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Re: Charger for Nano
Typically the NanoVNA does not ship with a charger, only the USB-A to USB-C
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cable. You can charge the NanoVNA using a cell phone charger with a USB-C connector. If you have the microUSB connector you can buy a microUSB female to USB-C male adaptor. *Clyde K. Spencer* On Tue, Jun 29, 2021 at 11:02 AM Mikek <amdx@...> wrote:
I pulled my NanoVNA-H out just to charge it, it has been a while since I |
Charger for Nano
I pulled my NanoVNA-H out just to charge it, it has been a while since I used it. It powers up fine and the indicator says the battery is low.
I see the connector is not the usual micro USB on my phone, but is a USB-C. Did I get a charger with my unit, that I have lost? I have no clue how I charger my Nano! I do have the 10" USB-C cable. I bought it from R&L. Thanks Guys Mikek |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
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noun a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale. db is what I would call "unitless". It must always be referenced to some starting point. Sometimes we add a reference like dbm or dbW when talking about power. Loss is a negative situation. Gain is positive. If I "loose" $20 gambling, I subtract 20 from what I had in my pocket at the start of the game. But going to basic algebra, if I subtract a negative number, I actually add [100 - (-20) = 120]. An amusing story from the TelCo industry: A station engineer had low levels coming into the transmitter from the studio over the phone line. He had the phone company tech there trying to fix the problem. The engineer asked the tech to turn up the gain on the circuit. The tech said he was not able to do that. After more discussion, the phone tech allowed that all he could do was to turn down the loss. OK! Problem solved! |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
On Mon, 28 Jun 2021 at 17:43, Jim Lux <jim@...> wrote:
On the other hand, if someone quotes a Return Loss as either positive orI would agree with this. There was a paper in an IEEE journal saying that the term return loss is used badly. As far as the author was concerned, a return loss of > 0 dB implied a gain - negative resistance amplifier or similar.This guy was an IEEE editor, so had the power to reject articles using the wrong units. I got along with his view, as a negative loss implies a gain. However, the IEEE,are not enforcing this now. If an antenna has a return loss of 15 dB, I say that's okay. If the same antenna has a return loss of -15 dB, I just accept that the author is using a different convention to what I find acceptable, but don't bother reporting it. What really pisses me off is that RadCom, the journal of the Radio Society of Great Britain, *often *has articles with the wrong units. Pressure is newton, forces in kg etc. This is a fairly regular occurrence, Some time ago I got contacted by a company offering to install solar cells on my property. I was not interested, but I played along as if I was. The guy kept referring to power in kW hr. I eventually spoke to his manager, who was just as dumb. Dr David Kirkby Ph.D C.Eng MIET Email: drkirkby@... Web: Kirkby Microwave Ltd (Tel 01621-680100 / +44 1621-680100) Stokes Hall Lodge, Burnham Rd, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6DT. |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
Here is the take away... The minute you say Return loss, everyone knows what it means...
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73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources On 6/29/21 4:13 AM, Barry K3EUI wrote:
TU all for such wonderful comments, all helping me to visualize the concept of RETURN measurement. |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
TU all for such wonderful comments, all helping me to visualize the concept of RETURN measurement.
I think when we add the word return LOSS it bothers me. A double-negative is always problematic: so RL = -20 dB ???? Is that the same as saying a GAIN of 20 dB? I did make an error in saying RETURN LOSS is -20 dB. That is not what I was thinking (but I did write it that way). I am thinking the RETURN signal is 20dB weaker than the FORWARD signal. And yes, the log (ratio) types of measures do not include the word "loss". Maybe if I say my "hearing loss is 20 dB at 1000 Hz" that makes it clear. I would not say my "hearing loss is -20 dB" Again, the double-negative Or, would I say my signal is -2 S units fainter than my neighbor's signal? No. I am new to all of the VNA stuff. I've only had this Nano VNA tool for 10 months and have done a meager job of learning the fundamentals, and learning some really basic concepts that I should have mastered decades ago. My background is in astrophysics and physics - not in engineering or electronics. But I've been a ham since 1958 and should be more aware of the vocabulary, if not the meaning of the formulas involving logarithms. Again - interesting discussion. It has helped me. I will likely continue to plot the RETURN LOSS graphs with negtive values, but I will stop myself from saying a RETURN LOSS is a negative number. I'm convinced now. The other topic I am struggling to really grasp is when plotting the PHASE (S11) of say a dipole antenna, that when the reactance changes from negative to positive, at resonance, the graph is SO SO steep. That amazed me. The PHASE graph is much sharper than the SWR graph. But then the RETURN LOSS graph is also much sharper than the reflection coefficient (rho) graph. Maybe that is why engineers like these graphs where the resonance and loss is so obvious. As hams, I often measure SWR with a crude (cheap) meter. Generally I don't fret if the SWR is 2:1 or less. My radio seems content with that. I never realized that a gazillion different impedance values can result in the same SWR of 2:1 Or said another way, if I know the SWR, do I know the impedance? NO!!!! When I see that now on a Smith Chart - say a circle with rho=0.33 I can see the RIM of that circle can represent many different R,X values - all with the same SWR of 2:1 Why is that not taught more clearly in ham radio study guides? Maybe the thought is that a Smith Chart is way too complicated for rookies. No. I think reading about the Smith Chart taught me the difference in SWR and impedance. De k3eui Barry |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
On Mon, 28 Jun 2021, Luc ON7DQ wrote:
It is generating more confusion than is needed. I will also say "my antenna has a return loss of 26 dB" (positive), and people will get what I mean from the context.I would argue that if you WRITE DOWN "RETURN LOSS -26dB" I would think of that as a double-negative. If it's a loss, as with finances, it's negative. A negative loss is a positive (double-negative!) Just as I would measure a filter, I will SAY that it has a loss of 3 dB ... but in a level diagram I will neatly WRITE next to the filter block : -3 dBMakes perfect sense to me. It would be strange to write +3 dB, how will you then explain the input and output levels of that block ?"Attenuator: 3dB" (no negative). You EXPECT an attenuator to reduce a signal. "Variable pass element: -6dB to +6dB" - can attenuate OR amplify. Sign becomes relevant, and would require the sign to be indicated, or if spoken, then stated, something like "The variable pass element is set for -3dB", or "the variable pass element is set as a 3dB attenuator". Certain words automatically imply sign. amplifier -> gain passive filter -> loss attenuator -> loss active filter -> (indeterminate!). At least, that's how I see it :) 73, VK2DGY. |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
Just my 2 cents ...
I agree that it is a convention ... but to me it still is a "historical error" (not sure, but I think the formula with the minus sign was introduced by HP) . It is generating more confusion than is needed. Everywhere else in electronics we have formulas to convert something into dB (voltage, power, sound) , and we write 20 log x/y or 10 log x/y, NEVER with a minus sign. I have been teaching this stuff for over 35 years, and my aim was always to keep things simple for my students, it was already "complex" (pun intended) enough for them. So, from my textbook : Return Loss = 20 log |rho|, NO minus sign. (|rho| being 0 ...1) Then this agrees nicely with |s11| in dB , which is also a negative number (and everyone agrees on that one). Why have two different signs for two things that are essentially the same ? Now why is there this confusion all the time ? One is because IEEE says so ... but do we always have to agree ? But it comes also from the difference in what you SAY , and what you WRITE. I will also say "my antenna has a return loss of 26 dB" (positive), and people will get what I mean from the context. But when I WRITE it down in a table for a report, I will note " - 26 dB". Just as I would measure a filter, I will SAY that it has a loss of 3 dB ... but in a level diagram I will neatly WRITE next to the filter block : -3 dB It would be strange to write +3 dB, how will you then explain the input and output levels of that block ? Or say you measure a bandpass amplifier, will you say in band it has a GAIN of 20 dB, and out of band it has a LOSS of 10 dB, how will you draw a response curve with all positive numbers ... ? Again, you can say it so, but you will WRITE down +20 dB and -10 dB. A good thing that Nano VNA Saver at least has the option to select the sign for Return Loss, I think you can guess what I selected ? ;-) And whatever belief you have, the line of measured RL will still be BELOW the 0 dB line ... 73, Luc ON7DQ |
Re: I/O RF Matching net-works measuring with NANO-VNA
#applications
Many thanks Roger, for your answer ...
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Just pointing-out to the series resonant circuit (at very input before the semi-rigid line) : 47 ohm - 330nH - 220pF ! I cannot understand what is its purpose ... it looks to be resonant around 18.6 MHz ... ??? ... Is it a filter ? Why it is there ? This one is not my project ... it comes from military labs ... One thing I realize for sure : INPUT (and Output) impedance measurementmade with Nano-Vna MUST be performed having Power-Supply & Bias switched-ON ! Thanks to everybody ! Peter ----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Need via groups.io" <sailtamarack@...> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 6:36 PM Subject: Re: [nanovna-users] I/O RF Matching net-works measuring with NANO-VNA #applications On Mon, Jun 28, 2021 at 08:52 AM, Peter wrote: I was asking WHY the INPUT Resonance changed as soon as I apply Power-SupplyWhen you apply bias to the transistors Q1 and Q2 the input impedance looking into the base of the transistors changes. This affects the overall input impedance of the network (including any observed resonances) seen at the junction of the 1 nF and 120 pF capacitors. The semi-rigid coax is attached at this point so the impedance seen at the input to this coax will also change. The input resonant circuit formed by the 47 ohm resistor, 330 nH inductor, 220 pF cap, 47 pF cap in parallel with this coax input impedance will now have a different resonant frequency. Roger |
Re: I/O RF Matching net-works measuring with NANO-VNA
#applications
Peter,
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it helps to think of the active devices, the PA power transistors, as horribly non-linear devices. The base-emitter junction is a forward biased diode, whose small-signal parameters vary over an RF cycle. The collector-base junction is a reverse biased diode (think varicap diode <>), whose capacitance (Ccb) depends on the instantaneous value of the collector-base voltage. That capacitance is then subject to the Miller effect ( <>), and can provide positive feedback from output to input. Generally, the stage voltage gain is kept quite low to avoid any danger of the apparatus becoming a power oscillator rather than a power amplifier. And since the base emitter junction is a diode, it obeys (more or less) the diode equation for AC resistance, r'= .025/Ib?¦¸, where Ib is the base current. There is a lot more going on, for instance see <>. All that capacitance has an impact on the tuning of the input and output networks. At this point, you might be thinking that any functioning RF amplifier is a triumph of engineering ingenuity over the Laws of Physics. You would not be far wrong. 73, Stay Safe, Robin, G8DQX PS: It was a good question, but with a complex answer, depending on how much detail one can cope with! On 28/06/2021 16:52, Peter wrote:
Hi William ... of course the "squared BIAS" I Drawn is just the one made with the BY1-1F ... there is no any other Bias ... |
Re: anti-stati foam sheets for lining case
On 6/28/21 12:07 PM, Bill Higdon via groups.io wrote:
I might use one of the anti static envelopes I have as an added feature. I can see for what JPL is involved with any particle shedding causing issues. But with my experience with the pink foam in other applications it didn't cause any problems.Just in case, it's not a concern about "space hardware" per se, it's the particles and coating from the sheet material the pink poly bags are made from getting into the electronics and causing "mystery not quite shorts". The containment of "foam falling apart" is just gravy. |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
You've received many good replies, but I can't help to contribute mine as
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well, so: Quote: " So the FORWARD voltage is always positive and the RETURN signal is attenuated.." But if all we measure is voltage, it well could be static with no real power involved. A charged cloud may be at a high voltage, but nothing happened unless a lightning discharge occurs. Current flows from the cloud to earth or to another cloud. That current produces all kinds of electromagnetic energy. If we have just voltage on the transmission line, no power is conveyed. Just voltage alone is inadequate to measure the flow of RF energy. Both voltage AND current are required. S-Parameters are truly a measure of vector power - both voltage and curent. Dave - W?LEV On Mon, Jun 28, 2021 at 6:13 AM Barry K3EUI <k3euibarry@...> wrote:
I have been wondering for months why I object to RETURN LOSS being a --
*Dave - W?LEV* *Just Let Darwin Work* |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
On 6/28/21 8:24 AM, Maynard Wright, P. E., W6PAP wrote:
Carey, On the other hand, if someone quotes a Return Loss as either positive or negative, the *meaning* is generally understood, unless the circuit returns more power than it receives (a ferrite circulator with an amplifier, perhaps).? So beating someone up for choosing the "other" convention probably isn't worth it.? If you're publishing a paper, or better, writing a procurement spec or test procedure) - make sure it's right.? In the latter situations, I tend to not use the term return loss, rather, I'd specify |S11| < -10 dB. |
Re: I/O RF Matching net-works measuring with NANO-VNA
#applications
On Mon, Jun 28, 2021 at 08:52 AM, Peter wrote:
I was asking WHY the INPUT Resonance changed as soon as I apply Power-SupplyWhen you apply bias to the transistors Q1 and Q2 the input impedance looking into the base of the transistors changes. This affects the overall input impedance of the network (including any observed resonances) seen at the junction of the 1 nF and 120 pF capacitors. The semi-rigid coax is attached at this point so the impedance seen at the input to this coax will also change. The input resonant circuit formed by the 47 ohm resistor, 330 nH inductor, 220 pF cap, 47 pF cap in parallel with this coax input impedance will now have a different resonant frequency. Roger |
Re: Firmware version 1.0.39
Art, if you're using defuse to update the software, read my post several messages back.?
Defuse uses confusing terms. Upload means to copy from the device to the PC.? Read my post and install the modified defuse I made, then delete the firmware file you've been trying to install and download and install a new copy.? On Mon., 28 Jun. 2021 at 10:45 a.m., aparrisjr@...<aparrisjr@...> wrote: I reloaded thee software and it shows the device. I uploaded the new firmware and the program shows device 00 updated and the screen shot is like the one you provided. When I check the firmware version on the Nano it is still 1.0.39. I tried the another version with the same results. Thanks for your help. Art |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
On Mon, Jun 28, 2021 at 05:13 AM, Barry K3EUI wrote:
We had a topic on this subject a few months ago. I posted a link to a paper by an IEEE editor on the "Definition and Misuse of Return Loss" which details the history and why it is a positive number. It makes for interesting reading. /g/nanovna-users/message/18708?p=,,,20,0,0,0::Created,,IEEE,20,2,0,78100772 Roger |
Re: I/O RF Matching net-works measuring with NANO-VNA
#applications
Hi William ... of course the "squared BIAS" I Drawn is just the one made with the BY1-1F ... there is no any other Bias ...
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I was asking WHY the INPUT Resonance changed as soon as I apply Power-Supply (and consequentely the Bias) .... I was just a question ... Peter. ----- Original Message -----
From: "William Smith" <w_smith@...> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 5:46 PM Subject: Re: [nanovna-users] I/O RF Matching net-works measuring with NANO-VNA #applications Aside: not sure why you are biasing the input, looks like the transistors are already biased on thru BYI-1F, and the input is capacitively coupled. At the very least the B-E junction of a transistor changes its¡¯ capacitance when you bias it on, no? William Smith ComputerSmiths Consulting, Inc. w_smith@... On Jun 28, 2021, at 9:57 AM, Peter <yliroma@...> wrote: |
Re: I/O RF Matching net-works measuring with NANO-VNA
#applications
William Smith
Aside: not sure why you are biasing the input, looks like the transistors are already biased on thru BYI-1F, and the input is capacitively coupled.
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At the very least the B-E junction of a transistor changes its¡¯ capacitance when you bias it on, no? William Smith ComputerSmiths Consulting, Inc. w_smith@... On Jun 28, 2021, at 9:57 AM, Peter <yliroma@...> wrote: |
Re: RETURN LOSS thoughts de k3eui
Carey,
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You are exactly right.? Terms such as "return loss," "reflection loss," "reflection coefficient," "SWR," etc. all have precise meanings that are very important.? Many of them are defined in IEEE, ITU, and/or ANSI standards.?? Telephone engineers who work on voice frequency or low carrier frequency cable pairs, incidentally, generally work in terms of return loss and reflection loss rather than reflection coefficient and SWR because the last two measures are not easy to work with when the characteristic impedance is complex rather than approximately real. And be careful about the assumptions that are made for RF calculations above a few hundred kHz.? For purposes of the characteristic impedance, the primary constants G and R and usually assumed to be zero so that the resulting calculation of Zo is real. But a seemingly contradictory assumption is made for the complex propagation constant, where calculation of the attenuation is important.? For that calculation, G is usually assumed to be zero, but R, L, and C are not.? It makes sense to do it that way, but it has proved confusing in some contexts. Maynard Wright, W6PAP On 6/28/21 6:45 AM, Carey Fisher wrote:
The term "Return Loss" wasn't invented yesterday. It's an engineering term |
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