Device for recording EM signals

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a handheld device capable of recording electromagnetic (EM) signals across unknown frequencies, including infrared (IR) and potentially microwave signals. Participants explore the types of devices that could fulfill this requirement and their associated costs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about a device that can record EM signals emitted by various devices, specifically mentioning the need for it to capture IR signals from a remote control and microwave signals from a custom emitter.
  • Another participant suggests that a "spectrum analyzer" might be the appropriate device, noting that high-quality models can be very expensive, potentially reaching six figures.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of a single sensor detecting both IR and a wide range of radio wavelengths, with a suggestion that separate sensors may be necessary for different frequency bands.
  • A later reply considers the possibility of using an oscilloscope connected to a sensor as an alternative approach to observe the signals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the capabilities of a single device to detect multiple frequency ranges, indicating a lack of consensus on the best approach to achieve the desired recording of EM signals.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the capabilities of devices and the specific frequency ranges that can be detected, as well as the potential need for multiple sensors or detectors.

Horseb0x
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I'm looking for a device that can record EM signals of unknown frequencies (unknown to me) emitted by devices. For example if I point my remote control at it and start pressing buttons it should record intermittent IR frequency surges. Or for example if I build an emitter to modulate an encryption key into microwaves, this device should be able to record it and display it on an oscilloscope or something. I need a handheld device like this. What is this device called and how expensive are they?
 
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You might be thinking of a device called a "spectrum analyzer". Good ones are very, very expensive. 6 figures is not unheard of. You might find a much cheaper on on ebay though.

A spectrum analyzer plots frequency on the horizontal axis, and the magnitude of frequency components on the vertical axis.
 
I doubt you'll find a sensor/detector that will respond to both IR and a broad range of radio wavelengths. Most likely you'll need to use a separate sensor/detector for each band that you want to detect. If your detector can convert the signal to base band, you could use an oscilloscope to observe the signal or a microcontroller to record the signal.
 
6 digits, mother of god. Yeah I might try just hooking up an oscilloscope to a sensor.
 

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