Re: .NanoVNA-H v3.5_L: white screen - how do I connect USB to fix?
Maybe you have a problem with the battery. I would open the NanoVNA and disconnect the battery. Check if it is working. Use a meter to check if there is voltage coming out of it and what it is. Also check the battery socket.
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Re: .NanoVNA-H v3.5_L: white screen - how do I connect USB to fix?
You wrote in the title that the unit is: NanoVNA-H v3.5 ? If you have somehow managed to wipe the bootloader (highly unlikely) your only choice left is to connect to the micro directly, using a programer like st-link (2-3 bucks and Ali, Ebay etc). On Sat, 15 Mar 2025 at 15:38, Taracait via groups.io <tcdrennen= gmail.com@groups.io> wrote: Thanks. Clyde - but my unit is not -H; I did try the BOOTP - VDD reset, no good, and all the other sequences mentioned.
Nothing lets me connect to the unit via USB-C.
I do appreciate the response. ?
On Fri, Mar 14, 2025, 13:34 Clyde Lambert via groups.io <clyde.lambert= gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hello, In the files section you will find a process to recover from "White Screen
Recovery". Follow it PRECISELY STEP by STEP!. If that does not work you could try, for the lack of a better term, a factory reset. Push the jog switch down to the left and hold while turning the unit on. Then try the screen recovery. Clyde KC7BJE
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How to remove the stored numbers in the recall/empty windows
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Re: .NanoVNA-H v3.5_L: white screen - how do I connect USB to fix?
Thanks. Clyde - but my unit is not -H; I did try the BOOTP - VDD reset, no good, and all the other sequences mentioned. Nothing lets me connect to the unit via USB-C. I do appreciate the response. ? On Fri, Mar 14, 2025, 13:34 Clyde Lambert via groups.io <clyde.lambert= gmail.com@groups.io> wrote: Hello, In the files section you will find a process to recover from "White Screen Recovery". Follow it PRECISELY STEP by STEP!. If that does not work you could try, for the lack of a better term, a factory reset. Push the jog switch down to the left and hold while turning the unit on. Then try the screen recovery. Clyde KC7BJE
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Re: Erratic traces with SAA2N
R&L was where I got my SAA2N. I also contacted them about the clone issue and I didn't get a reply back, that was 2 yrs ago. ________________________________ From: nanovna-users@groups.io <nanovna-users@groups.io> on behalf of K3IY via groups.io <oconnorkl@...> Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2025 5:33 AM To: nanovna-users@groups.io <nanovna-users@groups.io> Subject: Re: [nanovna-users] Erratic traces with SAA2N
I got an email response from NanoRFE support with some concerning information. They suggested that the hardware version of my SAA2N "is a clone" and many users have reported issues with it. I was puzzled because I did my research (or at least I thought I did), and all sources online said there's enough bad clones out there and if you're in the US avoid this by buying from R&L electronics. NanoRFE support pointed me to their website which has a listed of suppliers selling clones. To my surprise R&L electronics is on that list and they're noted to "keep selling clones despite not being asked to by the original developers". If this is indeed true I am very disappointed in R&L and will be giving them a call to discuss a possible resolution.
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Re: Erratic traces with SAA2N
I got an email response from NanoRFE support with some concerning information. They suggested that the hardware version of my SAA2N "is a clone" and many users have reported issues with it. I was puzzled because I did my research (or at least I thought I did), and all sources online said there's enough bad clones out there and if you're in the US avoid this by buying from R&L electronics. NanoRFE support pointed me to their website which has a listed of suppliers selling clones. To my surprise R&L electronics is on that list and they're noted to "keep selling clones despite not being asked to by the original developers". If this is indeed true I am very disappointed in R&L and will be giving them a call to discuss a possible resolution.
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Re: Am I in the right track ?
@Dave :
Thanks, 1.86:1 was before I put the PCB into its final plastic case. Then within the case it jumped to 2.6. That's when I calculated the corresponding matching values. I've put an 8.2nHload inductor and a 3.9pF series capacitor. The resulting reading is on the 9th picture. It jumped the other way around. I think it has to do with what Roger says.
@Roger : It took me a few reading of your two last replies but I think I got it. If I understand correctly, the shield of my coax is now integral part of the antenna system as it is connected to the ground pad which is the antenna and system ground and also the ground plane. In this case then, how will I ever achieve an accurate reading ?
Thanks
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I finally managed to implement renormalization for unequal port reference impedances. The images show unequal resistances for a 10.7 MHz Murata ceramic filter. I optimized them by hand for minimum group delay variation over 10.6 to 10.8 MHz, the passband of an FM broadcast signal. The optimization also flattened the passband and lowered the spurs.
I'm not quite ready to release this. The new renormalization algorithm I'm using can also handle a reactance shunting either port. This would let you include the standard 10 pF Murata test load. I think it might be useful for other kinds of filters and transformers as well. The problem is that I'm running out of screen real estate, at least on the bottom line. I'll figure out something. In the meantime, would there be any use for a shunt inductance? I don't recall seeing this, but it would be easy to implement.
Brian
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Re: Am I in the right track ?
Further addressing small values of inductance: There is really no need to buy SM inductors which may or may not be apropriate. Small nH inductors can easily be made of short lengths of appropriate single conductors. For example and one I always remember is that AWG #18 solid copper wire exhibits 18.1 nH / inch. The following calculator may be of use for this purpose: Dave - W?LEV On Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 8:51?PM Roger Need via groups.io <sailtamarack= yahoo.ca@groups.io> wrote: Nico,
So you have two issues here...
Th first one is that you will have difficulty knowing what the impedance is near the matching network because your measuring system is affecting the results. That was the point of my previous post.
The second is that even if you knew precisely what impedance you are trying to match inductors and capacitors at 916 MHz. will not have the same values as they do at lower frequencies. An inductor will have series resistance that increases with frequency and parallel capacitance. A capacitor will have lead inductance. So you need to purchase components that have been characterized at 900 MHz.
-- *Dave - W?LEV* -- Dave - W?LEV
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Re: Am I in the right track ?
Nico,
So you have two issues here...
Th first one is that you will have difficulty knowing what the impedance is near the matching network because your measuring system is affecting the results. That was the point of my previous post.
The second is that even if you knew precisely what impedance you are trying to match inductors and capacitors at 916 MHz. will not have the same values as they do at lower frequencies. An inductor will have series resistance that increases with frequency and parallel capacitance. A capacitor will have lead inductance. So you need to purchase components that have been characterized at 900 MHz.
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Re: Am I in the right track ?
On Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 04:00 AM, Nico wrote: Look at the picture and zoom it (not zoomed it does not show up properly), you'll see a blurred larger line around the feedline. This is the return path or, the other half of the transmission line. This is a ground line attached to the ground plane on layers 2 and 3. I was unsure on how to terminate it close to the antenna attachment point, so I've just ended it close to it
Nico, In your case the purchased helical is one half of the antenna. The other half is the "buried" side of the transmission line and the ground plane of your board. When making measurements of the antenna the outer surface of the shield of your connecting RG316 cable is now also part of the antenna. Grab the coax with your hand or attach a wire to the SMA connector nut on the VNA and you will see the SWR change. The situation is similar to what happens on a handheld radio transmitter where the operator is capacitively coupled to the radios antenna system. You can try reducing the RF current on the coax cable with ferrites but you will not get rid of it entirely. And at this high of a frequency you will still have a considerable length of coax shield radiating until the ferrites.
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Re: Building Pi Network with VNA given values
SUGGESTION: Forget about these "canned" solutions. Download and install SIMSMITH. There is also a accompanying tutorial at: Dave - W?LEV On Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 5:51?AM shlomo537678 via groups.io <shlomo537678= gmail.com@groups.io> wrote: Hi All.
I need to build a Pi Network for my circuit as shown in the fig below.
1741926237187.png
So I have a 'Pi Matching Network' in my circuit. The datasheet asked me to build a Pi Matching Network. ( You know, how there is a series component, a source shunt component and a Load shunt component. )
Anyway, my VNA keeps telling me this: The measured load impedance is 31.9-58.5j.
The VNA is automatically generating these four groups below ( group 1 thru 4 ) of available matching parameters on the screen:
1. 5.24pF capacitor for source shunt and 28.8nH inductor in series. Does that mean, this group does not need a Load Shunt at all? Does this mean that the proper tuning has been achieved with just a capacitor for source shunt and an inductor in series?
2. 23.1nH inductor for source shunt and 12nH inductor in series. Does that mean, this group does not need a Load Shunt at all? Does this mean that the proper tuning has been achieved with just a inductor for source shunt and an inductor in series?
3. 97.5nH inductor for load shunt and 23.3nH inductor in series. Does that mean, this group does not need a Source Shunt at all? Does this mean that the proper tuning has been achieved with just a inductor for load shunt and an inductor in series?
4. 15.3nH inductor for load shunt and 5.21pF capacitor in series. Does that mean, this group does not need a Source Shunt at all? Does this mean that the proper tuning has been achieved with just a inductor for load shunt and a capacitor in series?
If the answer is yes to all the 4 above questions, then I still cant believe that a 'Pi matching Network' can exist with 1 of the 3 components totally missing.
Ty for your reply!
-- *Dave - W?LEV* -- Dave - W?LEV
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Re: Erratic traces with SAA2N
It looks like the cal may not be taking. RESET......COMPLETE CAL.......STORE in a register. Go back and verify that the OSL displays as it should. If not, OPEN CASE....INSTALL PROPER LOAD......from the inside VERIFY WITH DMM that 50-ohms is measured correctly. All this to confirm the center pin is mating correctly to the connector. Also do same with the short and DMM. Dave - W?LEV On Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 7:21?PM K3IY via groups.io <oconnorkl= protonmail.com@groups.io> wrote: I have been using my nanovna SAA2N for months without issues, and I bought it from R&L who is an authorized distributer of legitimate Nanovna's. This morning my issue started after I calibrated the unit. All of my traces were erratic (see attached picture). Smith chart is a mess of zig zags instead of arcs. I tried the following and nothing has fixed the issue. "Reset" and "Reset All" prior to calibration. Tried multiple frequency ranges and trace points. Tried using both cables. Tested the cables for shorts/continuity. Tested all three standards (short, open, load) with an ohm meter, unfortunately I don't have another set to try. Flashed the firmware. Opened up the case and confirmed good solder joints and continuity from the N connectors to the board. Wiggled the connections and nothing changed. Checked again when the battery was fully charged. Also tried using VNA View and got the same results. The unit was safely stored in the case between the last time it worked and now. What am I missing?
-- *Dave - W?LEV* -- Dave - W?LEV
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Erratic traces with SAA2N
I have been using my nanovna SAA2N for months without issues, and I bought it from R&L who is an authorized distributer of legitimate Nanovna's. This morning my issue started after I calibrated the unit. All of my traces were erratic (see attached picture). Smith chart is a mess of zig zags instead of arcs. I tried the following and nothing has fixed the issue. "Reset" and "Reset All" prior to calibration. Tried multiple frequency ranges and trace points. Tried using both cables. Tested the cables for shorts/continuity. Tested all three standards (short, open, load) with an ohm meter, unfortunately I don't have another set to try. Flashed the firmware. Opened up the case and confirmed good solder joints and continuity from the N connectors to the board. Wiggled the connections and nothing changed. Checked again when the battery was fully charged. Also tried using VNA View and got the same results. The unit was safely stored in the case between the last time it worked and now. What am I missing?
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Re: .NanoVNA-H v3.5_L: white screen - how do I connect USB to fix?
Hello, In the files section you will find a process to recover from "White Screen Recovery". Follow it PRECISELY STEP by STEP!. If that does not work you could try, for the lack of a better term, a factory reset. Push the jog switch down to the left and hold while turning the unit on. Then try the screen recovery. Clyde KC7BJE
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Re: Am I in the right track ?
The image that shows a SWR of 2.6 : 1 (the sixth image), all you need to do is add an inductor in series to cancel the -j 45.6 ohms. At 916 MHz that would be 7.9 nH. In reality, 1.86 : 1 is not bad at all. For this sort of application, I'd declare it complete. Dave - W ?LEV On Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 3:05?AM Nico via groups.io <nicolassimard= hotmail.com@groups.io> wrote: Hi everyone,
No, I haven't abandoned yet ! I got my revised pcb (attached picture) yesterday 1- Revised ground plane dimensions which I made the same as the test board shown in the antenna datasheet. 2- Controlled impedance PREPREG material for the 4 layer PCB. 3- Revised feedline width for 50ohm target impedance 4- Revised return path width in adjacent layer 5- Fixed a jumper trace mistakenly placed in the feedline path.
I have calibrated O-S-L with a 0.1% 50ohms 0603 chip resistor soldered directly on the end of the cable. I have replaced my RG174 with a brand new RG316 36" extension from Digi-Key I added a 6" piece of RG316 opened at one end and SMA connected to the extension at the other. I calibrated with everything attached to the VNA and finally soldered back the open end right where the source swill be. I have put 2 Fair-rite 61 ferrites on the cable, one at each ends. I soldered a 0 ohm resistor to bypass the matching network
Picture 1 : New board front Picture 2 : New board back Picture 3 : Test measurement setup Picture 4 : Antenna pcb feedline and return path Picture 5 : Measurement with board laid on a wood plank (no matching) Picture 6 : Measurement with board inside its plastic case (no matching) Picture 7 : Calculated correction values from Sim Smith (High Pass) Picture 8 : Installed L and C values (High Pass) Picture 9 : Measurement with L and C installed
I think I have improved the antenna performance with the new board. Maybe I have a better quality setup also. As you can see, once the board is inside the box, it is not too bad. But unfortunately, I'm the kind of who loves to chase perfection. Using the provided numbers from the nanoVNA, I tried to compute some matching network values to better tune the antenna in Sim Smith. I ordered 0603 inductor and capacitor dewsign kits at DigiKey. Not those cheapy ones from Amazon. I installed L and C into my matching network but as you'll see with the pictures, it did not helped at all.
1- Am I going too far, and should I stay with the values from the initial measurements ? 2- What am I missing here ? 3- What would be your advices if I wanted to improve the response to something close to like 2:1 VSWR ? 4- From here, I am really scratching my head...
-- *Dave - W?LEV* -- Dave - W?LEV
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Re: Building Pi Network with VNA given values
On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 11:20 PM, David McQuate wrote: Usually a network Q value is first chosen.
You can actually calculate the values of an L-Network's two components without knowing Q. It is sufficient to know just the value of the load impedance and the impedance you want to transform that load to, e.g. 50 ohms. You can find the equations to calculate the component values for transforming a complex impedance to 50 ohms here: And this blogpost contains a more general form of the above equations, allowing you to transform a complex impedance to any other complex impedance, not just to 50 ohms: The equations are complicated, but you can download an EXCEL spreadsheet to calculate them here: Best, Jeff, k6jca
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Re: Am I in the right track ?
Roger,
Thanks for this advice. I'll try it out tonight.
Look at the picture and zoom it (not zoomed it does not show up properly), you'll see a blurred larger line around the feedline. This is the return path or, the other half of the transmission line. This is a ground line attached to the ground plane on layers 2 and 3. I was unsure on how to terminate it close to the antenna attachment point, so I've just ended it close to it.
I'll post results tonight with a few turn of ferrite.
Nic
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Re: Building Pi Network with VNA given values
L-network values with the nano and then with the AT-100M Pro automatic antenna tuner: I measured one dipole antenna of mine (antenna fed with 1:1 balun, and 72-ohm Belden 8222 twin lead) with a nanoVNA and asked for a matching network. It gave me values for C and L. I then used this antenna tuner: (AT-100M Pro) That antenna tuner tells you the values it is using to match the antenna. The values given by the tuner were approximately the same as what the nanoVNA told me. So then i made a simple L-network tuner on a piece of wood. Variable capacitor (air-spaced blades) and a 4-inch-diameter coil made of 1/4" copper tubing. I was happy with the result. Am using it on 30 meters at the moment. FYI the other Ali Express small tuners that have the word '100' in them, like ATU-100, have gotten really bad reviews. I have two of these 'AT-100M Pro' and am happy with them. Good for portable use, rechargeable battery inside. WN1Z Orrin
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Re: Building Pi Network with VNA given values
I'm missing a lot of information to understand (in French) your participation. I remember the last line: If the answer is yes to all the 4 above questions, then I still cant believe that a 'Pi matching Network' can exist with 1 of the 3 components totally missing. A 3-piece Pi adapter can be upgraded to a 2-piece L adapter. If impedance matching is the only issue to be addressed, an L adapter will have greater bandwidth than a Pi adapter and lower losses. A Pi adapter artificially increases overvoltages and overcurrents, thus reducing bandwidth. The measured load impedance is 31.9-58.5j. OK, but we would need the frequency to show you the possibilities in concrete terms. -- F1AMM Fran?ois -----Message d'origine----- De la part de shlomo537678 Envoyé : vendredi 14 mars 2025 06:17
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