Our business revolves around RF power measurements; we receive and answer many questions. Below is a compilation of questions that are often asked. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your application or have any specific questions. Click to expand the question.

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. Any of our True RMS sensors LB559A, LB579A, LB589A and LB5900 series sensors will accurately measure average power on signals with any modulation content. 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.

Can I use this product with my portable computer?

Any computer with USB 2.0 ports can be used including portable and laptop computers. An externally powered USB 2.0 hub is recommended for tablets and computers with limited power. Externally powered USB hubs are very small and can be purchased at most computer and office supply outlets.

What is your return & refund policy?

If you are not satisfied with your LadyBug product and wish to return it for a refund please call 1-866-789-7111 (or email: support@ladybug-tech.com) for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) request within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the product. If the item is returned we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. The product must be returned to the LadyBug warehouse within 30 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA. All products must be packed in the original, unmarked packaging including any accessories, manuals, and other documentation shipped with the product. A 10% fee will be assessed on all hardware.

LadyBug recommends that you (1) use a carrier that offers shipment tracking for all returns and (2) either insure your package for safe return to LadyBug or declare the full value of the shipment so that you are completely protected if the shipment is lost or damaged in transit. If you choose not to (1) use a carrier that offers tracking and (2) insure or declare the full value of the product, you will be responsible for any loss or damage to the product during shipping. Please note that the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers limited tracking capabilities and that there is a 30-calendar-day waiting period before the USPS will initiate a trace.

Dead On Arrival (DOA) Products: A LadyBug-branded hardware product is considered DOA if it shows symptoms of a hardware failure, preventing basic operability, upon its first use out of the box. If you believe that your product is DOA, please call LadyBug Technical Support at 1-866-789-7111 (or email: support@ladybug-tech.com) within 30 calendar days of the invoice date. LadyBug Technical Support will evaluate the situation. The following options may apply:

• Replacement: The same product that you ordered will be shipped to you at LadyBug’s expense. LadyBug Technical Support will provide the procedure for returning the DOA product.
• Service: You may have the product repaired.
• Refund: See the refund policy outlined above.

Product must be deemed DOA by LadyBug Technical Support within 30 calendar days of the invoice date in order to receive a replacement unit.

DOA Terms and Conditions
• This DOA policy applies only to LadyBug-branded hardware products currently offered at the LadyBug WebSite Online Store. As new products are offered, LadyBug reserves the right to determine whether or not this policy applies.
• This DOA policy may not apply to third-party products that do not bear the LadyBug brand name. Call Ladybug for more information. Or you may call the manufacturer directly with any third-party product issues.
• If the product is deemed DOA by LadyBug Technical Support more than 30 calendar days after the invoice date, LadyBug’s standard product warranty will apply.
• If the product is deemed by LadyBug Technical Support NOT to be DOA, LadyBug’s standard product warranty will apply.
• Shipping will be arranged at LadyBug’s expense for all products determined by LadyBug Technical Support to be DOA.

LadyBug reserves the right to evaluate and test any returned DOA product. If the condition of the product has been misrepresented by the customer, LadyBug may impose a $400 handling fee.

DEFECTIVE ITEMS

LadyBug Branded Products
If you discover what you believe is a product defect for any LadyBug- branded product, please contact LadyBug Technical Support at 1-866-789-7111 (or email: support@ladybug-tech.com). Such a defect, if any, is covered under the terms of your product’s warranty. Please refer to the warranty information and other supporting documentation that came with your product. (See Product Warranty section below for specific information about LadyBug’s product warranties.)

Non-LadyBug Branded/Third-Party Products
If you discover what you believe is a product defect for any third-party product, please contact the manufacturer directly for information regarding the manufacturer’s warranty.

Note: Products sold through this web site that do not bear the LadyBug brand name are serviced and supported exclusively by their manufacturers in accordance with terms and conditions packaged with the products. LadyBug’s limited warranty does not apply to products that are not LadyBug-branded even if packaged or sold with LadyBug products.

What is covered by a PowerSensor+™ warranty?

Our Power Sensors carry a three (3) year return to factory Defects in Materials and Workmanship Warranty. Abuse and overpowering are specifically excluded. Simply contact us for an RMA Number, then send the sensor in prepaid for evaluation and we contact you. Sensors repaired under warranty will be returned (US Address Only) by prepaid ground shipping. Note that calibration assurance is separate from the warranty, LadyBug provides a 1 year certificate of calibration with each sensor; refer to extended calibration services for more information. More information

Does the extended warranty, by itself, cover calibration?

The answer is yes and no. In general the warranty covers only repair. However, during the warranty period, any instrument we service will also be calibrated, if it is also within the calibration period, a new certificate will also be generated. Please refer to the extended calibration plan for further information.

What is included in your extended calibration plan?

A sensor receives its initial one year calibration when it ships new, if extend calibration is purchased, two additional calibrations are provided giving the user 3 total years:
• One at the end of the first year
• One at the end of the second year
Repair is not included, however if a sensor is repaired while in the calibration period it will be calibrated and a certificate issued for the remainder of the calibration period.

Who is LadyBug and when did it start?

LadyBug was started in the fall of 2005 by Richard Hawkins and Jon Sigler. More information