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Latest recommended H4


Roger Jollis
 

Hi all.

I have looked for past postings for my question, but don't find a >recent< answer. So here's my situation. I have destroyed my second NanoVNA, an H4 model that I bought last July to replace my last one. This time, instead of dropping it on a concrete floor, I connected the device to my DX Commander antenna project to begin to tune it. Not realizing that the front end is susceptible to ESD damage, I didn't use an attenuator or other external protection. Apparently there was a large enough static charge in the antenna system to blow the front end of the VNA. So the S11 input is completely unresponsive and the device shows a consistent random noise readout (video attached).

While I'm tempted to buy a Rig Expert, I would miss this robust community that stands behind the NanoVNA. And I have just last week ordered a NanoVNA book from RSGB that isn't here yet. So I am once again in the market for a new H4. Since there are so many clones out there, I don't want to get burned with buying a marginal clone device. Given a choice, I would prefer to purchase on Amazon where I have a gift card credit and where I can get the device fairly quickly. But most important is to have a reliable unit. Does anybody have some recent experience with which flavor of NanoVNA to buy?

Thanks in advance.

73 de K8YX

Short vid shows the SWR function with a 50 Ohm load connected to S11. Trace: 0, Format: S11 (Refl), Stimulus: 3.0-4.5Mhz. Makes no difference when it is connected to a load. Just noise.


 

I bought both an H4 and TinySA Ultra from R&L at the strong recommendation of several. Both units are very good and good distributor that stands behind them.

On Feb 22, 2024, at 4:01?PM, Roger Jollis <rjollis@...> wrote:

?Hi all.

I have looked for past postings for my question, but don't find a >recent< answer. So here's my situation. I have destroyed my second NanoVNA, an H4 model that I bought last July to replace my last one. This time, instead of dropping it on a concrete floor, I connected the device to my DX Commander antenna project to begin to tune it. Not realizing that the front end is susceptible to ESD damage, I didn't use an attenuator or other external protection. Apparently there was a large enough static charge in the antenna system to blow the front end of the VNA. So the S11 input is completely unresponsive and the device shows a consistent random noise readout (video attached).

While I'm tempted to buy a Rig Expert, I would miss this robust community that stands behind the NanoVNA. And I have just last week ordered a NanoVNA book from RSGB that isn't here yet. So I am once again in the market for a new H4. Since there are so many clones out there, I don't want to get burned with buying a marginal clone device. Given a choice, I would prefer to purchase on Amazon where I have a gift card credit and where I can get the device fairly quickly. But most important is to have a reliable unit. Does anybody have some recent experience with which flavor of NanoVNA to buy?

Thanks in advance.

73 de K8YX

Short vid shows the SWR function with a 50 Ohm load connected to S11. Trace: 0, Format: S11 (Refl), Stimulus: 3.0-4.5Mhz. Makes no difference when it is connected to a load. Just noise.





<NanoVNA H4 Noise.mp4>


 

Just buy from the official AliExpress store or from an authorized reseller ...

On Thu, 22 Feb 2024 at 22:03, Roger Jollis <rjollis@...> wrote:

Hi all.

I have looked for past postings for my question, but don't find a >recent< answer. So here's my situation. I have destroyed my second NanoVNA, an H4 model that I bought last July to replace my last one. This time, instead of dropping it on a concrete floor, I connected the device to my DX Commander antenna project to begin to tune it. Not realizing that the front end is susceptible to ESD damage, I didn't use an attenuator or other external protection. Apparently there was a large enough static charge in the antenna system to blow the front end of the VNA. So the S11 input is completely unresponsive and the device shows a consistent random noise readout (video attached).

While I'm tempted to buy a Rig Expert, I would miss this robust community that stands behind the NanoVNA. And I have just last week ordered a NanoVNA book from RSGB that isn't here yet. So I am once again in the market for a new H4. Since there are so many clones out there, I don't want to get burned with buying a marginal clone device. Given a choice, I would prefer to purchase on Amazon where I have a gift card credit and where I can get the device fairly quickly. But most important is to have a reliable unit. Does anybody have some recent experience with which flavor of NanoVNA to buy?

Thanks in advance.

73 de K8YX

Short vid shows the SWR function with a 50 Ohm load connected to S11. Trace: 0, Format: S11 (Refl), Stimulus: 3.0-4.5Mhz. Makes no difference when it is connected to a load. Just noise.





 

AURSINC was recommended from Groups.IO at Amazon. I got a NanoVNA-H from them. I had a problem, they replaced no questions asked. I like what I have and can recommend.


 

R&L. USA storefront, run by hams, fast shipping, and they know what you are talking about when you contact them.



73

-Jim
NU0C

On Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:01:32 -0800
"Roger Jollis" <rjollis@...> wrote:

Given a choice, I would prefer to purchase on Amazon where I have a gift card credit and where I can get the device fairly quickly.


Roger Jollis
 

Thanks all for the pointers. It seems that R&L and AURSINC both sell the
NanoVNA. I am familiar with R&L, have purchased from them both online and
in their store in SW Ohio. Their NanoVNA H4 is only slightly more expensive
than Amazon. I like the idea of supporting a ham store and I know that when
you call with questions and advice, they are always at your service.

As I am looking through the alternatives, I note that there seem to be
two manufacturers represented by the sellers, SeeSII and NanoVNA. Again, I
looked for any info on comparing the two, but haven't found any. Is there
any group insight on whether the NanoVNA by SeeSII or NanoVNA by NanoVNA is
better?

Thanks for the replies.

73 de K8YX

On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 9:10?PM Jim Shorney <jimNU0C@...> wrote:


R&L. USA storefront, run by hams, fast shipping, and they know what you
are talking about when you contact them.



73

-Jim
NU0C

On Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:01:32 -0800
"Roger Jollis" <rjollis@...> wrote:

Given a choice, I would prefer to purchase on Amazon where I have a gift
card credit and where I can get the device fairly quickly.






 

I would suggest looking into the SAA-2N, I got mine from R&L. The type N connectors, cables and calibration standards appear robust and work well. The steel case is a plus. 73, Don N2VGU