[W5SFA] Inexpensive Vector Network Analyzer

[Buckeroo Brad]

Thanks I will look.  Only partially browsed the magazine so far.

On Sun, May 3, 2020 at 10:43 AM Roger Klein <rwklein at katyweb.net> wrote:

> W5SFAMembers,
>
>
>
> If you subscribe to QST, check out the article in the May issue on page
> 39.  You can also access QST digitally if you’re an ARRL member – just
> point your browser to http://www.arrl.org/qst and log in.
>
>
>
> The article reviews the “NanoVNA”, a low cost instrument that can be used
> as an antenna analyzer, as well as a host of other ham uses such as tuning
> filters and checking coax.  How does an *accurate* antenna analyzer that
> can cover the entire amateur range of frequencies, such as 1.8 Mhz to 450
> Mhz– for about $115 sound?
>
>
>
> Although you can get cheaper models for around $50, I purchased the more
> expensive “NanoVNA-F” unit which has a larger and higher resolution screen,
> a case and a built-in battery.  Towards the end of the QST article, there
> is a box comparing the two models.    Note there are some poorly made
> knock-offs out there – the one you want is the “DeepElec” branded model.  I
> got mine off Ebay from a domestic seller at this link:
>
>
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vector-Antenna-Network-Analyzer-4-3-50K-1GHz-NanoVNA-F-VNA-VHF-UHF-W-Case-CDC/264606008407
>
>
>
> The seller goes in and out of stock, but the device was shipped promptly
> and in brand-new condition - and is the preferred “DeepElec” model.  It was
> one of the latest versions (2.3), which has a rocker switch to navigate
> menus.  There is also a 3.1 model, the only difference is it has push
> buttons instead of the rocker switch.  Since the display of the device is
> touch sensitive, you don’t really need to use the switches.  The device has
> dual SMA connectors, so you’ll need to purchase adapters so you can use BNC
> and PL-259 connectors.
>
>
>
> Comparing the readings from my NanoVNA-F to a RigExpert AA-600 antenna
> analyzer (a $500+ device) they agree very closely.
>
>
>
> I also found a Kindle e-Book on Amazon that covers the NanoVNA – the
> documentation that comes with it is sparse and the book fills in this gap.
> The book is only $2.99 and is available here:
>
>
> https://www.amazon.com/guide-NanoVNA-Christoph-Schw%C3%A4rzler-ebook/dp/B083BB82G5
>
>
>
> Although the book doesn’t specifically cover the –F model, the hardware
> and software is pretty much the same.  If you’re thinking about buying one
> of these, you might want to read the book first.
>
>
>
> Finally, there is a group dedicated to the NanoVNA-F on groups.io.  See
> https://groups.io/g/nanovna-f/topics - it’s free to join and has lots of
> useful information.
>
>
>
> Hope you find this information helpful – the NanoVNA is a screaming deal
> for cheap Hams (not to be redundant!)
>
>
>
> 73,
>
>
>
> Roger N5RWK
> _______________________________________________
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> w5sfa at w5sfa.org
> http://mail.w5sfa.org/mailman/listinfo/w5sfa_w5sfa.org
>


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