#553b TinySA Inside the Microwave

Episode 553b
Using a microwave oven as a Faraday cage
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[azavraa]

For a second or two after reading the title, I thought you were going to show us the spectacular output of the microwave from the inside of the oven. Reason kicked in and I’m now enjoying a good laugh at my own expense. Best video of the day.

[getcartercarpark.]

I was about to comment on using the Microwave Oven as a Faraday cage, then you went and did just that. I've used the Microwave Oven so many times like this and it works very well!
Thanks.... The other thing to try is to put the antenna on a short SMA coax and see if you are picking up clocks from the Tiny SA chassis, moving the antenna away from the Tiny SA may just help without too much inconvenience.

[ErikKaashoek]

The spurs you see are harmonics of the 48MHz MCU clock. Best to use 2m coax between antenna and tinySA

[CrisisGuildWOW]

Should have cut the power to the oven just to prove without a doubt that the spurs were not comming from the microwaves electronics. I highly doubt it tho. I will say I've seen some strange stuff comming from the most unlikely sources around the house so you never really know....

[wddsb]

Interesting test. I just tested my TinySA which is an authentic version and purchased in early 2022, and I see no spurs (0 to 350 MHz) when I repeat your test using the Low input port. I suspect improvements in shielding and newer versions of the firmware have addressed the spurs.

[fpaolo]

... well, some time ago I did similar test with my mobilephone. It was a GSM dual band 800-1800. We try to call the MP and ... it was ringing :)!

[joaopaulocoelho]

I am curious to know a little about your history and about your previous work. Did you work as an RF engineer? Perhaps you can make a video, or set of videos, about your past experience in this field.

[andrewiese]

Can you show how to test coils or traps for hf plese

[getcartercarpark.]

Can I please ask what hardware version is your Tiny SA? Mine is Tiny SA v0.3 and when I put the antenna on my Tiny SA and put it in the microwave just as you have done, I see no signals whatsoever, not even a hint and that's with the PRE-SET - LOAD STARTUP options loaded so that it's scanning the full low-frequency range and using the same antenna that is supplied with the Tiny SA attached directly to the Tiny SA. I wish I could post a photo showing this.