VMA Simple Spectrum Analyser for Siglent SSA3021X

[Bicurico]

Hi,

I am starting a whole new thread to not clutter the existing SSA3021X thread, which discusses the device itself.

In this thread I want to show and discuss a new version of my "VMA Simple Spectrum Analyser" software, which I developed for the ADF4350, ADF4351 and MAX2870 (possibly other synthesizers, too). This software is discussed in this forum here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/presenting-my-new-software-for-the-sma-spectrum-analyzer-138mhz-4-4ghz/

My goal is to create a similar version of this software, based on the Siglent SSA3000X series. This has been made possible with the latest P08.02 firmware, which allows SCPI commands over a simple telnet connection.

The software will be closed source and will require an activation license. I will follow the same procedure as with the existing software: activation keys are free, but time limited. A small donation fee will give access to a premanent activation code. I don't want to make any profit out of this, but it does help paying for the hardware. Also, it is very rewarding when people do a small donation as a recognition for the work done. I hope you guy's understand this and if not: hey, Siglent provides a great SCPI user manual - please program a software yourself!

Having said this, I uploaded a first test/demo release. It has bugs, TCP communication is not as I want it and it offers little to no functionality. But it is a nice demo of what can be expected.

I don't intent to do a remote control software! All I want to receive from the SSA3000X is the sweep data and to be able to set parameters like start/stop frequency, attenuation and RBW/VBW. My software will then handle all the data processing according to my ideas.

The feature list to be expected, for those who are not familiar with the existing software:

- Free selectable span range
- Two markers
- 8 user defined predefined spectrum settings
- Automatic amplitude adjustment
- Min/Max/Avg live spectrum traces
- Line/Shaded spectrum rendering
- Waterfall display
- Save/Load spectrum mask
- Record/Play spectrum
- GPS and time stamp for on the road measurements
- Frequency logger from live or recorded spectrum at desired freqeuncy
- Trigger function with user defined mask and automatic alarm e-mail message
- Google Maps rendering of logger files
- Signal source
- Sweep generator
- Power meter
- Special measurements
  - Marker 1&2 bandwidth
  - Marker 1&2 power difference
  - Bandwidth Measurement
  - Channel Power Measurement
  - Transponder Frequency Measurement
  - Math functions applied on traces
  - SWR Measurement
  - Satellite Identification through transponder pattern recognition

I am not sure if GPS is a reasonable function to add, though, as you need 220V do power the SSA3000X.

Attached is a new version, which perhaps fixes a problem some might experience with the version I uploaded yesterday.

More information can be obtained at my blog: http://vma-satellite.blogspot.pt/

There is also the user guide for the software, which might explain some of the functionality. Above all, my interest is to have a platform, where I can develop and try new kinds of measurements.

Regards,
Vitor

[Bicurico]

RF-LOOP:

This software btw do not work at all with my SSA3kX. After start, only right thing is that SSA goes to remote state. After then all values looks like random lottery, but also some times some value may be right. Never any trace, what ever I try. And I do not have time for start document errors or any things with it.  Also every time I try close this software my SSA freeze and only what can do is shut off.

Here is one screen shot. Every single value is wrong. No trace at all. If end - SSA  freeze and only what work is breaking power.

Please try this new version.

Also, please apologize, but the software is really beta and I am still trying out how to best remote control the SSA3000X. This needs to be handled completely different than for the ADF&MAX devices.

Regards,
Vitor

[bozidarms]

Hi Vitor,

have you think about harmonic distortion measurement -
that will be nice to have function

Regards,
Bozidar

[rf-loop]

Please try this new version.

Also, please apologize, but the software is really beta and I am still trying out how to best remote control the SSA3000X. This needs to be handled completely different than for the ADF&MAX devices.

Regards,
Vitor

Yes, I understand well that this is just starting pre beta.
This new version stop with ERR msg but if still continue, now example attenuator setting works much better but no trace and RBW and frequencies show some strange values.
Example start and stop freq 0  but then RBW is same as my settings in SA for stop freq 900MHz   but then VBW show right value. 
But, setting attenuator level looks like working better and when I quit this software it do not anymore freeze SSA.

Do not hurru and take stress. Quality is more important than speed.

It is nice to see here is this kind of project now possible after FW 1.2.8.2





-------------------------------- Err msg
See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.IndexOutOfRangeException: Index was outside the bounds of the array.
   at VMA_Spectrum_Analyser_for_SSA3021X.Form1.spectrum()
   at VMA_Spectrum_Analyser_for_SSA3021X.Form1.Timer1_Tick(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.OnTick(EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.TimerNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)


************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
    Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 4.6.1087.0 built by: NETFXREL4STAGE
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v4.0.30319/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
VMA Spectrum Analyser for SSA3021X
    Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
.........etc...

I will PM you some extra detail (not public info)

[Chig]

- GPS and time stamp for on the road measurements
- Google Maps rendering of logger files

I am not sure if GPS is a reasonable function to add, though, as you need 220V do power the SSA3000X.

I haven't got a SSA3000 yet, but waiting for them to come in stock... however the GPS/location based information would be very useful for me on the road. I often run from a portable power source in very remote locations (thousands of kilometres from the nearest city), so that sort of info is always useful.

[Bicurico]

http://vma-satellite.blogspot.pt/2017/03/siglent-ssa3021x-vma-simple-spectrum.html

[Bicurico]

Hi,

Here is an update:

http://vma-satellite.blogspot.pt/2017/03/siglent-ssa3021x-vma-simple-spectrum_9.html

Regards,
Vitor

PS: I wonder if/how it is possible to insert a Youtube video?

[technogeeky]

Hi,

Here is an update:

http://vma-satellite.blogspot.pt/2017/03/siglent-ssa3021x-vma-simple-spectrum_9.html

Regards,
Vitor

PS: I wonder if/how it is possible to insert a Youtube video?

Vitor:

Simply insert the link as a URL, and iff it's a link to a Youtube video, it will show up. It's a hidden feature.

[Bicurico]

Testing:



Cool! It works... The preview didn't show it, which is why I thought this couldn't be that simple.

Thanks technogeeky!

Cheers,
Vitor

[bozidarms]

Hi Vitor,
really cool stuff - it gets better and better 
Regards,
Bozidar

[Dubbie]

This is cool! I think I need to get a copy and have a play.

[Bicurico]

Hi,

I just uploaded a first release onto my blog: http://vma-satellite.blogspot.pt/2017/03/vma-simple-spectrum-analyser-for.html

This version requires a (free) activation code and features:

- different visualization modes (LIVE, MIN, MAX, AVG traces; "Fade" mode, 3D spectogram)
- transponder recognition
- satellite recognition by transponder pattern matching
- record & playback of spectrum
- bandwidth measurement (-3dB, -6dB and -60db)
- MIN, MAX, AVG db values
- two marker with indication of delta frequency and delta db
- 9 configurable frequency presets

Some functions already have buttons, but are not implemented, yet.

TODO:

- Trigger function
- MATH trace
- SWR measurement
- Overlay trace
- GPS functionality
- export trace to CSV
- print screen
- save screen to BMP, JPG, PNG
- ...

The software *should* work fine without any installation: just unpack and start executable. You need to enter the IP of your Siglent SSA3000X.
The SSA3000X needs to be running on the latest FW 8.2. Older FW releases do not support SCPI over Telnet.
I am not sure if the software runs on hacked devices without serial number (please test).

Regards,
Vitor

[Pinkus]

Caution: just tried to download and my Kaspersky virus program jumped in "The object is infected by HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic"

[Bicurico]

That must be a false alarm. Naturally my program uses TCP/IP to communicate with the SSA3021X. I am not at home right now, but when I am back I will submit the file for online scanning.

This sucks...

Regards,
Vitor

[Bicurico]

Hello again.

I am back home and naturally upset about this.

The executable has this CRC: DCA3F6B3

I submitted the file to https://www.virustotal.com and received the following result:

7 hits claiming a malicous content, 52 engines saying the file is clean.

Interestingly, the file was complied by myself TODAY - 2017-03-12, but 3 warnings are from a date PRIOR to this.

Here is the complete result:

Antivirus               Result                        Updated
Invincea               trojan.win32.dacic.a!rfn         20170203
AegisLab               Troj.ATRAPS.Gen.lN3i            20170312
CrowdStrike Falcon (ML)      malicious_confidence_79% (W)      20170130
Endgame                  malicious (moderate confidence)      20170222
Kaspersky               HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic         20170312
ZoneAlarm by Check Point   HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic         20170312
Qihoo-360               HEUR/QVM03.0.0000.Malware.Gen      20170312
ALYac                                             20170311
AVG                                                20170312
AVware                                             20170312
Ad-Aware                                          20170312
AhnLab-V3                                          20170312
Alibaba                                             20170228
Antiy-AVL                                          20170312
Arcabit                                             20170312
Avast                                             20170312
Avira (no cloud)                                    20170312
Baidu                                             20170311
BitDefender                                          20170312
Bkav                                             20170311
CAT-QuickHeal                                       20170311
CMC                                                20170312
ClamAV                                             20170312
Comodo                                             20170312
Cyren                                             20170312
DrWeb                                             20170312
ESET-NOD32                                          20170312
Emsisoft                                          20170312
F-Prot                                             20170312
F-Secure                                          20170312
Fortinet                                          20170311
GData                                             20170312
Ikarus                                             20170312
Jiangmin                                          20170312
K7AntiVirus                                          20170312
K7GW                                             20170311
Kingsoft                                          20170312
Malwarebytes                                       20170312
McAfee                                             20170312
McAfee-GW-Edition                                    20170312
eScan                                             20170312
Microsoft                                          20170312
NANO-Antivirus                                       20170312
Palo Alto Networks             (Known Signatures)            20170312
Panda                                             20170312
Rising                                             20170312
SUPERAntiSpyware                                    20170312
Sophos                                             20170312
Symantec                                          20170311
Tencent                                             20170312
TheHacker                                          20170311
TrendMicro                                          20170312
Trustlook                                          20170312
VBA32                                             20170310
VIPRE                                             20170312
ViRobot                                             20170312
Webroot                                             20170312
WhiteArmor                                          20170303
Yandex                                             20170311
Zillya                                             20170310
Zoner                                             20170312
nProtect                                          20170312


The problem is that this "anti-virus" tools work with signatures - and if you are unlucky to get the same signature as some malicious code, you get the false warnings.

Another issue is of course the fact that my software uses TCP/IP to communicate over the network with the Siglent SSA3000X. Some antivirus engines consider *any* network activity suspicious...

Also, I notified Kaspersky for the false scan result and received their confirmation e-mail:

Thank you for contacting Kaspersky Lab

The files have been scanned in automatic mode.

Malicious code has been detected in the following files:
VMA Spectrum Analyser for SSA3000X.exe - HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic

We will thoroughly analyze the files you sent. If the result of the analysis is different from this automatic scan result, you will be notified via email.
   
This is an automatically generated message. Please do not reply to it.

Anti-Virus Lab, Kaspersky Lab HQ

"39A/3 Leningradskoe Shosse, Moscow, 125212, Russia
Tel./Fax: + 7 (495) 797 8700
http://www.kaspersky.com http://www.viruslist.com"

As soon as I get their result, I will post it here.

Please be aware that I am constantly working on this project and producing new executables, which will have a different CRC and signature: exect some antivirus engines to stop complaining, while others will start complaining.

At the end of the day: the risk is yours.

Regards,
Vitor

[Bicurico]

I got so pissed at this, I compiled a new executable with the only difference being I added one line in the Change Log: "2017-03-12: Added this line to check Kaspersky false detection".

Guess what, Kaspersky now says the file is clean.

Attached is the picture showing Kaspersky's result and the new executable I submitted (now with CRC32 F96E33FC).

So much about false positives.

Regards,
Vitor

[SeanB]

Real world SHA1 hash collisions here. not uncommon in antivirus systems, kind of like using a rear view mirror to drive, and hoping you see the curve before you drive of the road and off a cliff.

[Bicurico]

Hi,

Got the reply from Kaspersky:

Hello,

Sorry, it was a false detection. It will be fixed.
Thank you for your help.

Best Regards, NewVirus

39A/3 Leningradskoe Shosse, Moscow, 125212, Russia  Tel./Fax: + 7 (495) 797 8700  http://www.kaspersky.com http://www.viruslist.com

At least they are quick. 

Regards,
Vitor

[Bicurico]

New version online - http://vma-satellite.blogspot.pt/2017/03/vma-simple-spectrum-analyser-for.html

Changelog:

2017-03-13: Added trigger mask and e-mail notification
2017-03-12: Added this line to check Kaspersky false detection
2017-03-11: First release

Regards,
Vitor

[Bicurico]

Hi,

Here is an update on my software:

Today I finished implementation of the MATH trace function. This allows doing math operation on LIVE, MIN, MAX, AVG or MEM traces: +, -, *, /, add/subtract a static dB value or do SWR measurement.

What is the MEM trace? This allows to store any of the LIVE, MIN, MAX, AVG or MATH traces into a "MEM trace" - it will be rendered a static trace and can be used for the MATH operations.

The first attached picture shows the MEM trace in orange, which captured the signal from the tracking generator (can be turned ON/OFF).
The green LIVE trace is practically invisible as it matches the MEM trace and the gray MATH trace shows MEM - LIVE. This results in a pretty flat trace at 0dBm.

The second attached picture shows the signal with DUT (in this case an LTE filter). The gray MATH trace, which shows MEM - LIVE, allows direct read out of the attenuation of the DUT over the whole selected frequency range. I can see for instance, that the insertion loss of the LTE filter is -4dB and at aprox. 800MHz onwards, the filter will attenuate -35dB.

All this can of course be recorded for documentation or later playback. The EXPORT button will (once I do the respective code) allow for CSV export. This can be used to further manipulate the trace on Excel.

As mentioned, I implemented the SWR measurement, too. It is implemented as a MATH function. I will not post any picture, as I have still to get an SWR bridge... So I cannot show anything meaningful right now.

The new version will be available for download during this weekend.

Again: you can request free activation codes. They will simply be time limited, that's all. If they expire, just request a new one.

TODO:

- GPS functionality (including draw frequency log on Google Maps)
- Overlay Trace
- Print screen
- Save & Export to CSV of any trace

Regards,
Vitor

[Bicurico]

Hi,

I just uploaded the latest release to my blog.

I am happy to announce that all functionality of the original "VMA Simple Spectrum Analyser" (for ADF4350, ADF4351 and MAX2780 devices) has been implemented in this version for the Siglent SSA3000X.

This version is much better of course, thanks to the high resolution and fast sweep speed, as well as, due to me having programmed everything from scratch, avoiding some code design mistakes I did on the original software.

Also, I would like to point out that you can now carry out measurments on the road with GPS position being stored with the recorded spectrum. This allows to render individual frequency logs on Google Maps.

What's left to do is some finishing and bug fixing.

I certainly enjoy using the Siglent SSA3000X through my software, as the GUI is much more responsive and easier to use. Example: you see a signal which you want to zoom into. Easy! Just click left and right of it, setting marker 1 and 2 and then click on Zoom to Marker. If you are using a tablet PC, you can use your fingers to do that.

Regards,
Vitor

Regards,
Vitor

[Chig]

Fantastic work, i can't wait to use it - my scope should arrive within the next week, and this software will certainly help me with both my hobbies and work (mostly the GPS stuff for work).

[Bicurico]

Hello,

I just uploaded a new version to my blog (http://vma-satellite.blogspot.pt/).

Code: [Select]

Change Log:

2017-03-26: Implemented improved 3D rendering with line/shade modes
            Bug fix - corrected decimal symbol dependency
2017-03-19: Implemented GPS functionality
            Implemented PRINT FORM, SAVE PICTURE and OVERLAY
            Several bug fixes, including spectrum recording and playback
2017-03-18: Implemented MEM and MATH trace, including SWR measurement
2017-03-13: Added trigger mask and e-mail notification
2017-03-12: Added this line to check Kaspersky false detection
2017-03-11: First release
This blog entry shows a few visualization modes, which might interest you: http://vma-satellite.blogspot.pt/2017/03/vma-simple-spectrum-analyser-for_26.html

Regards,
Vitor

[Bicurico]

Hello,

Since yesterday I suddenly received an increased amount of activation code requests for this software, which is great.

However, I would like to ask the following:

1) There is a bug I am aware of, but which I did not have time to fix, yet. When you generate the system code, it will automatically be put into the clipboard. Just do CTRL-V on the e-mail to me. Do NOT copy the system code that is shown in my software, as the displayed system code is wrong and differs from the one put into the clipboard. I will fix that as soon as possible.

2) My software seems to only work with Windows 10. Why? I am not even sure, but right now all my PC's are running Windows 10, so it is hard for me to test why it doesn't work in previous Windows versions. Windows 8 was not tested, but Windows XP and Windows 7 will not work. The software will start, but give a slow response on commands and the graphics area will remain black. Upon termination of the software, the SSA will freeze/hang and needs to be rebooted. With Windows 10 it works fine and doesn't hang the SSA.

3) Activation codes are free, but expire after max. 3 months. New codes can be requested.

4) Please send requests to my e-mail. My e-mail is left on purpose on the manual of the SMA version of my software. I wanted to force people to read the manual first. The same goes for how to get a permanent activation code. You will see the instructions only after requesting a temporary activation code. This is to make sure you test the software before even considering a donation. My e-mail is vma at norcam dot pt.

5) Right now I am in a busy period, so I won't have much time to fix the known bugs, especially the one for the system code. I will do it when possible.

Cheers,
Vitor

[Bicurico]

Update:

It seems my software DOES work with Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1!

BUT: you need to install Microsoft .NET 4.5 Framework. Without it, the software starts with an error message complaining about an illegal conversion to Double. If you continue, the software starts but the graphics area remains black.

Install the .NET 4.5 Framework and the software should run correctly afterwards!

Please try it and feel free to request activation codes. But make sure to mention if you need a code for the SMA or the SSA3021X version!

My e-mail is vma at norcam dot com.

Regards,
Vitor