#923

Episode 923
I make measurements and compare four different vector network analyzers
HP 8712 (801 cal points selected)
NanoVNA 2.8 (with latest firmware 0.8.0)
NanoVNA H4 (with dislord 1.0.64)
NanoVNA F-V2 (with sysjoint 0.3.0)
I measure a bandpass filter parameters S11 and S21. The same SOLT calibration set was used on each instrument.
Here are my thoughts:
HP 8712 - a joy to operate, large screen, very fast, simple user interface, up to 1601 cal points, 105dB dynamic range. 1.3GHz upper frequency
NanoVNA F-V2 - robust mechanical design, best dynamic range of the nanos. fast user interface. I wish there was dislord firmware for this model, 4.4 GHz upper frequency
NanoVNA H4 - Best bang per buck. the dislord firmware makes this a good choice. 1.5GHz upper frequency
NanoVNA 2.8 - outdated now, not recommended
Be a Patron: / imsaiguy

[@Yosemite_Sam]

I have an F V2 version for the bigger 4.3 screen and your video was very interesting and informative. My version has been really good and I am very happy with the price vs performance. I didn't see I had any need for the faster more expensive F V3. Thanks VK5LB

[@vk2zay]

The nanovna-saver application on a PC can dramatically improve the resolution even with the original NanoVNA, it just performs multiple narrower sweeps and combines them with the greater memory resources of the PC so it can push to the limits of the resolution bandwidth and baseband hardware. I too have all three versions and I find them extremely useful. Not quite as good beyond 500 MHz and below 150 kHz as I'd like, but HF and VHF they are completely adequate for the great majority of every day tasks. The V2 is actually a lot better at higher frequencies than the original. At the price point and combined with the TinySA there is really no excuse for not having some rudimentary metrology if you are working with RF any more.

[@mk6595]

Alan, your Advent Calendar of Circuits was great! I hope you get a chance to do more.

[@jdmccorful]

Good work, thanks.

[@clems6989]

Very impressive for these little instruments..

[@johnwest7993]

I have the original NanoVNA H, and also the small screen SAA2. And I just got the LiteVNA 64. (I think I must be an addict.) Even with the others, you may also be tempted to get one. $125 from R&L Electronics, (cheaper elsewhere,) with a 4" screen, 1001 sample points, 6.4 GHz freq range, and averaging as many as 80 samples internally takes the noise floor down to -100 dB or better at over 2 GHz. Lots of improved features. The little VNA's just keep getting better and better. We live in great times for tech toys.

[@IMSAIGuy]

I'll wait for someone to give me one. I want a LibreVNA also!

[@roblocher6826]

I was trying to get a simple question answered: "Is a NanoVNA-H4 good enough to help me build and tune a homebrew 70 cm or GMRS antenna, or should I spring for a NanoVNA V2 plus4 instead?" Many other KZbin videos wasted my time and didn't help answer my question, but I think this video did. Thanks IMSAI Guy! (I think I'll buy an H4.)

[@djohnsto2]

I have the NanoVNA-F V2 - I've got good results from the NanoVNA-Saver app, but sometimes it crashes right at then end of a calibration which is a pain. Performance on the unit itself is pretty good. With extremely wide analyses there can be strange artifacts.

[@w2aew]

I wonder if the skirts would look cleaner on the Nano's if you calibrated with, and used a 6 or 10dB pad on the Ch0 (port 1), so that the source didn't see such a large reflection when sweeping outside of the bandpass.

[@Antyelektronika]

Hello W2AEW when you will upload some video like back to Basic or about nanovna, thanks for videos what you made so far ☺

[@w2aew]

@@Antyelektronika I have about 15 videos on the NanoVNA now, ranging from basics to not-so-basic. Is there something specific you want to see?

[@IMSAIGuy]

nope, good try

[@w2aew]

@@IMSAIGuy Thanks for trying - I know some SA+TG solutions work better if the TG sees a more controlled load - wasn't sure if these VNAs were the same way...

[@Antyelektronika]

@@w2aew yes, is there ony example how nanoVNA can be used with PCB, it is possible to measure PDN with nanoVNA? if so can you show some examples?

[@nickcaruso]

random question -- do you use solid core solder?

[@IMSAIGuy]

no, rosin core, Kester 44

[@Antyelektronika]

Hi, great video about vna, do you know maybe that is good way to make calibration resistors, these from kit which i bought do not work so good. You have some ideas, or just buy 50R reaistor and that is it. Once again thanks, and also could you show more Fields where vna might be used, or just write here if you want ☺

[@IMSAIGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIfdhWVppNN2rqs

[@Antyelektronika]

@@IMSAIGuy thank you, so just regular 50R resistor with 0.1% tolerance will be fine?

[@IMSAIGuy]

@@Antyelektronika yes

[@glasslinger]

The 8712 and 8713 have shot up in price on ebay lately.

[@IMSAIGuy]

More than $10 now I guess

[@jdmccorful]

@@IMSAIGuy And it's probably your fault! ;)

[@IMSAIGuy]

@@jdmccorful my bad 😐

[@thrillscience]

Lumpiness aside, the original NanoVNA let you quickly and cheaply see what the basic characteristics of a filter is.

[@IMSAIGuy]

most definitely an amazing unit for the price

[@thrillscience]

@@IMSAIGuy Thanks for turning me on to it. I'm just waiting to pull the trigger on the latest one. Now that it's over $100, it's not quite the "impluse" purchase the original one was.