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THE AM BULLETIN BOARD => Technical Forum => Topic started by: Tom WA3KLR on January 29, 2023, 03:26:16 PM



Title: nanoVNA Choices?
Post by: Tom WA3KLR on January 29, 2023, 03:26:16 PM
I haven't bit on a nanoVNA yet! I have two picked out, I like the idea of going down to 10 kHz and I'm not looking for operation above 1.5 GHz. I heard some are clones and some aren't; but I don't know the difference.

These are the two I am looking at. I'm looking for specific comments on these two exact models by those in the know:

1. AURSINC NanoVNA-H4 V4.3 Vector Network Analyzer 10KHz-1.5GHz HF VHF UHF 4''

Amazon link: [2022 Upgraded] AURSINC NanoVNA-H4 V4.3 Vector Network Analyzer 10KHz-1.5GHz HF VHF UHF 4'' Portable Antenna Analyzer Measuring S Parameters, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, Phase, Delay, Smith Chart: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

2. Nanovna SAA-V2 Vector Network Analyzer 10KHz~3GHz HF VHF UHF Antenna Analyzer 3.2" inch Touchscreen

Amazon link: Nanovna SAA-V2 Vector Network Analyzer 10KHz~3GHz HF VHF UHF Antenna Analyzer 3.2" inch Touchscreen with Case, Measuring Duplexer, The Filter, S Parameters, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, Phase, Delay: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific.

Thanks in advance,

Tom


Title: Re: nanoVNA Choices?
Post by: W1ITT on January 29, 2023, 03:56:00 PM
Tom...  I'm not certain that the concept of brand and model applies to these NanoVNAs and all their variations. They seem to be traded like baseball card sets and have more variations than a street full of tomcats.   I have been happy enough, for amateur radio purposes, with three different 2.8 inchers.  They are cheap enough that I have stowed a couple in with my commercial grade network analyzers and given them to customers overseas.  It's better than a T-shirt. I also keep one in my carry-on in case the "real" analyzer is delayed. At least I could get a start on the work.
I am wary of the strength of the SMA connectors and lean toward the units with Type N, which are not easy to find.  I carry short SMA to N jumpers to take mechanical strain off the little 2.8 inchers on towers etc.
They all can be used with a laptop with free software for more capability, and a bigger display but I think if I were to spring for another I'd go with the one from seller  pincei us     on ebay .
https://www.ebay.com/itm/354122763894?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D244203%26meid%3Dc52a7b34ddca4874bca076e20789e025%26pid%3D101506%26rk%3D7%26rkt%3D25%26sd%3D334625336131%26itm%3D354122763894%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseWebMskuAspectsV202110NoVariantSeedNoPLX%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2047675.c101506.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A354122763894c52a7b34ddca4874bca076e20789e025%7Cenc%3AAQAHAAABIAzdIKOcP6rVYsexH8mCu6bA2DY6ElM67JKComxjxAnyT9vOhsWu88eBePRdeUyezF0KDA7BEV0Wzxi5ZF4sTWjPWWOHJtwix09%252BIXL3EKjdcZsQDwqlDekr2I76G2ks0qKAfAvyurGVPgYBXNtedbcASrETdQdRufSIrphVhix62PWPCcHdio7TfyAUrrQqiRhcDVICRKU7ZFTwStEBpABrn8hlSLMSTi3ubR99NhB5LwTSrLOZFPw2bUYe47yaTnpO2%252BRF1DFt9AG8bqISn9uA6Pp%252F5Greu1uHGqQSGZDGefg3jhAriTxR4gpIBvzfubK8GAcbcQzfjnwRy7Yu6BGcAU0O7mmFFUJS9zH4BQcupz0lrcf6Gh%252F%252Fen7Jevipyw%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675

holy cow...that's a URL for ya.

If you prefer to buy from folks you can talk to, R&L Electronics in Ohio usually has good stuff in stock and their prices are competitive and you don't have to wait for the slow boat from China.  For the money, you can't go wrong with any of them.
73 de Norm W1ITT


Title: Re: nanoVNA Choices?
Post by: K8DI on February 01, 2023, 03:24:08 PM
There are so many variations because there are so many copies/counterfeits. Read up on who is who in this game and decide if the lower price is worth in. I hat my SAA2 from their authorized seller, Tindie. It cost more and nobody mentioned I had to buy the battery on my own, but it’s been solid. My first nanoVNA was the $75 v1 and it crapped out in a few months. The SAA2 even has a metal case. 

Ed


Title: Re: nanoVNA Choices?
Post by: KA8WTK on February 02, 2023, 03:40:05 PM
Check nanovna.com to begin your search for a "real" nanoVNA. The clones won't always upgrade or don't self check properly. Back when I bought my version 1 there were a lot or clones out there. Buyer beware!

Bill KA8WTK 


Title: Re: nanoVNA Choices?
Post by: n1ps on February 05, 2023, 09:29:26 PM
I just bought the latest version with a 4.3" screen and N connectors.  It was a little more $$ than with the SMAs.  I didnt have too many cables with the SMAs, mostly N and BNC.  And I have lots of adaptors for Ns.  Very pleased and amazed.  First thing I did with it was to make a bandpass filter.  It was so easy!

Peter


Title: Re: nanoVNA Choices?
Post by: W3SLK on February 05, 2023, 10:21:34 PM
I bought a NanoVna-F 3 years ago. I got the calibration boards, filter test boards and I ordered some SMA-SO-239 adapters. Never regretted it! When I don't use it for checking out circuits, I use it for setting my antenna tuner. I like to see what my bandwidth is when I have it tuned. Good multi-use tool!
AMfone - Dedicated to Amplitude Modulation on the Amateur Radio Bands