RF Explorer Bundle #1 - Model 6G Combo Handheld RF Spectrum Analyzer Plus Touchstone-Pro Software

We own some very high end Spectrum Analyzers ($75K) - RF engineering is what we do. But this little unit is perfect for the quick view of the surrounding areas. The Touchstone PRO software combined with this little unit is better than some midrange ($5K) analyzers we have leased.This is not a Laboratory grade unit, but basic functionality for < $500 is really good. The scan rate is slow but if your are looking for steady RF output this is not a problem. In 5 minutes you get a clear view of the bands and the activity. If you are looking for pulse 'Intermediate' signals this is not for that purpose. Although if the pulse happens semi-regularly than the long term logging function may catch it... 'may'.Are there many function I could list that this little unit doesn't do, yes, but for the cost this unit performs exceptionally well.

Has a nice dedicated stand alone application that displays levels of all the 2.4 Ghz wi-fi channels at once in real time in a bar chart of signal strength with identified channel numbers. This alone can be very useful for someone needing to analyze all the 2.4 Ghz wi-fi spectrum space in a single live display in real time. It would have been nice to have the 5 Ghz wi-fi spectrum as well since this model covers this frequency range. Perhaps in a firmware update? Unfortunately I found out later that this package purchase did not include the PC program to use with this unit (bummer) and there doesn't seem to be a way to buy it separately. The other features I've not yet explored enough but I've found that the FFT spectrum analyzer display seems to work pretty well. I haven't finished going through it all but the wi-fi analyzer alone could be worth it for some users. It also appears to have good sensitivity overall as well. There are a few different models and package combinations being sold so select carefully.

I've had this a little over 2 weeks now and have used it daily. Mostly just playing with it and see what is going on with Wifi in and around my house, testing what happens when I turn on my microwave, looking at what my SMART meter does, looking at what frequencies my handheld radios are, and seeing what are the strongest FM radio stations.Firstly, I got this quickly, as it was shipped by Amazon. And, I bought this myself. I didn't get this free like many reviewers of other products do.The seller was fine, no problems. And this seller gives the software keys to the Touchstone software. Some sellers don't.There is also another piece of software from RF-Explorer. That software is free, but different. So, if you buy from this seller you will get the Touchstone software and you can also download different software from RF-Explorer. I like the Touchstone software better. The software from RF-Explore seems very dated, but it does have some advantages. It would take too long for me to write about that.For the price this is a great value. And it is quite portable. You won't be carrying around a huge Spectrum Analyzer around like you can carry this.Some of the other portable spectrum analyzers cost over $1,000 and can cost many thousands of dollars. if it didn't include any software it would be worth the cost, but after getting the useful software it is a great value. If you don't need something portable like this, you might be happy with a Software Defined Radio (SDR) also available here on Amazon, but you will need to use that with a computer, but I think maybe these days you can connect those to some phones or tablets. I'm not up to date on that. I think the RF Explorer can be hooked up to an Android device if you have the proper app and OTG cable. I might try that is the app is free or cheap.Some things I don't like are; there is there is a big gap between the 2.7GHz - 4.85GHz. That area is not covered.If you plug in a USB cable it turns on even if the power switch is off.The battery will only charge if a mini-USB cable is plugged in, and the power is switched on. I would not have figured that out if I didn't read the user manual. Luckily it is one of the first things mentioned in the manual. You will need to look at or download the manual from the RF-Explorer website.Another gripe I have is the mini-USB port is on the bottom. This is terrible!!If you want to use it while it is charging, or use it with your computer, you will need to plug the mini-USB cable in to the bottom of it, and it will therefore not stand upright very easy. I have been able to get it to stand upright while plugged in if you put it on the edge of a table, but it will be near falling off the table. Well, I had mine drop twice so far. It fell on thick, padded carpet, so no issues with me dropping it yet.That is about all that I don't like. I have had a couple glitches once in awhile, especially with the Touchstone software. But nothing persistent or serious. I am happy with my purchase, and I am glad I bought it from a seller that gives out the Touchstone software keys.I might buy the RF-Explorer signal generator soon, and I'll probably buy it from the same seller.One suggestion to the seller, Nuts About Nets. They put a sticker on the back with Nuts About nets and their info. But the ink already wore off of their sticker. It is almost a blank sticker now. I would suggest a better printed sticker if you are going to put them on the RF Explorer.

The RF Explorer is an excellent hand-held instrument, and the fact that it is up-gradable is a tremendous advantage. The computer interface works smoothly, and is quickly re-configurable. I am an Electronics Engineer and have taught RF Communications and Digital Data Communications at the University level, and would highly recommend the use of this instrument in a class room environment to give the students an appreciation of what can be done with the RF Explorer

Works as advertised. For the price this is a handy little device! Like anything else, you need to learn how to read the display since it has limited resolution, however the software makes a bid difference there.No Issues with the hardware or the software.Slick little analyzer!

Works as expected. Yes it's not free like some software solutions but in a pinch this works and I don't have to fire up a laptop to see what's around and at what strength. This helps me quickly map things in my head and then can diagnose issues quickly if you know how Wifi Radios work.

Wonderful!!! Sometimes it would glitch up, but I would change the output from the left antenna to the right, and it fixed it. VERY USEFUL TOOL!!!!

Great piece of gear. Works as advertised.