In need of buying fast, and I am just a beginner in vna: is this a good nanovna? #buying


 

Hello, I know one should never be in a hurry when buying things and should before all read and read and read... I always fo it, but I am in a hurry now, so I hope I can get a fast reply...
This is the model I would buy
https://www.hamradioshop.it/nanovna-h-10khz-15ghz-vector-network-antenna-analyzer-vna-hf-vhf-uhf-w-shell-p-11256.html
(sorry it is in Italian).
Questions:
1) is this a good and trusty model?
2) I read NanoVNA-H Rev3.4 while elsewhere, for example here:
https://www.amazon.it/Seesii-Analizzatore-Vettoriale-Nanovna-H-Stazionaria/dp/B0B93FNW27/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=nanovna&qid=1669574213&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjMzIiwicXNhIjoiMy43OSIsInFzcCI6IjIuODgifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-5&th=1
I see Rev3.6: is this just a firmware difference (so I can update if I wish) or is there also some hardware difference?
Thanks
Again, sorry for the rush, I absolutely know it is not a good thing but I must enter in a larger group buy...
Best
Giorgio giorgio.denunzio@...


 

i would not buy it cause its clock goes to 300 megs only and 900or 1500 megs are done with overtones

buy a vna v2 instead (or v2plus4 or .... so many different v2 units on the market.. grin)

dg9bfc sigi

Am 27.11.2022 um 19:57 schrieb giorgio.denunzio@...:

Hello, I know one should never be in a hurry when buying things and should before all read and read and read... I always fo it, but I am in a hurry now, so I hope I can get a fast reply...
This is the model I would buy
https://www.hamradioshop.it/nanovna-h-10khz-15ghz-vector-network-antenna-analyzer-vna-hf-vhf-uhf-w-shell-p-11256.html
(sorry it is in Italian).
Questions:
1) is this a good and trusty model?
2) I read NanoVNA-H Rev3.4 while elsewhere, for example here:
https://www.amazon.it/Seesii-Analizzatore-Vettoriale-Nanovna-H-Stazionaria/dp/B0B93FNW27/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=nanovna&qid=1669574213&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjMzIiwicXNhIjoiMy43OSIsInFzcCI6IjIuODgifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-5&th=1
I see Rev3.6: is this just a firmware difference (so I can update if I wish) or is there also some hardware difference?
Thanks
Again, sorry for the rush, I absolutely know it is not a good thing but I must enter in a larger group buy...
Best
Giorgio giorgio.denunzio@...




 

On 11/27/22 11:42 AM, Siegfried Jackstien wrote:
i would not buy it cause its clock goes to 300 megs only and 900or 1500 megs are done with overtones
But on the other hand, the original NanoVNA is significantly lower price, and doesn't have the electronic switch on the input that is ESD sensitive. If you're going on a group buy and getting a discount, even better.

I'd get one with the 4" instead of the 2.8" display, but they're both fine units, inexpensive, and will work well for a lot of up to "low microwave" work. The 4" unit is going for USD80 from R&L.
It's going for 71 Euro from
https://eleshop.eu/catalog/product/view/id/5342/s/nanovna-h4/category/543/

They're selling the 2.8" version for 45.45 Euro
https://eleshop.eu/nanovna-h.html

If you want to work with 2.4 GHz WiFi or ham bands, yeah, you'll need a different unit.


buy a vna v2 instead (or v2plus4 or .... so many different v2 units on the market.. grin)
dg9bfc sigi
Am 27.11.2022 um 19:57 schrieb giorgio.denunzio@...:
Hello, I know one should never be in a hurry when buying things and should before all read and read and read... I always fo it, but I am in a hurry now, so I hope I can get a fast reply...
This is the model I would buy
https://www.hamradioshop.it/nanovna-h-10khz-15ghz-vector-network-antenna-analyzer-vna-hf-vhf-uhf-w-shell-p-11256.html
(sorry it is in Italian).
Questions:
1) is this a good and trusty model?
2) I read NanoVNA-H Rev3.4 while elsewhere, for example here:
https://www.amazon.it/Seesii-Analizzatore-Vettoriale-Nanovna-H-Stazionaria/dp/B0B93FNW27/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=nanovna&qid=1669574213&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjMzIiwicXNhIjoiMy43OSIsInFzcCI6IjIuODgifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-5&th=1
I see Rev3.6: is this just a firmware difference (so I can update if I wish) or is there also some hardware difference?
Thanks
Again, sorry for the rush, I absolutely know it is not a good thing but I must enter in a larger group buy...
Best
Giorgio  giorgio.denunzio@...





 

Hello my friends. Before all, thank you very much for your prompt replies! They made me realize once again that... it is better to wait a bit and decide with more thinking :-D
v2 looks too costly, at least at present for me. As to the price of the original nanovna (which, I understand now, is the same as the one I was considering) the price is far lower at eleshop, so there is no rush to buy it from the site I pointed to. Finally, after discussions with I4JXE, I am also considering nanovna-F which is still an affordable price for me. In conclusion, I'll take my time to buy.... Thanks again! Oh my question remains: the difference in revision number (3.4 vs 3.6) only has to do with firmware upgrades, no hardware variations involved, is it right? Have a nice day!


 

On Mon, Nov 28, 2022 at 01:48 AM, <giorgio.denunzio@...> wrote:


I am also considering nanovna-F
I have an early (3 years old) 2.8 inch NanoVNA (updated to current firmware, though) and a NanoVNA-F.
IF you will use your NanoVNA outdoors - get the -F. The screen of my 2.8 inch -H model is unreadable outdoors because of the bright light. The -F model is easily readable outdoors.
However, I'm now planning on adding a new NanoVNA-H4 v.4.3. The -H firmware improvements by DisLord are very useful, and I'd like the SD card capability for screenshot saving, plus the clock/calendar.

If cost is a major concern, though, start with the 2.8 inch -H and find out how well you like it. If you want to upgrade later, it should be easy to sell the little one to a friend, donate it to a club, or keep it as a very portable, shirt-pocket spare. Or just for using it while connected to a computer running NanoVNA-Saver and/or NanoVNA_App in the shack, and a larger one outdoors at the antenna location. (That's my current plan.)
No matter which one you choose, if you work on antennas you will LOVE the NanoVNA.
--
Doug, K8RFT


 

On Sun, Nov 27, 2022 at 02:30 PM, <giorgio.denunzio@...> wrote:


I see Rev3.6: is this just a firmware difference (so I can update if I wish)
or is there also some hardware difference?
No, not a firmware difference.
Newest hardware is v. 4.3.
--
Doug, K8RFT


 

Hello Giorgio,

If you are considering the NanoVNA-F, the latest hardware version is now called the DeepVNA-101.
The new version is the same basic machine as the NanoVNA-F, but it now has a rotary encoder instead of the 3 little pushbuttons or the jogwheel.
Most users seem to like the new model.
I have a NanoVNA-F and it is really very good outside in the sun.

You can find the details here deepelec.com
I would strongly recommend you only buy from the Deepelec store. There are a lot of inferior clones out there.
Same comment if you decide to buy a NanoVNA-H4 from Hugen, only buy from their online store.

The 4.3" IPS display on the NanoVNA-F is better in sunlight than the NanoVNA-H4 4" LCD.
Some users may argue that the firmware options for the NanoVNA-H4 by DiSlord are "better" than the native NanoVNA-F firmware.
Personally, I consider the far superior display wins out as most of my work is done outside.

I would also recommend you join the NanoVNA-F google group at https://groups.io/g/nanovna-f.
The main thing is to do your research.

Hope this helps.
73...Bob VK2ZRE

On 28/11/2022 5:48 pm, giorgio.denunzio@... wrote:
Hello my friends. Before all, thank you very much for your prompt replies! They made me realize once again that... it is better to wait a bit and decide with more thinking :-D
v2 looks too costly, at least at present for me. As to the price of the original nanovna (which, I understand now, is the same as the one I was considering) the price is far lower at eleshop, so there is no rush to buy it from the site I pointed to. Finally, after discussions with I4JXE, I am also considering nanovna-F which is still an affordable price for me. In conclusion, I'll take my time to buy.... Thanks again! Oh my question remains: the difference in revision number (3.4 vs 3.6) only has to do with firmware upgrades, no hardware variations involved, is it right? Have a nice day!




 

Doug, is there an obvious way I can identify which version VNA I have via inspection of the circuit board? I have a 2.8” that is probably 3 years old. I do know that there is no “config” menu choice thus I must short the pins when I do get around to upgrading the firmware. I just do not know if I have a “H” edition.


 

My favorite is the "F" version. Clone sellers may use the pictures / description of the legitimate original product so links to a listing cannot provide conclusive proof. Buy only from designated sources.


 

On Mon, Nov 28, 2022 at 04:23 AM, <forum@...> wrote:


Doug, is there an obvious way I can identify which version VNA I have via
inspection of the circuit board? I have a 2.8” that is probably 3 years old.
I do know that there is no “config” menu choice thus I must short the pins
when I do get around to upgrading the firmware. I just do not know if I have a
“H” edition.
Is your 2.8" in a plastic case or is it "sandwich" board construction? A sandwich board is a generic (not H) NanoVNA. Hugen was the first to produce a plastic case version and then the counterfeiters copied his case and PCB layout design.

No matter which version you have you can flash with H firmware. For a 3 year old unit use the H "SI" firmware in dfu format. https://github.com/hugen79/NanoVNA-H/releases

Roger


 

Thank you! Yes it’s the sandwich style. I might end up going by the guidance of this board too and get a reputable v2 plus4 as I want to check SWR on my ADSB antennae. I didn’t realize there was a 900mhz ceiling for my vintage clone.


 

If any of you has a 2.8 inch v2.. Just buy a bigger screen for about 10 bucks and upload a fw for that bigger display..
I have such a unit and with that bigger screen it  is much easier to read outdoors or on the bench...
If a v2 with big screen and case is to expensive for you.. Then buy the naked 2.8 unit and change screen... Build your own case... Maybe with sma to N adaptors (sma is not very robust and may wear out sooner or later)
If you want to stay on sma.. Then you should use port extenders (male female adaptor) to keep the sockets in good shape.
I have 3 different units now..
A 2.8 v2 modded with 4 inch screen (naked).. An saa2n (that is a v2 with 4 inch and sma to n adaptors builtin)
And a v2plus4 (in fact nearly similar unit but with a different bridge circuit)..
All work near the same... Only in upper range there are slight differences in performance.
Any of the v2 will work ok for your adsb antenna
Dg9bfc sigi

Am 28.11.2022 19:21 schrieb "Roger Need via groups.io" <sailtamarack@...>:




On Mon, Nov 28, 2022 at 04:23 AM, <forum@...> wrote:


Doug, is there an obvious way I can identify which version VNA I have
via
inspection of the circuit board? I have a 2.8” that is probably 3 years
old.
I do know that there is no “config” menu choice thus I must short the
pins
when I do get around to upgrading the firmware. I just do not know if I
have a
“H” edition.
Is your 2.8" in a plastic case or is it "sandwich" board construction? A
sandwich board is a generic (not H) NanoVNA.  Hugen was the first to
produce a plastic case version and then the counterfeiters copied his case
and PCB layout design.

No matter which version you have you can flash with H firmware.  For a 3
year old unit use the H "SI" firmware in dfu format. 
https://github.com/hugen79/NanoVNA-H/releases

Roger









 

Is it possible to upgrade my vintage clone to work with frequencies higher than 900 mhz with a reasonable level of accuracy for SWR? Obviously I’d like to work with 978/1090Mhz but it would be nice to rest WiFi antennae with it too.


 

With a different fw it may work up to 1.5 g with 5th instead 3rd overtone
For testing your adsb antenna maybe good enough
No way for wifi ob 2.4g
For that a v2 is needed (any of the v2 will do)...
If you have a v2 with 2.8 screen
That can be upgraded to 4 inch
Some added caps on each power rail lowers noise in the upper range (be it a clone or genuine v2, v2plus, v2plus4, whatever)...
Dg9bfc sigi

Am 28.11.2022 23:25 schrieb forum@...:




Is it possible to upgrade my vintage clone to work with frequencies higher
than 900 mhz with a reasonable level of accuracy for SWR? Obviously I’d
like to work with 978/1090Mhz but it would be nice to rest WiFi antennae
with it too.








 

Never buy in haste. For an instrument like this try buying a cheap second hand one and familiarise yourself first. In fact I build my own nano vna, works up to 60MHz ok. Even have all the bells and whistles like Bluetooth and mobile apps. But the real issue is whether you understand enough about vnas, S parameters measurements to make owning such a piece if gear worthwhile. I lived with an swt meter and a noise bridge for eons when I first started. Still using them.


 

I agree with this response. So many ham friends bought nanoVNAs because they were cheap but few have taken the time to learn what they were for or how to use them. It’s a fantastic tool even if just used for antenna tuning but there is a learning curve. If you can find someone who has one and will come to your shack and test your antenna with it AND explain what he is doing in the process.

I too have used an SWR bridge and a noise bridge for years before these low cost analyzers came out. They both worked for what I needed. Do a lot of reading before spending your money. Watch many Youtube videos about them. That should tell you if you are willing to climb the learning curve and know what and why. Otherwise if you are a newbie it will just be another box sitting in a cupboard in your shack. The most important part of your shack will be outside, the antenna. Have another ham advise and assist you in getting your first antenna up and tuned. Once that is done you are ready for whatever goes on and into your shack.

I am available if you have questions. As for antenna tuning borrow someone’s antenna analyzer first and if possible have them come an show you what it does and how to use it. Most hams I know would do better purchasing a good antenna analyzer instead of the NanoVNA . It’s just that the NanoVNA is very low cost and that causes many hams to buy one but not spend the time to learn how to use it.

Dave K8WPE since 1960

David J. Wilcox’s iPad

On Nov 29, 2022, at 6:05 AM, tuckvk3cca <tuckvk3cca@...> wrote:

Never buy in haste. For an instrument like this try buying a cheap second hand one and familiarise yourself first. In fact I build my own nano vna, works up to 60MHz ok. Even have all the bells and whistles like Bluetooth and mobile apps. But the real issue is whether you understand enough about vnas, S parameters measurements to make owning such a piece if gear worthwhile. I lived with an swt meter and a noise bridge for eons when I first started. Still using them.





sparseMatrix
 

You guys finally chased me out of my dark lurking corner.

The nano VNA is a brilliant tool that can be succinctly described in as
little language as it takes to give advice. Same with any VNA really.

The VNA measures electrical potential, either in terms of electrical
potential stored as a magnetic field (inductance) or as a surface charge on
a conductor (capacitance). It is because of this that the device is so
useful in tuning antennae, as it can measure both independently, as well as
their interaction and related products.

This device cost me around 60$. It’s half the cost of a night out. Buy the
damn thing, and immediately open the package, get the thing out, and
calibrate it. You’ll learn enough from this to get a proper understanding
of what the device does.

Now concerning what it is used for and how it is used to do specific
things, e.g., tuning antennae, measuring the impedance of a coil or the
capacitance of a capacitor, that is a bit different.

The ‘N’ in VNA is for ‘network’, and refers to the classical
resistor/capacitor network so often employed in radio frequency tuners.

The thing that makes these applications challenging is that the performance
of these devices is non-static. One does not simply take a meter and read a
value off a capacitor; how it functions over time, or how it ‘cycles’ is a
key feature; especially when combined into a network.

Consequently, one needs a device that can plot these measurements in real
time.

The point is, you probably need this and don’t yet know it. There will come
a time, though when you will need it and know it, and when you do reach for
such a device, it will be with purpose. You will seek out documentation and
learn to take the measurements you need to take to refine the design to
your tuner or adjust your antennae or to assess the condition of all those
salvaged caps you fell into.

This is how and why I got it, to make certain that the dipole antenna I
built in the rafters in my attic was doing what I thought it was doing.

So you’re not an active Ham yet, just studying theory and trying to learn
all the things? If you have the 60$ to spare, get one. It might be a good
thing to build yourself, but if you want it to be ‘right’ as a tool, maybe
not. I guess it depends on your fabrication fu. I’m damn good with solder
and pen, but I opted to purchase one assembled and tested.

The big thing about this device is that it is tiny and stuffed with digital
conveniences, e.g., it has builtin analytical capabilities and a fairly
high resolution screen on which to plot measurements.

Until this device was delivered, the nearest similar tool was industrial,
hundreds of times the size of the nano, and a thousand times the price, and
probably didn’t do half as much.

Truth be told, that’s why the technical specifics of proper use and
operation are so scarce; most of us, in decades past, simply wouldn’t have
access to such a device, except MAYBE a few of us, at work.

Just my .02c, but don’t let people mystify things for you. Don’t respect
‘learning curves’. Those ‘curves’ are meant to be flattened. If you hold a
technician’s ticket or better, you should already know everything you need
to know to quickly take up and use this tool.

Good luck, stay chill and hack the planet!

KI5SMN/EL29kl

On Tue, Nov 29, 2022 at 5:18 AM David Wilcox K8WPE via groups.io
<Djwilcox01@...> wrote:

I agree with this response. So many ham friends bought nanoVNAs because
they were cheap but few have taken the time to learn what they were for or
how to use them. It’s a fantastic tool even if just used for antenna
tuning but there is a learning curve. If you can find someone who has one
and will come to your shack and test your antenna with it AND explain what
he is doing in the process.

I too have used an SWR bridge and a noise bridge for years before these
low cost analyzers came out. They both worked for what I needed. Do a lot
of reading before spending your money. Watch many Youtube videos about
them. That should tell you if you are willing to climb the learning curve
and know what and why. Otherwise if you are a newbie it will just be
another box sitting in a cupboard in your shack. The most important part
of your shack will be outside, the antenna. Have another ham advise and
assist you in getting your first antenna up and tuned. Once that is done
you are ready for whatever goes on and into your shack.

I am available if you have questions. As for antenna tuning borrow
someone’s antenna analyzer first and if possible have them come an show you
what it does and how to use it. Most hams I know would do better
purchasing a good antenna analyzer instead of the NanoVNA . It’s just that
the NanoVNA is very low cost and that causes many hams to buy one but not
spend the time to learn how to use it.

Dave K8WPE since 1960

David J. Wilcox’s iPad

On Nov 29, 2022, at 6:05 AM, tuckvk3cca <tuckvk3cca@...> wrote:

Never buy in haste. For an instrument like this try buying a cheap
second hand one and familiarise yourself first. In fact I build my own nano
vna, works up to 60MHz ok. Even have all the bells and whistles like
Bluetooth and mobile apps. But the real issue is whether you understand
enough about vnas, S parameters measurements to make owning such a piece if
gear worthwhile. I lived with an swt meter and a noise bridge for eons when
I first started. Still using them.









--
ॐ♲ ♥ ☸☮ ☯☰☶☯☮ ☸ ♥ ♲ॐ
KI5SMN


 

sparseMatrix,

While I agree with your thoughts the level of todays technician licensee is super low. They don’t want to study any more than the question pool and think their license will give them the wonderful shack full of neat things that I and others have collected over many years of study. What I see mostly is sad disappointed folks who buy things because they are impressive in others hands but who don’t stay long enough in the hobby to obtain the same (equipment and experience). You either have the true interest to dig further or you don’t have it. I hand out an eyeball QSL card to all new hams and interested folks I meet and rarely does anyone contact me to learn more. I am a VE and am in touch with many “interested” prospective hams and see real little interest after getting their tech license. The two I am mentoring now are 52 and 82 years old and they are a hoot….. always asking questions I can’t answer but making me re learn more to help them understand. After the first buying fever is over then we can tell who will really be in this hobby a year from now.

They should ALL buy a NanoVNA right away so I can buy it from them later (much cheaper) to GIVE to a truly interested ham.

Dave K8WPE since 1960

David J. Wilcox’s iPad

On Nov 29, 2022, at 7:05 AM, sparseMatrix <james.stallings@...> wrote:

You guys finally chased me out of my dark lurking corner.

The nano VNA is a brilliant tool that can be succinctly described in as
little language as it takes to give advice. Same with any VNA really.

The VNA measures electrical potential, either in terms of electrical
potential stored as a magnetic field (inductance) or as a surface charge on
a conductor (capacitance). It is because of this that the device is so
useful in tuning antennae, as it can measure both independently, as well as
their interaction and related products.

This device cost me around 60$. It’s half the cost of a night out. Buy the
damn thing, and immediately open the package, get the thing out, and
calibrate it. You’ll learn enough from this to get a proper understanding
of what the device does.

Now concerning what it is used for and how it is used to do specific
things, e.g., tuning antennae, measuring the impedance of a coil or the
capacitance of a capacitor, that is a bit different.

The ‘N’ in VNA is for ‘network’, and refers to the classical
resistor/capacitor network so often employed in radio frequency tuners.

The thing that makes these applications challenging is that the performance
of these devices is non-static. One does not simply take a meter and read a
value off a capacitor; how it functions over time, or how it ‘cycles’ is a
key feature; especially when combined into a network.

Consequently, one needs a device that can plot these measurements in real
time.

The point is, you probably need this and don’t yet know it. There will come
a time, though when you will need it and know it, and when you do reach for
such a device, it will be with purpose. You will seek out documentation and
learn to take the measurements you need to take to refine the design to
your tuner or adjust your antennae or to assess the condition of all those
salvaged caps you fell into.

This is how and why I got it, to make certain that the dipole antenna I
built in the rafters in my attic was doing what I thought it was doing.

So you’re not an active Ham yet, just studying theory and trying to learn
all the things? If you have the 60$ to spare, get one. It might be a good
thing to build yourself, but if you want it to be ‘right’ as a tool, maybe
not. I guess it depends on your fabrication fu. I’m damn good with solder
and pen, but I opted to purchase one assembled and tested.

The big thing about this device is that it is tiny and stuffed with digital
conveniences, e.g., it has builtin analytical capabilities and a fairly
high resolution screen on which to plot measurements.

Until this device was delivered, the nearest similar tool was industrial,
hundreds of times the size of the nano, and a thousand times the price, and
probably didn’t do half as much.

Truth be told, that’s why the technical specifics of proper use and
operation are so scarce; most of us, in decades past, simply wouldn’t have
access to such a device, except MAYBE a few of us, at work.

Just my .02c, but don’t let people mystify things for you. Don’t respect
‘learning curves’. Those ‘curves’ are meant to be flattened. If you hold a
technician’s ticket or better, you should already know everything you need
to know to quickly take up and use this tool.

Good luck, stay chill and hack the planet!

KI5SMN/EL29kl

On Tue, Nov 29, 2022 at 5:18 AM David Wilcox K8WPE via groups.io
<Djwilcox01@...> wrote:

I agree with this response. So many ham friends bought nanoVNAs because
they were cheap but few have taken the time to learn what they were for or
how to use them. It’s a fantastic tool even if just used for antenna
tuning but there is a learning curve. If you can find someone who has one
and will come to your shack and test your antenna with it AND explain what
he is doing in the process.

I too have used an SWR bridge and a noise bridge for years before these
low cost analyzers came out. They both worked for what I needed. Do a lot
of reading before spending your money. Watch many Youtube videos about
them. That should tell you if you are willing to climb the learning curve
and know what and why. Otherwise if you are a newbie it will just be
another box sitting in a cupboard in your shack. The most important part
of your shack will be outside, the antenna. Have another ham advise and
assist you in getting your first antenna up and tuned. Once that is done
you are ready for whatever goes on and into your shack.

I am available if you have questions. As for antenna tuning borrow
someone’s antenna analyzer first and if possible have them come an show you
what it does and how to use it. Most hams I know would do better
purchasing a good antenna analyzer instead of the NanoVNA . It’s just that
the NanoVNA is very low cost and that causes many hams to buy one but not
spend the time to learn how to use it.

Dave K8WPE since 1960

David J. Wilcox’s iPad

On Nov 29, 2022, at 6:05 AM, tuckvk3cca <tuckvk3cca@...> wrote:
Never buy in haste. For an instrument like this try buying a cheap
second hand one and familiarise yourself first. In fact I build my own nano
vna, works up to 60MHz ok. Even have all the bells and whistles like
Bluetooth and mobile apps. But the real issue is whether you understand
enough about vnas, S parameters measurements to make owning such a piece if
gear worthwhile. I lived with an swt meter and a noise bridge for eons when
I first started. Still using them.









--
ॐ♲ ♥ ☸☮ ☯☰☶☯☮ ☸ ♥ ♲ॐ
KI5SMN





 

On Mon, Nov 28, 2022 at 07:23 AM, <forum@...> wrote:


Doug, is there an obvious way I can identify which version VNA I have via
inspection of the circuit board? I have a 2.8” that is probably 3 years old.
I do know that there is no “config” menu choice thus I must short the pins
when I do get around to upgrading the firmware. I just do not know if I have a
“H” edition.
No, I do not know of any circuit board reference that you could use.
My 3 year old 2.8 inch model was an early "copy" or clone versioin, with no shielding on the PC boards. it has the 2 terminals to short together for putting it into DFU mode for firmware update. But this Nano still works fine, and runs the latest firmware. Newer firmware, DisLord in particular, now have a menu choice for going to DFU mode for firmware update and then the "short the pins" step is not needed. NanoVNA-APP can update the firmware "all by itself" from a menu choice in the program.f

I would say "Get a Nano soon! Try it, learn it, and if you don't like it, then sell it and get a better one." Any nanovna is FAR, far better than having no nanovna.
Warning - you may need MANY connector adapters! I think I have spend as much money on adapters as I did for the first Nano (about $45).
My old, early, cheaply-made clone or copy, poor as it may be, still makes the antennas tests for me, and I use it a lot.
Later, I bought a NanoVNA-F, so that I would be able to read the display screen while outdoors. But for indoor measurements, and for measuring while connected to the computer, the 2.8 inch cheap clone is good - because the new DisLord firmwares have so many useful features.

Don't wait - jump in. It's not a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. You can change your mind later, and upgrade to any other model - if you need to. Personally, I like having the two different models - and I plan to soon order a -H with the v4.3 hardware, to have the clock/calendar and SD card slot. (No, I don't "need" it, but I do want it.)
-
Doug

--
Doug, K8RFT


sparseMatrix
 

I got into radio at the tender age of four years old, when my dad and I
built a crystal set together that he got me for Christmas. I learned a lot
about radio then that never left me, and as I grew up through the hifi era
and building stereos and playing with CB radios, I really began to take my
knowledge of radio for granted. I told myself one day I’d take my ticket.
One day. Decades later, after a career in information technology, I
realized I really knew quite a bit about radio, and now approaching 60
years old, I really probably ought to take that technician’s ticket if I
was ever going to.

So I spent the time until I could get a test doing the practice exams. I
never failed one, and taking the exam for my ticket felt like a formality.

I’m still not transmitting; I got super busy with work (full stack python
development; I’m the project architect/lead dev), and it just hasn’t left
me much time for radio. I’m not concerned though, I’ve got my o scope, vna,
meters, soldering station and breadboards all near to hand, alongside a
pretty fair collection of parts, hookup wire and magnet wire, and they’ll
be right there the next time I get ready to build a new vackar oscillator.

I guess the tl;dr is, radio isn’t a hobby for me, more like a facet of my
existence, and I reckon after I die I’ll just be a dead radio guy. Until
then, the most interesting tool is the one I don’t have and don’t know how
to use : D

Cheers, and thanks for the conversation!

On Tue, Nov 29, 2022 at 7:30 AM David Wilcox K8WPE via groups.io
<Djwilcox01@...> wrote:

sparseMatrix,

While I agree with your thoughts the level of todays technician licensee
is super low. They don’t want to study any more than the question pool and
think their license will give them the wonderful shack full of neat things
that I and others have collected over many years of study. What I see
mostly is sad disappointed folks who buy things because they are impressive
in others hands but who don’t stay long enough in the hobby to obtain the
same (equipment and experience). You either have the true interest to dig
further or you don’t have it. I hand out an eyeball QSL card to all new
hams and interested folks I meet and rarely does anyone contact me to learn
more. I am a VE and am in touch with many “interested” prospective hams
and see real little interest after getting their tech license. The two I
am mentoring now are 52 and 82 years old and they are a hoot….. always
asking questions I can’t answer but making me re learn more to help them
understand. After the first buying fever is over then we can tell who will
really be in this hobby a year from now.

They should ALL buy a NanoVNA right away so I can buy it from them later
(much cheaper) to GIVE to a truly interested ham.

Dave K8WPE since 1960

David J. Wilcox’s iPad

On Nov 29, 2022, at 7:05 AM, sparseMatrix <james.stallings@...>
wrote:

You guys finally chased me out of my dark lurking corner.

The nano VNA is a brilliant tool that can be succinctly described in as
little language as it takes to give advice. Same with any VNA really.

The VNA measures electrical potential, either in terms of electrical
potential stored as a magnetic field (inductance) or as a surface charge
on
a conductor (capacitance). It is because of this that the device is so
useful in tuning antennae, as it can measure both independently, as well
as
their interaction and related products.

This device cost me around 60$. It’s half the cost of a night out. Buy
the
damn thing, and immediately open the package, get the thing out, and
calibrate it. You’ll learn enough from this to get a proper understanding
of what the device does.

Now concerning what it is used for and how it is used to do specific
things, e.g., tuning antennae, measuring the impedance of a coil or the
capacitance of a capacitor, that is a bit different.

The ‘N’ in VNA is for ‘network’, and refers to the classical
resistor/capacitor network so often employed in radio frequency tuners.

The thing that makes these applications challenging is that the
performance
of these devices is non-static. One does not simply take a meter and
read a
value off a capacitor; how it functions over time, or how it ‘cycles’ is
a
key feature; especially when combined into a network.

Consequently, one needs a device that can plot these measurements in real
time.

The point is, you probably need this and don’t yet know it. There will
come
a time, though when you will need it and know it, and when you do reach
for
such a device, it will be with purpose. You will seek out documentation
and
learn to take the measurements you need to take to refine the design to
your tuner or adjust your antennae or to assess the condition of all
those
salvaged caps you fell into.

This is how and why I got it, to make certain that the dipole antenna I
built in the rafters in my attic was doing what I thought it was doing.

So you’re not an active Ham yet, just studying theory and trying to learn
all the things? If you have the 60$ to spare, get one. It might be a good
thing to build yourself, but if you want it to be ‘right’ as a tool,
maybe
not. I guess it depends on your fabrication fu. I’m damn good with solder
and pen, but I opted to purchase one assembled and tested.

The big thing about this device is that it is tiny and stuffed with
digital
conveniences, e.g., it has builtin analytical capabilities and a fairly
high resolution screen on which to plot measurements.

Until this device was delivered, the nearest similar tool was industrial,
hundreds of times the size of the nano, and a thousand times the price,
and
probably didn’t do half as much.

Truth be told, that’s why the technical specifics of proper use and
operation are so scarce; most of us, in decades past, simply wouldn’t
have
access to such a device, except MAYBE a few of us, at work.

Just my .02c, but don’t let people mystify things for you. Don’t respect
‘learning curves’. Those ‘curves’ are meant to be flattened. If you hold
a
technician’s ticket or better, you should already know everything you
need
to know to quickly take up and use this tool.

Good luck, stay chill and hack the planet!

KI5SMN/EL29kl

On Tue, Nov 29, 2022 at 5:18 AM David Wilcox K8WPE via groups.io
<Djwilcox01@...> wrote:

I agree with this response. So many ham friends bought nanoVNAs because
they were cheap but few have taken the time to learn what they were for
or
how to use them. It’s a fantastic tool even if just used for antenna
tuning but there is a learning curve. If you can find someone who has
one
and will come to your shack and test your antenna with it AND explain
what
he is doing in the process.

I too have used an SWR bridge and a noise bridge for years before these
low cost analyzers came out. They both worked for what I needed. Do a
lot
of reading before spending your money. Watch many Youtube videos about
them. That should tell you if you are willing to climb the learning
curve
and know what and why. Otherwise if you are a newbie it will just be
another box sitting in a cupboard in your shack. The most important
part
of your shack will be outside, the antenna. Have another ham advise and
assist you in getting your first antenna up and tuned. Once that is done
you are ready for whatever goes on and into your shack.

I am available if you have questions. As for antenna tuning borrow
someone’s antenna analyzer first and if possible have them come an show
you
what it does and how to use it. Most hams I know would do better
purchasing a good antenna analyzer instead of the NanoVNA . It’s just
that
the NanoVNA is very low cost and that causes many hams to buy one but
not
spend the time to learn how to use it.

Dave K8WPE since 1960

David J. Wilcox’s iPad

On Nov 29, 2022, at 6:05 AM, tuckvk3cca <tuckvk3cca@...> wrote:
Never buy in haste. For an instrument like this try buying a cheap
second hand one and familiarise yourself first. In fact I build my own
nano
vna, works up to 60MHz ok. Even have all the bells and whistles like
Bluetooth and mobile apps. But the real issue is whether you understand
enough about vnas, S parameters measurements to make owning such a
piece if
gear worthwhile. I lived with an swt meter and a noise bridge for eons
when
I first started. Still using them.









--
ॐ♲ ♥ ☸☮ ☯☰☶☯☮ ☸ ♥ ♲ॐ
KI5SMN









--
ॐ♲ ♥ ☸☮ ☯☰☶☯☮ ☸ ♥ ♲ॐ
KI5SMN