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I have a 3 axis rf meter. This one. I wanted to see if I could make it with a rasp pi instead.

I found this article using the AD8361 but it doesn't go up to 3.5ghz and its not 3 axis. Ideally I would like it to go higher.

The main features I need to build are;

-RF range: 38mV to 20V/M -Frequency range: 50MHz to 3.5GHz. -Sensors:Triple Axis (X,Y,Z)

The first two I believe I can get with AD8362, I have no idea how to get the 3 axis?

I believe I can just record the data and get the required features;

-Manual data memory (Max & AVG) records -Calibration factor, Alarm and Clock settings

Can someone point me in the right direction? Is this even reasonable?

tlfong01
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Denis
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    If you have looked at the Data Sheet for the AD8362, and compared that to the I/O available on the Raspberry Pi, you will know that you are contemplating driving square pegs into round holes :) Instead of 3-axis, I would suggest the following project is better suited as a "first step" into rf detection and measurement. If you're determined, start by reading the app notes on the AD8362 & consider an Arduino. – Seamus May 21 '20 at 03:39
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    Any thoughts on achieving 3 axis? – Denis May 21 '20 at 04:23
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    Not dead set on the chip, I think the AD8361 "plays" better. I was just stepping it up cuz I found the AD8362 as I was writing the question. AD8361 with ADS1115 or similar looks like it will work. I'm not opposed to Arduino. Just have the pi and I like getting my hands dirty. – Denis May 21 '20 at 04:26
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    You should go for it. AFAIK, the Amateur Radio SE community may come closest to a good fit for your question. If you wanna' do hands-on rf projects on RPi, there's lots of specialized hardware & software available, and tons of project ideas to consider. Don't miss the GNU Software Radio project or Hackaday. The possibilities are virtually unlimited. – Seamus May 21 '20 at 04:43
  • Well, I think you can use 3 AD8362 (in X, Y, Z direction) and 3 ADCs, eg, MCP3008 (or ADS1015) x 3 for Rpi. Analog Devices is hacker friendly to give the PCB layout and BOM. – tlfong01 May 21 '20 at 04:44
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    As far as 3-axis goes, you could start here - I don't think this will answer all of your questions, but you may learn about some things (e.g. isotropic antennas) that suggest a direction to pursue further research. – Seamus May 21 '20 at 04:58
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    Best of luck, and do let us know how this works out. – Seamus May 21 '20 at 19:59
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    I'll upload the results! – Denis May 21 '20 at 20:03

1 Answers1

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Question

How to DIY a Rpi based Triple Axis RF Detector using AD8362?

Answer

ad8362

(1) Using 3 AD8362s

You can use 3 AD8362s (in X, Y, Z direction) and 3 ADCs, eg, MCP3008 (or ADS1015) x 3 for Rpi. Analog Devices is hacker friendly to give the PCB layout and BOM.

(2) Using 1 AD8362

You can use 2 little servos, TowerPro SG90 eg, to sequentially position to X, Y, Z axis and take reading.

References

(1) AD8362 50 Hz to 3.8 GHz 65 dB TruPwr Detector Data Sheet - Analog Devices

(2) AD8361 LF to 2.5 GHz TruPwr Detector Data Sheet - Analog Devices

(3) How Can I read data from AD8361 RF Detector - Asked 2020mar15, Viewed 38 times

(4) Amazon Latnex HF-B3G Triple Axis HF RF Power Meter Analyzer and Detector Measuring EMF Radiation-Cell Phones-Smart Meters-Cell Towers-WiFi-Microwave-Blouetooth-Calibrated-Used for EMF Home Inspections

(5) AD8362 Documentation (Datasheet, Application Notes, Evaluation Board)

(6) AD8362 Eval Board Gerber File

(7) ADP7102 20V, 300mA, Low Noise, CMOS LDO Data Sheet - Analog Devices

(8) AliEXpress Panoramic Servo Mount Platform Anti-Vibration for SG90 - US$0.5

(9) Mono-axial and tri-axial (isotropic) probe / EMF measurement - Wikipedia

(10) AliExpress AD8362 Catalog

(11) AliExpress AD8362 RF module RMS power detector - US$22

(12) AliExpress 10 pieces AD8362 - US$7.8/10 units

(13) Best EMF Meters Reviewed - GeoEmf 2020

(14) EMF Protection Devices – Do They Work? - GeoEmf 2020

Appendices

Appendix A - AD8362 Summary

AD8362 Summary

Appendix B - AD8362 Evaluation Board Design Notes

AD8362 PCB

Appendix C - SG90 Servo Mount

AliEXpress Panoramic Servo Mount Platform Anti-Vibration for SG90 - US$0.5

sg90 servo mount

Appendix D - AD8362 RF module RMS power detector product datasheet summary

(11) AliExpress AD8362 RF module RMS power detector - US$22

AD8363 Summary 1

AD8362 Summary 2

End of Answer

tlfong01
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    you have always been right on the money!! Thank you so much!! I'm excited to try this out – Denis May 21 '20 at 05:19
  • Ha, so I am just a friendly poor hobbyist. Good luck and cheers. – tlfong01 May 21 '20 at 05:21
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    Very bright you are. :) I actually think the 2 servo route might be better suited for me. Double Thx – Denis May 21 '20 at 05:31
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    I've ordered 2 samples of the AD8632 and I'm about to purchase the ADS1015. Is there anything else I should need. I also found this guy for the pano. https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/1967/1528-1106-ND/5154681 – Denis May 21 '20 at 06:08
  • Your order looks OK. Good luck and cheers. – tlfong01 May 21 '20 at 09:55