RF Explorer WSUB1G+ Spectrum Analyzer Guide

(Wireless Frequency Scanning & Site Assessment Tool)

The RF Explorer WSUB1G+ included in the WiFi Expansion Kit is a handheld digital spectrum analyzer used to scan the local radio-frequency environment. This tool helps libraries evaluate what wireless technologies are viable at their locations and in planned expansion areas — including:

• 2.4 GHz WiFi & 5 GHz WiFi

• TV Whitespace (VHF/UHF bands) & LoRa/Meshtastic

• Sub-GHz IoT networks

• Neighboring interference & WiFi congestion

• Signal strength of outdoor wireless links

This device is essential for choosing reliable expansion strategies, especially for rural or high-interference environments.

What’s in the Box

Your kit includes:

• RF Explorer WSUB1G+ Spectrum Analyzer

• Standard whip antenna (144–1,000 MHz)

• Wideband 2.4/5 GHz antenna

• USB charging/data cable

• Carrying pouch

• LCD display with live real-time graphing

• Preloaded scanning profiles (saved on the device)

What the RF Explorer Can Analyze

240 MHz – 960 MHz

TV Whitespace, public safety, cordless phones, some IoT devices

902 MHz - 928 MHz

LoRa/Meshtastic/Wi-Fi HaLow

2.4 GHz Band

Traditional WiFi, Bluetooth, baby monitors, microwave interference

5 GHz Band

Modern WiFi, point-to-point wireless links

Sub-GHz “rural broadband” bands

Fixed wireless, long-range rural ISPs

Why Libraries Use It

Libraries can use this device to answer critical expansion questions:

• Is 2.4 GHz too crowded?

• Is 5 GHz viable outdoors here?

• Are there strong nearby signals that will cause interference?

• Is a PtP bridge likely to succeed at this location?

• Is TV Whitespace clean and usable?

• Is mesh networking realistic here?

This allows libraries to choose the right technology before investing in infrastructure.

Basic Controls & Interface

Front Buttons

• MENU – Change settings, load profiles, scan types

• BACK – Exit menus

• UP/DOWN – Change frequency ranges or settings

• LEFT/RIGHT – Navigate options

• ENTER – Confirm selections

• HOLD (Long Press) – Locks the current display

Display Sections

• Live Spectrum Graph – real-time energy levels

• Peak Hold – shows strongest recent readings

• Marker – highlights signal peaks

• Frequency & Amplitude – numerical readouts

• dBm Scale – signal strength indicator

Getting Started

1. Power On

Hold the POWER button (top edge).

2. Attach the Appropriate Antenna

• For 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz WiFi scans → Use the dual-band antenna

• For TV Whitespace / Sub-GHz → Use the whip antenna

3. Select the Right Frequency Range

Press MENU → FREQ SET and choose:

WiFi 2.4 GHz

2,390–2,510 MHz

WiFi 5 GHz

5,170–5,900 MHz

TV Whitespace

470–698 MHz

LoRa/Meshtastic/Wi-Fi HaLow

902-928 MHz

PtP interference check

5,150–5,900 MHz

General site noise

100–960 MHz

4. Begin Scanning

The live spectrum shows:

• Peaks = strong signals

• Wide bands of noise = interference

• Flat, low lines = clean, usable spectrum

How to Perform Key Library Tasks

Task 1: Check WiFi Congestion (2.4 GHz)

1. Attach the 2.4/5 GHz antenna

2. MENU → FREQ SET → 2.4 GHz

3. Look for:

   • Strong spikes at channels 1, 6, 11

   • Noise floor above –80 dBm

   • Wide bands of constant energy → interference from microwaves, Bluetooth, etc.
     
     

Interpretation

• If channels are completely full → 2.4 GHz is unreliable

• Use 5 GHz or wired backhaul instead

Task 2: Check 5 GHz Usability

1. MENU → FREQ SET → 5 GHz

2. Look for:

   • Clean, low noise floor

   • Narrow spikes from neighbor APs

   • Wide noise bands → possible weather radar interference (DFS channels)

Interpretation

• Clean spectrum → Great candidate for outdoor APs or PtP links

• Heavy peaks → try higher channels or directional antennas

Task 3: Check TV Whitespace

1. Attach the whip antenna

2. MENU → FREQ SET → 470–698 MHz

3. Analyze:

   • Tall stable spikes → active TV channels

   • Quiet gaps → potential whitespace availability

TV Whitespace radios require FCC-compliant equipment, but the analyzer helps determine if the band is even viable.

Task 4: Verify PtP NanoBeam Link Environment

Use this before setting up a long-range bridge.

1. Move to the remote end of your planned PtP link

2. Set to 5 GHz

3. Rotate in a slow circle

4. Look for:

   • Competing 5 GHz signals

   • Noise spikes

   • Interference sources (farms, hills, metal structures)

If the spectrum is clean → Excellent location for the NanoBeam AC Gen2

Advanced Use: Save Screens & Connect to PC

You can connect RF Explorer to a computer to:

• Capture scans over time

• Produce reports

• View waterfall spectrograms

• Log interference events

Software recommendations:

• RF Explorer PC Client

• Touchstone Pro (trial available)

Troubleshooting

The display looks flat

• Wrong antenna for the frequency

• High noise floor

• You may be indoors (walls can block signals)

Peaks look too high

• Strong nearby access point

• Paging/medical equipment

• Close to microwave ovens

Device won’t power on

• Charge via micro-USB

• Hold power button at least 3 seconds

• Battery may be fully drained — allow 10 minutes before retrying

Safety & Best Practices

• Do not open or modify the device

• Avoid scanning near MRI equipment or military transmitters

• Keep antennas clear of metal obstructions

• Use outdoors for the most accurate results

• Avoid dropping — internal connectors are delicate

• Never touch antennas to electrical wiring