Kaltman Creations announced a series of entry-level RF spectrum analyzers running on commodity PC hardware platforms. The series will be called Invisible Waves.  It is designed for technicians who require a low-cost system but do not need the precise resolution or fast sweep speed found in purpose-built hardware, according to Mark Kaltman, Kaltman president.

The analyzers are unique because most other PC-based systems are limited to specific frequencies, Kaltman said.

The first model, IW1800, ships early next month for $1,495. It covers frequencies of 100 kHz to 1.8 GHz. Future versions, the IW4000 and IW7000, will cover up to 4 GHz and 7 GHz respectively and will ship later this summer.

Invisible Waves analyzers run on Linux but there are options for Windows and Solaris operating systems. Features include resolution up to 1 kHz, automatic charting of open white space, split-screen output and logging/playback capability.