you may also take a look at this technology: https://decawave.com/products/overview