RigExpert IT-24 User manual
IT-24 RigExpert®
User’s manual
2.4 GHz ISM Band
Universal Tester
Table of contents
1. Description
2. Specifications
3. Using the tester
3.1. Before you start
3.2. Turning the tester on and off
3.3. Main Menu
3.4. Settings menu
4. Measurement modes
4.1. Return loss and SWR
4.1.1. Single-point measurement
4.1.2. SWR graph
4.1.3. Tester calibration
4.2. Transmitter power measurement
4.3. Spectrum analyzer
4.3.1. Peak and average levels
4.3.2. Density graph
4.3.3. Waterfall
5. Computer connection
5.1. Screen shots
5.2. Firmware updates
6. Examples of use
6.1. SWR measurement of antennas
6.2. Testing RF cables
6.3. Transmitter power measurement
6.4. Spectrum analyzer examples
6.4.1. The Wi-Fi protocol
6.4.2. The WiMAX protocol
6.4.3. The Bluetooth protocol
6.4.4. Proprietary data transfer protocols
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User’s manual
RigExpert IT-24 is a universal, ultra-portable
device for testing, checking, tuning or
repairing antennas and antenna feedlines of
the 2.4 GHz ISM band (operating frequencies
are 2.3 … 2.6 GHz).
The following tasks are easily accomplished
by using the IT-24:
• Quick tests of antennas and RF cables
• Output power measurement of wireless
access points and other transmitters
• RF environment monitoring (in the
spectrum analyzer mode)
IT-24 may be used by:
• Telecommunication providers to check
their own wireless data transfer networks
• Service companies to test the equipment
• Antenna and transmitter/receiver
manufacturers
Technologies:
• Wi-Fi
• WiMAX
• ZigBee
• Proprietary data transfer protocols
1. SMA connector
2. RP-SMA connector
3. Liquid crystal display
4. Keypad
5. Power on/off button
6. USB connector
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1. Description
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RigExpert IT-24
Single-point return loss and SWR (standing
wave ratio) measurement:
• Frequency range: 2.3 … 2.6 GHz
• Frequency resolution: 1 MHz
• Return loss measurement range: >2 dB
• SWR measurement range: 1 … 10
• Output power in this mode: about +5 dBm
• Measurement error limits are displayed by
the shaded area on the chart. These limits
are valid for the 2.4…2.5 GHz range.
SWR graph:
• 4 frequency sub-bands: 2.3…2.4 GHz,
2.4…2.5 GHz, 2.5…2.6 GHz, 2.3…2.6 GHz
• SWR display range: 1 … 5
Transmitter power measurement:
• Frequency range: 2.3 … 2.6 GHz
• Power limits: -20 … +25 dBm (0.01 …
300 mW)
• Input SWR of the power meter: less
than 1.5
• Measurement error: better than ±2 dBm
Spectrum analyzer:
• Display modes: peak and average levels,
density graph, waterfall
• Frequency range: 2.3 … 2.6 GHz
• Bandwidth of sub-bands: 100 MHz
(5 overlapping sub-bands), 20 MHz (30
overlapping sub-bands), 10 MHz (60
overlapping sub-bands)
• Input signal levels: about -100 … -20 dBm
• Signal level marks: 10 dB/div
• Receive preamplifier: -10 dB, 0 dB, +6 dB
Size: 17•8•3 cm
Operating temperature: 0…40 °C
Weight including batteries: 350 g.
RF connectors:
• RP-SMA for SWR and spectrum
modes
• SMA for power measurement
Interface:
• Color TFT display, 320•240 pixels
• Water-proof keypad, 9 keys
• Multi-language menus and help
screens
• Computer connection via USB port
Power:
• 4 pieces of AAA rechargeable or
alkaline batteries (the charger is not
included with the tester; batteries
are not charged inside the tester)
• From a computer USB socket
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2. Specifications
User’s manual
3.1. Before you start
Open the cover on the bottom panel of the tester. Install four fully charged 1.2V Ni-MH
(or four 1.5V alkaline) batteries, watching the polarity.
Do not:
– mix new and old batteries;
– use batteries of different types at the same time;
– overheat or disassemble batteries;
– short-circuit batteries;
– try to re-charge alkaline batteries.
To charge Ni-MH batteries, use charging adapters recommended for this type of
batteries.
Any leaks of electrolyte from the batteries may seriously damage the tester.
Remove batteries if the analyzer is not being used for a long time. Store batteries in a
dry cool place.
3.2. Turning the tester on and off
To turn the tester on or off, use the power button , located at the bottom left corner
of the keypad. When this button is pressed, firmware version number as well as battery
voltage are displayed on the LCD.
The on-screen menu system of the RigExpert IT-24 provides a simple but effective way
to control the entire device.
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3. Using the tester
RigExpert IT-24
3.3. Main Menu
Once the tester is turned on, the Main
menu appears on the LCD:
The Main menu contains a brief list of available commands. By using (up) and
(down) keys, menu items are selected. The (OK) key will then run a previously
chosen measurement mode. Just press (cancel) to return back to the main menu.
There is a power indicator in the top-right corner of the Main menu screen:
• The battery indicator shows battery discharge level. When the battery voltage is too
low, this indicator starts flashing;
• The USB icon is displayed when the analyzer is plugged to a personal computer or to
a DC adapter with USB socket.
The help system (a list of keys and their
functions) is built into the tester: there is
a “Help” item in the menu in each mode.
Here is an example of the help screen for
the main menu:
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User’s manual
3.4. Settings menu
The Settings menu (press the button in the main menu) is used to change the
setting of the tester, such as interface language, keypress sounds, colors, backlight,
splash screens and battery type. In addition, you may reset the tester to factory
settings.
There is a test mode to quickly check several operating functions of the tester. An SMA
to RP-SMA cable should be connected between the RF connector of the tester to run
the test mode. The following parameters are displayed: output power (with and without
the built-in attenuator); SWR at the input of the power meter. Normal values are marked
with green, while the red color indicates a problem.
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RigExpert IT-24
4.1. Return loss and SWR
4.1.1. Single-point measurement
In this mode, antenna or any other load is connected to the RP-SMA socket. Once this
mode is used for the first time, a simple calibration is required.
The following screen shot illustrates the return loss and SWR measurement mode:
The (left) and (right) keys change the operating frequency. To hold the
measurement, press the (ОК) key: you will then see the “H” pictogram in the top
right corner of the screen. Pressing the (menu) key will display a help screen for
this measurement mode.
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4. Measurement
modes
User’s manual
4.1.2. SWR graph
In this mode, antenna is also connected to the RP-SMA socket.
One of four frequency sub-bands may be chosen by pressing (left) or
(right) keys: watch the filled bar and the numbers at the bottom of the screen.
The OK) button will hold the measurement, displaying the “H” pictogram in the
top right corner of the screen. Pressing the (menu) button will display a help
screen.
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RigExpert IT-24
4.1.3. Tester calibration
To ensure the SWR measurements are accurate, it is necessary to calibrate the tester.
Following the instructions on the screen, just disconnect your antenna from the RP-
SMA connector; the calibration will then be done automatically.
In general, it is sufficient to perform calibration only once, after the tester is turned
on for the first time. However, it is recommended to re-calibrate the device if ambient
conditions, such as temperature, are significantly changed.
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Table of contents
