ClearWaves-- RF Spectrum Analyzer & Frequency Coordination Software (Cost: $98 USD)
Precise, Wideband RF Spectrum Scanning, Visualization and Intermodulation Analysis
ClearWaves was designed and developed for wireless audio professionals and RF applications such as live performances, broadcast productions, conferences, and other events where mobility and flexibility are required. Wireless audio gear allows performers, presenters, and audio professionals to move freely without being tethered by cables while maintaining high-quality audio transmission. ClearWaves combines the RF spectrum analysis capabilities of Touchstone-Pro with intermodulation analysis -- employing patented Smart Frequency Sets to generate and monitor the most reliable frequencies for use by applications that require frequency coordination. Effective frequency management is crucial to avoid RF interference and intermodulation distortion (IMD) and requires selecting appropriate frequency bands, monitoring the RF spectrum for existing users and interference sources, and coordinating frequency assignments to minimize conflicts with other wireless devices and the probability of intermodulation distortion.
ClearWaves uses an RF Explorer spectrum analyzer for data acquisition. Combining real-time spectrum traces with Smart Frequency Set intermodulation analysis, the application enables users to coordinate optimal frequency assignments for wireless transmitters, monitor RF signals, troubleshoot RF issues, and detect sources of RF interference.
ClearWaves offers a variety of diagnostic views of the data captured by the RF Explorer device. Employing multiple views of the data enhances your ability to gain a better understanding of the local, RF landscape.
The RF Explorer hand-held spectrum analyzer is an amazing device. Combined with ClearWaves software you now have an RF diagnostic tool unmatched in price and performance. Armed with the ability to detect RF signals and interference, monitor intermod-free Smart Frequency Sets and view all RF activity that occurs in your environment, solving wireless problems just got a whole lot easier.
Free Trial Version
| Trial Period: | 3 application launches per RF Explorer device (i.e. serial number). |
If you do not have a license key and the software has not been previously registered on your PC, then you will be prompted to run in "Trial" mode. "Trial" mode is fully functional -- the only limitation is the application is limited to 3 launches per RF Explorer device (i.e. serial number). After 3 launches the "Trial" mode ends and a license key is required to continue using the application.
Purchase / Download
| ClearWaves Software | |
|---|---|
| $98 USD | |
| Digital license key for software registration. Unlimited installations -- however, each RF Explorer device (i.e. serial number) requires its own license key. |
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| Download Windows |  |
| Download MacOS (Apple Silicon) | |
| Download MacOS (Intel Core) | |
| Purchase RF Explorer Device (World-wide Distributors) | RF Explorer |
ClearWaves runs natively under Windows and MacOS architectures -- both Intel x64 and Apple Silicon (M1/M2). When you register a license key it becomes associated with the serial number (S/N) of a specific RF Explorer device and NOT a machine. You are permitted to install the Windows and MacOS versions of the software on as many machines as you like. However, during the registration process the license key you purchased becomes associated with a particular RF Explorer device and its serial number. If you have only one RF Explorer device then you are good to go. But if you have more than one RF Explorer device then each will require its own license key.
Documentation
Documentation for ClearWaves can be found here.
Spectrum Trace View
Continuously scans and samples the signal strength (dBm) of frequencies in the range the user has specified. In the 'Spectrum Trace' view the signal strength data (in dBm) is displayed as a function of frequency. Both LoRes and HiRes views are available.
Low Resolution
High Resolution
Waterfall History
Provides a color-based visualization of the RF level and activity over time. As signal levels for specific frequencies or frequency ranges increase and decrease, the waterfall map varies its colors. This feature provides a quick glance back into the sweep history to identify aberrations or fluctuation in frequency levels.
Density Map
Displays accumulated RF energy as a function of frequency. The power of the signal strength in dBm is shown across the frequency span. Over time, this spectral view will approximate the steady-state RF energy signature of a given environment.
Threshold Trace
Highlights those frequencies whose signal strength exceeds a user-defined threshold. This feature is especially useful for visually emphasizing strong signals (and deemphasizing weak ones), where the user gets to define 'strong' and 'weak' according to where they set the threshold.
Delta Trace
Used to view small (or large) changes in the RF spectrum over time. Plotting the data in this way makes it easy to detect RF changes that occurred since the initial 'snapshot'.
Reference Trace
Similar to 'Delta Trace', used to view changes in the RF spectrum compared to a user-supplied 'Reference' trace. Plotting the data in this way makes it easy to detect RF changes that differ from the Reference trace.
Intermodulation Analysis & Monitoring Smart Frequency Sets
Monitor Smart Frequency Sets over time and highlight occurrences where signal strength exceeds a user-defined threshold.
Channel Bands allow you to organize the frequencies within a frequency set into different groups based on their frequency ranges. Channel Bands may overlap one another -- in which case certain frequencies may belong to more than one channel band. Frequencies not included within a Channel Band are excluded from intermodulation analysis.
Lock out frequency ranges of your choosing -- e.g. can be used to exclude DTV stations. Frequencies within the locked-out bands are excluded from intermodulation analysis.
Monitored Frequencies
Monitor specific frequencies over time and highlight occurrences where signal strength exceeds a user-defined threshold.
Monitored Bands
Monitor specific bands over time and highlight occurrences where signal strength exceeds a user-defined threshold.
In a hostile RF environment why leave your wireless planning to chance ?
Take the guess work out of configuring your wireless audio gear -- Clear Waves & Smart Frequency Sets enable you to choose the optimal channel assignments -- free of RF interference and intermodulation distortion (IMD). Clear Waves offers detailed RF spectrum scans using easy-to-view, graphical displays, along with interference-free channel assignments. Real-time RF spectrum analysis combined with our intermodulation distortion (IMD) module delivers optimal channel assignments for even the most demanding RF environments.