NanoVNA Calibration

[@S_e_a_n]

Thank you for spending time in sharing your knowledge! Here are the steps I recorded from your video. For those who want a printed version of the instructions. 73 1. Turn on the NanoVNA device 2. Click the screen to access the menu 3. Select CAL from the menu 4. Select Reset 5. You will be returned to the main menu 6. Select CAL again 7. Put the Open SMA on the Tx terminal 8. Select Open on the menu 9. Remove the Open SMA 10. Add the Short SMA to the Tx terminal 11. Select Short on the menu 12. Remove the Short SMA 13. Add the Load SMA to the Tx terminal 14. Select Load on the menu 15. Remove the Load SMA 16. Add the SMA cable to the Tx & Rx terminals 17. Select THRU 18. Select Done 19. Save into Memory Position 0 (or whatever profile) 20. Remove Cable 21. Turn Off VNA 22. Turn On VNA 23. The blue arrow (yellow in my case) should be to the right of the screen 24. Add the LOAD SMA 25. If calibrated correctly, the blue arrow will move to the center of the screen 26. Take off the LOAD SMA 27. Add the Short SMA 28. If calibrated correctly, the blue arrow will move to the left of the screen 29. Turn off the NanoVNA device upon completion

[@coelhen8560]

Of all the calibration videos and pages I have found for the NanoVNA, yours is the only straight forward, no nonsense presentation. Well done! Cheers!

[@tazman6483]

His is certainly wrong and incorrect in so many ways, before you compliment learn how and why we calibrate. Read my initial post and watch proper calibration videos and you will see this one explains nothing and is done wrong.

[@alb8758]

Thank you for sharing this with us. It seems dead simple when you see someone run through it but having the video to refer to and follow along with, especially for the real-time demonstration near the end of what to expect when checking the calibration, was really helpful.

[@radiorants1094]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad it was useful. 73 de 2E0XSB

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I will add my thanks, too!

[@steveison7115]

Awesome, simple to the point with no waffle, just what I needed to get my nanoVNA calibrated. Thanks!

[@haramanggapuja]

Exactly. I read the online cal instructions, did 'em twice and then found this video. Good to see what I did reflects what he did. Nice to be able to trust your test gear ;-) 73 de W8IJN

[@tazman6483]

You are both incorrect read my initial post and you will see how poorly this video is and how it is more a how not to calibrate than a how to. It covers nothing on properly doing anything and anyone watching this trying to learn will not understand what all must be done prior to connecting the standards of calibration. No one should be praising this guy for a job well done as it was not.

[@benotsilent6703]

Thanks. No nonsense or unneeded explanations. Very useful!

[@dr123hall]

Better “Getting Started” with your NanoVNA calibration than many others out there!

[@jonathanrobertson3406]

Brilliant man, brilliant. I know I am late to the party, but as a new buyer of an NanaNVA H4 the was the quickest (most efficient) way to show me not just how to calibrate but to confirm the calibration was correct. Good on you sir.

[@tazman6483]

Quick and completely incorrect, good luck getting bad and incorrect readings.

[@jonathanrobertson3406]

@@tazman6483 (Previous response deleted). Were you referring to the device itself or the method of calibration shown in the video?

[@tazman6483]

The device under test is part of it, depending on the type of test needed and the port and type being port s11 or port 21 and wether it’s reflective testing or other. Also what are we testing SWR, Cable Testing, range of test and Frequncy all depend on the device. Now as for Calibration depending on the device and types of test, will vary on how far into the calibration we go, for most reflective testing we only really need open,short and load calibration, for more we may need isolation and through calibration. None of this mentioned in the calibration lesson given here. Now there is more, we need to understand are we connecting direct to TinySA or using cables and or add on connectors, we must calibrate to the plane of the Cable or Connector if USED and in almost 90 percent we are using cables and or connectors to match device under test. In answer to your question both, the device under test and type of calibration and how calibration is conducted. Not to mention he did the isolation test 100 percent incorrectly. I hopes this helps.@@jonathanrobertson3406

[@tazman6483]

In answer to your question, yes I own the newest NanoVna and TInySA Ultra, Yes you use calibrate between each and every test done as it pertains to the changes in parameters. For instance if we set up a SWR test at the 10 meter range, and calibrate for 10 meter frequency, then decide to test 20 meter, we must recalibrate, each time. If we test for SWR and then decide to test cable length, we must recalibrate, only if the parameters stay consistent can we reuse a calibration. so if we are testing 10 meters for SWR on an antenna regularity then saving that calibration and resuming it would be prudent. Now perhaps you may run into other tests that may use the same calibration, that may happen, buts its good practice to recalibrate for every new test no matter what, as you may forget that you calibrated with a certain type of connector or cable that may lengthen or shorten the testing plane, and even though the parameters remained the same the testing plane changed so over a period of time you forget what that saved calibration was for. I recommend new calibrations each and every time you test, that is how a proper test should be run. now as for others that say the same as me, simply do a KZbin search, and almost every KZbinr that has a channel on the NanoVNA will tell you that you must ensure that the Nano is not only calibrated for the parameters, but most important that the calibration be done to the exact end of the testing plane and not a millimeter more or less, other wise you get an incorrect reading. you can prove this simply, connect one of the cables that came with the Nano, they are female on both ends, not to connect the open, short and load you will need the barrel connector that came with the Nano to connect the calibration standards. do only the open, short and load, then at the end, remove the standards and leave on the barrel connector as that is the end of the testing plane, the test is good. Now remove the barrel connector you will find the calibration is no longer good. now if you did the calibration test needing the cable, but not that barre, connector and change up the connector lets say to a sma to so239, you will get incorrect readings you must only at that point connect directly to the end of the barrel connector only for testing, now should you need so239, you need a sma to so239 cable and a set of standards that will calibrate so239 and they are sold. if you want precise tests you must calibrate precise and everytime, and I know no one that will disagree that has understanding of the Nano and tinySA.

[@jonathanrobertson3406]

@@tazman6483 Thank you greatly for taking the time and energy to post such exhaustive and informative responses. Excellent information and I am about to print out a hard copy. Thanks again and best regards.

[@kfcmcdonalds]

Best video on cal ....clear, concise, to the point.

[@tazman6483]

An 100 percent done incorrectly

[@MrGohunter]

It's one thing reading the instructions, but far easier being shown. Just calibrated my NanoVNA, which arrived this morning. Thanks and 73. Gordon G8WWD

[@joetnsue]

Just what I needed to see. Cured the confusion of how to calibrate.

[@Stingmni]

Simple. no waffle, and i learned. Spot on sir

[@tazman6483]

In accurate, done incorrectly, and you learned how not to calibrate a NanoVNA. Spot off.

[@krisraps]

Finally, SOmeone Who Knows How To Fully Calibrate A VNA, Thanks, Really useful Video Ser ;)_

[@tazman6483]

Nope it was not doe right and is done so poorly it would not yield any meaningful results. But good luck if you think it did.

[@kcarmical]

Thanks so much! Very useful, huge help

[@stevesf28]

Something I learned (Maybe from the GroupIO forum) when I first started using this device was to have the cable connected for all calibrations. I use the cable for all tests, so it made sense to me to have it on all the time. Also, I was told that SMA connectors are not meant to be connected and disconnected many times, and should be torqued. However, I am as careful as you are, and don't see the harm. I have the torque wrench, but do not use it except to put the cable on the NanoVNA. Yesterday, I read on the DX Commander Discord channel an item by "YT5BOS Bojan: I found out (can't remember if it was from a blog or a video I recently watched) that I have been using the NanoVNA the wrong way. Calibration should be done before measuring and AFTER setting the start and stop frequencies. The way I was doing it was to calibrate it after it boots and afterwards perform the measurements. Another detail I missed to incorporate in my previous tests was setting the delay when using the adapters (SMA to SO239, SMA to N etc.). The recommended setting of 160ps (picoseconds) works fine with the adapters I am using regularly and you see notice the marker moving to the center of the Smith chart after applying the delay (on a calibrated device)." So now, I am trying to wrap my brain around that. Your videos are awesome, BTW, and thanks for doing them. 73 Steve

[@justinelliott3529]

Fantastic video!

[@SWRadioConcepts]

FANTASTIC. Thanks so much, and thanks for getting right to the point. Subscribed.

[@waynerash9256]

This was very helpful.

[@radiorants1094]

Thanks for watching, 73 de 2E0XSB

[@carlreid7726]

Thank you for demonstrating how to calibrate the unit. Of writing I've just received mine through the post will be seeing if I can use it to check how well my antennas and coax leads/cables are... Many Thanks 2E0SDM 73's

[@kaikart123]

Very clear and no bullshit. Nice.

[@purpleoptic9127]

To think I nearly chucked the calibration tools away not knowing what they were. Cheers! 👍

[@alex_stevens]

Amazing tutorial. Thanks!

[@charliebrown5611]

Thanks. This was a start.

[@stevegreve3487]

OUTSTANDING! Thank you!

[@radiorants1094]

Thanks for watching. 73 DE 2E0XSB

[@tazman6483]

Outstanding for a video on how not to calibrate a NanoVNA and get you results that will not help you should you calibrate this way.

[@indiana146]

Hope your well

[@justaskhow]

Thanks and '73. Excellent and short.

[@GoAmateurRadio]

how do you calibrate with an SO-239 adapter please?

[@paullazar1071]

how does sart, stop frequency enter into calibration? What effect do they have? Thanks.

[@sklegg]

This is a very good question. As I understand it, you should set your frequency range before running through the calibration.

[@tonyalbus411]

Very helpful, short and clear, thanks! 73, PE1ONS

[@todaysfigures598]

I apreciate it👍

[@stevec5000]

It's interesting that you say for the Isoln. step to just leave the ports open. In the manual they say: 6) Connect SMA Load to PORT1, connect second Load to PORT2, wait more than 3 seconds (wait for the screen to stabilize) and press ISOLN. Note: if you don't have second Load, just leave PORT2 open. I've tried both way, open and terminated and it makes a big difference in how it performs so which is right?

[@stevec5000]

Also you have to tap Reset twice at the beginning for it to work properly, not once like you showed.

[@tazman6483]

You are absolutely correct, this is another video on how not to calibrate a NanoVNA , and why guys that do not know what they ar doing should avoid being on youtube. The saying those that can do, do, and those that cannot do teach, and teach poorly.

[@virgilioleandro]

tankyou for information!

[@zeljkoadzic1692]

when you use correction and when no, without correction?

[@macgyver5108]

I'm not sure how "accurate" this is or how much of an effect it has, but I heard on another video (forget which one...) that you should AVOID touching the threads of the two terminals on the VNA because the oil on your hands can actually skew the calibration and readings afterward. I'm guessing that apparently changes the conductivity of the connectors? So I gather if you DO touch the terminals it's best to wipe them with rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip and if you've screwed the open, short or dummy on to a oily terminal to clean the insides of those too. They also claimed that the torque value how tight the SMA connections are could change readings and results?!

[@claudem.p.7969]

Excellent. I understand now.

[@tazman6483]

No you do not understand at all, its been 3 years and you may now, but you never did when this video was made. I am only commenting for any new guys watching this, not for the guys from 3 years ago, you more than likely have destroyed either the nano or your equipment by now.

[@laurynaslauris9677]

when your calibrating isolation you have to put load on channel 1

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

cheers nide demo of how to cal

[@2e0prgunitedkingdom18]

Hi, thank you for the really informative video it has helped tons. Can you advise me where I can purchase a case for my device? Thanks 73s

[@tazman6483]

First it has helped no one, it was done 100 percent completely wrong. Second if you trust him with this video you wont gt a good case at all, as he more than likely does not have anything good.

[@va7dgp]

Thank You.

[@radiorants1094]

You're welcome, thanks for watching. 73 DE 2E0XSB

[@Solderwire]

MMmm...cant decide if i should get one or not,

[@radiorants1094]

For the price I'm glad I did. 73 DE 2E0XSB

[@tazman6483]

No certainly not a proper calibration and not near enough to have you teach anyone. First you need to understand why and what we are calibrating. There are a few things that need to be done prior to calibration and you have not done them, secondly you need the reason for the calibration otherwise your calibration was for nothing and will not work. Folks its clear he has no idea what he is doing and let me explain. 1. You need a reason for the calibration and that lets say was SWR, you need the trace set to that. 2. You need the reason for the calibration to include the range, so you need to set the range of the test, in the case of SWR the Bandwidth you are testing. 3. You need to ensure the calibration is done the the end point of calibration, in most cases you will be using a cable with connectors on it, you must ensure the calibration is done to the exact end of the cable or adapter that connects just before the DUT. This is important otherwise your calibration will be way off. Lastly in his calibration, he did the isolation test absolutely wrong, its not calibrated to open air, you should at the minimum if you are using just port s11, have the load on it, but in the case wher you maybe using s21 or s11 and s21, you need a load on both to do an isolation calibration, he has completely screwed up the isolation calibration 100 percent. Lastly doing a through calibration you can do it with just one cable, however it should be done with 2 cables and with a barrel connector connecting them together in the middle, why this is how it’s properly done and gives you the ability should you want to use port s21, not to have to redo the entire calibration. I hope this shows not to follow this guy, and to really check out proper authorities on the NanoVna and the TinySA Ultra. Using a Nano in this way will get you incorrect results and may even hurt tested devices when you trust your readings with this type of calibration. This comment is for the viewers in hopes they do check out videos on competent enthusiasts that know what they are doing. It’s is absolutely wrong to teach something you do not understand, or if he does understand this to teach in such a way that those watching do not have the correct and full knowledge. At best this calibration if you leave out the isolation and through calibration would be correct if you were only connecting the DUT directly to the NanoVNA and not using any leads or connectors, and in almost 100 percent of Hams this is not the case. Please sir take down this video, and appologise to your viewers.

[@TonyAlbus]

Very helpful, short and clear, thanks! 73, PE1ONS