I've had my nanovmna for quite a while now...I was immediately struck with how fragile it looks with it's SMA connectors soldered directly to the PCB, a very light weight multi function switch and an open body just inviting things in to cause havoc. The pictures attached show my attempt at making it field proof. I also added a bigger battery.

I use the nanovna mostly for checking SWR, resonating traps etc and find the set up of the correct functions a bit lengthy and tedious only to lose them all when I switched off the nano.

I thought I'd try to save the following, SWR, centre 14Mhz span 2MHz, sure enough I could recall these settings, buoyed by this I filled the remaining memory slots with all the bands up to 28MHz... all successful. What really surprised me was that when the nano was turned off and then back on again it automatically entered memory 0 and was able to display SWR on 14MHz, and just a simple matter to select the other memories for the other HF bands....90% of what I use my nano for.

You may say RTFM...well as there is no M to FR...it was down to me discovering this on my own!

73 Steve G4EDG

Nice case!
Perry

On Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 9:44 AM Steve G4EDG via groups.io <g4edg=
aol.com@groups.io> wrote:

I've had my nanovmna for quite a while now...I was immediately struck with
how fragile it looks with it's SMA connectors soldered directly to the PCB,
a very light weight multi function switch and an open body just inviting
things in to cause havoc. The pictures attached show my attempt at making
it field proof. I also added a bigger battery.

I use the nanovna mostly for checking SWR, resonating traps etc and find
the set up of the correct functions a bit lengthy and tedious only to lose
them all when I switched off the nano.

I thought I'd try to save the following, SWR, centre 14Mhz span 2MHz, sure
enough I could recall these settings, buoyed by this I filled the remaining
memory slots with all the bands up to 28MHz... all successful. What really
surprised me was that when the nano was turned off and then back on again
it automatically entered memory 0 and was able to display SWR on 14MHz, and
just a simple matter to select the other memories for the other HF
bands....90% of what I use my nano for.

You may say RTFM...well as there is no M to FR...it was down to me
discovering this on my own!

73 Steve G4EDG

Looks great, Steve! Seems like your usage VERY closely resembles what I use mine for as well. This looks like a great project. Would you be willing to share some specifics for your build? We are getting prepped for a major hurricane here in Florida so it may be a short time before I could tackle it but I could sue use some guidance, if you had the time. Take care and maybe I will catch you on the air someday!! -73 Talmadge KQ4KIO

On Wed, Sep 25, 2024 at 03:40 PM, Talmadge Pipkin- KQ4KIO wrote:


Hi Talmadge

Looks like you have your hands full with that storm...hope all is OK

The SO239 to SMA bulkhead adaptors and the patch cables are all available on eBay as is the case.

If you remove the front panel with the logo on you can use it as a template to cut out the hole for the screen. When you have the hole cut mark the the position of the holes for securing the front panel, then sandwich the case between the nanovna and the front panel, the original screws are too short for this. I found screws from a scrap laptop were just a bit longer and secured the panel perfectly.

I removed the multi function switch and established how it worked and what contacts closed/opened in the various positions...including pushing the switch down, with a continuity tester, I then replicated this with small push switches as you can see on the left in the photo.

The on/off switch can be left in place (and turned to off) and the new power switch wired in parallel...In hindsight I would not have used a rocker switch as it tends to get switched on when it gets bumped etc...a slide switch with a stiffer action would be better.

The battery, also from eBay was a 1500mA type and is stuck to the rear panel of the nanovna with double sided tape.

I cut a hole in the top of the case (where you can see the light shining through) for the USB plug to fit...its quite easy to fit the plug in the USB C socket even though it is a little deep.

As always measure twice cut once.

Hope this gives you the basics.

73 Steve G4EDG

Very nice Steve. I will move in that same direction with mine. I had to return the first one since is was "twitchy" and I could not reliably select menu items (menu even). Seems the new is doing as it is supposed to.

It appears that you removed the board from the original box/cabinet it was in. Very clean job.
DaveR
KB7GP

Hi Dave

I've attached a picture of the nanovna I had (stock photo, not mine). Its kind of sandwich construction, so was easy to remove the front bezel and use it as a guide to scribe out the position of the hole and the screw holes in the new aluminium enclosure.

Then just a matter of clamping the case between the nanovna and the bezel, as I said the original screws were now too short for the job...I found some longer screws from a scrap laptop.

I think mine was a clone, it only cost around £20. Buy cheap, buy twice!

73 Steve G4EDG

Thank you VERY much, Steve! I am in generator power and will tackle this when power is restored. Gotta get my antennas back up as well. My weather station recorded a 61.7mph gust here in Clearwater, Fl. Downed trees in my neighborhood so I am helping out neighbors with clearing debris. Thanks again for you willingness to type this out. It is greatly appreciated!! -73 KQ4KIO Talmadge