#480 NANOVNA Made Simple

Episode 480
I lead you through a simple calibration and SWR measurement.
I have 25 videos on the NANOVNA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqKbZ3iDo86Lnq8
Buy original: www.banggood.com/custlink/3KvEONUFPc
Recommended 4" screen: www.banggood.com/custlink/K3GhjN9JZf
Be a Patron:
www.patreon.com/imsaiguy

[@spidermoose]

"Don't worry about this, just ignore that, skip all of those options and just click here ..." I love this video. Thank you so much for an explanation so I can do something without studying rocket science first! 🙏

[@Forestriveroutfitter]

I had watched several videos trying to figure out how to get started. This is quite simply the best explanation I've found.

[@rkaag99]

I'm in my 50's and have had many instructors on various topics over the years. You have done a great presentation! I'm looking forward to diving into your other videos. Thank you!

[@IMSAIGuy]

Thanks for the kind words

[@PowderMill]

You are a spring chicken.... wait until you hit the BIG 59!, 😉😷😆 The IMSAI GUY is hands-down ->>. The BEST instructor on RF topics I have ever had the pleasure of watching. Fortunately, the CCP launched a bio-weapon attack on the world... the following DemonCrat Lock-Downs have enabled us to have a tremendous amount of spare time to Binge Watch KZbin videos. 😣🇺🇸

[@John_Henry83]

I TOTALLY AGREE. I would have given this TWO likes if that were possible.

[@chrisroddick3899]

Thank you for such a clear tutorial without all the useless babble others seem to enjoy spewing out ! Have been holding off on one of these but now placing an order.

[@StreakyP]

Superb tutorial. Many Thanks. The only point I'd add is I'd never connect my antenna adaptor/co-ax directly to the unit's SMA as it is way too fragile. Always use the short SMA to SMA tail onto the VNA and connect your antenna adaptor to the other end of the tail. Things last much longer this way.

[@paulmiller4419]

One of the best NanoVNA tutorials on KZbin.😎

[@robertlundstrom8061]

As a 70 yr old, your video was exceptionally well made with very clear instructions even for an old guy. Well done! I look forward to your other videos.

[@SimonTemplarVK3XEM]

Thank you, finally I can see a reason to buy a NanoVNA.

[@Troyster94806]

This is the best video I've found in terms of cutting to the chase, and simply explaining how to use the device to do what the vast majority of people will want to use it for. One video I watched a guy spent half the video blabbing and the second half showing but not explaining. It was a waste of my life to watch it.

[@darylcheshire1618]

A lot of youtubers waffle to pad out the video and don’t get to the point.

[@ColeDedhand]

It's much better to set your cal range to the range you actually want to use for a specific antenna. Maybe a little broader if you're trying to tune the antenna so you can see how well centered you are. You save no time to cal super wide and then zoom in. Also, if you're going to just click through the isolation and thru cals (which is fine) then you need to pause for a couple of seconds at each button push to let the instrument run the routine. If you click too fast it will result in a bad cal. I know this from experience.

[@XXXJAB]

I just got my Nano VNA today and so pleased that I randomly opened this video within the first 5 minutes of researching how to use the device. I’m feeling confident I can operate the device for checking antenna SWR. Thankyou

[@marcin_bruczkowski]

You are a FANTASTIC teacher. Just received my NanoVNA H and after attempting to understand the manual was about to send it back... THANK YOU :)

[@hectorpascal]

CAUTION! Never screw the load CAL connector too tight. Too much force can break the connection between the inner pin and its 50 ohm load resistor. Slightly more than finger tight is all you need. (Professionals often use a torque wrench set to 3-5 in·lbf (0.3 to 0.6 N·m) ; but finger tight + a little is fine!)

[@paulcooper4624]

I'm in my 60's and new to Amateur Radio. You've made what looks like a scarily scientific bit of kit, understandable, even to me. If you're not in a teaching profession, then students in your country are missing out. Subscribed.

[@johnpentland]

I bought a Nano VNA purely to tune a HF antenna. It didn't come with any instructions and was impossible to use without any prior knowledge of the device. I had no idea it had to be calibrated or what the "open", "short" and "load" connectors were. I watched several videos but most did not explain clearly how to use it, and none explained whhich connectors were open, short and load. This video is by far the best and explained how to calibrate and use the device. I have now learned how to use my device to tune my antenna. (I had to buy a SO239 to SMA adapter.) Thank you for this excellent video! Without it I would have never used the Nano VNA and would have ended up spending many times more on a Rig Expert which is not really necessary as I only occasionally need to use a device like this, so the cheap Nano vna suits me fine. THANKS AGAIN!

[@mauriceaustin3442]

Thank you. Straight to the point with no fluff. Just what I was looking for.

[@19levante82]

As others have said, this is the clearest step by step demonstration anywhere on KZbin. Although I muddled my way through the others in a hit and miss fashion, eventually getting it to do what I wanted, I always felt that I may have done something wrong. Now with this, I can get things right first time. Thank you

[@IMSAIGuy]

thanks

[@gr33nshoes]

Wow. I've been building and experimenting with antennas all my life and just got ordered of these. This is one of the most comprehensive tutorial on these.

[@M-Series-guy]

I tested two antennas within 1 hour of opening the box. This video hits the mark! Made a complicated device and made it simple. THANK YOU for keeping it real!

[@IMSAIGuy]

Glad it helped!

[@dennis8019]

u saved my nano,s life ... i was so close to trowing it to the floor lol. thank u so much.....

[@Alfa011]

Just great! Loved it. Finally someone that explains it in a manner that can be fully and easily understood! Thank you!!!

[@aldcwatson]

I needed to trim a 20m dipole for digital modes. This no-fuss video was tremendously helpful for setting up my NanoVNA to help perform this task. Thank you!!

[@sfrahm1]

Yes! A GREAT beginners how to use a NanoVNA! Looking forward to watching your very simple yet thorough enough style of explanation of more complex topics as well. I've been doing this kinda stuff for 50+ years myself & your cut to the chase attitude is very refreshing & most welcome.Thank You!

[@seanwalczak2532]

This video was exactly what I was looking for to help guide me through measuring a homebrew antenna's SWR . Thank you!

[@johndawid8059]

Add my thanks to the others here for an excellent video on getting started with the Nano VNA! This is primarily what I bought mine for, to check my homebrew antenna SWR. Your video is concise, to the point, and at the right speed where I was able to follow along. Great job sir!

[@kleetus88]

great job on this video, you are a very patient person to be able to teach the basics like you do.

[@markmelchiori511]

Extremely informative and well narrated video! Thank you for your time and effort to share this information!

[@mikeskehan8926]

Pro Grade presentation with superb video to follow on. Thank You for getting this old-timer up and running.

[@DirtyPlumbus]

I've watched a number of videos on the Nano VNA. Yours is by far the best. You hit on many key details others miss, such as saving calibration and rescaling, with great detail into what people need to know while skipping more advanced information that would just complicate things for beginners. Thank you.

[@rts3262]

The BEST instruction video for the Nano VNA. If you are not currently a professional instructor, do it...do it now!!

[@IMSAIGuy]

I'm a KZbin instructor, I get paid with ads and donations. Feel free to subscribe and be a Patron.

[@ramjet4025]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Most of the NanoVNA-F videos are a fire hydrant of information. Yours was still a fire hydrant but at a lower pressure. It did however get me into the menu and I starting making my own manual. I found writing out the steps is a good way of learning the muscel memory required to get that foundation knowledge. I love my NanoVNA-F

[@user-xj8oh6fo2f]

12:16 there is no need to click ISOLN and THRU. Just click DONE and save.

[@eliacimcortes8810]

Excellent video. I am a EE, but have been years away from this. This is very helpful. Thanks!

[@DanLeonardpb]

This is the third 'how to setup your nanovna video' I've watched. I was able to look at my antenna on multiple frequencies before you were even done. Thank you so much for an easy to understand video to get me going, and especially thanks for the show and tell on the SMA connectors. Great video!

[@harveyhopper7561]

Straight and to the point. I love this instructional video. This helped me do exactly what I bought the NANOVNA for to start with. I will definitely look at your other videos as I progress in my learning. Thanks!!

[@donpreisler322]

All I need the NanoVNA for is SWR (at least for starters). You took all the mystery out of it. Thank you. I've been building my own antennas and after watching your video, I'm good to go.

[@alaskastinson]

Thanks! It was a little overwhelming when I first fired it up. This is awesome! Appreciate you taking the time to do this!

[@mikeramsey9747]

Definitely my hat is off for how well you explained how to measure SWR (VHF/UHF) of my antenna using my new NanoVNA, I'm going to hopefully find more of your videos to explain some of the other functions. The key for me is remembering everything you taught.

[@smoberdeen]

This is the by far the BEST video I've seen for the NanoVNA thus far. All I wanted to do is check SWR for my home brew antenna.

[@pauljohnson7011]

I followed you with my new nanavna and what a great tutorial, I would have never figured it out on my own. Thank you from an 80 year old ham. 73 from kf4vot.

[@jamiecook5066]

Best tutorial I have found to use the nanovna for SWR!!! That is what I bought it for!! Thanks!!!

[@Andy71]

Can't thank you enough for this video which got me up and running and able to test my two antennas which is all I needed for now, will go onto the more advanced stuff in time :)

[@skaramicke]

This video is almost insultingly easy to follow and I love it! You are extremely pedagogical. Great work! And I’m buying a nanovna in part because of this video.

[@berkanoid]

Thank you for giving me the confidence to order this neat little gadget!!

[@ClarkTelecom]

Super easy presentation, many thanks. I was overwhelmed when I first saw the screen. Now I can go and check my antennas as you made it so easy!

[@henlij]

Just discovered your channel. You must be a teacher. Awesome explanation, making no assumptions that your audience knows much at all. +1 sub. Cheers

[@MauriatOttolink]

henlij You gottit.. In the computer world that quality is rare. They know stuff inside out but not a clue how to teach. I'm a musician and took up teaching. My training for it told me..."if you want to know how a beginner feels, change round your hands on the instrument...That's how they feel! This guy's good,

[@johnwest7993]

You're right. It's complicated - (and I'm old.) That means it does a whole lot of things that other gear doesn't. Fortunately we have you and 1 or 2 others on KZbin who understand it and take the time to teach us. It's very much appreciated. The dozens of people doing videos of opening their new NanoVNA's and describing the packaging, (and admitting they have no clue how to turn it on or what it does,) not so much. During my tech career I never had the time to really play with some of the more sophisticated equipment and truly learn how to use it, and I certainly couldn't afford to buy my own . That frustrated me for years. 've already watched about 10 of your NanoVNA videos, 2 or 3 of them more than once. I find jumping back and forth between your videos and the actual NanoVNA on my bench to be a near perfect way to learn to use it. Again, thank you.

[@merlinsdad333]

Excellent talk through ,thank you for making time to do this

[@matteng2332]

I just got mine today and this video was the best I’ve seen so far. Thank you and 73.

[@metalfabman5477]

Excellant tutorial for us ham's chasing home brew antenna swr's, very strait foreword and to the point. Thanks, I can learn the other features as I go on. Mine came today, can't wait to use it on my home brew buddies stick, and base coil vertical next week.

[@ForestSoldier]

Any young person getting into ham radio would be fortunate to have you for an "Elmer." You teach what they want/need to know/learn in simple terms, you don't drift from the topic, you know the stuff that will pop into their mind as the presentation goes on and addresses it. 73's Mike WB4DCW

[@dr2man]

What a great presentation, I've learned precisely what I needed to know about the VNA, your explanation in this video was the best video I have seen on this topic. Thanks!

[@neubert500]

Clear, concise, and excellent instruction! Thank you Sir!

[@herbertremer7270]

Excellent I had watched a number of videos on the Nano VNA. All were either difficult or overly complicated. This presentation was clear and to the point. Thank you so much.

[@rodgebrown7996]

Great introduction to the Nano VNA, just what I have been looking for. I'm a complete newbie not just to the Nano VNA but radio as a whole. My present interest is chasing weather balloons with my grandkids and antenna matching seems to be an important subject. Although not a stranger to diy electronics I was getting lost with how complicated some videos seemed to make using the Nano VNA. I have followed your instructions with ease and getting useful results. Thank you for this KZbin tutorial.

[@handyman7147]

Short, simple and straightforward. Very good 👍

[@john7046]

Brilliant video without going in too deep ,easy to understand , it good to see the basics

[@davek641]

Thank you! My new Nano is charging and the instructions I found online were not helpful. You just saved me an Amazon return! Your presentation was spot on! I'm now very confident I can do an SWR in the various bands. You rock!

[@tomstrum6259]

Thx greatly !! You got me up & running making perfect SWR measurements !! The best user help & explanation video ever. Plz keep them coming !

[@MrMeasureTwice]

Nice work on this video. A friend of mine loaned me his VNA - after 6 videos, I was done with it, but then... I found your video. Hooray! Thanks for boiling it down for VNA newbies!!

[@parkzoneradian]

Having never previously used an antenna analyser, I found your video very useful. Thank you.

[@porkyfedwell]

Amazing! I had just gotten my nanovna and actually said word for word "this thing is too complicated, I can't use it" and then "all I want to do is check swr on an antenna! And then there was this video!

[@qrphfradio7753]

A massive thank you for your excellent tutorial on the Nova VNA..On watching your instructions I went ahead and bought one, and it works very well too. Now I know which of my many handy talkie antennas that are dodgy..

[@russpeck1320]

I've had my VNA for a few years now, used your video to get me started. It's been a while since I used it, so I went back online to see if there are any tutorials, having forgotten about yours. I rediscovered yours, and still maintain that it's best way to get started. Fine work! 73

[@Klehocky1]

Thank you. This was awesome. I’m going to write a sheet of notes based on your instructions and keep them with my unit.

[@lmstrutt]

THANK YOU! I just ordered a NanoVNA to help me build a QFH antenna for APT weather photos. This video helps so much!

[@danmulkiewicz5515]

Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time to make it!

[@michaelormandy6651]

Great video! I bought it to tune a home-brew antenna. This thing is so far beyond most users it takes a talented teacher to bring it down to what most need to understand, kudos. After learning the basics, I look forward to playing with more advanced functions in the future.

[@IMSAIGuy]

I have a NanoVNA playlist

[@roberts3942]

Excellent video that satisfies the needs of most people who purchase this device. If I buy one, you have given me the confidence that I can figure it out and get my money's worth. Thank you

[@electro9480]

A brilliant video for SWR on this very clever piece of gear, great thanks.

[@theyareouttogetme1]

Thanks for this great video. Saved a lot of time checking the VSWR on my antenna.

[@les2934]

Thanks for the tutorial! Answered some basic questions I had. look forward to more tutorials.

[@HIPCHIP]

Thank you so very much for doing this video. I've been wanting to get a NANOVNA for a long time but was afraid I'd never figure out how to use it. After your video I went out and purchased one. Better to spend $50 than $400 when all I want to do is check an antenna. Hopefully I'll figure out how to do more with this little unit, so you've given me a lot of inspiration.

[@pauljordan756]

Best to the point explanation of NanoVNA SWR operation I have found. Thank you!!!

[@gregorydobson4307]

Best explanation I have found for swr on an antenna, THANKYOU.

[@whitepinephotography5887]

Great Video, to the point, thank you so much. Now able to use it for the reason it was purchased even though it will do a lot more.

[@enzed1190]

This is an excellent presentation!! THANK YOU. I made lots of notes and will check out your other videos soon.

[@skiptaggart8116]

Excellent tutorial for down and dirty SWR checks! Thank you!

[@davep6977]

I got mine last spring before I redid all my antenna's in the farm, and went to the school of T&E (trial & error). Glad I figured it out. It's the best tool in the shack. I used it on every antenna. What a tool for my 10 thru 40 vertical to my di-pole and mono bander's. After working with a graph over a meter. I got rid of my MFJ antenna analyzer. Good video and helped setting scales. Try to learn something every day 73 Dave W9DLP

[@GateKommand]

I have been watching your video whilst playing with my new Nano VNA which arrived yesterday evening. The sole reason I bought it was for measuring the SWR of an aerial and your vid has shown me what I need to know, cheers mate! Your relaxed but confident style is great and made it much easier to absorb the information. At 55 years old I find it much harder to learn things as the years go by but you really helped :)

[@IMSAIGuy]

65 helping the elderly 55 LOL

[@stevecampbell4118]

Great video! I have one arriving in a couple of days and now I feel confident I can make it work. Thanks,

[@mikewillis6177]

I have had my NanoVNA-H for a little while, but some of your explanations and shortcuts are great. Definitely a subscriber now. I'm 66 and been a Ham for about 30 years. Thanks for sharing! Mike VE3FE

[@dwalshaw]

Well done, a very informative and very simple instructional video to follow, the best I have seen

[@TimScrimshaw1]

I've had one of these sitting in a drawer for the past couple of years and never really got the hang of it. But now I do. Thanks!

[@matthewshank73]

THANK YOU! Exactly what I have been searching for. Simple step by step to tweak a couple of wire antennas. Subscribed.

[@bradmitchell876]

Thank you. I've had this thing for three months, and was scared to pull it out. This was a very well done starter video. Got right to the point, showed steps clearly. Mine is now OUT of the box and charging!

[@W7MMG]

I watched this video yesterday and ordered one this morning. Looked complicated as hell till he explained it. Great vid!

[@cwebs1000]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I have been trying for some time to find a great explanation to use my VNA. I was ready to fine tune mine with a wammer. I only want to use it for antenna tuning. Carl

[@abjamesjd]

Thank you for the straight forward easy to understand explanation.

[@w2jv]

I was somewhat hesitant about the learning curve, my personal swr was about 50:1, than I ran across your presentation, wow, truth in advertising NANOVNA made simple, thank you.

[@ethzero]

Excellent video, thank you so much! Just got my NanoVNA 3.6 today. There are a few minor changes to the newer UI but the video still works. 👍 I bought a RTL-SDR Blog v4 a few months ago with a dipole kit. *Finally* I can verify the correct antenna telescopic lengths for the right frequency far more precisely by manually adjusting them than using a calculator and 🤞 Currently setting up a few Meshtastic nodes in UK so this will also come in handy for verifying 868 MHz antennas.

[@lenny0272]

best video ever...I got one for swr purposes only and you nailed it...Thank you triple thumbs up...

[@rcautoparts1]

Really good presentation . Easy to follow steps .

[@SoulStarLA]

Super video! Clear, concise, and perfectly explained for a newbie. Thank you. I now know my new Diamond X30A is tuned well for both 2M and 70CM.

[@michaelmcghie]

This was one of the most helpful videos I have seen on the NanoVNA. Thanks for the help

[@mbunds]

Thanks for this basic introduction, and especially for targeting the most common use! I am studying the ARRL antenna handbook, so the advanced features will certainly come in handy later, but your production is an excellent jump-start into the NanoVNA basic functionality, and the related tasks for setting it up for antenna characteristics.

[@daveriesz3354]

Terrific demonstration! Thanks!

[@timothym2241]

Thanks, just what I needed to know to get started. Great explanation.

[@R81230]

Just what I needed! Great video. Using a Pelican 1060 case and from Amazon a 4 compartment pill case for the three calibrating adapters and the M2M adapter makes and slick kit, holds all of the cables as well.

[@hamradiotimes5586]

Great explanation, got me using it in 20 minutes. A million thanks...

[@neilklagge4911]

That was an awesome presentation. Just what I needed to get started. Thank you very much!!!