Forums › General Discussions › Custom Masks?
- This topic has 10 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 7 months ago by
Andrew.
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mikehParticipant- This topic was modified 9 years, 7 months ago by
mikeh.
AJ,
Sorry to pummel you with questions, but is it possible to create a custom “mask” to overlay on the sweep so that I can keep track of where my channel are (i.e. zigbee channels 906MHz, 908MHz, 910MHz, etc.)?
AndrewModeratorHey Mike,
You could load a custom limit line which would in effect create a mask. Create a file in a text editor or in excel like so
904.0, -60
905.0, -60
905.0, -40
907.0, -40
907.0, -60
908.0, -60(The format is [MHz, dBm] on each line)
and name it MyFileName.csv. Then in the software, File->Import->LimitLines and find and select your file.
If you create a list of points that outline the channels you are interested in observing, the software will create a max value limit line that will be drawn over the graticle. It would also let you know when a signal exceeds the limit line as well.
Is this type of functionality what you are looking for?
Regards,
A.J.
mikehParticipantAJ,
Yes, that is what I am looking for. But the plot that shows up does not look like what I would expect.
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AndrewModeratorHey Mike,
I apologize, try file contents like this instead.
904.0, -250, -60
905.0, -250, -60
905.0, -250, -40
907.0, -250, -40
907.0, -250, -60
908.0, -250, -60This specifies a minimum as well for each frequency. This displays correctly for me. It appears the two value line is not being parsed properly. This should resolve the issue and allow you to use limit lines.
Let me know your results.
Regards,
A.J.
mikehParticipantWe’re getting closer…..
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AndrewModeratorDoes it always show passed?
What version of Spike did you download, see the Help -> About menu.
So I just gave you an example file, you will need to populate it with values for the channels you are interested in, following the same format. See attached image for what I am seeing.A.J.
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mikehParticipantWell, it sort of works, as long as all of my signals are below -40dbm. I guess it’s a poor-man’s mask.
Any chance of a real custom mask utility? In your spare time?
Thanks,
Mike
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AndrewModeratorYes, it is just a basic limit line.
On the topic of custom mask utilities, are there any implementations you have used on other equipment you like that you can point me to? Maybe you can describe the type of functionality you expect from a custom mask utility? I can’t guarantee that we would build it but I always like collecting ideas from customers.
Regards,
A.J.
mikehParticipant- This reply was modified 9 years, 7 months ago by
mikeh.
- This reply was modified 9 years, 7 months ago by
mikeh.
- This reply was modified 9 years, 7 months ago by
mikeh.
- This reply was modified 9 years, 7 months ago by
mikeh.
I’m starting to think that “mask” may not be the correct term for what I am looking for. Perhaps it should be called “channel markers”. What I would like to see is a semitransparent vertical bar, similar to the one shown in the attached file, centered on each “channel” that I specify in a file similar to the limit-line and path-loss file format. For each channels I specify, a vertical bar is plotted whose width is determined by the settings in the imported file. A small gap (or line) between the channels will help show their boundaries. Perhaps an optional label could be included that is plotted at the top of the channel marker.
For example:
906 (channel center), 2 (channel width), “CH 1” (label) <cr><lf>
908, 2, “CH 2” <cr><lf>
910, 2, “Ch 3” <cr><lf>
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mikehParticipantHere’s a better representation of the channel markers. I am using the Channel Power markers to illustrate.
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AndrewModeratorHey Mike,
OK, so the functionality is purely aesthetic? Basically just so you can visualize the channels easier. It is an interesting idea and I could see the usefulness in it. Thank you for the suggestion. I do keep track of all users suggestions.
Regards,
A.J.- This topic was modified 9 years, 7 months ago by
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