MERLIN MK4 - Ultra-fast Scanning Spectrum Analyser
Merlin MK4 is a high-end TSCM spectrum analyser with cutting-edge design and performance. The Merlin MK4 is tailored for Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM) use and features Shearwater’s own receiver. The Merlin MK4 has two quad-core computers built-in, these operate Linux for the digitiser and Windows for the scan.
Wile offering rapid deployment and portability, Merlin MK4 can give an operator quick access to several tools, such as a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth spectrum monitor, SDR Demodulation and mains monitoring.
The Merlin MK4 is an ultra-fast spectrum analyser with an acquisition rate of 52 Terahertz per second and has a bandwidth of up to 30 GHz.
Merlin MK4 spectrum analyser features multiple trace for RF mapping, a 3D waterfall view and the demodulation screen on the Merlin MK4 also includes a waterfall. Directional finding capability is provided to the Merlin MK4 via the included external directional handheld antenna that can also be tripod mounted. Other external antennas can also be used for more specific requirements.
The compact all in one unit Merlin MK4 houses the hot swappable battery that powers the unit when not connected to mains power. The Merlin MK4 can be controlled wirelessly via a tablet or wired via an ethernet cable with either a MAC or a PC.
Key features
• Compact all-in-one unit
• Band width up to 30 GHz
• Acquisition Rate 52 Terahertz per second
• Ethernet control
• Record / Replay 3D waterfall
• Cable or Wireless control
• Multi-format computer control (tablet supplied as
standard)
• Hot Swap Battery / Mains powered
• Digital Video demodulation
• Compact all-in-one unit
• Band width up to 30 GHz
• Acquisition Rate 52 Terahertz per second
• Ethernet control
• Record / Replay 3D waterfall
• Cable or Wireless control
• Multi-format computer control (tablet supplied as
standard)
• Hot Swap Battery / Mains powered
• Digital Video demodulation
MERLIN Mk4 is the latest version of our ultra-fast spectrum analyser.
Acquisition Rate –52 Terahertz per second
The system is based on Ethernet control, consequently is ideal for remote deployment.
The Waterfall (3D and 2D) displays can be recorded and replayed and provides both time and frequency read out.
Acquisition Rate –52 Terahertz per second
The system is based on Ethernet control, consequently is ideal for remote deployment.
The Waterfall (3D and 2D) displays can be recorded and replayed and provides both time and frequency read out.
System overview
Multi Platform. With two powerful, in built, quad core computers, the operator has a choice of graphical user interface. The unit is supplied with an tablet as standard but the choice can be any size of MAC, PC, desk model or laptop, or mobile such as an iPhone.
2 External Monitors supplies as standard
In addition to Ethernet cable, Wireless connection is provided for rapid deployment.
The unit is both battery and or mains powered. The battery system allows for “Hot Swap” and four removeable batteries and one twin gang fast charger are supplied as standard.
Both Analogue and Digital Video demodulation is available.
BLUETOOTH monitoring scan runs concurrently while scanning the RF spectrum for other types of transmission. ID / MAC address and real time signal provides for location of the Bluetooth device.
An External Antenna can be used and a Directional hand held (or tripod mount) is included for Direction Finding.
Mains / Cable monitoring input with a switchable interface: L/N, L/E, N/E.
Dimensions: Merlin unit :- 350 x 280 x 95mm. Weight:- Merlin :- 9.0 kilos
Multi Platform. With two powerful, in built, quad core computers, the operator has a choice of graphical user interface. The unit is supplied with an tablet as standard but the choice can be any size of MAC, PC, desk model or laptop, or mobile such as an iPhone.
2 External Monitors supplies as standard
In addition to Ethernet cable, Wireless connection is provided for rapid deployment.
The unit is both battery and or mains powered. The battery system allows for “Hot Swap” and four removeable batteries and one twin gang fast charger are supplied as standard.
Both Analogue and Digital Video demodulation is available.
BLUETOOTH monitoring scan runs concurrently while scanning the RF spectrum for other types of transmission. ID / MAC address and real time signal provides for location of the Bluetooth device.
An External Antenna can be used and a Directional hand held (or tripod mount) is included for Direction Finding.
Mains / Cable monitoring input with a switchable interface: L/N, L/E, N/E.
Dimensions: Merlin unit :- 350 x 280 x 95mm. Weight:- Merlin :- 9.0 kilos
Some of Merlin MK4 features:
Multiple trace for RF Mapping
3D Waterfall
Demodulation screen including waterfall
| Technical Specifications | |
| 50kHz to 30GHz Spectrum Capture and Recording | |
| Receiver A/D Sampling Rate: | 160 Msps (million samples per second) |
| Receiver A/D Resolution: | 16 bit |
| Tuning Range: | 50kHz to 30GHz |
| Tuning Resolution: | 10Hz |
| Signal Acquisition: | 52 Terahertz per second |
| Resolution Bandwidths (RBW): | 5kHz to 5MHz (octave increments) |
| RF Input Range: | +5dBm to Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) |
| Displayed Average Noise Level, dBm (DANL): | 50 kHz to 1 MHz –130 1 MHz to 5 MHz –140 5 MHz to 60 MHz –155 60 MHz to 6 GHz –160 6GHz to 30GHz -140 |
| RF Amplitude Accuracy: | +/- 2.0dB |
| RF input LO Leakage: | < -95dBm |
| System Clock Spurs (>200MHz): | < -120dBm |
| System Clock Spurs (<200MHz): | < -85dBm |
| Residual Responses: (RF Input -20dBm, 0dB Attenuation) |
< -90dBm |
|
Spur and Image Rejection
( -30dBm into Aux input, 0dB
Attenuation, max RF gain)
|
< -90dBc (50kHz-60MHz) < -80dBc (60Mhz-6.0GHz) < -45dBc (6.0GHz-30GHz) |
| Frequency Stability | 50MHz TCXO reference +/- 1ppm |
| SDR Demodulation | |
| Demodulation IF Bandwidth: | 625KHz to 40MHz (octave increments) |
| Spur and Image Rejection: | < -90dBc |
| Demodulation Modes: | AM, FM Narrow, FM Wide, USB, LSB (custom modes available upon request) |
| Mode Bandwidth: | 1kHz to 300kHz, 1 Hz adjustable, built in presets for common modes and bandwidths (custom bandwidths available upon request) |
| Demodulation Tuning Range: | Merlin center frequency +/- IF Bandwidth |
| Tuning Resolution: | 10Hz |
| Audio Recording and Playback: | Yes |
| Real-time RF Signal Recording and Playback though SDR Demodulation | |
| Real-time RF Bandwidth (record or playback): | 625KHz to 40MHz (octave increments) (contact factory for 80MHz option) |
| RF Center Frequency: | 312.5kHz to 30GHz |
| RF Tuning Resolution: | 10Hz |
| RF Amplitude Resolution: | 16 bits |
| Real-time Recording Data Formats: | 16 bit raw RF samples 2s complement 16 bit I/Q RF samples 2s complement (default recording mode) optional Vita 49 standard |
| Export Recording for External Analysis: | Yes |
| Simultaneous Record and SDR Demodulation: | Yes |
| Recording time: | Only limited by hard drive capacity. Real-time RF spectrum recording time only limited by the size of the internal or external hard drive e.g. ~7 hours of record time on a 4Tbyte hard drive at 160 Mbps 40MHz BW IQ data capture. |
| TV Signal Demodulation | |
| TV Modes: | PAL AM, FM Positive, FM Inverted, DVBT, Optional ATSC. |
| Tuning Range: | 40MHz to 30GHz |
| Tuning Resolution: | 10Hz |
| FM lock range: | +/- 5MHz |
| Video Recording and Playback: | Yes |
| Bluetooth Searching and Direction Finding | |
| Bluetooth Standard: | 4.1 |
| Bluetooth Search Modes: | 1. Master mode LAP/MAC search. 2. Pager mode LAP/MAC search. |
| Tuning Range: | 2.38 to 2.52 GHz |
| Tuning Resolution: | 100kHz |
| Noise Floor typical: | -95dBm |
| Non Standard Frequency search: | Yes, manual and automatic in 100kHz steps |
| Single Frequency Scanning: | Yes |
| Single LAP Scanning for DF: | Yes, signal, noise and signal/noise readings with real time signal/noise bar graph for DF operation |
| Simultaneous BT Search and MerlinMK3 Spectral scanning: | Yes |
| Simultaneous BT Search and MerlinMK3 SDR Demodulation: | Yes |
| Standard BT Active Searching: | Yes |
| Bluetooth/Wifi Spectral Monitor | |
| 2.4 to 2.5 GHz Spectrum Analyzer: | Real-time Bluetooth and Wifi spectrum display |
| Noise Floor typical: | -95dBm |
| Simultaneous BT Spectrum and MerlinMK4 Spectral scanning: |
Yes |
| Simultaneous BT Spectrum and MerlinMK4 SDR Demodulation: |
Yes |
| BT Spectrum Recording: | Yes |
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