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FM Broadcast Analyzer

Z

ZebraRadio

For the LPFM station, I've been thinking about getting a field analyzer to measure and check the tolerances of my signal. I can't afford a Potomac FIM-71 even refurbished. But another broadcaster turned me on to an analyzer that is designed specifically for FM broadcast use. It is the Pira P275 FM Broadcast Analyzer. The unit provides complete modulation and basic AF spectrum measurements in the FM band. The price is about 500.00. What are other LPFM station managers using?

 
You probably could get just about the same information from a much less expensive SDR. Don't know how tariffs will effect prices since most of these units come from China.
 
Searching on AliExpress, the Malahit DSP2 SDR (Software Defined Radio / Spectrum Analyzer) seems like an awesome unit (I want) and costs around $350+ (I've seen them for over $500 on Ebay).

Or, just a little bit cheaper is the Model SDR 101, goes for under $100 and both seem useful and maybe a step up from the TEF6686, which I use & enjoy.

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KyleSmith1988 said:
Searching on AliExpress, the Malahit DSP2 SDR (Software Defined Radio / Spectrum Analyzer) seems like an awesome unit (I want) and costs around $350+ (I've seen them for over $500 on Ebay).

Or, just a little bit cheaper is the Model SDR 101, goes for under $100 and both seem useful and maybe a step up from the TEF6686, which I use & enjoy.

Pix attacted
Click to expand...
Thanks, KyleSmith. I'll check these out.
 
What's your LPFM transmitter? It may have accurate modulation level meter and everything else can be viewed using cheap SDR with software that demodulates FM composite. I use SDRPlay but there may be better options. There is no need to buy old boat anchor gear like the Potomac unless you need accurate field strength measurements for antenna proof. Even for that you can get away with an SDR as long as you can verify SDRs signal meter calibration and linearity.
 
Anton P said:
What's your LPFM transmitter? It may have accurate modulation level meter and everything else can be viewed using cheap SDR with software that demodulates FM composite. I use SDRPlay but there may be better options. There is no need to buy old boat anchor gear like the Potomac unless you need accurate field strength measurements for antenna proof. Even for that you can get away with an SDR as long as you can verify SDRs signal meter calibration and linearity.
Click to expand...
Boat anchor?! A Potomac? Some would consider that blasphemy. But in reality, an RTL-SDR with a laptop and proper software should be more than adequate for getting the kind of data needed to check on the health of one's signal, I would think. I have a BW V3 TX.
 
There's a plugin written by Leif Claesson called 'MPXtool' that can check deviation and pilot and RDS levels when used with an off-the-shelf SDR. I've had it working with an RTL-SDR dongle and SDR # software. Unfortunately, it's no longer downloadable from Leif's web-site but if you hunt around you may find a copy.
 


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