![RF Explorer 6G WB Plus - Slim with Aluminum Carrying Case [New 6G Combo] RF Explorer Pro Software for RF and Wi-Fi Analyzing](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41QOKp73ezL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
Short story form is that if you have a need to analyze transmissions in the RF Spectrum, I highly recommend this device or one of the many other models created by the same company. For specifics, read on!
In my initial research, I was concerned that this product being comparatively cheap as it was and coming from such a small operation, would be an underperformer. Reading a few reviews I ultimately decided to take the plunge. I compared several models, and seeing the cost difference between the several base and combo models, I chose the 6G Combo as it covers all the frequencies included in other models with what I consider to be a small increase in price for all this coverage. I have not been disappointed. This model (6G Combo) has the capability to analyze signals in the 15-2700 MHz as well as 4800-6100 MHz which covers both WiFi bands as well as cellular (3G, 4G, LTE), broadcast television, radio, cable television, bluetooth, RFID and MANY others with the proper antenna or adapter. The user interface is very simple and intuitive, allowing for you to learn as little or as much about the device's specific functions while still being able to use it for whatever purpose you may deem necessary.
Upon arrival, I found the box to contain the RF Explorer unit, a handy case and three antennas. The included antennas are a helical whip tuned for 2.4GHz WiFi, a short rubber duck tuned for 5GHz WiFi, and a nagoya telescopic tuned for 144-430Mhz. These antennas will give you ample 360° reception in the specified bands and will work quite well for most people buying the unit. If you need to read signals other than WiFi or the lower ISM bands, you will need to search for other antennas for your specific frequency. I ultimately purchased an dipole LTE antenna covering 700-2600MHz (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U7QAFAW/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_13) which quite nicely picks up Cellular traffic and outperforms the bundled 2.4GHz antenna for WiFi signal reception. I also purchaed two additional 2.4/5GHz Wifi antennas with increased sensitivity that were better suited for my primary application.
Using the product for site surveys (or anything else) is very easy. There is a built in function that will easily allow you to view the activity at the center frequency of each channel, which makes channel selection a breeze. I personally prefer the spectrum analyzer mode as this allows me to see all the traffic across a 20 or 40 MHz channel at once and more easily identify interference. For basic operation, you really only need to know how to change the frequencies. This is accomplished by the 7 buttons on the front of the device (return, menu, enter, and up/down/left/right arrows). Changing the selected frequencies requires using the arrow buttons to navigate to the upper or lower frequency selection, pressing enter and using the up/down arrows to change the numbers. Looking for WiFi signals, I use a start frequency of 2400MHZ and a stop frequency of 2475MHz which covers all 11 channels available for use in the United states, plus a little more than 10MHz on either side to catch the activity across the full 20MHz for channels 1 and 11. Using this screen will not only allow you to see channel utilization, but also identify frequencies that are creating interference. Using this product I was able to figure out that my wireless keyboard and mouse were causing the problems I was experiencing with WiFi on my tablet and change the Wifi channel.
The official website for this and all other models is rf-explorer.com and contains all the support, software, firmware updates, equipment overviews and tutorials, as well as links to their partner store that sells accessories. I have posted a few queries on the support forum, and I was very surprised to see a response from the creator of the device in all cases. Responses usually come within 24 hours, which I think is amazing. Looking at the history of firmware updates, I see a steady stream of user requested features being added, beta tested and released in stable form over the course of a few weeks. Needless to say I am quite impressed with not only the quality, but speed of these updates.
With a product significantly more useful than more expensive brands, and the service, I don't think you can pass this unit up.
| Brand | RF Explorer |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.39 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 7.13 x 5.2 x 2.87 inches |
| Manufacturer | seeed studio |
| ASIN | B07Y1PXJWZ |
| Date First Available | September 18, 2019 |
