Overview

This is a series of notes and videos on constructing the 1 GHz Modularized Spectrum Analyzer (MSA) project designed by Scotty Sprowls.

under construction

• Spectrum Analyzer Projects Yahoo Group  This is an email list for electronic hobbyists and amateur radio experimenters interested in building Scotty Sprowls' Modularized Spectrum Analyzer.
• Construction of the SLIM MSA  Construction guide for integrating the MSA using Standardized Lab Integration Modules (SLIM).
• Test-As-You-Build  A test procedure for SLIMs as they are built and integrated into the MSA.
• Testing the Integrated MSA  A test procedure for SLIMs after they are built for a person with minimal test equipment.
• Initial Set-Up and Calibration of the MSA  Includes instructions for downloading and installing the software.
• Control and Operation of the MSA  Common to all build levels of the MSA.  A description of software screens, controls, and operation.
• Technical Analysis of the MSA  In-depth circuit analysis.  Very handy for troubleshooting the MSA.

Module Construction Notes

1. 1013.3 MHz Cavity Filter  Using a Celwave Model No. 20-1224A19 900 MHz mobile duplexer.
2. Control Board  Latch section of the control board.
3. Master Clock Oscillator  10 MHz TCXO master oscillator.
4. Logarithmic Detector  AD8306 logarithmic detector and limited IF amplifier circuit.
5. Analog-to-Digital Converter  AD7685 16-bit ADC with a selectable video bandwidth filter input.
6. IF Amplifier  Mini-Circuits ERA-3SM IF amplifier circuit.

Module Construction Videos

1. GBPPR Vision #16: Scotty's Spectrum Analyzer - Part 1
• Tips for constructing a 1013.3 MHz IF cavity filter for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
• Coaxial Cavity Filter for Modularized Spectrum Analyzer  Stock cavity filter design for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
2. GBPPR Vision #17: Scotty's Spectrum Analyzer - Part 2
• Tips for constructing the control board for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
• SLIM Control Board  Stock control board for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
3. GBPPR Vision #18: Scotty's Spectrum Analyzer - Part 3
• Tips for constructing the 10 MHz master clock oscillator for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
• SLIM Master Oscillator  Stock 64 MHz clock oscillator for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
4. GBPPR Vision #19: Scotty's Spectrum Analyzer - Part 4
• Tips for constructing the logarithmic detector for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
• SLIM Logarithmic Detector  Stock logarithmic detector for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
5. GBPPR Vision #20: Scotty's Spectrum Analyzer - Part 5
• Tips for constructing the magnitude analog-to-digital converter for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
• SLIM Analog-to-Digital Converter  Stock ADCs for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
6. GBPPR Vision #22: Scotty's Spectrum Analyzer - Part 6
• Tips for constructing the IF amplifier module for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.
• SLIM IF Amplifier  Stock IF amplifier for the Scotty Spectrum Analyzer project.

Relevant Yahoo Group Emails

1. Cavity Filter - #1
2. Cavity Filter - #2
3. Master Oscillator Stability - #1
4. Master Oscillator Stability - #2
5. Spurs - #1
6. Spurs - #2
7. Spurs - #3
8. Spurs - #4
9. PLL Op-Amp - #1
10. PLL Op-Amp - #2
11. PLL Notes - #1
12. PLL Notes - #2
13. PLL Notes - #3
14. Resolution Filters - #1
15. Resolution Filters - #2
16. Resolution Filters - #3
17. Resolution Filters - #4
18. Resolution Filters - #5
19. Control Board Notes - #1
20. Phase Noise - #1
21. Phase Noise - #2
22. Mixers - #1
23. Extending Frequency Response - #1
24. Extending Frequency Response - #2
25. Extending Frequency Response - #3
26. Extending Frequency Response - #4
27. Mini-Circuits Kit - #1

Notes & Links

1. MSA Spectrum Analyzer Construction Blog  by William Dillon
2. Sam Wetterlin Electronics  Many detailed files on constructing and using the MSA.
3. Rubi's World of Embedded Electronics  Michael Rubitschka's blog on the construction of his MSA.
4. BG6KHC's Website  Very nice design based on a combination of S53MV's and Scotty's spectrum analyzer projects.
5. PA0RWE's Website  Many detailed construction notes on building the MSA.
6. KB9JJA's Building of Scotty's 3 GHz Spectrum Analyser  Collection of construction notes helpful when building the MSA.
7. Optimizing the "SSA" Hybrid Synthesizer  by John Miles, KE5FX
8. Software Control for the Modularized Spectrum Analyzer
9. Design Tools: ADIsimDDS (Direct Digital Synthesis)  The AD9851 has an internal 6x multiplier.