The AM Forum

The NanoVNA is a real two-port vector analyzer.  For fifty bucks or less, they are a miracle.  I bought two on Ebay and two from Aliexpress, for myself and friends.  I've made my living for the past few decades mostly with HP/Agieent network analyzers, but also Rhode and Schwartz and others.  I started off with a GR916 bridge which I still have. These little shirt pocket rigs are quite capable and I don't feel terribly handicapped, even with the little 2.8 inch touch screen.  There is free software that will allow connecting to a laptop for a bigger display, but that would seem to negate the fun of having a Smith chart in your hand.
These Nanos do everything they say and come with an open/short/load calibration kit.  My only complaint is that they use SMA connectors, which is necessary to keep things in a credit-card sized format.  I bought some short SMA to Type N and to Type UHF cables to enable connection to things that I commonly use.  I would not recommend putting an adapter directly on the SMA connector and then hooking up half inch cable!  They only run about -10 db (minus 10 db) source power so I'm not sure how they would perform down the road from a large AM tower, but it's worth a try.  And this is the first inexpensive unit I have seen with two-port capabilities to do "through" measurements of filters etc. It will do multiple measurement formats, with traces in different colors.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33045381877.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.75c14c4dalCaKeke   
Take your pick via Ebay or Aliexpress.  My last pair took 12 days to make the trip from the Aliexpress vendor.  I think it was a bit over 3 weeks with the Ebay guy I used..  The point is that these things are legit. 
de Norm W1ITT

Those short cables will also act as connector savers. Some cheap SMA connectors can't take very many matings without wearing the gold off the center pin. I use connector savers on my cheap HT's from China. This, after I quickly wore-out the antenna connector on one of them. It's best to mate to those connectors ONCE.


Don

Tried to see if there are any reviews. Everything on YouTube is in some other language. Some say good to 300 MHz, other say to 900 MHz. How is battery life?

Yes the how-tos and reviews on Youtube are all in some other language.  I did find one with subtitles in English there.  The battery is good for about 2 hours untethered, and it'll come back to full in another couple hours plugged into the USB on my laptop.  The red led on top blinks during charge then goes steady when the thin  lithium battery come up to full.
Much of the firmware is close to the original EU1KY analyzer which was only single port.  I have one of those as well, and it's a hum dinger too, but costs almost $250 by the time you get it home.
Searches on "nanovna" turn up some relevant info, but it's pretty intuitive once you get going.

And I should have answered -SQQ's question on frequency range.  They go to 900 mhz but do so on harmonics.  Dynamic range is reduced from about 70 db below 300 mhz to about 40 db above 300 mhz.  In a lab grade piece of gear that would be a problem, but for most hams in a non-lab environment we'll do just fine.
Norm

I think I may order one - thanks

Hard to beat at that price!  I will pass this on to the MagLab crowd.

BTW, Skycraft Surplus in Winter Park, FL sells some of the nicest SMA(f) to BNC(f) connectors I have seen.  They do NOT work their way loose like the most common design.  I am not sure who makes them.  They are gold plated, and would be FB for this little VNA.

There is a pretty extensive users group. See:

https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users

I have posted a number of measurements including narrow band crystal and mechanical filters, helical and tubular filters up through 900 MHz. A 465 MHz helical filter which demonstrated better 80 dB noise floor on a big box VNA was duplicated on the nanoVNA. So at least to ~ 500 MHz it is quite good,  when taking care in calibration. However, at 900 MHz, while the hp VNA demonstrated still 80 dB rejection, the nanoVNA was at 40 dB. For the most part the unit meets their advertised specifications.

Keep in mind, there are two units out there.  While they are identical hardware, the firmware is different. There is a 2 trace or 2 track unit which is a ONE port (antenna analyzer) only and a 4 trace or 4 track which provides S11 and S21 measurements. The firmware is open source so a 2 track can be updated to 4 track. In addition some of the folks appear to be extending the coverage range to 1.3 GHz.

The unit comes with SOL standards and the calibration is straightforward. Again, see the users group for quite a few good details and discussions.

Alan

...And HERE'S an English translation of documentation. (https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users/attachment/14/0/NanoVNA%20User%20Guide_20190527..pdf)

I bought one.

Mine was selected from a vendor that supplied a battery. Not all do.

I turned it on - it made pretty pics on the screen.
I HAVE NO CLUE what to do next...!!!

Comes with no instructions.

Figured i'd tether it to a computer with a menu driven software app and maybe figure it out
that way. Not much time to mess with it though. How about zero?

Hoping I will be able to look at all sorts of nifty things  with it... like my ANT, maybe help align the
IF strips on some rigs, stuff like that, mechanical filters, etc...

                                  _-_-

Ursus -GCR...
Nothing comes with instructions any more.  But the "manual" referenced in the previous post will get you to where you need to be.  Those of us whose fingers are larger than the Asian fellows do well to get one of those little rubber tipped touch screen pointers when using the unit by itself.  It's better than hitting two "keys" at once.

For a fun table top exercise, set it to scan the two meter band, perhaps plus and minus 10 mhz and see how crappy your rubber duck HT antenna is.  See if it's even anywhere in our allocation.  Then grab it and see how much it detunes. Do this with the Smith Chart, then with an SWR plot and one with return loss to gain familiarization.  Then, with adapting cables, look at a low pass filter, or perhaps a quarter wave coaxial stub off a Tee as a two-port measurement.

By the way, a number of years ago when I was purchasing some Smith Charts for graphic impedance matching calculations I spoke with Philip Smith on the phone.  He still answered the phone at the company if one of the other employees didn't pick up !  I wonder what the old gent would have to say about this shirt pocket analyzer.

Norm W1ITT

They are actually easy to use. However, like any instrument there is a learning curve. So which unit did you get, 2 trace or 4 trace? White Gecko or the black unit? I wrote a cal sequence and one of the members of the user group I posted earlier is writing a cal sequence flow chart based on this sequence. As well,  a very nice menu flow chart. The menu flow chart is very handy as it will permit you to get a top level view of all the soft keys that you will need to access in order to use the instrument. The screen is touch view menu driven. Find yourself a nice plastic stylus. The English version of the manual is helpful, BUT it is TERSE. If you need help, feel free to post. I have used it as an antenna analyzer over the past few weeks and it works quite well. There is one main issue and you will note it once you go outside. The LCD is washed out! Place it in a black non reflective box with a view portal. Punch a hole in the side to pass a cable and clips to grab the antenna feed point. I dedicated one of the 5 storage registers to the HF band for antenna work; 1-30 MHz. GL.

73 Alan

 

I will ask for permission from the author of the menu flow chart to publish the pdf here.

I think you will find it quite helpful, as well, get a birds eye view of the instrument functionality.

Alan

Alan :  The ones I have got are the black ones.  I didn't get the white ones with the gecko simply because I disliked it when I was working in the tropics and one would fall off the ceiling on me while I was sleeping.
So is there a difference between the geckos and the black boxes?
Norm

 :) Very funny Norm!

No, there is no difference. They are the same hardware, but for some reason, the firmware as of now is defaulting to 2 track or antenna analyzer in the white unit. Also, that firmware has a larger pixel size, so it is a bit easier to read. The black units, again as of date, have been shipping with 4 trace or 4 track with a smaller pixel size. Readable, but with 4 traces can be confusing. Of course you can turn traces ON and OFF, see the pdf on menu structure.

Firmware is public domain and you can upload and change as you desire.

Alan

Here is the pdf for the menu structure. I think you will find this very useful for navigating this device. The author did an excellent job of capturing what this box does as of today. There is a calibration routine FLOW CHART in the works now. When complete I can post.

Alan

Just ordered one, this looks like a nice toy!

Remember a few months when I was posting questions about calculating a resistor from db loss?  There was a thread on this forum about it.

I had bought a VNA then.  Not this unit, mine cost about a decade more.

But, you will find uses for it almost daily!

They are amazing little boxes.

You can also get a program (excel file actually) called ZPLOTS from AC6LA.  It uses the touchstone files the VNA control program creates to do some really amazing stuff.

I'm probably going to buy one of these as mine needs a pc to run.  Great for benchtop work, but lacking in going outside and working.  The workaround there is do the OSL calibration at the end of the coax needed. 

You can also test for dB loss over a coax span with the S21 measurement.  I found a 200 foot piece of 9913 that was unused for 15 years was garbage.  Really bummed me out, but yes, coass does degrade doing nothing but sitting in a spool.

After having mine for a year plus, I still don't know all it can do.  But if any e has any questions, lemme know and I'll answer what I can.


My question about this unit....?  Is the case 360 degrees of coverage?  Looks like the sides are unprotected.

--Shane
KD6VXI

Hi Shane.

Correct, the sides are unprotected. However, I have a colleague neighbor who is now printing a beautiful case that totally protects the unit. Very nice. I will shoot a picture and post. I can post his email address as well and you can contact him directly.

He is also researching and testing a LCD filter for the display. If you do outside work with the unit on a bright day, the display is washed out. Rig Expert and other antenna analyzers for out door work, did their homework on the application. More appropriate display for outdoor work. Another approach, place the unit in non reflective black box with a view port.

Alan W4AMV

Here is an enclosed case for the unit.

Alan

Here are the sides. Hope the moderator does not get upset...  ;D

Id be willing to bet your friend could sell those.  Any idea on a price he'd want for one?  :)

--Shane

My recent conversation with him, Twelve and some change.

He and I are experimenting with a sun shield. But I think that added cost is in the noise.

 

See your PM.  I'll take a case.

I'll feel much better about dropping this from the tower rather than the laptop and DG8SAQ VNWA or even the MFJ 259b!


--Shane
KD6VXI

Pm me also. I have one of these units on the way.

Hi,

I just spoke to Frank who makes the cases. He will be posting to the forum via the SALES area for "nanoVNA" cases. You can contact him direct. Any questions he will be able to address directly.

Thanks, Alan

I've been reading through the groups.io comments and I see many mentioning that "no battery" was included. What kind of battery does it use? Mine will be here in a few weeks and I'd like  to get ready.

Good day,

The units I have are Lithium. I believe 375 mA/hr. Some units come with or are spec with a 400 mA/hr. The operation current is spec at 120 mA. Mine typically runs for 2-to- 3 hrs before required charge off the USB port on the lap top.

Folks use flat profile cell phone batteries. I would check the users forum thread about any issues with the internal charging circuits and what batteries to avoid.

Alan

All noted, with my thanks. I'd be interested in receiving any info / links on what people are using. I read the ad of the one I purchased and no where did it say, no battery was included.

Just reread the ad from the guy I ordered it from. Can someone explain this about the port wiring?

This is a DIY product that provides perfect vector network measurement capabilities in the size of a credit card. It includes a 2.8-inch touch screen and 500mAh battery, which can be used offline for 2 hours. For longer measurement, please connect external power supply or contact me to make a larger battery version. The TX/RX method can measure the complete S11 and S21 parameters. If you need to obtain S12 and S22, you need to manually replace the transceiver port wiring.

S11 and S21 are from Port A to Port B.

S12 and S22 are from Port B to Port A.

My vnwa has an output that will trigger an external relay box to physically reverse the device u Der test.

With the nano vna, you'd have to manually swap the leads.... 

It's for measuring the device under test in reverse.

Although I've built a relay box for my vnwa, I've never actually used it.

--Shane
KD6VXI

Thanks for this simple and clear explanation. So it looks like many are ordering these. I'm wondering if anyone has created a list, or web page that would explain all that needs to be done once you receive it? I have my antenna analyzer, but its limited to what it can do on the bench. I'm looking at this as a low cost learning experience - that will require some reading and experimentation.

I'm also interested in one of the cases.

What Shane stated is correct.

Two items for you to consult. On the first page of this thread, Mike posted the English version of the manual. It is terse. However, the info is there.

Second, also on the first page of this thread, I posted the MENU flow pdf. Take a look at that. That pdf MENU flow provides you with a visual on the instrument softkey sequence and the MAP to get this tool functioning.

Antenna work, aka, antenna analyzer and for simple measurements of R,L and C components, you can configure the device as a so called ONE PORT or ONE CHANNEL tool. For filter response and all other TWO PORT devices, there is a slight step up in what you need to do.

If you want to gain a better understanding of the VNA, google Keysight Introduction into the VNA. Its a good basic read. Here is the link below:

http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5965-7917E.pdf

I should add calibration is a key piece in setting these tools up to run. However, it is a straight forward process.

Regards, Alan

If you desire information on the case design email Frank below:

ka2fwc@bellsouth.net [undefined:ka2fwc@bellsouth.net]

So I received mine yesterday. I’m impressed! First question, the screen appears to have a protective film on it. It looks like I’ll have to partially disassemble it to remove it.

I assume it should be removed?
Also, many videos have appeared in YouTube. Just search Nanovna

One observation, when I turn it off, the blue light remains on. Need to hit the rocker switch to make it go out.

I left my protective screen thing on , and it works just fine.  That green tab of screen material that sticks up is confusing as to its function, so I left it there.
As to the led that shines after shutdown, I find that by waiting a minute or so, it goes off by itself.  There isn't any "official" word on these rigs so we can depend on user groups and just trying stuff to see what works.  As long as you don't connect one of the SMAs to something with power on it, they seem to be forgiving.  It's nice to see these VNAs getting into more stations and getting more hams on the learning curve.
And again, for those who are contemplating buying a NanoVNA, the black ones seem to have the better functionality than the white ones with the gecko.  And Ebay or Aliexpress seems to make no difference, so go with what works for you.
Norm W1ITT

There's some new software out that will allow more functionality when tethering the NanoVNA to a laptop.

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/

And a new "Version 2.0" NanoVNA is in the works for early 2020 that promises better dynamic range (good for two-port measurements tuning filters etc) and capability up to 3.5 ghz .  And this is promised to be in the same under-$50 dollar price range.  These are interesting times!

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/

73 de Norm W1ITT

What would be nice in the 2.0 revision (which the developer says please don't use, as he is also developing a new version of the Nano) would be more resolution.

While I find the nano on par within a couple of percentage points with my 10 x more expensive VNWA, I find the VNWA has about 20 dB more resolution.

This matters in half wave end fed style antennas, etc.




And I agree Norm.  Great device.  I have Frank's case for mine, and I rarely pull the 259B out anymore.  


NanoVNASaver is a MUCH more robust package.

A bug I've found in the 'official' package is in saving in touchstone files.  The vnwa software is a LOT more robust and won't read the touchstone files.  The NanoVNAsaver package is cross platform compliant, however.

Also, the software on the NanoVNA is very much in beta and doesn't exploit the full capability.  The vnwa software has spec an capabilities, and that is just now being discussed on the NanoVNA software.

In another month or so, this should be great!

--Shane
KD6VXI

Where is this new PC software available from? I subscribed to the NanoVNA list, but I honestly don't have the time to keep up with it. Way too much traffic being discussed.

-SQQ et al....

https://zs1sci.com/blog/nanovnasaver/ 

Here's another link to the GitHub repository with the latest NanoSaver release.  Clicking on the "this" will get you there, and the zs1sci link also provides some helpful instruction on how to play with the software package.  As has been mentioned, this is beta software so a couple rough spots may become apparent but smarter folks than I are toiling away freely offering up some pretty cool stuff to the rest of us.
By the way, somewhere else that I failed to bookmark, I see that someone has written software to turn the NanoVNA into a WSPR beacon and someone is running FT8 through it.  What will they think of next !

73 de Norm W1ITT

So is this Windows software, or must you load some sort of Python OS.

For those who don't spend much time navigating the GitHub repository, the following link has an executable  ( .exe ) toward the bottom of the page for a 38.3 kb download   It will then run on a Windows machine after you save it to somewhere handy.  The download link is wicked slow, so start it and go mix a refreshing beverage while it trickles in.

https://github.com/mihtjel/nanovna-saver/releases/tag/v0.1.0

73 de Norm W1ITT

I have been involved in testing this Beta version. Actually an Alpha release of what was Beta. Ugh!

Anyway, NO Python required. The download will/is an executable, .exe file. Download, run .exe and done.

Keep watching the users group post and there should be announcement soon for the next release.

Yes 1.0 will be soon updated.

Alan

Thanks to all!

I use a Q-tip for the stylus--works great, does not scratch the screen.
My experience is that if you have an antenna that is close to resonance,
it is easy to work with. I just tried sweeping a mag loop of unknown
resonance, and ended up sweeping in 1 or 2 meg "chunks" bc the
antenna is high Q, and I did not want the 100 sample points to
miss the dip on a broad sweep. Best $50 I ever spent. The PC software
makes it a lot easier to use.

At first I thought the PC s/w did not work; but I had not clicked the "connect to vna" button. The traces in the pic are not interesting because the nanovna was not connected to a real antenna. BTW, on the PC you can choose any type for 4 different plots: swr, return loss, smith, etc.
73,Rod

And the hits just keep on coming !   Here's yet another iteration of the NanoVNA, this one the NanoVNA F.  It has a bigger screen and a bigger battery and some other enhancements and a bigger price.  I'll stick with my standard model, but this one might serve the need for those who find the screen on the original model too small.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10000000565323.html?spm=a2g1y.12024536.productList_408693596.subject_0

I'm still waiting for the more-better iteration promised for late winter that will go to 3.5 ghz and better dynamic range.  I just ordered another one of the original units to give to an overseas customer who I will be seeing on a project in a month or so.  Who would have imagined that we could give network analyzers away?  Most people have too many company-logo coffee cups anyway.  I was pleased to hear  happy comments from a few people at Deerfield who bought NanoVNAs.  If we can only get a similar grade of shirt pocket spectrum analyzer for fifty bucks we'll all be grinning.

de Norm W1ITT

Norm, thanks for the tip.  I have one on the way.  Already have the original NanoVNA.  Very impressive!

Any cases for the larger display ?

Don W4DNR

The small display is a little too small for my eysight, so I have the 4,3 inch one on the way. Quite impressive.

Check the user site for the nano vna. Try also a PM to Frank. He may work one up. Other than that I do not know of one. If I am not mistaken, the larger unit has a new case which attempts to fix some of the mechanics of the first one.

I've only seen photographs, but the new unit, the NanoVNA-F appears to be fully enclosed, not the club-sandwich stacked construction of the original Nano.  For a case to protect it, something like a  large change purse would probably suffice if you could find one that wasn't too girly-looking.  Given that you'll probably want to carry a couple short RF cables, a USB charging cable,  and adapters to different coax formats, the imitation Pelican cases sold by Harbor Freight are very solid and protective with their pick and pull foam insert.  They have a little one that often goes on sale for about $10 that's very cool.  I have a couple of their medium sized cases for other test equipment that bounce along nicely on job sites.
de Norm W1ITT

I ordered one, received it, a discovered it did not fit. Sent Frank a photo but so far no response...

Frank never responded. Case looks nice but won't fit - guess I have a new paperweight?
Hope he is OK?

Just saw your note.
Let me try Frank direct.
Standby...

The case I got from Frank fit well after I rounded the corners around the USB port.

Frank refunded my money. As he points out, there appears to be a lot of mechanical variations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKi6s3WvBAM

If you have an hour, here's a pretty good YouTube video tutorial on the use of the NanoVNA.  The fellow starts off with a technical explanation then quickly moves to the test bench for some good  examples demonstrating the use of the Nano in practical radio situations.  Later on he even gets out a Millen grid dip meter and ties things all together.
By the way, don't worry if you don't have one of his cute little torque wrenches for coaxial connectors.  In a metrology lab those get used a bit.  In the field or on the test bench, I haven't used one in twenty years, just calibrated fingers. 

73 de Norm W1ITT

I just received my Nano-VNA-F.  It took six weeks to arrive from AliExpress, but was well worth the wait!  Somewhat larger display, but instead of just a couple PC boards, it is very professionally packaged in an extruded aluminum enclosure, with ENGRAVED legends that are filled with white lettering and graphics, a very nice package indeed.  The enclosure provides shielding, which will likely improve the S/N when on the edge of performance with the original Nano-VNA offering.  

Thanks so much for the information, Norm!

https://www.rtl-sdr.com/nanovna-version-2-0-first-pcb-pictures-released-nanovna-naming-credit-clarifications/

It appears that the anticipated 3 ghz NanoVNA2.0 now exists in hardware and it's not just vaporware.  The linked article brings out the fact that there are two tracks, both calling themselves 2.0.  The Owocomm version is the one to watch, and the article indicates that Owocomm is basically just developing it and will set it out for others to manufacture without any license or hindrance.  The planned version is still the itty bitty screen but I have to believe that some smart cookie will build one around at a least a 4 inch screen.  Those of us with old eyes can still use it with NanoSaver and our laptops.
Folks who do 1296 and 2304 mhz will find this a nifty step, and more dynamic range is promised as well and for not a lot of money.  I'm happy with my original version for messing around the house, but I might have to pick up one of the new ones for my keychain.
Keep your eyes open for more coolness to come.

73 de Norm W1ITT

Norm,

You said "If we can only get a similar grade of shirt pocket spectrum analyzer for fifty bucks we'll all be grinning."

Take a look at SDRPlay1A with the SA software. In your shirt pocket for a bit over $100 bucks. Still needs a PC though.

https://www.sdrplay.com/spectrum-analyser/

John

Ahh.. but someone smart might make a linux based Raspberry Pi and mini display work with it.