RF Explorer ISM Combo+ SLIM Analyser 50kHz-960MHz - 2.35-2.55GHz

RF Explorer ISM Combo + Slim (50 kHz to 960 MHz & 2.35 GHz to 2.55 GHz) - Local Australian Stock

The RF Explorer ISM Combo + Slim is a high-performance digital handheld spectrum analyser and signal generator engineered specifically for monitoring, diagnosing, and optimising wireless radio frequency signals across the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) bands. Defined internationally by the ITU, ISM bands are licence-exempt frequency allocations set aside for short-range wireless devices, Internet of Things (IoT) hardware, smart utility metering, remote controls, medical equipment, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Because these shared bands do not require individual broadcast licences, they are heavily congested and prone to severe radio frequency interference (RFI), co-channel noise, and unexpected signal overlap. Having dedicated spectrum analysis across these exact frequency ranges is why the ISM Combo + Slim is the preferred choice for field technicians, wireless installers, and embedded developers troubleshooting unlicenced wireless systems.

Covering a continuous frequency span from 50 kHz up to 960 MHz on its low-frequency port, and 2.35 GHz to 2.55 GHz on its high-frequency port, this upgraded PLUS Slim model provides complete coverage of key sub-1 GHz ISM bands (including 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz) alongside the 2.4 GHz ISM and Wi-Fi spectrum. It delivers enhanced LNA sensitivity, an internal 30 dB attenuator, and an integrated signal generator capable of up to +11 dBm output power in the 2.4 GHz band. Enclosed in a rugged SLIM solid aluminium chassis with a high-capacity 1800 mAh internal rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery providing over 20 hours of continuous run time, it serves as a portable workhorse for field site surveys, interference hunting, and RF workshop testing.

When connected to a PC or Mac via USB, the unit pairs with free open-source RF Explorer software to perform automated spectrum sweeps, waterfall displays, data logging, and Wi-Fi channel analysis. Its dual-port architecture provides comprehensive coverage of sub-1 GHz smart metering, wireless audio, telemetry, key fobs, LoRaWAN networks, and HAM radio, while simultaneously offering dedicated analysis and signal injection for 2.4 GHz ISM devices, Bluetooth equipment, and 802.11b/g/n wireless networks.

Applications & Practical Uses:

• ISM Band & Unlicenced Wireless Analysis: Dedicated spectrum monitoring across popular licence-exempt ISM bands (433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz, and 2.4 GHz). Instantly identify signal occupancy, measure channel utilisation, and troubleshoot unlicenced devices including LoRaWAN gateways, smart meters, RFID readers, garage door controls, and wireless sensors.
• Wi-Fi Network Optimisation & 2.4 GHz Diagnostics: Comprehensive coverage of the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum (802.11b/g/n). Easily analyse channel congestion, pinpoint co-channel or adjacent-channel interference from microwave ovens, wireless video transmitters, or Bluetooth devices, evaluate actual signal coverage, and optimise wireless access point placement in residential, commercial, or industrial sites.
• Sub-1 GHz RF Spectrum Sweeping: Real-time spectrum sweeps across LF, MF, HF, VHF, and UHF bands (50 kHz to 960 MHz). Detect unwanted signals, stray radiation, and rogue transmissions across FM radio, digital TV (DTV), cellular networks, and wireless audio microphone setups.
• Amateur Radio (HAM) Band Alignment: Ideal portable analysis tool for HAM radio operators covering bands from 160 metres up to 33 cm (1.8 MHz to 902 - 928 MHz). Helps align antennas, test transmitters, check spurious harmonic emissions, and monitor band activity in real time.
• Interference Hunting & RFI Tracking: Rapidly track down intermittent radio frequency interference (RFI), transient noise spikes, or unlicenced transmitters. Utilise real-time peak hold, averaging, and waterfall modes alongside directional or near-field antennas to trace signal leakage and EMI emissions from unshielded electronics.
• 2.4 GHz Signal Generation & Circuit Injection: Leverage the built-in signal generator on the 2.4 GHz port (delivering up to +11 dBm output power) for injecting reference signals, testing receiver sensitivity, aligning RF front-ends, and evaluating wireless equipment in the workshop or field.
• EMC & EMI Pre-Compliance Testing: Conduct preliminary Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) sweeps on prototype circuit boards (PCBs), wiring harnesses, and shielded enclosures prior to formal laboratory certification. Identify stray radiation and harmonic spikes early in the development cycle to avoid expensive re-testing.
• RF Field Exposure & Site Auditing: Audit ambient radio frequency field strengths around wireless telemetry units, industrial heating machinery, remote control transmitters, and broadcast towers to confirm compliance with safety exposure guidelines and verify reliable link coverage.

Key Features & Highlights:

• Dual-Band Coverage: Scans low-frequency sub-1 GHz signals from 50 kHz to 960 MHz alongside 2.35 GHz to 2.55 GHz high-frequency ISM and Wi-Fi bands.
• Built-in LNA & Attenuator: Features a selectable internal Low Noise Amplifier (+25 dB gain on left connector, +12 dB on right connector) and a 30 dB attenuator for handling sensitive signals as well as higher input power levels.
• 2.4 GHz Signal Generator: Integrated RF signal source capable of delivering up to +11 dBm power output for diagnostic testing, signal injection, and Wi-Fi alignment in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.
• SLIM Aluminium Chassis: Heavy-duty solid metal enclosure featuring an ergonomic side USB port and physical HELP and SET buttons for simplified two-click operation.
• High-Capacity Battery: Internal 1800 mAh rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery provides over 20 hours of continuous field operation on a single USB charge.
• Multi-Mode Spectrum Analysis: Supports Peak Max & Hold, Normal, Overwrite, and Averaging display modes with automatic Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) scaling.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Fully supported on Windows, Linux, and macOS via open-source desktop applications and developer API libraries.

Applications & Practical Uses:

• Wi-Fi & 2.4 GHz ISM Diagnostics: Analyse 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth links, Zigbee devices, wireless video transmitters, and telemetry systems to detect co-channel interference and optimise wireless access point positioning.
• Sub-1 GHz RF Spectrum Monitoring: Real-time spectrum sweeps across LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, FM radio, digital TV (DTV), ISM bands (433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz), RFID, cellular networks, and smart metering frequencies.
• Amateur Radio (HAM) Alignment & Tuning: Ideal analysis tool for radio amateurs covering HAM radio bands from 160 metres up to 33 cm (1.8 MHz to 902 - 928 MHz), assisting with antenna alignment, transmitter testing, and spurious emission checks.
• Interference Hunting & RFI Tracking: Locate transient radio frequency interference, unwanted noise spikes, and unlicenced transmitters using peak hold and averaging modes paired with directional or near-field antennas.
• RF Field Exposure & Wireless Site Audits: Survey ambient RF signal levels around industrial high-frequency equipment, remote telemetry sites, wireless audio setups, and broadcast towers to verify signal coverage and compliance.
• EMC & EMI Pre-Compliance Testing: Identify stray board-level electromagnetic radiation, harmonic spikes, and unshielded cable emissions early in product development to streamline formal laboratory certification.

Technical Specifications:

• Frequency Range (Left Connector): 0.05 MHz - 960 MHz (50 kHz - 960 MHz)
• Frequency Range (Right Connector): 2350 MHz - 2550 MHz (2.35 GHz - 2.55 GHz)
• Frequency Span (Left Connector): 0.1 MHz - 960 MHz
• Frequency Span (Right Connector): 2 MHz - 85 MHz
• Internal LNA Gain: +25 dB (Left Connector) / +12 dB (Right Connector)
• Internal Attenuator: 30 dB (Left Connector)
• Signal Generator Power Output: Up to +11 dBm (Right Connector)
• Dynamic Range: -125 dBm to +10 dBm
• Maximum Input Power: +30 dBm (absolute maximum)
• Average Noise Level (Typical LNA): -125 dBm
• Frequency Resolution: 1 kHz
• Resolution Bandwidth (RBW): Automatic 2.6 kHz to 600 kHz
• Amplitude Resolution: 0.5 dBm
• Frequency Stability & Accuracy: ± 10 ppm (typical)
• Amplitude Stability & Accuracy: ± 2 dBm (typical)
• Connectors: Dual standard SMA 50 Ohms
• Display: 128 x 64 pixel graphical LCD with backlight
• Battery: Internal 1800 mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (20+ hours runtime)
• Enclosure: Heavy-duty solid aluminium SLIM case
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, and macOS

Package Contents:

• 1 x RF Explorer ISM Combo + Slim Spectrum Analyser
• 1 x Mini USB charging and data cable
• 1 x Dual-band 144/430 MHz telescopic antenna
• 1 x UHF 400-900 MHz rubber duck articulated antenna
• 1 x 2.4 GHz whip antenna
• 1 x Protective EVA storage case

Protection Note:
RF Explorer is a highly sensitive spectrum analyser designed for over-the-air signal detection using an aerial antenna. When connecting directly to an active signal source using a coaxial cable, always use an RF Power Limiter or inline attenuator to protect the sensitive input front-end from overload damage.

Downloads & Software:
Click here for available firmware updates, user documentation, and software tools.