Spectrum Analyzers FAQs

Frequently asked questions about WiPry Clarity, WiPry 2500x, WiPry 790x, WiPry 340x, WiPry 5x, WiPry-Pro, & WiPry-Pro Combo.

General Questions

How do I use WiPry to optimize my WiFi network settings?

Spectrum mode allows you to view which frequencies in the spectrum are already in use or have a high noise floor. Selecting a channel with a low reading will yield increased throughput and lower latency.

How can I determine what frequency or WiFi channels are located on the screen?

For specific frequency measurements, you can use the cursors or the divisions on the screen. To view WiFi channels, click on the plus sign in the top left corner. Then, tap on any of the channel numbers listed. It is also possible to enable specific WiFi guides such as 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n -20MHz (2.4GHz only), 802.15.4 (ZigBee). To change the channel map, go to the menu bar and tap Measure. The option at the bottom of the menu is WiFi guide. This will enable you to manually select a guide. The default is 802.11n – 20MHz.

Do I need an app for the Oscium hardware to work?

Yes, the app is called WiPry. It is easy to install and available free in the Apple App Store. The same app works for all version of WiPry hardware including: WiPry 2500x, WiPry 5x, WiPry-Pro, WiPry-Pro Combo as well as legacy versions (WiPry-Combo, WiPry-Power, & WiPry-Spectrum).

Can I take a picture of the screen and store it?

Yes, it is also possible to email the screenshot directly from your device.

What is the center frequency of the supplied antenna?

On WiPry-Pro and WiPry-Pro Combo, the center frequency of the supplied antenna is 2.45GHz.

Is the Lightning adapter compatible with Oscium’s spectrum analyzers?

No, both WiPry-Pro and WiPry-Pro Combo have a native lightning connector.

What is the gain of the supplied antenna?

For WiPry 340x, the gain on the black antennas is 2dBi (for both)
For WiPry 790x, thegain on the black antenna is 0dBi.
For WiPry 2500x, the gain of the black antenna is 0dBi.
For WiPry 5x, the gain of the blue antenna is 0dBi.
For WiPry-Pro and WiPry-Pro Combo, the gain of the supplied antenna is +1dBi.

Is the supplied antenna direction finding?

Directionality is dictated by the antenna you are using. Our current antenna is omni-directional. If you would like to make directional measurements, consider purchasing our interference finder directional antenna.

Do you support 5 GHz?

Yes! WiPry 2500x, is a dual band spectrum analyzer that supports both 2.4 & 5 GHz.

Do you support Wi-Fi 6/6E?

Yes! WiPry Clarity, is a tri-band spectrum analyzer that supports Wi-Fi 6/6E as well as legacy technologies (2.4 & 5 GHz).


WiPry 2500x Questions

Can I use rechargeable batteries?

Yes! It’s possible to use either alkaline or rechargeable. Best practices are to only use rechargeable. Since it is possible to charge the WiPry 2500x alkalines do not appreciate being charged (and will leak if they are charged). WiPry 2500x comes supplied with rechargeable batteries. There is also a port on WiPry 2500x to charge the rechargeable batteries.

Does the WiPry 2500x hardware have a warranty?

Yes, WiPry 2500x has a full one year warranty.

Does my smartphone or tablet work with WiPry 2500x?

Android Support

WiPry 2500x supports all Android devices with USB OTG using version 6.0 & higher. Thus far, the following Android devices have been tested and are validated to operate correctly. This list is not exhaustive. It’s just what has been tested: Samsung (S5 Galaxy, S6 Galaxy, A5-2016), Lenovo A1000. As devices are tested and validated, we will add these to the list of supported hardware. If you have validated an Android device, please contact us at support@oscium.com so that we can provide that information to the rest of the Oscium family.

iOS Support

WiPry 2500x supports all Apple lightning devices using iOS version 7.0 & higher; iOS 30-pin devices are not supported.

Is it possible to adjust the RSSI spectral data refresh rate?

Yes. If both RSSI and SSID’s are enabled, a slight pause will occur in RSSI data during the SSID refresh scan. If SSID beacon frames are disabled, this will mitigate any pauses in RSSI.

Where are the drivers for the PC located?

First, download the installer. Assuming you install on c:, the drivers are located here:

For 32-bit OS: C:\Program Files\Oscium\WiPry\driver
For 64 bit OS: C:\Program Files (x86)\Oscium\WiPry\driver

On the PC, where are the saved files located?

c:/users/YOUR_ACCOUNT/AppData/Local/WiPry/WiPry

***Sometimes files are hidden so if you do not see your files try unhiding files. It’s also possible to search for the file name inside your PC to locate the folder if that’s easier.

What is the dwell time?

2.4G is ~280us
5G is ~1.6ms

Can I see hidden SSID’s?

Yes. They are shown without a name (just a waveform on the screen). In the table view (and optimization table), the SSID label will be blank but you can still identify the AP by BSSID and see the other properties of the AP.

Is there a software license fee?

No. The software for WiPry 2500x is free.


WiPry 790x Questions

I understand that WiPry 790x uses the battery from my phone, touch or tablet. How long can I use it before I need to recharge?

WiPry 790x uses less than 100mA of power, which translates to such a small impact that it’s hardly noticeable. Here are some rough estimates on how long you can expect to be able to use WiPry 790x:

If you’re using a smartphone, you can use WiPry 790x continuously for approximately five hours.
If you’re using a tablet, you can use WiPry 790x continuously for approximately eight hours.

Please understand that these estimates are just that, estimates. Your results may vary based on your hardware and your background usage level (WiFi, email push, other apps, etc).

Does the WiPry 790x hardware have a warranty?

Yes, WiPry 790x has a full one year warranty.

Does my smartphone or tablet work with WiPry 790x?

Android Support

WiPry 790x supports all Android devices with USB OTG using version 6.0 & higher. Thus far, the following Android devices have been tested and are validated to operate correctly. This list is not exhaustive. It’s just what has been tested: Samsung (S5 Galaxy, S6 Galaxy, A5-2016), Lenovo A1000. As devices are tested and validated, we will add these to the list of supported hardware. If you have validated an Android device, please contact us at support@oscium.com so that we can provide that information to the rest of the Oscium family.

iOS Support

WiPry 790x supports all Apple lightning devices using iOS version 8.0 & higher.

WiPry 790x will only operate with iOS lightning devices; iOS 30-pin devices are not supported.

Where are the drivers for the PC located?

First, download the installer. Assuming you install on c:, the drivers are located here:

For 32-bit OS: C:\Program Files\Oscium\WiPry\driver
For 64 bit OS: C:\Program Files (x86)\Oscium\WiPry\driver

What is the dwell time?

~280us

Is there a software license fee?

No. The software for WiPry 790x is free.


WiPry 340x Questions

I understand that WiPry 340x uses the battery from my phone, touch or tablet. How long can I use it before I need to recharge?

WiPry 340x uses less than 100mA of power, which translates to such a small impact that it’s hardly noticeable. Here are some rough estimates on how long you can expect to be able to use WiPry 340x:

If you’re using a smartphone, you can use WiPry 340x continuously for approximately five hours.
If you’re using a tablet, you can use WiPry 340x continuously for approximately eight hours.

Please understand that these estimates are just that, estimates. Your results may vary based on your hardware and your background usage level (WiFi, email push, other apps, etc).

Does the WiPry 340x hardware have a warranty?

Yes, WiPry 340x has a full one year warranty.

Does my smartphone or tablet work with WiPry 340x?

Android Support

WiPry 340x supports all Android devices with USB OTG using version 6.0 & higher. Thus far, the following Android devices have been tested and are validated to operate correctly. This list is not exhaustive. It’s just what has been tested: Samsung (S5 Galaxy, S6 Galaxy, A5-2016), Lenovo A1000. As devices are tested and validated, we will add these to the list of supported hardware. If you have validated an Android device, please contact us at support@oscium.com so that we can provide that information to the rest of the Oscium family.

iOS Support

WiPry 340x supports all Apple lightning devices using iOS version 8.0 & higher.

WiPry 340x will only operate with iOS lightning devices; iOS 30-pin devices are not supported.

Where are the drivers for the PC located?

First, download the installer. Assuming you install on c:, the drivers are located here:

For 32-bit OS: C:\Program Files\Oscium\WiPry\driver
For 64 bit OS: C:\Program Files (x86)\Oscium\WiPry\driver

What is the dwell time?

~280us

Is there a software license fee?

No. The software for WiPry 340x is free.


WiPry 5x Questions

I understand that WiPry 5x uses the battery from my phone, touch or tablet. How long can I use it before I need to recharge?

WiPry 5x uses less than 100mA of power, which translates to such a small impact that it’s hardly noticeable. Here are some rough estimates on how long you can expect to be able to use WiPry 5x:

If you’re using a smartphone, you can use WiPry-Pro continuously for approximately five hours.
If you’re using a tablet, you can use WiPry-Pro continuously for approximately eight hours.

Please understand that these estimates are just that, estimates. Your results may vary based on your hardware and your background usage level (WiFi, email push, other apps, etc).

Does the WiPry 5x hardware have a warranty?

Yes, WiPry 5x has a full one year warranty.

Does my smartphone or tablet work with WiPry 5x?

Android Support

WiPry 5x supports all Android devices with USB OTG using version 6.0 & higher. Thus far, the following Android devices have been tested and are validated to operate correctly. This list is not exhaustive. It’s just what has been tested: Samsung (S5 Galaxy, S6 Galaxy, A5-2016), Lenovo A1000. As devices are tested and validated, we will add these to the list of supported hardware. If you have validated an Android device, please contact us at support@oscium.com so that we can provide that information to the rest of the Oscium family.

iOS Support

WiPry 5x supports all Apple lightning devices using iOS version 7.0 & higher.
These devices include (but may not be limited to) the following: iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5, iPad Pro, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPad mini, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 4, iPod touch [5th generation].

WiPry 5x will only operate with iOS lightning devices; iOS 30-pin devices are not supported.

Is it possible to adjust the RSSI spectral data refresh rate?

Yes. If both RSSI and SSID’s are enabled, a slight pause will occur in RSSI data during the SSID refresh scan. If SSID beacon frames are disabled, this will mitigate any pauses in RSSI.

Where are the drivers for the PC located?

First, download the installer. Assuming you install on c:, the drivers are located here:

For 32-bit OS: C:\Program Files\Oscium\WiPry\driver
For 64 bit OS: C:\Program Files (x86)\Oscium\WiPry\driver

What is the dwell time?

2.4G is ~280us
5G is ~1.6ms

Can I see hidden SSID’s?

Yes. They are shown without a name (just a waveform on the screen). In the table view (and optimization table), the SSID label will be blank but you can still identify the AP by BSSID and see the other properties of the AP.

Is there a software license fee?

No. The software for WiPry 5x is free.


WiPry-Pro Questions

I understand that WiPry-Pro uses the battery from my phone, touch or tablet. How long can I use it before I need to recharge?

If you’re using an iPhone / iPod touch, you can use WiPry-Pro continuously for approximately five hours.

If you’re using an iPad, you can use WiPry-Pro continuously for approximately eight hours.

Please understand that these estimates are just that, estimates. Your results may vary based on your background usage level (WiFi, email push, other apps, etc).

Two minutes for the first SSID scan seems like forever. Why does it take that long?

In the past, SSID functionality has been available to iOS users but not in accordance with Apple guidelines. It was then restricted and only available in a jailbroken store. We comply with every requirement so our customers can be confident that our features are here to stay. The more technical answer is that our external WiFi chip (that one that provides SSID’s) uses more than 100mA so we have to add a super cap to make sure we stay under the 100mA power threshold set by Apple. The upside to the user is that the battery does not drain as fast and the functionality is here to stay. The downside is that you have to wait two minutes for the first SSID scan. If you’re annoyed by the amount of time it takes to do the first scan, we have eliminated the wait time entirely in our newest hardware, WiPry 5x. Please consider upgrading your hardware.

What is the sweep time on the WiPry-Pro?

200ms or 5fps. The 20s referesh rate is only on the SSID beacon capture. No need to worry about missing bluetooth scans, for example. 200ms or 5fps is sufficient to capture relevant signals.

Does the WiPry-Pro hardware have a warranty?

Yes, WiPry-Pro has a full one year warranty.

Which Apple devices work with WiPry-Pro?

The answer is the same whether you are using WiPry-Pro or WiPry-Pro Combo. Compatible products include:

iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 6S Plus
iPhone 6S
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 6
Phone 5C
iPhone 5S
iPhone 5
iPad Pro
iPad mini 4
iPad mini 3
iPad mini 2
iPad mini
iPad Air 2
iPad Air
iPad 4
iPod touch [5th generation]

WiPry-Pro will only operate with iOS lightning devices.


WiPry-Pro Combo Questions

I understand that WiPry-Pro Combo uses the battery from my phone, touch or tablet. How long can I use it before I need to recharge?

If you’re using an iPhone / iPod touch, you can use WiPry-Pro Combo continuously for approximately five hours.

If you’re using an iPad, you can use WiPry-Pro Combo continuously for approximately eight hours.

Please understand that these estimates are just that, estimates. Your results may vary based on your background usage level (WiFi, email push, other apps, etc).

Explain why the power meter mode of WiPry-Pro Combo is useful.

Most power meters can only provide you with an average power reading. Very few are capable of measuring peak power. Oscium’s power meter will allow you to visually look at protocol level transmissions, duty cycle, and more. This invaluable tool makes protocol verification and troubleshooting wireless devices easier than ever.

What is the maximum amount of power that can be applied to the device at the SMB connector?

Max power is 20dBm. If you need to take higher power measurements, please make sure that you use external attenuation to bring the power level below 20dBm.

What is external attenuation?

External attenuation allows you to apply an offset (either gain or attenuation) to bring the measurement into range.

How do I connect external attenuation?

You will need the conducted measurement kit even if you plan to make radiated measurements.

Where can I get external attenuators?

Oscium does not stock attenuators but they are readily available in the marketplace.

Do you plan to sell attenuators?

We will make attenuators in the future if the demand is sufficient. Please email us if you are interested.

What is the sweep time on the WiPry-Pro Combo?

The spectrum analyzer sweep time is 200ms or 5fps. The 20s referesh rate is only on the SSID beacon capture. No need to worry about missing bluetooth scans, for example. 200ms or 5fps is sufficient to capture relevant signals. On the power meter, it can trigger on amplitudes so you could capture signals at speeds up to 50MSPS.

Can you explain the format of the .csv data logging file?

Rows

When the time scale is set to less than 100ms, each row is a single screen capture. When the time scale is greater than or equal to 100ms, each row is a data point in time.

Columns

Each column (excluding the first) is the data point in time shown on the screen.

Does the WiPry-Pro Combo hardware have a warranty?

Yes, WiPry-Pro Combo has a full one year warranty.

Ready for Action?

Oscium delivers innovative test equipment accessories that connect to a smartphone or tablet transforming the host device into a portable troubleshooting tool for field technicians. Hardware can be purchased from Oscium and free software apps are downloaded on either Google Play or in the Apple App Store.
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