HFU HF Underground
Technical Topics => Equipment => Topic started by: Josh on August 13, 2019, 1717 UTC
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Reviews of the NanoVNA: An Ultra Low Cost $50 Vector Network Analyzer
A vector network analyzer (VNA) is an instrument that can be used to measure antenna or coax parameters such as SWR, impedance and loss. It can also be used to characterize and tune filters. It is a very useful tool to have if you are building and tuning home made antennas, filters or other RF circuits. For example if you are building a QFH or ADS-B antenna to use with an RTL-SDR, a VNA can help ensure that your antenna is properly tuned to the correct frequency. Compared to a standard SWR or network analyzer a VNA supplies you with phase information as well.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/reviews-of-the-nanovna-an-ultra-low-cost-50-vector-network-analyzer/
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Thanks for that.
I've ordered one, at 45 Euros inc post it would be rude not to :)
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I want one, and I'm not often intrigued by such items.
:D
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I think I'll get me one when I can run it on a Linux PC. Not too long I hope.
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Calculating Coax Length by using a NanoVNA as a Time-Domain Reflectometer
Earlier in the month we posted about the NanoVNA, an open source VNA project by @edy555 and ttrftech that has recently become extremely affordable at US$50 for a fully assembled unit thanks to Chinese manufacturing.
The NanoVNA comes with preinstalled software for it's LCD GUI, as well as a Windows program. However, the software is currently basic and doesn't implement everything possible with a VNA. Over on his blog, nuclearrambo has put up a post showing how to use the NanoVNA as a Time-domain reflectometer (TDR). A TDR allows you to measure coax cable length, and that can be useful for finding exactly where a suspected cable or connector fault is.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/calculating-coax-length-by-using-a-nanovna-as-a-time-domain-reflectometer/
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I received mine last Monday, just short of a month since ordering.
First impressions are good.
Checked it on an FM dipole which I believe is tuned to 91.6 Mhz. It returned a min reflected power on 91.4 but I will forgive it as the aerial is only about 8 feet up and the coax is dangling under it so may be throwing if off a bit. It may not have been calibrated to the band when I checked it also.
On one of my HF, aerials, it gave me a reading of 1:1 just off my operating frequency. The aerial is good for +/- 200 Khz (about 1.5:1 at the extremes) so happy with that. Z= 48.5 Ohm Zs.
Measured a new inverted MW antenna I just put up. Lovely curve on 1430 Khz. Z=40 Ohms without the atu so matching it should be easy enough.
I've measured several filters I have here, both homemade and factory built with interesting results. I think this could be an invaluable tool for building filters.
The build quality is OK. Pity it's not a in an enclosure.
Spent most of the morning I got it making up SMA patch cables.
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The vna I linked to appears to be in an enclosure as far as images go, what vna did you order?
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There is this case for those who have access to a 3D printer to make it:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3673624
The creator of this case notes there are at least two manufacturers of the nanoVNA with minor variations in the mechanical construction of the VNA.
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The vna I linked to appears to be in an enclosure as far as images go, what vna did you order?
That's the one I ordered.
There's a top and bottom "cover" but the sides are open. It's not a big deal.
To take the stress off the SMA connectors, I've mounted it in a very small flight case with 2 "N" type sockets mounted on the side of the case. All connections will be made via the "N"s now.
There's a bigger version available now. Larger screen and I think it goes to 1.2 Ghz. About 3x the cost though.
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I see, thanks for the response.
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NanoVNASaver Software Walkthrough + NanoVNA Firmware Updates Bring 1.5 GHz Max Range
The NanoVNA is an open source VNA project by @edy555 and ttrftech that has recently become extremely affordable at less than US$50 for a fully assembled unit thanks to Chinese manufacturing (or a little more if you order it via Amazon).
Ohan Smit had recently been playing with the NanoVNA and came across a software package from Rune B. Broberg (5Q5R) called NanoVNASaver. NanoVNASaver is an open source program that can be used to read and plot data from the NanoVNA. It has some nice features like the ability to display multiple charts, increase the resolution up to 10k points, measure cable length via TDR calculations, save Touchstone files and more.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/nanovnasaver-software-walkthrough-nanovna-firmware-updates-bring-1-5-ghz-max-range/
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A NanoVNA 2.0 is in the Works: Same Price, Frequency Range up to 3.5 GHz, Higher Dynamic Range
Previously we've been posting about the NanoVNA which is an open source VNA project by @edy555 / ttrftech that has recently become extremely affordable at less than US$50 for a fully assembled unit thanks to Chinese manufacturing (or a little more if you order it via Amazon).
Over on the NanoVNA groups.io forums we've seen discussion about a NanoVNA hardware version 2.0 being in the works and it could be ready as soon as January 2020.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/a-nanovna-2-0-is-in-the-works-same-price-frequency-range-up-to-3-5-ghz-higher-dynamic-range/
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I love the one I bought so much I bought another 2. Arrived today :). One is a gift for a friend who has given me some very useful gear over the years.
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This is one of the best gifts for a HAM or swler ever, and just in time for xmas hint hint.
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A Simple Step by Step Guide to Updating the NanoVNA Firmware
Thank you to RJ Juneau (ylabrj / VA3YLB) for sharing with us his NanoVNA firmware update guide for idiots. NanoVNA firmware is updated fairly often, so this is a good reference guide for those who want to test the latest code as updating the firmware is a multi-step process.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/a-simple-step-by-step-guide-to-updating-the-nanovna-firmware/
NanoVNA Version 2.0 First PCB Pictures Released + NanoVNA Naming & Credit Clarifications
Back in October 2019 we posted about the upcoming NanoVNA version 2.0 which back then was still being designed with a predicted release date of January 2020. Recently some photos of the NanoVNA 2.0 prototype have been uploaded to the NanoVNA groups.io forum.
The NanoVNA 2.0 is expected to retail at around US$60 which is around the same price as the current NanoVNA. The current NanoVNA is limited in that it can only measure from 50 kHz to 900 MHz, with performance being reduced above 300 MHz. It can be extended to 1.5 GHz, but with severely reduced performance. The NanoVNA 2.0 will be able to measure from 50 kHz to 3 GHz, and possibly up to 3.5 GHz. Version 2.0 will also have improved dynamic range.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/nanovna-version-2-0-first-pcb-pictures-released-nanovna-naming-credit-clarifications/
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I may get one to have in a field kit for quick checks of antennas
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I picked one up off eBay for $33 shipped. Very neat device and pretty easy to use. I can see lots of uses for it around the shack. NanoVGA Saver software makes it easier to view the data.
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A Guide to the NanoVNA: Kindle eBook for $2.99
With the NanoVNA (and upcoming NanoVNA 2.0) being so affordable and readily available many budget focused RF enthusiasts and hams are now adding a tool to their arsenal that used to only be for the wealthy and commercial users. Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) allow you to do things like make SWR measurements on antennas, characterize RF filters and detect coax cable faults, among other applications.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/a-guide-to-the-nanovna-kindle-ebook-for-2-99/
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It's so great that antenna analyzers are becoming affordable. One thing I find funny is that for years MFJ led the market on these products. Don't get me wrong I've owned many MFJ tuners over the years and have no complaints. Most of their other products aren't so desirable though.
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Yeah this thing is way cool and great price.
Was thinking the other day with this thing having that fat display and processing ability it's not too far fetched for someone to roll out a similar in size and price fft/waterfall display with say 70MHz, 45MHz, 10.7mHz, 9MHz, and 455kHz inputs as a stand alone panadaptor that can be bodged into just about any rx. I'd love to have one.
Like this thing but rationally priced;
https://www.heinzstampfl.ch/en/shop/mr-pan/
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"Like this thing but rationally priced;"
Start here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/STM32F103C8T6-ARM-STM32-Dev-Development-Board-Module-Blue-Pill-w-ST-Link-V2-USA/292142597005?epid=2212881423&hash=item44050e438d:g:dVwAAOSwYS9ZauEa
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Christmas gift? I'm not waiting 11 months!
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Finally got around to ordering the NanoVNA. Better start watching Youtube videos about it. Cant wait to be able to analyze antennas in the field. Among many other uses. Going to purchase a cell phone type cover for it as well.
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One thing I've noticed from the brief reading and short videos is that , it seems to me measuring and trimming antennas to proper SWR is going to be a bit more complex than say the MFJ analyzers where you just set the frequency and adjust from there. I'm hoping i'm wrong and that it will be easy to learn on this new contraption I already ordered. If any one has any insight to this normally easy procedure please share. Thanks
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I have the NanoVNA-F model which is the 'upgraded' version. It has a larger screen and better shielding. It also has the 1.5 Ghz update and works very well. I almost spent $2000 on a proper Spectrum Analyzer (with TG) but now I don't have to! I can test all of my filters and antennas.
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I was watching a video where it shows what looks to be a tiny SMA 50 ohm dummy load for calibration. Does anyone know if this is included in the package and if not where to pick one up? Thanks
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I was watching a video where it shows what looks to be a tiny SMA 50 ohm dummy load for calibration. Does anyone know if this is included in the package and if not where to pick one up?
They're all over E-Bay but yes it generally comes with everything you need to start...
FWIW here's the model I got: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vector-Antenna-Network-Analyzer-50K-1GHz-Real-Time-NanoVNA-F-VNA-VHF-UHF-US-Ship/164051384904
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One thing I've noticed from the brief reading and short videos is that , it seems to me measuring and trimming antennas to proper SWR is going to be a bit more complex than say the MFJ analyzers where you just set the frequency and adjust from there. I'm hoping i'm wrong and that it will be easy to learn on this new contraption I already ordered. If any one has any insight to this normally easy procedure please share. Thanks
It's very easy.
If you're using the SWR setting, it will display a curve that shows you exactly where the antenna is resonant. You can see instantly whether it's too long or short.
The only part which may seem slightly tedious is the calibration. It must be calibrated for the frequency range that you using it on or the results may not be accurate.
You can save up to 4 (I think) calibrations.
I calibrated mine to cover the 2 HF frequencies that I usually use (+/- about 100 Khz), the FM broadcast band and the section of the MW broadcast band that I transmit on.
Once calibrated, it shouldn't require re-calibration unless you need to use it on a different band.
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It must be calibrated for the frequency range that you using it on or the results may not be accurate. Once calibrated, it shouldn't require re-calibration unless you need to use it on a different band.
I'm not sure this is completely true Brian. I've calibrated mine for 100khz to 1.5 ghz and it seems pretty consistent across the spectrum. Perhaps if you're looking for extremely precise measurements then the specific calibration may be necessary; however, I can only speak for the NanoVNA-F model.
FWIW, I haven't used it on the HF spectrum that much -- but again, it seems consistent across entire range for me.
I think the key is proper calibration (performing all of the required measurements) and then you're good to go.
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Here's a quick demo of my comparison of the RTL-SDR and GPIOLabs FM Trap filters:
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/m3a75yujilqsit7/RTLvsGPIO_50p.jpg?raw=1)
At quick glance it would easy to conclude the GPIO the winner but for me personally, the RTL-SDR performs better -- since I need the notching at the top-end of the FM broadcast band. The GPIO does a better job at the lower end. The RTL-SDR is a bit wider too.
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Cal for the band you are using never across the whole range as you'll have lots of errors.
I speak from using Agilent and R&S VNAs in a lab.
If I cal'd them over the whole range and expected accurate results I'd be daft and get laughed at and probably loose my job.
Use best engineering practices, always!
Str.
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Back in the 80's I used to tune FM Broadcast antennas. It took a whole cart full of equipment: sweep generator, marker generator, frequency counter, X-Y scope, return loss bridge, attenuater pads and lots of cables. Calibration was done with a 1.0 and 1.2 load (50 and 60 ohms) and a section of open ended transmission line. You youngsters got it made now with your shirt pocket size VNA's 8)
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Cal for the band you are using never across the whole range as you'll have lots of errors.
Okay fair enough but to what degree of accuracy are we talking about? I'm a stickler for precision but in my measurements I'm not really concerned about a SWR of 1.03 vs 1.09...
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I looks as though a Nano-VNA version 2.0 will be available soon:
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/nanovna-version-2-0-first-pcb-pictures-released-nanovna-naming-credit-clarifications/
https://ghz-europe.com/2020/01/04/nanovna-2-0-first-photos/
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NanoVNA V2’s Now for Sale on eBay and Tindie
We've received a few notices that the NanoVNA V2 design that we've been following since last year is now available for sale on eBay and Tindie (or Taobao if you live in China). The original official sales appear to have been from Tindie, where it is priced at $58.25 + shipping, although it is now out of stock. On eBay resellers are selling it for up to $150. If you're interested in purchasing the V2 we recommend entering your email into the Tindie form as they will notify you when it's back in stock. Initial reviews posted on the Tindie store indicate that the unit has excellent performance for the price so we expect that it will be popular enough to manufacture many more in the future.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/nanovna-v2s-now-for-sale-on-ebay-and-tindie/
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Tempted to get one but as I have 2 of the V1, I can't really justify it.
I decided to drag the battered HyGain multiband vertical antenna out and finally look at in on the NanoVNA.
I literally just stuck it in the ground, no radials or tuning.
When i do decide to tune it to my preferred bands, the VNA is going to make it an easy job.
(https://i.postimg.cc/HrpFvL8H/HyGain.png) (https://postimg.cc/HrpFvL8H)
Haven't posted images in a long time so I hope it works :o
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Not sure I understand the need for 3.8GHz coverage for a cheap antenna analyzer unless you are doing some sort of low band satellite or whatever. If it can do HF through UHF, I'm good.