Newbie here. I am interested in testing antennas for resonance and swr. 80m to 70cm. Both indoors and outdoors. I was thinking of buying an entry level antenna analyzer. Several helpful people suggested getting a nanovna instead as it was said to have a cheap price ($60ish) and extensive capabilities.

After reviewing Amazon and eBay for nanovna I don't see much in that price range (at least double and more) and I sense from reading material here and there that there will be a lengthy learning curve with no guarantees it will work for you.

Plus it's not obvious which one of many nanoVNA offerings to buy with all sorts of illegal clones and firmware issues abounding. Not really like that with store bought antenna analyzers -Price and features laid out.

An I missing something?? Appreciate input.

Edward

There are no illegal clones, this is an open source project.
If you are looking for the lowest price go to AliExpress, plenty of 3rd
party (clones)
manufacturers.
If you don't mind paying a bit more, get it from a reputable manufacturer:
https://nanovna.com/?page_id=121
I would recommend the H4 version for your intended use.
Nano is a VNA, much more than just an antenna analyzer, if you learn how to
use it.


On Wed, 7 Jun 2023 at 00:28, Edward Stavin VE3VYT via groups.io
<edwardstavin@...> wrote:

Newbie here. I am interested in testing antennas for resonance and swr.
80m to 70cm. Both indoors and outdoors. I was thinking of buying an entry
level antenna analyzer. Several helpful people suggested getting a nanovna
instead as it was said to have a cheap price ($60ish) and extensive
capabilities.

After reviewing Amazon and eBay for nanovna I don't see much in that price
range (at least double and more) and I sense from reading material here and
there that there will be a lengthy learning curve with no guarantees it
will work for you.

Plus it's not obvious which one of many nanoVNA offerings to buy with all
sorts of illegal clones and firmware issues abounding. Not really like that
with store bought antenna analyzers -Price and features laid out.

An I missing something?? Appreciate input.

Edward

On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 03:27 PM, Edward Stavin VE3VYT wrote:

Newbie here. I am interested in testing antennas for resonance and swr. 80m
to 70cm. Both indoors and outdoors. I was thinking of buying an entry level
antenna analyzer. Several helpful people suggested getting a nanovna instead
as it was said to have a cheap price ($60ish) and extensive capabilities.

I own several NanoVNA's, a RigExpert AA55-Zoom and a MFJ-259. They are listed according to ease of use.

If all you want to do is measure antennas and SWR up to 70 cm your best choice is a RigExpert product that goes to the maximum frequency that you are interested in. They are much easier to use than a NanoVNA (which has a much steeper learning curve), are more rugged and easier to read in sunlight. However they are much more expensive (3 to 4x) especially if you want to go up to 450 MHz.

The NanoVNA on the other hand has many more features and capability but takes a little effort to learn. It is also much lower cost. For what you want to do I suggest a NanoVNA-H4 from Amazon Canada. It has a 4" screen and for ten dollars more is much better option than the older 2.8" screen version. The -H4 is well supported in this group and the firmware is continually updated with new features. This one has good reviews. If you order it you can check it over to see if it is a genuine "Hugen" manufactured product and if not just return it.

https://www.amazon.ca/NanoVNA-H4-Analyzer-10KHz-1-5GHz-Measuring-Parameters/dp/B085CFHTBM/ref=sr_1_27?keywords=AURSINC&qid=1686093817&sr=8-27&th=1

Roger

Thank you for the suggestion Roger. Sesi wasn't on that list of reputable manufacturers that Dragan mentioned I believe. Is that an issue? This one on the other hand is? Is it the same connectors collection aside? Nooelec NanoVNA-H 4 Premium Bundle - Vector Network Analyzer Kit from Authorized Distributor with 50kHz-1.5GHz https://a.co/d/hJ07u2D

On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 06:00 PM, Edward Stavin VE3VYT wrote:

Thank you for the suggestion Roger. Sesi wasn't on that list of reputable
manufacturers that Dragan mentioned I believe. Is that an issue? This one on
the other hand is? Is it the same connectors collection aside? Nooelec
NanoVNA-H 4 Premium Bundle - Vector Network Analyzer Kit from Authorized
Distributor with 50kHz-1.5GHz https://a.co/d/hJ07u2D

Seesii is a seller of NanoVNA products on Amazon. They probably buy in bulk from Hugen. There are many satisfied customers including some here in this group. The price is reasonable and what you receive in all likelihood will be a genuine -H4. It should come in a brown box with gold lettering and shrink wrapped. If you post a photo of the back and look at the board inside it is easy to tell if it was built by Hugen. If it isn't just send it back to Amazom for a full refund.

Roger

You will also need adapters for connecting the NanoVNA's SMA connectors to your antenna cables. Don't forget to get the proper 'gender' of connector adapters! You would probably want an SMA male to PL259 adapter, and an SMA male to SO239 adapter, and so on. Possibly for BNC connectors, too. There are nice 'assortment' kits of adapters, with a conveniently divided case to hold them. Check the possibilities on Amazon.
You might also want an adapter to connect directly to antenna wire, with binding posts.

It's quite disappointing to receive your great new analyzer and then be unable to use it because you can't connect it to anything!
[Don't ask how I know that.]

If you DO get a nanovna, there are many web sites and especially many youtube videos to help you learn to use it. The nanovna does NOT come with an instruction manual.
--
Doug, K8RFT

On 6/7/23 5:19 AM, DougVL wrote:

You will also need adapters for connecting the NanoVNA's SMA connectors to your antenna cables. Don't forget to get the proper 'gender' of connector adapters! You would probably want an SMA male to PL259 adapter, and an SMA male to SO239 adapter, and so on. Possibly for BNC connectors, too. There are nice 'assortment' kits of adapters, with a conveniently divided case to hold them. Check the possibilities on Amazon.

A recommendation - you can get SMA-N or SMA-UHF adapters - but wrestling a stiff 1/2" coax like RG-213 or LMR-400 and directly connecting to your relatively tiny NanoVNA is asking to have the SMAs snap off the board. Especially if you're making 2 port measurements.

I use 6-12" jumpers with SMA plug on one end and SO-239 (or PL-259) on the other end. For HF, the 6" makes very little difference, and for VHF/UHF, you can figure out how to calibrate it out.

But that flexible connection has saved the NanoVNA more than once.

You might also want an adapter to connect directly to antenna wire, with binding posts.

I use SMA-BNC, then BNC-binding post adapter (mostly because I happen to have those already)

It's quite disappointing to receive your great new analyzer and then be unable to use it because you can't connect it to anything!
[Don't ask how I know that.]
If you DO get a nanovna, there are many web sites and especially many youtube videos to help you learn to use it. The nanovna does NOT come with an instruction manual.

Hello

Are you French speaking?
73
--
François

On Wed, Jun 7, 2023 at 10:17 AM, Jim Lux wrote:

I use 6-12" jumpers with SMA plug on one end and SO-239 (or PL-259) on the
other end. For HF, the 6" makes very little difference, and for VHF/UHF, you
can figure out how to calibrate it out.

Yes, that's a great idea!
I happen to use one a bit longer -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FC825HF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
but I do use it often.
Long and short USB C-to-C cables are also very helpful.
--
Doug, K8RFT

Thank you everyone for your input. I will give the nanoVNA a shot. I also came across this little book which explained much that concerned me. – "A guide to the NanoVNA" by Christoph Schwärzler, Maximilian Schwärzler.
I think this link gives a sample. https://a.co/3FruSDw

Edward

my friend....dont listen to what people say when they tell you nano vna
isnt as good as a REAL antenna analyzer because that exactly what a nano
vna is. only is generally has more features than others and at 1\8th the
price. definitely the tool for the job. i just ordered a new one for the
4th time because im hard on equipment lol. i also have the hds242 handheld
o-scope and thats a gem in case anyone is in the market for a good
handheld scope


On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 6:28 PM Edward Stavin VE3VYT via groups.io
<edwardstavin@...> wrote:

Newbie here. I am interested in testing antennas for resonance and swr.
80m to 70cm. Both indoors and outdoors. I was thinking of buying an entry
level antenna analyzer. Several helpful people suggested getting a nanovna
instead as it was said to have a cheap price ($60ish) and extensive
capabilities.

After reviewing Amazon and eBay for nanovna I don't see much in that price
range (at least double and more) and I sense from reading material here and
there that there will be a lengthy learning curve with no guarantees it
will work for you.

Plus it's not obvious which one of many nanoVNA offerings to buy with all
sorts of illegal clones and firmware issues abounding. Not really like that
with store bought antenna analyzers -Price and features laid out.

An I missing something?? Appreciate input.

Edward

On Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 07:45 AM, Brandon Parker wrote:

I don't see much in that price
range

There are many models. The smallest, cheapest is about $60. And any (nanovna) model will also need connector adapters.
The models with larger screens than the small 2.8 inch $60 model are easier to read. You can connect the nano to your PC and use nanovnasaver (software) and see the data on a larger screen.

The nanovna is the least expensive, and possibly the most versatile, but not the simplest to use.
I have an old, early model 2.8 inch nano, a NanoVNA-F, a Mini60 and an MFJ-259. But a nanovna is my "go-to" first choice.
--
Doug, K8RFT

I have a NanoVNA H4 and it's great for measuring antennas from inside the shack, but not quite rugged enough to used outside up a ladder. Also the display is hard to read in the sunshine.

For outside use I have one of these:

https://www.sdr-kits.net/VA5_Page

It's sturdy and easy to read, although the menu system is a little cumbersome. My favourite feature for multiband antennas is a simulatnaeous view of 5-band VSWR.

--
Mike G8GYW

MFJ also has about 8 different antenna analyzers available, some analog and some digital.
Comet has very nice ones, too, for around $500.

NanoVNA is by far the cheapest, but comes with no instructions or documentation.
The NanoVNA-F has a different type of screen than the NanoVNA-H models, and it's screen is more visible when outdoors - but still not too good in the sun. I _really_ need a sunshade for it in Florida.

To get a 'feel' for using a nano, watch some youtube videos - there are many.
That might help for other analyzers too.
--
Doug, K8RFT

We all have our favorites, mine is the SARK 100, got it from Amazon for around $50.

It has a bright backlit screen, apply 12v and you’re ready to go, in 30 seconds you have your SWR. Absolutely great in the field and since I use the same battery for my QCX-Mini not much extra to carry.

Yes, the VNA can be used quite well for this purpose but it’s no well suited for field work IMHO.

John
KK4ITX

i added a bluetooth module to my sark100 and can now measure "wireless" (use smartphone to display sweeps)

dg9bfc sigi

Am 10.06.2023 um 16:33 schrieb KK4ITX John via groups.io:

Sigi:

Did you write anything up or have pictures of your Bluetooth add-on.

I’d like to give it a try.

Thanks

Ed McCann
AG6CX

On Sat, Jun 10, 2023 at 11:16 AM, Siegfried Jackstien wrote:

added a bluetooth module to my sark100 and can now measure "wireless" (use
smartphone to display sweeps)

A few years ago, before the nanovna, I bought the MINI60 version of the Sark.
It's very small, it sweeps the band you choose, shows the frequency of minimum SWR but you can also read each measurement of the sweep. Mine has the built-in bluetooth module, and works with my Android phone. And it IS readable in sunlight!
They currently cost around $120, though. About the price of the nanovna-h4 or -F.
It's in my Harbor Freight plastic "ammo box" case with the Nanos and an MFJ-207 analyzer. I am still glad to have it.
--
Doug, K8RFT

added a bluetooth module

H / H4 / LiteVNA allow install Bluetooth or WiFi to serial module (deivices have internal serial connection pins) for use wireless connect.
I test bluetooth HC-05, HC-06 moduless (maximum speed depend from module revision) and get up to 460800 baudrate.

PS wireless communication increases measurement noise, especially WiFi

Mike G8GYW. This VA5 sounds pretty good from the write up in their web page. Is it good enough to be the only 1 in your kit for a while?

Ed