Nanovna review as an antenna analyser

[@SWRadioConcepts]

So I couldn't get an antenna to tune better than 1.3:1 in at the feed line where it plugs into a tuner. Using the analyzer I was able to determine the only place I could tune to 1.0:1 was lower than my target frequency. Using the NanoVNA I was able to shorten the antenna to the point where I was able to tune to 1:1 at the target frequency. Really great tool for $50. Edit: forgot to mention it was your videos that got me going with it. Thanks!

[@zembalu]

1:1 - world champion 🙂

[@mikeschwartz1877]

Just got one and viewed your calibration video, very helpful. Would love to see more on the Nano.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Mine came with caps for the SMA ports. Easy enough to put it in a small case for greater protection. I would definitely recommend getting a touch screen pen for moving the cursor - much quicker than the bidirectional toggle.

[@andrewgardner7104]

Cheers mate, nice and precise thanks for your time and effort.

[@Foxsoup]

Great review and insight into the NanoVNA and software. Please would you considering making a video or two on how to test/measure homemade antennas for their resonance, SWR, etc. aimed at VNA noobs? 😊

[@radiorants1094]

Great suggestion, I will be looking at doing something soon. 73 DE 2E0XSB

[@kippleubik7113]

Enjoyed your presentation! You ever get your full license?

[@MrBanzoid]

I ordered my nanoVNA with a case for a few quid more. It lives with all its bits'n'bobs in a neat zipped wallet/case from Sotabeams. If you have an Android device you can download software from Play Store and connect the nanoVNA via an OTG lead. It works great with my Samsung tablet. 72 de Malc M0IYI.

[@radiorants1094]

Hi Malc, Thanks for watching. I to have the NanoVNA app on my Samsung phone, I dont have a tablet of my own as the kids can't live without them haha. I am planning to get a refurb one online for portable logging but have to save my pocket money first. 73 de 2E0XSB Steve

[@ianharvey868]

One thing I'd like to add to this video is the use of pigtails on the nanovna! sma connection is small and very fragile in an environment where its moving, add to the fact many people use heavy connectors and then some people plug in very thick coax this could easily snap the sma connector. If you use the nanovna a lot then using the pigtails as a sacrificial set of connectors is also ideal, why wear out the the pins etc on the VNA when you can wear out cheap replaceable barrel connectors on the end of the pigtails, yes I understand there is some losses but to be honest it's far lower than you will expect if you are staying below 500mhz vs the headache of soldering the new sma connectors into the nanovna.

[@twong689]

Thank you for the video!

[@ericgilman5457]

I am not a book smart kind of guy, but i like to build. I would love a how too video. If you have not made one yet. I will go check out your channel after this video. Thank you 73

[@stephenwilliams5201]

This is going to be fun. The last time I worked some thing like it. Was 50 years ago at ft Gordon Georgia USA. ARMY SCHOOL. AND WITH ONLY A KEY BOARD, AND PRINTER. THE OPERATOR Attached THE REPAIR ED ANTENNA TO THE FITTINGS. And put in the variables. THE PRIMITIVE MACHINE SPAT OUT A RUN OR FAIL PRINT OUT. JUST BAUGHT THE VNA. What a difference of 50 years. Makes de kv4li sgt williams. RETIRED ps my 50 year machine was as big as a small fridge. Oh oh a good Altoids tin might be a safe haven W/ foam to insulate. ??

[@ciaranmcmanus3840]

Any videos for use on the CB bands

[@peterdekeles.]

What connectors do I need to go from Nano to my Coax? Thanks for the videos. Waiting for my Dx Commander to show up

[@Anjum9694]

There's NanoVNASaver, in which the window size can be resized.

[@radiorants1094]

Hi Mohamed, thanks for watching. I will have to check out NanoVNASaver. 73 DE 2E0XSB

[@ciaranmcmanus3840]

I’m looking into possibly buying 1 but using to tune Antenna for 11 metre

[@radiorants1094]

Hi Ciaran, thanks for watching. The NanoVNA works great on all bands you can even set the parameters for 11m only giving you a better scope over the entire band. Hope this helps 73 DE 2E0XSB

[@ramjet4025]

A good review but long winded. Still a good review compared to the others.

[@radiorants1094]

Hi Ram Jet, thanks for watching. Sorry it went on a bit 73 DE 2E0XSB.

[@James_Bowie]

Hey, this is the Radio *Rants* channel. 😛

[@ramjet4025]

@@radiorants1094 At least you tried. I'm waiting delivery of my 3 button version, minus that dreaded wheel. The Nano is very complicated and there is a huge learning curve. I've been working on antennas all my life and the Nano promises to soak up hundreds of hours of study and practice. Its not possible to do a one shot presentation on the Nano.

[@Magikflame]

@RamJet - before we got a nanovna I had never heard of a smith chart. We got ours back end of December last year and I must admit that whilst I can now understand around 50% of what's going on, I still have a long way to go. I really enjoyed watching this video and he is right that there is just so much more that it can do that I'm sure I will find out over the coming months. Its a tool that every ham should have. We have used self adhesive screening foil to close the gap around the sides of the unit - especially important on the latest model that has a fibreglass back and didn't have the rf screening cans fitted either despite having the metal clips already soldered in place on the pcb around the 3 ic's where the two SMA connectors are. 73!!

[@daveschwarz5279]

I think with a bit of Jiggery-pokery it would fit in an Altoids mint tin.....

[@radiorants1094]

Hi Dave, thanks for watching. The Altoids tin is a good idea, I will have to give it a look. 73, DE 2E0XSB

[@va7dgp]

Can you define what the open,short and load are. as in 2:12. I just got mine and there's no real direction on how to setup, other than KZbin de va7dgp FYI I could not get PC software to connect

[@zembalu]

If you measure an antenna, that ist not directly plugged in - say, you got the cable shown or even a tiny adapter inbetween - you MUST calibrate the thing with all the add-ons attached. Otherwise you get nice dips, but far from he real ones. That has NOT been already done, as you said, unless you plug the antenna directly into the VNA. That is the reason why there are five memory banks for five different configurations. So, for calibration, you HAVE to screw the open/short/load at the END of your cables/adapters, NOT to the VNA, but INSTEAD of the antenna, to be measured, which you obviously did not. Please, do not feel offended, there is no manual how to use properly, but tons of youtube-videos, making the same mistake, so it seems common sense: Isn't there anyone who compared those results with the actual SWR of his antenna, or is it just nice and the tuner will do the "more fine" job anyway? Sorry, as I said - please no offence by my posting. I just wanted to be helpful and vy 73, OE1LLC. BTW: That device is not a chinese invention, but an open source project of NOOELEC, US, licence free, regarding the hardware and as AFAIK the software, too. Prices range vastly, my hint is to purchase a device with proper HF-shield, which ist costly, because otherwise even your hands are QRM 🙂

[@CDJ1960]

Hi, I've got a question. I'm new at using my nano vna. I will be setting up a Hustler BTV 6 vertical. I plan on feeding it with rg8x and a 1:1 coax balun air-wound around a PVC form. Do I scan this antenna for trap adjustments with or without the balun in line. My mind says WITH but as I said, I'm kinda new at this. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Best regards, Cliff. Florida/USA

[@radiorants1094]

Hi Cliff thanks for watching, I always test my antennas with the balun in place. It will give you a picture of how the antenna is behaving as a whole but don't be afraid to experiment try both. 73 DE 2E0XSB

[@CDJ1960]

@@radiorants1094 Thanks for the info. It affirmed my guess. Keep the videos coming!!

[@Magikflame]

As 2EOXSB says try both, since its 1:1 it should demonstrate the importance of using a balun. If you get the same results I did you will find that without balun - when your hold of the nano and when you leave go of it - things will change as your effectively acting as a counterpoise, with the balun in place you should see no difference by handling the unit. A good demonstration of why you can get rf burns from eg. MIC.lead if not using balun. 73!!

[@clems6989]

cheaper yes, but not nearly as user friendly as an actual antenna analyzer such as Rigexpert ir MFJ etc.. That said, it is great for evaluating things like baluns, filters etc. Without a $5000 VNA...

[@allsortsabouteverything]

Can you post a link to where you purchased yours from. I've seen some really dodgy vna's recently. It looks like you've found a reputable source. 💯%🇬🇧👍😎👍73 de 2E0LFD

Not quite. The one in the video its a clone. It works OK, but its a clone.