#584c TinySA Defective

Episode 584c
My TinySA has a bad attenuator. Will try to get a replacement. You might want to check yours....
You can download a new FW with an updated selftest that tests all switches and attenuator steps inside the attenuator IC. As doing the test takes considerable time and the selftest is also used during manufacturing I choose not to test all possible combinations of switches. According to the attenuator datasheet the switches are in series so the test should catch a faulty switch or attenuator step.
For running the selftest connect high and low SMA connectors with a good SMA cable and click on CONFIG/SELFTEST.
If selftest 11 fails you have a faulty attenuator. The screen will show which attenuator step failed (Atten: xdB)
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[ErikKaashoek]

A new tinySA will be send once he has confirmed his contact details

[mkov]

Recently a friend said to me, you've spent all of your working life earning a living out of things electrical and now you spend all your time engrossed in all things electrical as a hobby. When is this fascination going to end? I replied, possibly when I die.
Interesting channel, I'm glad I've found it.
73 de Steve

[naseer]

Not adequate QC is a bad thing. However, given that one gets a SA in that price. Its still liveable. It may not be an all good picture. Its upto each individual to decide if things are acceptable or not.

[MLMK]

I received mine a few days ago so thought I would check.

GPS locked signal source set to 50mHz
-32dBm output
TinySA reads -32.1dBm at all attenuator settings.

I'm happy with that. Shame you got a bad one but hopefully Erik will sort it out and maybe add an extra test to the calibration menu? I'm really enjoying your TinySA content and it's the main reason why I decided to buy one.

[jonathancotner]

I'm kind of shocked. I picked mine up on the first video you made about it. I'm not at the point I can test mine. It serves the purpose I purcahsed it for quite nicely, as the internal attenuator isn't necessairialy need. I got mine principally to answer a question I had about noise in my area of Nashville, and in particular, to see if my LED light bulbs produced RF noise, before I went off and purchased an expensive transceiver. Thanks for the videos, and I'm sure that Erik Kasshoek is going to make sure you get a properly working instrument. 73's

[MXYM]

Mine checks out ok. Phew! Please, please continue with the series. The fact that the faluty unit has been restified and that the designer has amended the self-test firmware gives me confidence that the TinySA is a good product. Most complex products have their problems - the mark of a good product is in the support. And the support is good.

[RadioJimProductions]

I also have a pre-order unit and it seems to work fine. Passes self tests, firmware 1.1-9. I did not test EVERY step but the attenuator on the Low input works as expected when checked from 0 to 10 dB in 1 dB increments and 10 to 50 dB in 10dB increments. It tops out at 52 dB. I also own HP 8594E and 3585B gear so I'm not new to this. Erik will make it right for you.

[diabolo]

I have a pre-sale Tinysa unit. I have done the level tests and have no problem, it's okay.

[subramanianr]

Oh my goodness..!!. I am much impressed with your presentations on the nanoVNA and the tiny SA. I am about to order one tiny SA and a second nanoVNA H4 from the R&L electronics. I request that you keep doing the great work. Thanks.

[ErikKaashoek]

You can download a new FW with an updated selftest that tests all switches and attenuator steps inside the attenuator IC. As doing the test takes considerable time and the selftest is also used during manufacturing I choose not to test all possible combinations of switches. According to the attenuator datasheet the switches are in series so the test should catch a faulty switch or attenuator step.
For running the selftest connect high and low SMA connectors with a good SMA cable and click on CONFIG/SELFTEST.
If selftest 11 fails you have a faulty attenuator. The screen will show which attenuator step failed (Atten: xdB)

[richardphillips]

I appreciate your videos on the Tiny Sa. One thing that I feel from watching videos from Erik Kaashoek, is that the manufacturers are working on making this work. I hope to see more videos from you on your projects.

[charlescartwright]

I'm a little disappointed in your response to this problem, as all new products have development issues, especially when done by small organizations. With all you have done for them if they had not responded to you then I think you would have had an issue. Over this period of your review of the tin, I have seen them respond to your comments, I think they appreciate your reviews and use them in their development. I think you jumped the gun, am I mad... no way... Keep them coming and thanks for your time and efforts, I look forward to each of your releases Aloha ke Akua

[weirdglezga]

That’s unfortunate, I’m sure they will sort this
Have u tried the sdrplay spectrum analyser?
Regards
Iain

[PapasDino]

Uh-oh, better check the two I just got from R&L Electronics...they were very good about replacing a NanoVNAH-4 for a local here when the display was totally unresponsive.

[michaelacookePDX]

Any chance you could do a short video on exactly how to do the test? My unit is on the way and I knew I would have a steep learning curve. In other words I have no idea what I'm doing and what to use to introduce the test signal.

[joaopaulocoelho]

it would be nice to see the test procedure and the error displayed.

[fpaolo]

hi, I bought mine from "Zeenko Store" as suggested on tinysa.org. I like to repeat the test, could pls post the test procedure?

[herksen]

Hi IMSAI Guy. Just order the new model: the TinySA Ultra. Has a 4 inch screen, and goes all the way to 6 GIGAhertz.
What is your callsign??. 73 de Robbert / PA3BKL de Robbert