If you use Microsoft Visual Studio, then a very useful add-on is available from Visual Micro that allows you to edit, compile and download code to a large range of Arduino systems. The system integrates with Visual Studio and includes comprehensive library management, as well as a very useful Arduino reference section that includes documentation for all the available libraries.

I highly recommend Visual Micro as an alternative to the Arduino IDE, particularly if you are working on a project that requires a Windows application that works in conjunction with an Arduino board. Microsoft will allow you to download a free copy of Visual Studio's Community version.

The following are links to where the software mentioned can be downloaded free of charge, as well as sources for the various hardware options for the tracking generator. Clicking on each link will open the site in a new tab so you will not be moved away from the analyser's website.

 

The Arduino IDE - V2.3  https://www.arduino.cc/

Eterlogic's VSPE (Virtual Serial Ports Emulator) is essential if you want to experiment with making your own tracking generator, or connecting the analyser to an external signal source such as a signal generator that will accept commands over a serial link. You can get a free copy here: http://www.eterlogic.com/

Xloader is used to upload HEX files to an Arduino board: Github Xload page

Microsoft’s Visual Studio Community Edition - https://www.visualstudio.com/vs/community/

Visual Micro's add-on for Visual Studio - https://www.visualmicro.com/

PuTTY Terminal Application - https://www.putty.org/

For further information on the Analog Devices range of DDS ICs, check:

http://www.analog.com/en/products/rf-microwave/direct-digital-synthesis.html

For the AD9910 Arduino Mega2560 shield - https://gra-afch.com/catalog/rf-units/dds-ad9910-arduino-shield

As an alternative to the tracking generator, a wide-band noise source may be used, and in some cases, may be the preferred option. Such a device can be obtained quietly cheaply from eBay, costing between $10 and $20. It's designed to run at 12 Volts, but does get rather hot. It can be powered with 7 Volts, where it runs a lot cooler. It will run on 5V, providing an output of around -60dBm.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/171709817697 is worth checking first. A general search for a wideband noise or generator will turn up all sorts of devices that are not what is required.

AD9850 or AD9851 DDS generators can be found on eBay, The AD9851 is preferred as it has an upper frequency limit of around 90MHZ, whereas the AD9850 is limited to around 45MHz. Search eBay for AD9851 module. Prices can vary quiet a lot, anything from $10 to around $25. Additional output filtering may be required. You can use the analyser to check the spectral purity of the module's output.

Additionally the Skyworks Solutions SI5351A clock generator is available on eBay. Search eBay for SI5351A clock generator. They are available from several sources and generally cost $5 to $10 Take care to read the specifications. Most will run on 5V, although a few will require 3.3V. Do not connect the output of this module directly into your radio. The output is a square wave of 3.2V peak unloaded. Connected to a 50 Ohm load it will deliver 1.6V peak  -  More than enough to destroy the input of your SDR radio.

A return loss bridge when used in conjunction with a noise source or tracking generation makes a very useful addition to the analyser and is similarly available on eBay for around $10 and is rated from 0.5MHz to 3GHz. Search eBay for: RF bridge 0.5-3000 MHz – There are several manufacturers offering the same product. 

 

Warning - Be careful with what you use as a signal source. The front end of the RSP devices can be easily damaged by using excessive levels of input power. SDRplay recommends +10dBm for short periods, with 0dBm for continuous use. This equates to a level of 0.707 Volts RMS at +10dBm, and 0.223 Volts RMS at 0dBm. It's far cheaper to buy, or make a simple attenuator, than it is to replace your RSP device.