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Re: Simple Spectrum Analyser

Posted by rick_m (A) on April 11, 2007 at 07:47:02

In Reply to: Re: Simple Spectrum Analyser posted by PM on April 11, 2007 at 06:03:34:

Below are the ones I use. Each has it's own character so it's hard to say which is simplest. If you are used to "real" spectrum analyzers then Wavetools will be the most familiar, otherwise I'd focus on the other two, probably starting with Spectrogram. It's UI is really weird but the program is fast and stable. VA8 has been revised further since I wrote the descriptions below so I don't know how stable it currently is but it's the way to go for resolution in the frequency domain.

Visual Analyser 8:
An integrated suite from Italy. This is probably the sort of thing that you are thinking of. I usually use the FFT analyzer, but it's got most everything. There is a learning curve as the UI is a bit idiosyncratic, but logical in it's own way once you figure it out. I have experienced memory leakage on some machines so keep an eye on RAM usage when you start and stop it. I just relaunch the program if it bogs down. The only other problem I've had (unless you count my preamp putting out over a kilovolt per it's voltmeter) is with 24 bit A/D support. The author is apparently working on that issue but I don't know if it will get resolved for USB devices. I just downloaded a new update while writing this so perhaps it will magically work. This program has available the longest FFT's of this batch and is my first choice for seeing close in spurs.
Download Site: http://www.sillanumsoft.com/

WaveTools:
By Paul Kellett is an older, but quite usable set of tools for 16/44. I often use the level meter and that's good as the spectrum analyzer works better when the level meter is running!
Download Site: http://www.sonicspot.com/wavetools/wavetools.html

Spectrogram 5:
This is a surprisingly capable FFT analyzer once you figure out how to set it up. It updates very rapidly so you can watch what's happening spectrally in real time. It's also very easy to capture screen shots. I use it frequently.
Download Site: http://www.electronics-lab.com/downloads/pc/003/

That's about the crop, in general they have three things in common:
1. The price.
2. FFT performance suitable for electronic design and validation.
3. Idiosyncratic user interfaces.
I've come to appreciate the performance of these applications and now think of the UI's as charming and unique...

Rick

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