24
FieldFox User’s Guide
Averaging
Trace Averaging helps to smooth a trace to reduce the effects of random noise on
a measurement. The FieldFox computes each data point based on the average of
the same data point over several consecutive sweeps.
Average Count determines the number of sweeps to average; the higher the
average count, the greater the amount of noise reduction.
An average counter is shown in the left edge of the screen as
Avg N
. This shows
the number of previous sweeps that have been averaged together to form the
current trace. When the counter reaches the specified count, then a ‘running
average’ of the last
N
sweeps is displayed. Average Count = 1 means there is NO
averaging.
This setting can be changed at any time without affecting calibration accuracy.
NOTE
Averaging is often used to increase the dynamic range of a measurement. To
achieve the highest dynamic range, select NA mode and reduce the IF Bandwidth
setting. Learn more about dynamic range on page 54.
How to set Trace Averaging
Press
BW 2
.
Then
Average N
where
N
is the current count setting.
Enter a value using the numeric keypad. Enter 1 for NO averaging.
Press
Enter
.
While Trace Averaging is in process, press
Sweep 3
then
Restart
to restart
the averaging at 1.
Single or Continuous Measure
This setting determines whether the FieldFox sweeps continuously or only once
each time the
Single
button is pressed. Use
Single
to conserve battery power or
to allow you to save or analyze a specific measurement trace.
This setting can be changed at any time without affecting calibration accuracy.
How to set Single or Continuous
Press
Sweep 3
.
Then choose one of the following:
o
Single
Automatically sets Continuous OFF and causes FieldFox to make
ONE sweep, then hold for the next
Single
key press.
Hold
is annotated in
the upper left corner of the display when NOT sweeping, and changes to an
arrow
-->
while the sweep occurs.
o
Continuous
Makes continuous sweeps. This is the typical setting when
battery power is not critical.
You can also use
Run / Hold +/-
to toggle between Single and Continuous.