ria-toolkit-oss/docs/source/sdr_guides/thinkrf.rst

.. _thinkrf:

ThinkRF
====================

The ThinkRF series of spectrum analyzers and software-defined radio platforms are designed for advanced
RF signal monitoring, analysis, and wireless research. These devices
combine high-performance RF front ends with flexible software interfaces for a wide range of applications,
including spectrum monitoring, signal intelligence, and wireless testing.

ThinkRF devices offer wide frequency coverage, deep dynamic range, and real-time analysis capabilities.
They are built for professional and research-grade environments, offering Ethernet-based connectivity and
software APIs for remote control and integration into automated systems.

Supported Models
----------------
    - **ThinkRF R5550**: A real-time spectrum analyzer with frequency coverage from 9 kHz to 27 GHz, 160 MHz real-time bandwidth,
      and 100 MHz instantaneous FFT bandwidth.

Key Features
------------
    - Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 27 GHz (depending on model).
    - Bandwidth: Up to 160 MHz real-time bandwidth.
    - Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet interface for high-throughput streaming and remote control.
    - Software Support: Compatible with ThinkRF APIs, GNU Radio, MATLAB, and third-party spectrum analysis software.
    - Real-Time Analysis:
        - Enables full-band, real-time spectral visibility for dynamic signal environments.
        - Supports trigger-based capture and event-driven recording.
    - Remote Operation:
        - Designed for distributed deployments and networked operation through Ethernet.
        - Can be integrated into automated RF monitoring systems or deployed for field data collection.

Limitations
-----------
    - Requires external host for processing (no onboard CPU for user applications).
    - Dependent on ThinkRF software drivers and API for device control.
    - High data rate operation may require optimized network settings or storage systems.

Set up instructions (Linux)
---------------------------------

ThinkRF devices require the ``pyrf`` package, which is written in Python 2 syntax and must be patched
after installation to work with Python 3.

.. note::

   ``lib2to3`` was fully removed in Python 3.13. ThinkRF support is currently limited to
   **Python 3.12 and below**.

1. Install ``lib2to3``:

  On some distributions (including Ubuntu 24.04+), ``lib2to3`` is not included by default:

  .. code-block:: bash

    sudo apt install python3-lib2to3

2. Install ``pyrf``:

  .. code-block:: bash

    pip install pyrf

3. Patch ``pyrf`` for Python 3:

  The ``pyrf`` package contains Python 2 syntax throughout (e.g., ``dict.iteritems()``, ``print``
  statements). Run the following to automatically convert the entire package to Python 3:

  .. code-block:: bash

    python -c "
    from lib2to3.refactor import RefactoringTool, get_fixers_from_package
    import pyrf, os
    pyrf_path = os.path.dirname(pyrf.__file__)
    fixers = get_fixers_from_package('lib2to3.fixes')
    tool = RefactoringTool(fixers)
    tool.refactor_dir(pyrf_path, write=True)
    print('Done')
    "

  .. note::

     This patches the entire ``pyrf`` package in place, which is required for the driver to fully load.

Further Information
-------------------
    - `ThinkRF Documentation <https://thinkrf.com/resources/>`_
    - `ThinkRF Product Page <https://thinkrf.com/products/>`_
    - `Pyrf Github Page <https://github.com/pyrf/pyrf>`_