Direct to the point, it is used in Metageek Chanalayzer and Wi-Spy (typically DBX) as dual-band directional antenna, to locate interference, such as you can use it to physically locate narrowband transmitters. The Device Finder view shows a signal strength over time graph similar to the Networks Graph, but also shows the signal strength of a selected frequency range. Device Finder will enable you to actively seek out transmitters so you can know exactly what is happening around your network.
Be note, at the time of writing 15-Oct-2020, Metageek is shipping it out as part of the bundled with Alfa-APA-M25, for more about that, please one of the link post here (so here will not duplicate those information here and focus on the use case for Device Finder “Dual-Band” Directional Antenna.
Careful about the Device Finder show in video is “old” 2.4Ghz one, as this is old video.
What Types of Devices can Device Finder locate? Use case for the Device Finder
Narrowband transmitters are devices that create a constant signature in the spectrum that is less than about 10 MHz wide with a strong amplitude. Cordless phones, baby monitors, wireless audio systems, and wireless video cameras typically create narrowband signatures in the spectrum. These devices can be located with Device Finder.
Direct Sequence transmitters make generally curved shape in the spectrum with low amplitude. Since they can cover 20 MHz of spectrum or more, and since the amplitude is usually lower, Device Finder doesn’t locate them as easily.
Frequency-hopping transmitters move from channel to channel. Xbox 360 controllers, Bluetooth devices, and most video baby monitors are frequency-hopping. Because they move around, they can’t be tracked by Device Finder.
Attaching the Directional Antenna (Alfa APA-M25 Dual-Band or MetaGeek Own 2.4Ghz Device Finder)
To attach the Directional Antenna:
1. Unscrew the omni-directional antenna from the antenna connector on the Wi-Spy
2. Screw the directional antenna to the antenna connector on the Wi-Spy
Remark: Metageek DeviceFinder like show here is old of stock end of production model, it is 2.4Ghz. We know it look nice, but technically, it is the replacement Alfa-APA-M25 “dual band” more technical superior.
Note: Since Wi-Spy is receive-only, it’s completely safe to switch out the omni-directional antenna for the Directional Antenna while the Wi-Spy is active.
Starting in 2019, MetaGeek has started shipping the Alfa APA-M25 directional antennas. These can also be affixed to your laptop like so:
How to Use Device Finder
1. Click and drag in the Density view to select the signature of the device that you want to find. Release the mouse button, and select Device Finder.
2. Optional: clean up your selection with the Selection Handles.
3. Click the Checkbox button to begin Device Finder Mode. Chanalyzer will now open the Device Finder view.
4. The Device Finder tab shows the amplitude (signal strength) over time for the area that is selected in the Density View.
5. As you move around, the Amplitude Graph will rise and fall.
6. The Stacked Bar Graph on the right also visualize amplitude trends
7. When you locate the offending device and unplug it, the amplitude graph will fall to nearly “zero”.
8. Click the X in the upper right to close Device Finder mode.
Feel free to contact E-SPIN if you have project or technical requirements. E-SPIN being extensive in supply, consult, and provide 3rd party tools to work as a single seamless solution for most of the wireless specialists and professionals.
