Using the TinySA as a sweep generator (there is a trigger output! read pinned comment below)

Yes, the $70 TinySA can function as a sweep generator. However, it may require a little hardware hacking to get an x-axis sweep voltage.
Purchase at Amazon: a.co/d/e2xUlow
Details on the modification: groups.io/g/tinysa/message/3220
This channel is made possible by the generous support of viewers and patreons. If you'd like access to support the channel and gain access to bonus content, please consider becoming a Patreon here: / bandersentv

[@ErikKaashoek]

With the latest FW there is no need to modify the HW. When you enable CONFIG/MORE/PULSE HIGH you get a small pulse from the high connector at the start of a sweep. Should be enough for a scope to trigger

[@bandersentv]

Thanks. I'll give that a try. Not quite as nice as a sawtooth, but a lot better than what I was doing for sure.

[@PracticallyFixed]

Thanks Erik!

[@mikefinn2101]

Nice bit of information many thanks Love you channel

[@PracticallyFixed]

Thanks for following up on that Bob. Interesting, so that means we can get a X-Y on the scope and we trigger on the X voltage rising I guess. Would need to deduce locations on the frequency sweep as percent of 0-3.3V sweep voltage without marker(s); or, add in a point signal from another generator? Thanks again

[@bandersentv]

trigger or pop it open and add a wire to get at the internal sawtooth sweep voltage. Yes, deduce or mix in a marker

[@rareblues78daddy]

Haven't watched the video yet, and... haven't watched this series of alignment vids. I understand why you do this, though. Some day... you'll be gone, but this will linger on. This knowledge has to be passed on... and you're making sure this knowledge has a place on the interwebs. Thanks, Bob. Hell of a decent dude.
Sucks knowing almost an entire generation of engineering prowess can go in an instant. The one person who knows how to fix it... dies.
Somebody has to know, right?
You're doing the right thing, my man. Thank you.

[@1McMurdoSilver]

Thanks Bob...

Hi!
As you know there is a trigger output on the "high" output of TinySa.
How is this output used in place of the ramp signal?
Hug!

[@bandersentv]

Instead of XY mode, use your scope in normal mode with external trigger. For example with a Tek 465 scope, connect channel #1 to the output of your device. Connect external trigger to tinySA high output

Thank you very much!
I thought it was like this!
I'm going to do some experiments today.
:-)

[@gixerags750]

Great video...new suɓscriber here for sure.
✌️ 🇦🇺

[@rfburns5601]

That was impressive! Woohoo! a new use for my TinySA. Just glad I'm not epileptic, woulda had a full blown gan mal siezure looking at the scope.

[@bandersentv]

Check to see if your tinySA version has CONFIG/MORE/PULSE HIGH in the menu. That will output a sync pulse on the high conector

[@rfburns5601]

@@bandersentv Unfortunately mine does not. Thankfully, I'm not epileptic, so I can put up with the high intensity trace. Looks like you managed to have it triggered pretty well without the sync pulse.

[@bandersentv]

@@rfburns5601 I had my sweep rate set to 1/2 second. Try a faster rate for a less annoying trace.

[@waltschannel7465]

This is a great device! I'm really impressed. Especially for the, $260 or so asking price, and it goes all the way to, what, about 4 GHz?

[@bandersentv]

$260? It's less than $70 and only goes to 960MHz.

[@PracticallyFixed]

There is an "Ultra" version which costs more than Bob's model he is using.

[@waltschannel7465]

@bandersentv yes, totally right. I don't need the higher end unit, but I'm going for the gusto! 😁

[@PracticallyFixed]

@@waltschannel7465 That's the spirit!

[@bandersentv]

@@waltschannel7465 Nice. You'll also get an audio out headphone jack allowing you to listen to what you're picking up.