TinySA Ultra 2.0 by InLab lets a single operator see what is transmitting around them. It detects RF-emitting systems, including UAVs, and presents their transmissions as a conventional spectrum plot and a time-frequency waterfall. As a result, changes in the electromagnetic environment are visible as they happen.
The InLab configuration adds military-oriented firmware, an external amplifier, and visual and audible alerts, so the operator is warned without having to watch the screen continuously.
The analyser covers 100 kHz to 6 GHz. That span covers the bands used by UAV communications, Wi-Fi, cellular networks (GSM, GPRS, CDMA, DCS, LTE), and satellite navigation systems, including GPS and GLONASS. Actual coverage and sensitivity depend on the antenna in use.
The system is supplied with a wideband directional log-periodic antenna covering 800 MHz to 6 GHz, giving a detection range of at least 5 km under line-of-sight conditions across a sector of roughly 60°.
At a glance
- Spectrum analyser frequency range: 100 kHz–6 GHz
- Supplied antenna frequency range: 800 MHz–6 GHz
- Detection range: At least 5 km
- Antenna coverage sector: Approximately 60°
- Signal display: Spectrum plot and time-frequency waterfall
- Alerts: Visual indicator and adjustable audible alert
- Operating temperature: −25 °C to +50 °C
Key Capabilities
- Passive detection of RF signals associated with UAV and other radio-system activity across 100 kHz to 6 GHz
- Directional monitoring of a chosen sector using the supplied log-periodic antenna
- Spectrum plot and time-frequency waterfall for real-time assessment of signal activity
- Visual and audible alerts, with adjustable volume
- Extended operation from an external power bank
Operational Roles
- Detection of RF activity associated with UAV operations
- Monitoring of the electromagnetic environment across an area of operations
- Identification of active frequency bands and of changes in signal activity
- Directional monitoring of a designated sector
- Support to EW reconnaissance and spectrum analysis
- Inspection and analysis of signals from EW systems and other high-power transmitters
- Use by dismounted personnel, mobile teams, observation posts and field units
Technical Specifications
Frequency coverage and detection
- Spectrum analyser frequency range: 100 kHz–6 GHz
- Supplied directional antenna: 800 MHz–6 GHz
- Antenna type: Wideband directional log-periodic
- Detection range: At least 5 km
- Antenna coverage sector: Approximately 60°
- Display modes: Graphical spectrum plot and time-frequency waterfall
Actual detection range depends on transmitter power, operating frequency, terrain, antenna orientation, the local interference environment and propagation conditions.
Alerts and configuration
- Visual alert: Integrated light indicator
- Audible alert: Integrated speaker, adjustable volume
- Firmware: Military-oriented InLab configuration
- Signal amplification: External amplifier included
Field design and operating conditions
- Enclosure: Dust- and splash-resistant
- Operating temperature: −25 °C to +50 °C
- Relative humidity: Up to 80% at +25 °C
- External power: Power bank for extended operation
- Support: Folding holder that converts into a stable tripod
- Carrying system: Adjustable shoulder strap
Operational Advantages
Listens without transmitting. The device emits nothing of its own, so it does not expose the operator to hostile electronic reconnaissance.
Warning without watching the screen. Visual and audible alerts free the operator to keep eyes on the ground while the analyser watches the spectrum.
A picture, not just a reading. The spectrum plot shows what is active now; the waterfall shows how the environment has changed over the last minutes. Together they let an operator tell a new emitter from background activity.
Bearing as well as detection. The supplied log-periodic antenna narrows monitoring to a roughly 60° sector, so the operator can work out where a signal is coming from by turning the antenna.
One operator, one bag. The folding tripod, shoulder strap and power bank supply mean the system moves with dismounted teams and sets up in seconds, with no vehicle, mast or fixed power required.
Important: Protecting the Receiver Near Electronic Warfare Systems
TinySA Ultra 2.0 is a receiver with a sensitive RF front end. The maximum safe input level is +6 dBm, rising to roughly +10 to +15 dBm with the internal attenuator enabled. Anything above that can permanently damage the receiver input stage.
When searching for or analysing EW systems, the operator may end up close to high-power emitters:
- EW and jamming stations
- GNSS and GPS jamming antennas
- UAV control-link jammers
- Any high-power transmitter, from a few watts to tens of watts
At a few metres, the power arriving at the antenna can far exceed the safe input level and destroy the receiver.
Recommended protection: external 50-ohm SMA attenuator
Fit an external attenuator between the antenna and the analyser whenever working close to high-power transmitters.
- Attenuation: 20–40 dB, chosen for the expected transmitter power
- Frequency range: Up to 6 GHz or higher
- Power rating: At least 2 W; 5 W or more for work near EW systems
- Connectors: SMA male to SMA female
- Installation: Directly between the antenna and the analyser
The attenuator protects the front end and also improves measurement of strong signals, which would otherwise overload the receiver and distort the displayed spectrum. Remember to add the attenuation value to the displayed level when working out the actual received power.
RF component suppliers and FPV equipment retailers offer suitable attenuators.
