Cheap RF Bridge testing with Siglent SSA 3021X

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In this video we take a look at a cheap RF-Bridge, something called a Reflection Bridge or a Directional Coupler. We tested it with a Siglent SSA 3021X Spectrum Analyzer. While I liked playing with the RF Bridge I can't recommend it for any serious work but it might be fun for a hobbyist to tinker with.
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Links to products in the video:
RF-Bridge: amz.run/4q95
Siglent SSA-3021X: amz.run/4q94
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Опубликовано:

11 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 48

@HamRadioDX 3 года назад

Great job Ape, I have some directional couplers I've picked up from eBay to measure my higher frequency antennas return loss. I have seen this, but never tested it. Great job.

@TheSmokinApe 3 года назад

Thanks Hayden, appreciate the support 👍

@anticapitalize Год назад

You don't have to press and hold the button for Cal Open Load. You press it once and release it, then connect the DUT. The on screen instructions are just a poor translation for that. Also, reversing the DUT and load ports will invert your results for certain antennas like that since your middle pin and outer shield are essentially reversed. Just fix the error.

@AD6DMDennis 3 года назад

This video makes me want an Siglent SSA 3021X Spectrum Analyzer, but I ain't got no room!!

@TheSmokinApe 3 года назад

It’s life changing.

@TheNoCodeTech 3 года назад

Had me one of those sitting in my Zamazon cart for a while. Thanks for the review.

@TheSmokinApe 3 года назад

Thanks for checking it out No Code 👍

@Longhornamus 3 года назад

Nice video Ape. Thanks!

@TheSmokinApe 3 года назад

Thanks for checking it out Keith 👍

@DonDegidio 3 года назад

Hi Ape, Nice demo of an RF bridge. I have the same RF bridge and it looks identical. Thanks for info about swapping REF and DUT. When I get my spectrum analyzer, may try jumpering the SMD resisitors and make a test. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

@TheSmokinApe 3 года назад

Thanks for checking it out Don, please let me know how it works out for you 👍

@tommyh4049 7 месяцев назад

IMSAI guy fixed the solder issue and it appears to do a decent job when you fix layoit mistakes on the board

@TheSmokinApe 7 месяцев назад

I think I may have saw that one, I suppose I need to revisit 👍

@notsrynot 3 месяца назад

You have any video on the Siglent 3021X? I just really like you tutorials and I just picked up a 3021X Plus and was hoping you did lol. Cheers, ❤

@TheSmokinApe 3 месяца назад

I've used it in a few video tests but never a full review. I can see what I can do 👍

@notsrynot 3 месяца назад

@@TheSmokinApe If you do and you have the Digi mod upgrade. It would be amazing to see someone do a basic test with DMR or P25. If you need any gear to help pull any of those modulation types off I can spare some old equipment from my shop that we can't use or sell anymore. Not sure how to share my contact info on here but if your interested let me know.

@OctavMandru 9 месяцев назад

A bit late, but you have to bridge those resistors. Otherwise you compare the 50ohm of the ref to the 100ohm of these series resitors, therefore flawing your test by a factor of 2

@TheSmokinApe 9 месяцев назад

Yeah, I later saw the board needed to be modded. Thanks for the info 👍

@joekirklin Год назад

Hey Ape... Nice video. I pulled the trigger on this same analyzer (with TG) tonight. Did you license the SA for VSWR measurement, or can it do that out of the box without buying a license and the Siglent bridge?

@TheSmokinApe Год назад

Mine came with a demo 40 hour license for vswr, I’ve thought about adding it but it’s $$$

@MegaCadr 3 года назад

Despite having that url on the board, looks to be a knockoff. The last I looked, he had a pretty angry note on his site about that.

@TheSmokinApe 3 года назад

I’m sure it’s a fake

@josempantaleon 3 года назад

Nice demo Ape, keep up the great work/content 73

@TheSmokinApe 3 года назад

Thanks man, I appreciate the support 👍

@williammaloy7179 3 года назад

I sort of felt left behind on this one I was left with so many questions like; Why would someone want this. Does it allow you to do tests that are not normally done with a spectrum analyzer or VNA? You made a statement regarding SWR vs VSWR, what is the difference? Love your stuff in general also am a fan of Coffee and Ham radio. This one would have really benefited from more detail. You were in no danger of running long. 73

@TheSmokinApe 3 года назад

Thanks for the feedback William. Maybe it was that I was so underwhelmed with the product, not sure. Anyway, a good RF Bridge can be used to test filters and measure antenna performance. My SA has software to measure reflection loss similar to a VNA but it doesn't have the bridge hardware to do so, they sell one but its a few hundred dollars. I picked this cheapo up and hoped it would work out for me, it sort of did in the end but I'd rather stick with the NanoVNA. VSWR is Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (that's the correct way to say it) us hams have adopted the shorter "SWR".

@williammaloy7179 3 года назад

@@TheSmokinApe Thanks 73

@KD0CAC 2 года назад

How about completing the test , you spent more time with spec. analyzer ? Do some testing on either extreme of the claimed range , some more range . Testing a hand-held antenna = dummy load , is questionable to say the least .