aim_tablet.pdf

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Using a Tablet with the AIM and VNA
May 3, 2014
Contents:
Introduction...............................................................................2
Typical system components......................................................4
Connect the AIM to the tablet...................................................6
Find the comm port number......................................................8
Operating tips...........................................................................10
Accessories...............................................................................11
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For several years we have had requests for a handheld antenna analyzer equivalent to the
AIM4170. Technology for the tablet computer has now improved to the point where a
full-featured handheld analyzer can be obtained at a very reasonable price. The new
Windows tablets work with all members of the AIM4170 family and the VNA2180
family.
The new tablet computers running Windows 8.1 make it possible to have a handheld
antenna analyzer with all the features of a desktop computer. These tablets have the
complete version of
Win 8.1,
the same version that runs on desktop or laptop computers.
Microsoft Office is also included with the Dell Venue 8 Pro.
When traveling light, this can take the place of a laptop. It also does everything you
want a tablet for: email, Skype, entertainment, games, etc.
The same AIM or VNA program that you use on your big computer can be downloaded
and the touch screen can be used without a keyboard or mouse to operate the
AIM4170,
AIMuhf, PowerAIM, VNA2180
or the
VNAuhf.
A coax extension cable of two or
three feet can be used to extend the RF port to a convenient point for making connection
to the antenna or component under test. This cable is included in the calibration process
so it's length, impedance and loss are not critical. The AIM can be carried in a backpack
or totebag with tools and accessories, so it's out of the way. The tablet itself can be
conveniently carried in a coat pocket or large pants pocket for easy access.
The screen of the
Dell Venue 8 Pro
tablet featured in this report has 1280x800 pixels, so
the graph and data have good resolution. Scan data can be saved in files and transferred
to another computer via the wifi link, email or flash drive. Screen shots can be saved with
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the Snipping Tool included in Windows. Everything operates the same way that it would
on a big computer.
Update May 3, 2014:
Walmart
has the Dell Venue 8 Pro (new) for
$200.
In April of 2014 the Dell Venue 8 Pro is available for
$250 dollars
or less. The model I
have has 32GB of memory. Another model has 64GB of memory. A user of the
VNA2180 has reported good results with an Acer Iconia W3 8-inch tablet.
Array Solutions does not sell tablet computers bundled with the antenna analyzers but
they are available from many sources including Dell and Amazon.
If you live in a area
where there is a Microcenter store, their prices are often the lowest.
Note: Dell also has a model called the "Venue 8" (without the Pro) which uses the
android OS. This is probably a very nice tablet but it won't run Windows programs.
Note: There is a Microsoft tablet called the "Surface RT". This has a special operating
system and not the real Win 8.1, so it can't be used for the AIM.
The regular Microsoft Surface computer with Win 8 will probably work but it's much
more expensive.
For the initial setup, I found a keyboard and mouse were convenient but they aren't
required. These accessories can be connected to the USB port with a simple USB
expander and for less than $25 in accessories, I have a
complete computer.
The
keyboard, mouse and AIM can all be attached to the USB port at the same time. For
portable operation in the field, only the AIM connection to the usb port is needed.
When you get the Venue 8 Pro, be sure to get a USB/OTG (On-the-Go) adapter to
connect the microUSB port on the tablet to external devices. This is about $3 and can be
found at a computer store or on eBay. A nice case for an 8 inch tablet with or without a
keyboard can be found on eBay or Amazon for less than $25.
The initial setup of the Dell table is like setting up any computer running Windows. The
Windows software is already loaded. After going though the initial setup, the connection
to my wifi link was very easy. Windows found the link immediately and I just entered
the password. Then I could download the AIM program.
For models of the AIM family that need a USB/RS232 adapter, you can get an adapter
from Array Solutions or on eBay. If you already have an adapter that works with Win 7
or Win 8, that will be fine. Be sure to look for the
FTDI
designation. Windows installed
the adapter automatically by getting the FTDI driver from the internet. The screen shots
later in this report show how to find the comm port number. If you're running an AIMuhf
or VNAuhf, you don't need the usb adapter but you still need the OTG cable.
When I entered the comm port number into the AIM program, the AIM worked
immediately just like it does on my main computer. The AIM graph size can be
customized by the height and width parameters in the config file if you want to.
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For example, my config file settings are:
1250 // max graph width in pixels
750 // max graph height in pixels
7 // Default font size
1 // Bold Data display
The buttons and menus can be operated by the touch screen so you don't have to use a
mouse or keyboard for field work. The battery in the Venue 8 Pro will last about eight
hours. It recovers from the sleep mode instantly. If you want to turn the tablet off to
save power, it will reboot in about ten seconds. The display is readable even in bright
sunlight.
The tablet and your big computer can use the same AIM/VNA programs and the same
calibration files. Scan files can also be transferred between the computers.
While in the field, it's very nice to have all the computing power you are used to for
processing data and for communicating with other people through Skype, or email. The
Dell tablet will connect to the internet wherever there is wifi.
I haven't tried it but you can probably connect a 3G dongle to the tablet to have wireless
operation anywhere there is cell service. This allows you to communicate with clients
and colleagues while in the field and sent them AIM data immediately. Here's a web
page with more information:
3G Dongle Info
Typical System Components:
For a Dell system, I suggest the following items:
1.
Dell Venue 8 Pro
with 32 GB memory. (Consider the 64 GB model is you think
you'll be using this tablet like a laptop for a lot of applications.)
2.
Required - USB/OTG
adapter to convert from the microUSB connector on the Venue
8 Pro to the AIM cable or other accessories. These are around three dollars on eBay.
Search for "usb otg". I like the right angle model myself. If you're using an AIM or VNA
now, the same cable that you have connected to your big computer will plug into this
adapter and you're ready to go.
3. Optional but highly recommended -
Stylus.
Inexpensive styluses are shown on eBay
for two or three dollars for a package of ten. The stylus makes it much easier to select
items on the screen and it even works when you're wearing gloves.
Note: the Dell stylus for about $30 has received consistently bad reviews through 2013. I
did not get this option.
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4. Optional but recommended -
Carrying case.
The Venue 8 Pro has a textured back
cover and it's easy to hold but a case makes it even easier to hold and provides extra
protection. Nice carrying cases can be found on Amazon.com or eBay for less than
twenty-five dollars. Some cases include a keyboard.
5. Optional -
USB or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Nice for office work. Not
required in the field. I got a keyboard and mouse combo package at the Microcenter
computer store for $7. This is the Inland brand. The keyboard and mouse were handy for
setting up the table initially since I had never used a touch screen before.
6. Optional -
USB expansion port.
This is a simple port extender, no extra power is
required for most accessories. This is needed if you're using a USB keyboard and mouse.
It is not needed for the AIM by itself. For transfering large files between a big computer
and the tablet, use a flash drive rather than an external hard drive.
The tablet can't power
a hard drive.
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