RF Explorer® SERIES

Spectrum Analyzer PLUS and PLUS SLIM

Firmware Version 3.43

Cumulative Release Notes

RF Explorer is an affordable Handheld Spectrum Analyzer with a growing list of features.

This little powerful unit is the tool you need

to reduce the implementation time and cost

of your next wireless project.

This Release Notes document is complementary to the RF Explorer User Manual, available online.

Please consider the environment before printing this document.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 1

Firmware Upgrade Instructions

This firmware is compatible with RF Explorer PLUS and PLUS SLIM models, including RF Explorer
WSUB1G PLUS and ISM COMBO PLUS.

To upload this firmware, you must use the Uploader tool included in this software package.
Firmware upgrade is a safe, simple process that can be repeated many times if something goes
wrong.

You can update firmware using Windows, Linux or MacOS X operating systems.

For more details on how to upload firmware into your device, please visit online guide:

[Link]/upgrade

License and registration

This firmware upgrade tool requires registration and internet connection.

You must provide a valid registration email to receive an activation code for your computer. If you
do not receive a valid email, check your spam folder.

Privacy policy is available online at [Link]/privacy

Backup your presets

If your device has stored Presets please use the Preset Tool to save them to a computer, and
restore them after the upgrade in case any preset is lost.

For more details visit: [Link]

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 2

Version 3.43

Release date: CEST June 18, 2024

This version includes additional CB band 11mts support for HAM mode. For more details visit
[Link]

Important: Due to changes in the configuration data format, once you upgrade to this version,
you must not downgrade to any version earlier than v3.16.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 3

Version 3.42

Release date: CEST Nov 1st, 2023

This version provides a fix for the WiFi 5.8GHz issue on the RF Explorer 4G PLUS SLIM with 6GHz
and the wideband license, which is available at [Link]/wideband. Before this fix, the
WiFi channels for 5.8GHz might not have been accessible, even with the correct installation of the
license.

Important: Due to changes in the configuration data format, once you upgrade to this version,
you must not downgrade to any version earlier than v3.16.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 4

Version 3.41

Release date: CEST Apr 29, 2023

This version includes a fix for 3GHZ bandwidth support with wideband license [Link]-
[Link]/wideband. Prior to this fix, a 3GHz span may not work correctly in the device screen,
even though works correctly on the Computer screen.

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to a
version earlier than v3.16.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 5

Version 3.40

Release date: CEST Nov 22, 2022

This is a maintenance release, included several minor fixes.

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to a
version earlier than v3.16.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 6

Version 3.39

Release date: CEST Jun 21, 2022

This is a maintenance release, included several minor fixes.

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to a
version earlier than v3.16.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 7

Version 3.38

Release date: CEST May 2, 2022

Fixes:

• Resolved problem some older firmware units may present an “Invalid S/N” message. This
issue is caused by a software glitch, and is not compromising the correct unit calibration or
hardware, and can be easily resolved by upgrading to firmware v3.38 or newer.

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to a
version earlier than v3.16.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 8

Version 3.37

Release date: CEST April 28, 2022

Fixes:

• Resolved problem where frequencies lower than 240MHz may not be correctly calibrated in
models WSUB1G PLUS / ISM COMBO PLUS.

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to a
version earlier than v3.16.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 9

Version 3.36

Release date: CEST April 07, 2022

New Features:

• Added support for 7.5GHz frequency to 6G COMBO PLUS model, more details at [Link]-
[Link]/devlic
• Added support for 6.1GHz frequency to 4G COMBO PLUS model, more details at [Link]-
[Link]/devlic
• Improved Tracking SNA speed
• Support for RF Explorer 6G WB PLUS model.
• Added response to USB commands while the RF Explorer device is showing a menu screen.

Fixes:

• Resolved an accuracy problem where some units may distort the spectrum analyzer
response with internal attenuator enabled.

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to an
version earlier than v3.16.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 10

Version 3.33

Release date: CEST Feb 11, 2022

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to an
version earlier than v3.16.

Fixes:

• Resolved a S/N expansion problem issue where some expansion boards for 4G COMBO PLUS
and 6G COMBO PLUS units may show incorrect S/N values.
• Implemented IC manufacturer fix to avoid temperature issues for frequencies lower than
240MHz in the internal mixer LO. Before this fix was implemented, some WSUB1G PLUS
units may not properly measure amplitude in frequencies range 50KHz - 240MHz when
working at high temperatures. This issue was not present in most units, only rare cases.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 11

Version 3.29

Release date: CEST June 10, 2021

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to an
version earlier than v3.16.

New Feature:

• The HAM Field Meter feature now includes internal Attenuator defined by default. This is a
requested feature to avoid signal overload due to typical signal levels used by HAM
transmitters. To enable/disable the internal attenuator while working in HAM Field Meter
mode, use the [RETURN] key. Caution: Always use the internal attenuator in presence of
strong RF fields, overloading the instrument may damage the device and is not covered by
warranty. You may also need external attenuator if the signal is very strong, check user
manual for secure signal level measurement.

• The 30dB Attenuator A30 icon and LNA low noise preamplifier icon are now included in
main screen (Spectrum Analyzer and HAM Field Meter modes) to visually indicate when
these options are enabled. No icon is displayed for the DIRECT default mode. For Expansion
boards with support for 60dB Attenuator icon A60 is also available.

• The Attenuator mode is restored on unit startup if it was enabled in Spectrum Analyzer
mode when the unit was powered down. The LNA is however not restored at startup to
avoid risk of damage in presence of strong fields.
• By popular demand, the HAM Field Meter mode is no longer active by default upon device
startup and license is enabled. Instead, the device will start in the last used mode (Spectrum
Analyzer or HAM Field Meter mode). Note HAM Field Meter can only be enabled with the
left-side SMA RF connector active (module 50KHz-960MHz)
• A new Wideband optional license is available to extend the frequency range of certain
models:
o RF Explorer 4G Combo PLUS: the expansion board can work on range 15-
5100MHz with the Wideband license enabled (by default works in 240-4000MHz).

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 12

 In addition, a single sweep may cover up to 3GHz span (otherwise by default is
960MHz)
o RF Explorer 6G Combo PLUS: the expansion board can work on range 15-
6100MHz with the Wideband license enabled. In addition, a single sweep may
cover up to 3GHz span (otherwise by default is 960MHz)
o To order a Wideband license please visit [Link]/devlic

Fixes:

• The HAM Field Meter feature now correctly calculates V/m and W/m2 when the internal
attenuator or preamplifier are enabled. Prior to this fix, enabling the attenuator or the
preamplifier did not correctly compensate internal gain.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 13

Version 3.28

Release date: CEST May 4, 2021

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to an
earlier version than v3.16.

This is a maintenance release. Minor API updates added to comply with RF Explorer Touch latest
release.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 14

Version 3.25

Release date: CEST April 4, 2021

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to an
earlier version than v3.16.

New Feature:

• RF Explorer PLUS models can now work as a Field Meter for HAM bands, see more details at
[Link]/ham

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 15

Version 3.24

Release date: CEST March 4, 2021

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to an
earlier version than v3.16.

Fixes:

• A specific sporadic case where device Serial Number may not be correctly recognized has
been fixed. Before this fix, in some conditions the device may start and get stuck in “Invalid
S/N” screen message.
• As part of the fix, the unit will automatically recognize the condition and will use an internal
reconfiguration process to fix the S/N check, and therefore the unit may automatically
restart once if this condition is found. There is no manual action required from the user.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 16

Version 3.20

Release date: CEST Feb 01, 2021

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to an
earlier version than v3.16.

Bug fixing:

• Several fixes when High Resolution mode is selected and RF module is switched
• Fixed some problems in 5GHz WiFi mode channel selection
• An updated battery calibration code to increase accuracy on low battery conditions

Version 3.18

Release date: CEST Oct 30, 2020

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading you must not downgrade to an
earlier version than v3.16.

New Feature:

• RF Explorer PLUS models can now record and replay sweeps. With this feature is easy to
capture events and signals to be reviewed later.
• The sweeps captured can be also downloaded to a computer as data files for later replay.
• The record/play feature is an advanced functionality enabled by license. For more details
visit page [Link]/rec

Version 3.17

Release date: CEST Sept 4, 2020

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading to v3.17 you must not downgrade to
an earlier version than minimum 3.16.

Bug fixing:

• Fixed issue using Tracking SNA with 6G PLUS and 4G PLUS COMBO models. Before this fix,
some configurations may fail to correctly start Normalization step.
• To correctly perform Tracking SNA use this firmware 3.17 with RF Explorer for Windows
version 2.2.2009 or later.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 17

Version 3.16

Release date: CEST July 2, 2020

Important: due to configuration data format, after upgrading to v3.16 you must not downgrade to
an earlier version as otherwise calibration data may be lost in your unit.

This firmware version is required in order to recognize RFEM4G PLUS and RFEM6G PLUS expansion
boards.

Enhancements:

• Updated internal data storage, with additional compression features for additional
capabilities.
• Added support in WiFi Analyzer mode for all 28 international 5GHz WIFI channels and 13
channels at 2.4GHz
• Added support for RFEM4G PLUS and RFEM6G PLUS boards
• Added support for 4G Combo PLUS and 6G Combo PLUS models
• Added support for selective 12dB gain LNA in RFEM2.4G PLUS board, including ISM Combo
PLUS assembled models. The ISM Combo PLUS model now starts in Direct mode, to avoid
potential damage when strong signals are being received. For additional sensitivity, select
Input:LNA 12dB in the ATTENUATOR MENU.
Note: in previous versions of the firmware, the 2.4GHz module was starting with LNA
enabled, so any difference in noise floor with previous version is corrected by manually
enabling the internal LNA in the new firmware version.
• Improved scan speed in high resolution mode.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 18

Version 3.12

Release date: CEST Sept 20, 2019

Enhancements:

• Improved High Resolution mode for sweep scans of higher than 112pts, as supported in
latest releases of RF Explorer for Windows and RF Explorer Touch. The analyzer is now able
to scan up to 4096 points with higher efficiency and stability.

Fixes:

• Resolved problem when ISM Combo PLUS unit switches RF modules using PC software
control. Prior to this fix, the device sometimes may not redraw LCD screen correctly or
misrepresent data on screen.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 19

Version 3.11

Release date: CEST May 20, 2019

Fixes:

• Automatic LCD contrast adjust. Before this fixes, some customers may get an incorrect LCD
contrast after upgrading to v3.10 from earlier versions. The workaround was to manually
update contrast in the CONFIG MENU, but version 3.11 adjust this automatically after
upgrade; manual adjustment should not be required.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 20

Version 3.10

Release date: CEST April 08, 2019

Enhancements:

• Compatible with RFVenue Vantage v2.0

• Improved High Resolution mode scan speed.

• Added flexible command mode support to improve response in High Resolution mode.

• Tracking SNA speed improved, in most scenarios the tracking is now 300% faster than in
previous version. The faster speed is a great improvement to get a closer to real-time
tracking SNA response.

• Improved battery level charge and calibration algorithm

• Added support for RFEM2.4G PLUS expansion board

• Added RF Generator support for RFEM2.4G standard and RFEM2.4G PLUS expansion boards

• Added Wifi Analyzer support for RFEM2.4G standard and RFEM2.4G PLUS expansion boards

• Internal USB communication buffer is now reset when using RETURN button in the
Spectrum Analyzer screen. If the unit becomes unresponsive when connected to a
computer, you can try using the RETURN button rather than disconnect/reconnect step.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 21

Version 3.06

Release date: CEST May 18, 2018

Enhancements:

• Added full support for RF Explorer Preset Manager, check [Link]/preset

for more details.

• Preset screen now includes Frequency range: when an active preset with data stored
is selected, the last line of the screen shows the Start/Stop frequency range of the preset, to
help on determining the specific preset configuration before loading it. This line will be blank
if an empty preset is selected.
• Support for RFEMWSUB3G and RFEM24G expansion boards: The RF Explorer Plus
model can now work with standard expansion boards. Connectors are different but
compatible, please make sure to follow instructions as documented in [Link]-
[Link]/expansion before assembling an expansion board.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 22

Version 3.05

Release date: CET Mar 13, 2018

Enhancements:

• Added features to import/export Preset definitions from a connected computer. This feature
is required by a RF Explorer for Windows and special multi-platform Preset tool being
released in 2018.

Fixes:

• Fixed internal ADC battery calibration problem. Original firmware released from factory may
include adjustment problems incorrectly reported the battery level to be 65% where it
should be 100%.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 23

Version 3.03

Release date: CET Oct 10, 2017

Fixes:

• Fixed numerical limits in ATTENUATOR MENU. Before this fix, some large OffsetDB values
may produce unexpected results on menu values for Top and Bottom dBm.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 24

Disclaimer

RF Explorer is a registered trademark.

This firmware is copyrighted by (C) Ariel Rocholl, 2010-2024.

For more info on RF Explorer, please visit [Link]

For instructions to upload this new firmware in your RF Explorer unit, please visit online
documentation at [Link]/upgrade .

Some of these new features documented below may not be available in the user manual until a
final release is published. For questions, please go to RF Explorer forum at [Link]-
[Link]/forum .

Some of these notes may refer to beta versions. They have been thoroughly tested, but they may
not pass all formal review and regression test of a final version. You should not install a beta
firmware if you are not comfortable with occasional bugs or risk of losing data.

Final release versions pass a full set of test cases and formal review process to minimize the risk of
any issue.

You agree that the firmware is provided as-is, without warranty of any kind (either express or
implied). Accordingly, we make no warranties, representations or guarantees, either express or
implied, and disclaims all such warranties, representations or guarantees, including, without
limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for any particular purpose, as to: (a)
the functionality or non-infringement of program, any modification, a combined work or an
aggregate work; or (b) the results of any project undertaken using the program, any modification, a
combined work or an aggregate work. In no event shall the contributors be liable for any direct,
indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, consequential or any other damages (including, but not
limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business
interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or
tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of the program, even if
advised of the possibility of such damages. You hereby waive any claims for damages of any kind
against contributors which may result from your use of the firmware.

RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer PLUS Cumulative Release Notes page 25