FAQ |
| I am measuring an OFDM signal and the power reading is jumping from -66 dBm to 13 dBm. How can I measure this signal correctly? |
| Turn
on the anti-aliasing filter and increase averaging until the readings
stabilize. This will help ensure a complete capture of a slow moving
signal. |
| Can I measure a WiMAX signal? |
| Yes.
Turn on the anti-aliasing filter and increase averaging until the
readings stabilize. When using the LB478A, LB479A or LB480A, keep in
mind signal accuracy will degrade as signal content beyond 10 MHz
increases. |
| Can you measure signals beyond a 10 MHz video content? |
| Yes.
When using the LB478A, LB479A or LB480A depending on signal content
accuracy can degrade. Turn on the anti-aliasing filter. If the signal
is bursty or slow moving you may want to increase averaging until the
readings stabilize. These steps ensure complete capture of slow moving
signals and eliminate aliasing associated with high frequency content. |
I am having trouble getting a stable measurement in the power meter application. What is
wrong and what can I do? |
| This
can happen for several reasons. One reason might be that you have a
signal with a low PRF and very narrow pulses. Another reason might be
that you have a slow moving signal. In both these cases we recommend
increasing the averaging and turning on the anti-aliasing filter. |
| Are your calibrations traceable to NIST or another standards laboratory? |
| Yes. All of our instruments are calibrated and traceable to NIST. |
| The PowerSensor+™ product line doesn't have a meter. How do you make a measurement? |
| The PowerSensor+™ product line is powered and controlled via USB. To use the PowerSensor+™ you install the software on your computer, plug in the PowerSensor+™ and start the PowerSensor+™ application. |
| Since the PowerSensor+™ draws power from the computer - won't this affect my portable computer? Can I use this product with my portable computer? |
| The general answer is you can use the
PowerSensor+™ products with any computer that supports high powered USB
2.0 ports. But there are some practical limits that should be
understood when using the PowerSensor+™ with portables. The
PowerSensor+™ instruments are designed for high-power USB ports. As
such they draw a substantial current. High-power USB ports allow a draw
of 500 mA, The PowerSensor+™ products draws about 400 mA.
However, some portables do not support high-powered USB ports.
These portables are just not designed to supply this much current. If
you want to use a PowerSensor+™ product with one of these portables
you'll need an externally powered USB 2.0 hub. Externally powered USB
hubs are very small and can be purchased at most computer and office
supply outlets for about $20.00 or less.
However there are a number of portables that support USB 2.0 high
power ports. Some have all ports configured as high-power ports by
default. Others portables require the user to configure the USB ports
for high power. As a practical mater the power drain of the
PowerSensor+™ limits the time you can operate a portable without being
connected power. Be aware that your portable computer will discharge
more quickly than you are accustomed. Our best advice is to take your
power cord and/or self powered USB 2.0 hub along if you use a portable
computer with the PowerSensor+™. |
| If you replace the connector in the field isn't the calibration voided. |
| Yes,
the calibration is voided. However, we think you'll find that the
PowerSensor+™ accuracy is sufficient to continue to develop most
systems from a functional point of view. |
| Why do you offer "opposite" sexed connectors as an option? |
| Normally you'll want to minimize the
number of adaptors between the power measurement and the instrument
making the measurement. This requires an option for selecting connector
sex and type. Ladybug allows you to select the type and sex of the
connector when it is ordered.
If you are designing a system, you may find that changes in the system require you to change the sex of the sensor.
All of the PowerSensors with a changed connector will need to be
re-calibrated. However, it's unlikely that you will want to impede
system development and checkout because all the PowerSensors have to be
returned for calibration.
Our experience indicates that it would be very convenient to change
the sex of the connector so that functional development of the system
can continue unabated. Then, at your convenience you can return one or
more of the PowerSensor+™ products for a re-calibration.
To facilitate this process, we give you the option of purchasing a
field replaceable connector. In the interim you can return your other
PowerSensors to Ladybug for a connector change.
This will allow you to continue developing the system |
| What is your return policy? |
| Return and refund policy |
| Who is LadyBug and when did it start? |
| LadyBug started in the fall of 2005 by Richard Hawkins and Jon Sigler. More information |
| How long is a three year extended warranty? |
| The total warranty time is three years. So buying a three year extended warranty gives you an additional two years. |
| Does the extended warranty, by itself, cover calibration? |
| The
answer is yes and no. In general the warranty covers only repair.
However, during the first year, any instrument we service will also be
calibrated. In the second and third year the extended warranty covers
repair only. However, we do offer calibration plans also. |
| Does the extended calibration plan cover repair? |
No. However, anytime the instrument
is repaired during the extended calibration plan it will also be fully
calibrated. Under normal circumstances (assuming a 1 year calibration
interval) a unit receives three additional calibrations:
• One at the end of the first year
• One at the end of the second year
• One at the end of the third year |
| If my instrument needs service how long can I expect the unit to be out of service? |
| Ladybug's
goal is to turn around all serviced items in less than five working
days. Then they will be returned to you via two day shipping (in the
USA). To calculate the entire time a unit is out of service, will in
part be, dependent on your internal processes. |
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