Reply To: Spectrum Analyser setting the reference level

#1179
Steve Andrew
Participant

    Hi Mike

    A bit of a mistake on my part I’m afraid. The -80dBm starting point was suggested because a great number of users use the local FM band as a test, and write in saying they can see nothing, but SDRuno shows signals. Setting -80dBm as a starting point ensures adequate sensitivity. Pages 3-5 of the manual covers this, along with some screen grabs showing the affect of reference level on the noise floor.

    Of course, your situation is the opposite and is something I should have covered in the manual.The general rule is that the highest signal displayed is 10-20dBm below the reference level. If the signal is higher than the reference level then the displayed signal will start to show signs of overload.

    The attached show the affect of the reference level setting of a high level signal. I set my signal level at -10dBm. Trace colour and reference levels settings used were:

    White 20dBm
    Yellow 10dBm
    Cyan 0dBm
    Green -10dBm
    Magenta -20dBm

    You can see at ref level 0dBm there is already some evidence of overload. -10dBm reference level is worse, and -20dBm shows spurious signals being generated. The degree of overload and the level at which it starts will vary with different radio types and the frequency being used.

    Using the 2048 IF, there is around 70dBm of dynamic range available. If changing the reference level plus or minus 10dBm shows no difference in S/N ratio and the reported level does not change, then your reference level setting should be correct.

    I can only suggest you have a play. Experience will soon tell you when your reference level setting is too high or too low for the signal.

    The ADC overload is not working. I’m currently looking into that.

    I hope the above makes sense, if you need any further info, let me know.

    All the best

    Steve