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Portable Analyzer Options

 

I am preparing for portable operations once the weather gets warmer. I want to take along a nanovna to troubleshoot issues on the field. One important requirement is the scrolling and input control has to be buttons, not the thumbwheel switch so that left me with two options, the nanovna-F version 3.1 form Deepelec.com and the nanovna-SAA-2N which I purchased form R&L Electronics. Both are in metal cases which is an asset for filed work. I use BNC connectors so I Install adapters on each unit and use a BNC calibration kit.

I can use the command set or a computer program to configure the nanovna but I do not want to use a laptop or smartphone in the field, just a standalone unit.

Some other requirements and my observations are as follows:

- Frequency Range 1 to 30 Mhz in 100kHz steps (301 segments)

nanovna-F : 101 segments - have to use 3 RECALL settings for resolution
nanovna-SAA-2N : 201 segments - have to use 2 RECALL settings for resolution

- TDR functionality : both units support function via TRANSFORM settings

- Save and examine results
nanovna-F : STORAGE S1P and S2P
nanovna-SAA-2N : no storage

Are there any other models which have button controls, at lease 301 segments and save measurement to storage?

Thanks,

Mike N2MS
 

You get 2 out of 3 with the NanoVNA-H4. With the latest software you get 401 points and there is an SD card storage capability. On mine you have to file the case slot to access the SD card connector but maybe Hugen is now shipping with the slot cut already.

One of the big issues is seeing the screen in bright sunlight. I prefer my RigExpert for outside work.

Roger
 

Mike: 100kHz steps is pretty coarse resolution, some bands might only have 1 to 3 points with lots of wasted points between ham bands; you might want to take narrower sweeps of the bands you plan to use and store several calibrations so as not to spread the measurement points so thin. Or just bring the calibration standards along and calibrate on the fly; a 1-port reflection calibration is only 3 measurements.
Instead of buttons see how you like using the touch screen, it works well with a stylus (a mechanical pencil works well and can be used for notes and logging) and I find it faster.
73, Don N2VGU
 

On Thu, Feb 25, 2021 at 03:41 PM, Roger Need wrote:


One of the big issues is seeing the screen in bright sunlight.
That's why I bought a -F, after trying my early -H outdoors many times. Or make a "viewing hood" out of black cloth.

--
Doug, K8RFT
 

Roger,

I will look at the model with the SD card connector. I don't mind having to file the case. The plastic case is lighter than the other analyzers which is an asset when hiking. The case corners are also rounded so it will not snag on my backpack.

Mike N2MS

On 02/25/2021 3:41 PM Roger Need via groups.io <sailtamarack@...> wrote:


You get 2 out of 3 with the NanoVNA-H4. With the latest software you get 401 points and there is an SD card storage capability. On mine you have to file the case slot to access the SD card connector but maybe Hugen is now shipping with the slot cut already.
 

Don,

I intend to use it to check and adjust the resonance of various temporary antennas when I operate portable. I have found 100kHz step is sufficient since the final test is to test with the radio,

I carry a mechanical pencil with an eraser. I find the soft eraser makes a good stylus.

Thanks to all for the ideas.

Mike N2MS

On 02/25/2021 4:55 PM Donald S Brant Jr <dsbrantjr@...> wrote:


Mike: 100kHz steps is pretty coarse resolution, some bands might only have 1 to 3 points with lots of wasted points between ham bands; you might want to take narrower sweeps of the bands you plan to use and store several calibrations so as not to spread the measurement points so thin. Or just bring the calibration standards along and calibrate on the fly; a 1-port reflection calibration is only 3 measurements.
Instead of buttons see how you like using the touch screen, it works well with a stylus (a mechanical pencil works well and can be used for notes and logging) and I find it faster.
73, Don N2VGU
 

If you "zoom in" to a narrower frequency range by changing the stimulus range the interpolation feature will provide intermediate data points. There is some error but I find it acceptable.

Roger
 

Roger,

This is a nice feature when out in the field. Which model and firmware version of the nan0vna has this interpolation feature?

Mike N2MS

On 02/26/2021 6:11 PM Roger Need via groups.io <sailtamarack@...> wrote:


If you "zoom in" to a narrower frequency range by changing the stimulus range the interpolation feature will provide intermediate data points. There is some error but I find it acceptable.

Roger
 

On Sat, Feb 27, 2021 at 08:04 AM, n2msqrp wrote:

This is a nice feature when out in the field. Which model and firmware version
of the nan0vna has this interpolation feature?
The original NanoVNA, NanoVNA-H, NanoVNA-H4 and NanoVNA-F all have the interpolation feature in the firmware. The DiSlord firmware for the -H4 has this feature and 401 data point calibration.

When I last looked the recent higher frequency "V2" products did not have this capability but I do not know if later versions included interpolation. Perhaps someone knowledgeable about these products can comment.

If you are interested in seeing what happens with interpolation here are some measurements I made on a 20m dipole with different calibration frequency ranges and then "zooming in" to the 20M band.

/g/nanovna-users/message/12926?p=,,,20,0,0,0::Created,,20M+dipole,20,2,0,73210908

Roger
 

Thanks for the information about the interpolation The interpolation feature will be very helpful on the NanoVNA-F model if the NanoVNA-H4 does not work out.

I will test the analyzers in the field once the snow melts!

Mike

On 02/27/2021 12:18 PM Roger Need via groups.io <sailtamarack@...> wrote:


On Sat, Feb 27, 2021 at 08:04 AM, n2msqrp wrote:

This is a nice feature when out in the field. Which model and firmware version
of the nan0vna has this interpolation feature?
The original NanoVNA, NanoVNA-H, NanoVNA-H4 and NanoVNA-F all have the interpolation feature in the firmware. The DiSlord firmware for the -H4 has this feature and 401 data point calibration.

When I last looked the recent higher frequency "V2" products did not have this capability but I do not know if later versions included interpolation. Perhaps someone knowledgeable about these products can comment.

If you are interested in seeing what happens with interpolation here are some measurements I made on a 20m dipole with different calibration frequency ranges and then "zooming in" to the 20M band.

/g/nanovna-users/message/12926?p=,,,20,0,0,0::Created,,20M+dipole,20,2,0,73210908

Roger
 

All: It is encouraging to see the good results of interpolated calibrations. I think that for many (most?) portable operations, being able to set the VSWR minimum to a desired operating frequency is all that is required. Whether the actual VSWR is 1.25:1 or 1.3:1 will make little difference to the effectiveness of the antenna.
Even with a mediocre calibration the nanoVNAs, with their ability to make phase measurements are light-years ahead of the common VSWR bridge or antenna analyzer.
As a 40+-year user of VNAs I do appreciate the ability to make extremely precise measurements when needed, but I also realize that often "good enough" is, well, good enough.
73, Don N2VGU.

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