The NanoVNA, a beginners guide to the Vector Network Analyzer

Video demonstrating the NanoVNA, proper connector care, torquing, making measurements and my LabView interface for it.
Link to my eevblog posts
www.eevblog.co...
groups.io
groups.io/g/na...
The latest documentation and software may be found here:
github.com/joe...
If you have comments or suggestions on the documentation, feel free to leave them on the EEVBlog site at:
www.eevblog.co...
Characterizing crystals
www.eevblog.co...
Attenuators
www.eevblog.co...
My review for the NanoVNA V2 Plus 4 (demonstrates the new software as well)
• NanoVNA V2 Plus4 Revie...
HCXQS Group's Tindie store
www.tindie.com...

[@echobot]

Fantastic video Joe and well done on that software development. You're absolutely correct when you say that the vendor should have produced software with those features. However, surely you can't be serious when you make the comments about very few people being interested in your Labview code and not wanting to release it because people will hassle you for support. Please be up-front and just say that you don't wish to release your code at this time.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

You're late to the party. I have been very upfront about what I have been doing with the Nano. Had you taken the time to watch the other videos or read the posts, you may have gained some sense of how things evolved. Obviously, it's easier to complain that research. Back when I received the Nano, people were far more interested in posting about printed cases than creating a software interface for the Nano, which is why I left the IOgroup. Originally I had planned to release the software once it's development had settled. People, like yourself felt some sense of entitlement to my efforts and there was a steady stream of whining, complaining and insults. I knew releasing it would be a huge mistake. Others were creating open sourced interfaces which is really what people were asking for. A shame really is that more people didn't take the initiative to learn more about the Nano. After these new interfaces became available, there really was no need for me to release my code. I had planned to do one last video showing some of the latest software and maybe give some more ideas to the people creating the open source code but I lost interest in the Nano. I make these videos for free, without ads, without patreon to try and help the community. If you are unhappy with the time I spent showing how to use the Nano and some of the basics of a VNA, just find a new channel.

[@octavmandru9219]

@@joesmith-je3tq Joe, your contribution is exceptional to our community. I have never seen better documented statements than what you do. Can't imagine how you find the time. In honesty, many of us, humble users who will never reach such level of expertise count on masters to develop tools for us to play with. Some people pray for help, some people hope to get it by other means. Please continue to do what you do, and if ever you will find it suitable, share your work with us. Thank you

[@pedro449]

Dear Mr. Smith, on behalf of many people who benefits from this channel, I would like to thank you sincerely for your time and efforts, and most importantly sharing your knowledge and expertise for free. Please keep up the good job 👏 👍God Bless You.

[@bridgemancarney4967]

Joe, I have ventured into this area to find tool/s that can, inexpensively, help me to determine wether an ancient shape I came across in a museum could have been used as an antennae for radio transmissions. I see the Nano as a real possibility and you video filled in my curiosity...and more!! Impressive was your development of an app to replace Nano’s. I am pseudo engineer in that though not formally trained I catch on quickly to what I need to know. Your videos are a perfect primer. If there was ever an audience to watch to post a video, I’m your poster child. My last comment Is that that having be en around 100’s of engineers over my career, once in a great while I have known the like of ones who know their craft so well and make their own tools that far surpass what the vendors provides...and these rare engineers are a pleasure to know and watch. With your video, I’m now confident to get the newest Nano and see if it can yield some secret of this ancient shape. The odds are steep I don’t find any but the joy is the hunt! Thank you again for one of the most informative videos I have come across. A pleasure to watch you work at the bench and show us all what you found.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Software and documentation are now available to the public free of charge. github.com/joeqsmith

[@DM-fz3ly]

Amazing watching you demonstrate concepts I learned way back in my CIE electronic course 30 years ago! A real treat to see you demonstrate a tank circuit and how the Z's balance at resonance! I never realized that even if you use a tiny capacitor and a big inductor (I know big is relative) that the impedance would balance at the point of resonance! A video is worth a thousand words.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I was trying to run several demonstrations to give some sort of well rounded idea of what to expect. If I get something sorted out for my crazy up/down converter using the second port to measure the reflected power, I will make a new video for it.

[@R2KBADefender]

I was thinking the same thing, remembering the NRI course I completed in 1989! I learned more theory from that one "distance learning" (or correspondence) course than I did in all my military courses combined. I actually still have the 10MHz O-scope and the freq counter I built during the course, too.

[@germanjohn5626]

One of the best tutorials on the NanoVNA I have seen so far, there is a lot of junk on U-tube and the internet and there is a lot of good information, this video belongs in the top 3 of excellent information on this topic. This is over a year old, and technology has advanced at a rapid pace. We now have a NanoVNA that goes to 4Ghz with a dynamic range that is better than the the unit you tested with a 4 inch screen in an all metal case. We also have several good PC programs for it. The information you presented however is still as accurate and relevant today as it was then. Thank you for a job well done.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

John, I plan to show the V2+4 at some point. I bought it along with the V2+ when they first became available. The included software wasn't usable and the V2+ has problems locking up. The V2+4 has been stable. Sadly they missed the boat for narrow band work. Been working on documenting the software for it. github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_V2Plus

[@ebaystars]

A surplus merchant friend of mine who has now passed away used to gift me tons of scrap RF connectors and made up cables, attenuators and a full array or two/three port boxes by all the famous crews, stripped out of you know what used by you know who :-) sometimes it's not what you know but who you know applies. I loved the GD meter it looks very RCA-ish too. I have a 1944 (DOM) RCA AR88D in my private collection which came from a double dessicated box only opened once in 1964 to redessicate. It worked "out of the box" (until a few caps went south) such marvellous construction as I am sure you know...but look at it all now a credible, useable VNA the size of a packet of cigarettes! Your videos are really helpful as Ive downsized and moved to Thailand and now rebuilding a small lab.... Thanks indeed... (PS i am hoping my ex hasnt chucked the VNA cal box (hp) and AR88 in the dumpster yet )

[@joesmith-je3tq]

If the ex chucked an HP branded cal set, they were pretty clueless.

[@ebaystars]

@@joesmith-je3tq that and a myriad of other reasons was why I jumped ship and am now happy in Thailand...Just getting set up again using the new generation of VNAs/SPEC ans sources that I now find remarkable...!!! Your chan is greatly illuminating!

[@joesmith-je3tq]

@@ebaystars Join us on EEVBlog where I post most of what I am working on. My latest has been experimenting with waveguides. www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/experimenting-with-waveguides-using-the-litevna/

[@jackm416]

Joe, WOW, great job! Thanks for keeping it accessible for us old analog EEs. And thanks for producing a super interesting, informed and useful class/lab. I'll be back.

[@Homer19521]

On just about every display like these (phones, handheld scopes, DVMs, radios, etc.), I coat the display with car wax, right after removing the plastic. It helps keep the display clean & scratch free. Plus, the reduction in friction is amazing. That stylus will just glide like an ice skate & reduce your chance of a light scratch. I have never had an issue doing this, but as most know, there are few absolutes. I have used a DuPont teflon spray wax & liquid Turtle Wax Ice. Nice vid.

[@jaykelvington5071]

I'm new to actually using a VNA and enjoyed your presentation very much. I just received my SaaVNA-2N and I've been reluctant to use it until I'm aware of what NOT to do with it as well as what I can. I must say I feel much better equipped now. If and when you release your version of software I would be interested. Thank you for your contribution, nothing beats wisdom.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Check the description for the link.

[@rjy8960]

Hi Joe, thanks. I've been toying with getting one of these for a while to help me with some antenna related projects that had stalled due to a lack of a decent way to sweep a spectrum and your video has helped me take the plunge and order one. Great video. I remember playing about with a GDO many years ago back in the early 80's when I was a kid. Happy days.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I think that grid dip meter is from the 50's. Depending what frequency you plan to experiment in, you may want to consider the NanoVNA V2 that OWO was working on, or wait for the next generation.

[@bomberoo243]

Hello I just found your channel and watched this episode without a break. You are truly a master in this field. Have a good day.

[@donnakano282]

Thanks! That was a fun class. It takes me back 45 years to my college days.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I looked at one of the newer low cost VNAs that you may find of interest. This one can throw up some useful data above 4GHz. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpK8c6OGeNRkp80&lc=UgyLscuJ8541HIiJfGB4AaABAg

[@rjinnh3933]

Outstanding! I should receive my Nano from Amazon on 04.01.20 and the first part of your vid is all I needed to hit the ground running with this great instrument. How this can be retailed for $55 is amazing. Thank you a bunch for producing this vid......

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@randyhavener1851]

Thanks Joe!! I cannot tell you how educational this video has been!! Thank you for such a great contribution!! Randy

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Randy, There are three other videos I had made to demonstrate the original Nano that you may find of interest. There is a playlist off of my main page. I have also been working on a review for the NanoVNA V2+4. You can find the latest manual for the new software here. github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_V2Plus

[@GadgetReviewVideos]

Long time Joe. I remember when you first launched this video series and I skipped them. but here I am, figured this would be better and more useful in the long run as it was the same cost for a decent SWR meter that would handle the bands I want to match. So I bought one and started flipping though videos and you were the second one to pop up.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Wow, a blast from the past. Haven't seen you post on EEVBLOG since your move. YT is now flooded. I'm surprised it's remained at second highest. There are also several groups.io setup for the various models and firmware.

[@GadgetReviewVideos]

@@joesmith-je3tq Yea, got busy the last few years. But time had freed up now, still dont know if I am really going to post any videos. I record, but never get to edit them and delete them eventually. I might do a video on a B&K 9200B I just received broken. Also was going to do a small test repeater rig for GRMS before going for a full HAM setup. It’s been a while for amateur radio with me also. Just going to fill in the gap in the country in case of emergency readings communication is needed. I think I was on eevblog a few times over on the InfiRayP2 Pro thread last year.

[@GadgetReviewVideos]

@@joesmith-je3tq So I grabbed the NVA-H4, but now I am starting to wonder if I should have grabbed the VNA-F V3 (if that’s a real product from them, I can’t find it on the wiki) or the LiveVNA since I do a lot with wifi and an external cell phone antennas (cell internet, cheaper than sat and faster). And both voter to 6GHz. What do you think of the LiveVNA? My range will most likely be 400MHz to 6GHz, might be worth the extra cost to cover it all for one of them.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I don't know anything about the VNA-F V3. I looked at the original NanoVNA (shown here), the V2Plus4 the LiteVNA64 and H4. I have not used the V2Plus4 since getting the LiteVNA64. The firmware was lacking and not supported. Like the NanoVNA, I did eventually find firmware for the H4 that was stable enough to pass my regression test. I've made several videos on the LiteVNA64. I've shown the pros/cons between the original NanoVNA and LiteVNA64. Getting both gets the best of both worlds. Really all depends what YOU need. There are cases where all the low cost VNAs would be a bad choice as in the linked video. I never run them standalone. They are always headless on the PC. I don't care about any of the peripheral they have added. Nor do I care about any firmware features beyond being able to get the raw data off the VNA as fast and reliable as possible. People will write me asking if my software will work with BrandXYX VNA. My advice is you best research what software is available for the product you buy before making an order. There are a few threads on EEVBLOG for these low cost VNAs as well as groups.io. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2fMgId7ipuNsNE

[@rogerw.bentley7367]

A great video I have over 72 yrs learned abort torquing all ways just hand tightened except waveguides

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I've had several people claim that they get repeatable results without torquing. I don't think it's related to age but just lack of experience. Hard to say. One thing is certain. There's no lack of bad information on the internet.

[@hawkeyeCH53E]

Sir, great video. I've recently developed a interest in this device after watching Josh Nass on his HOSHNASI HAM radio youtube channel. I'd go back to college for my BS in Electrical Engineering if I could live my life again. In the meantime, you shed some light on some of the electronic concepts I'm trying to learn for my HAM radio General test. I wish guys like you offered training near my location. Would be cool to sit down and build all those test simulators and work thru the software you created. I work as a Test Conductor on UAVs and although we have an RF simulator and Spectrum analyzer the simplicity and portability of this this is great! Not sure if I'll be able to use it on the aircraft but for my hobby it could prove to be a very useful device. Thanks for all the work you put into this video.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

We have been playing with home made attenuators and I've been using the Nano along with some other VNAs to characterize them. You may find it of interest. www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/20db-rf-attenuator-seeking-feedback-to-improve/

[@paulswarman]

...and I thought a VNA was JUST for tuning aerials, was I so wrong. As someone has remarked this video deserves watching a few times to learn the lessons. Thanks so much Joe.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

You are welcome. If you experiment above 300MHz, I have been looking at the new V2Plus. The lower end model has proven to be unreliable but the 4" version has been working fine. The lack of support for narrow band measurements is a disappointment but outside of that, it's a nice unit for the price.

[@ramjet4025]

Thank you Joe, This is one of the easiest , smoothest , nicest familiarization to the Nano VNA that helped me go from old school to new glass box tranisition.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

You are very much welcome.

[@adrianknott9708]

Do you plan to publish the software you have developed for the NanoVNA. I am sure that there would be many people interested in this.

[@alexsinclair2012]

You're an excellent narrator. Hidden gem channel

[@yanfishtwig2356]

More great stuff from mr smith I really enjoyed seeing the grid dip meter. never seen one before hope i encounter a cheap one some day

[@messageobliquespe100]

Your video just followed on from my searching for JR Hartleys book on fishing - so had no interest in this nano gadget but an hour passed while I watched whilst doing house chores. May I thank you for your great effort & informative video which I enjoyed as much as my fly fishing. Needless to say I’ll not be asking for your software or asking for a free lunch as I decided to read your replies to others. I have laughed at some of your replies - it’s almost akin to a fly swatter. I will open my server cabinet & dust off my Marconi 2955 HP8640B HP54601A Advantest TR4170 in your honour & close the cabinet for another 10years. I shall revisit that hilarious Aussies channel EEVblog & amuse myself there. Thank you for getting through so much in the 55mins. I shall try to find some more time to watch your other videos but I must find this fly fishing book. Bravo to you!

[@brianlink391]

Awsome Video man! Thanks so much. Be watching this many times to absorb everything covered in this video.

[@markhuisinga1698]

Great video. Just bought one for $35 from Amazon. Definitely a learning curve.

[@dang25272549]

The most informative vdo about NANO VNA ever . Thanks so much .

[@dane4543]

Joe, fascinating video presentation. Reminds me of days doing study at Argon in College years. Appreciate your sharing your passion. Thank you!

[@carlosarturosalazarhernand4854]

Joe all time with great video, thanks for your time!!

[@johnbrandolini2915]

Joe, thanks for posting this video. I recently picked up one of these devices and the user interface is tricky to say the least. Also the user documentation is virtually useless. I'm no stranger to VNAs having used them at work. Last one I used was an Agilent PNA for X band development. It was a sweet device way out of my price range. Being a ham operator I wanted something I could use to develop antennas and active filters and this fits the bill. I have version 1.01 of the nanoVNA software and as you noted it is usable but buggy. So great video with a lot of good info. I never thought of using the device to measure cable length. In the past I used a pulse generator and an o'scope. Live and learn. Ciao!

[@tantrispicks2440]

Really excellent presentation Joe. Thanks for putting it together.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

There is a newer video showing the V2 Plus 4 if you're interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpK8c6OGeNRkp80

[@williamredfern1482]

Thanks for a great video, I learned a lot from it, there are so many videos out, its a bit like separating the wheat from the chaff, yours definitely fits into the wheat category. I will make a special point in seeking out your other videos, thanks again for taking the time to make a quality video.

[@gunnarenglund4223]

I am amazed by this little creature! And by the presentation you made. And by the Grid Dip meter and, and, and. Being 80 years of age (Missus says 4x20 years of youth - whatever that means...) I have lived through developments from selenium rectifiers, electron tubes (loved that Filament ON switch), Germanium Transistors and everything that came after that. Still amazed at the fast path that development is on. And accelerating. I didn't believe, or think much, of the NanoVNA - but at that cost, why not try it out? It arrived this morning (took a couple of weeks to Sweden) and I immediatly put it to work. And it did! Looked for more info and found your excellent "Springboard". Thanks a lot for that! There HAS to be one negative thing, doesn't it? So the rocker switch doesn't seem too reliable. It hasn't broke - yet. But it was DOA. No not Dead On Arrival but Deformed On Arrival. I really don't mind. See no use for it anyhow. Or is there?

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I was using the touchscreen with the pointer but now basically only use the on/off switch as I have been using it with the PC.

[@lens1736]

Hi Joe, 8 months ago you did an excellent series of videos on the NanoVNA. Learned a lot. Seeing that the NanoVNA-F is out now, consider doing a review on the larger model. I realize the "F" may be quite similar, but this may also give an opportunity for you to pass on more nuggets of wisdom you may have learned since the last time you talked about the NanoVNA. Thanks.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Len, I would like to have a look at the V2 once it becomes availabl. A few of us were looking at attenuators a while back and I was using the Nano along with my other VNAs for that. You may find it here if you are interested: www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/20db-rf-attenuator-seeking-feedback-to-improve/

[@AaronBond007]

Hey Joe, I'm a little late to the party. I just picked one of these Nano units after watching a video by Ham Radio Crash Course. It came with zero documentation, so I found you by searching for help. I just want to say thank you for your video. I learned so much from you! Thanks again for the awesome video... Aaron

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Glad you enjoyed it Aaron. There are a few other videos I made as that you may be interested in. There's a playlist located on the main channel.

[@AaronBond007]

@@joesmith-je3tq thanks, I am definitely going to watch them.... Very informative and entertaining...!

[@IECWorkshops]

Very interesting video Joe. Heard about the VNA on a local HAM radio net this morning. Thanks. Steve AI6IE.

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Thanks for this video, I'm waiting for delivery of my NanoVNA and your information will be very useful.

[@echobot]

Hi Joe, I only looked into alternate code for the Nano this evening, so it's true that I haven't done any extensive research into the progress and development of your software. I only commented in the context of the comments that I saw on this page, in relation to this particular video. I did look at the open sources interfaces and didn't think that they were anywhere near as structured or on par with your software, so I feel that you still have a fantastic contribution to offer, should you choose to do so. As for entitlement, I respect the effort, time and knowledge needed to do what you've done and have no expectation of a free lunch. I happily pay for a good application, even if the author offers no support. If it's clearly spelled out that there's no support, then that's the terms under which I'd buy the software. I appreciate the effort you've put into making this video and would encourage you not to be dismayed by any whining or complaining and continue to do what you've been doing. Even if, for whatever reason, you are not able to share your application, you clearly have nevertheless been instrumental in the development of the usability of the Nano in that you've shown what can (and should) be done to make the Nano a powerful, lost cost tool for people interested in RF.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Again, I have been very upfront that I do not sell anything from this channel and that it was not created as a source of income. Had I released the code, it would have been free of charge. If you feel the open source projects are lacking in some way, I suggest you politely and professionally ask the developers to consider adding the features you want, or write your own interface.

[@jamesdriscoll9405]

Very interesting little VNA. As far as I remember, your procedures are spot on, well done. The (HP) SOLT unit I had to use was on a ceramic chip, for wafer level measurements. IIRC the software, (VEE, on HPux), was in the K$ range per seat, so I applaud your efforts, and understand your stance regarding it's status. And thanks for the light humor at the end. Who knows, perhaps CBS has a C - class space ship :). More likely, the talking head didn't understand what a light year is. Anyway, thanks.

[@PowderMill]

Excellent! Yet ANOTHER phenomenal KZbin “Professor” Thank you.

[@nashme11]

Thanks Joe great video see you on the EEVBlog.

[@jeffdyer2393]

I just purchased this and waiting for it to be delivered. That's how I came across your video. I just want you to know that I will probably never be to the point of understanding it all you have inspired me to learn more. Thank you for your time and expertise. Jeff ke4fwe

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I've been looking at the V2Plus4 for a few months now and started to document the new software for it. github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_V2Plus

[@InteraliaTony]

Very good video. Thanks for taking the time.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@JesusIsLordofMybeing]

Wow, fantastic tutorial you are one smart dude!! Thanks much

[@wb7ond]

I remember those attenuators... In the Navy, when I used to calibrate HP 608,618,620 etc SHF signal generators, those were the standards, and we had to use "audio substitution" to perform the calibrations, nothing would show 1,200 mc. (:-)... Great videos..

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I picked up a grab bag of 20 or so of those vintage attenuators for a few bucks. The ones in the worse condition have found other uses. One was turned into an air line Betty standard.

[@PowderMill]

👍🏻 Wow... THANK YOU!!! Between you and IMSAI Guy and a few others, I am slowly starting to understand all of this. The TinySA and the NanoVNA are terrific little instruments. Decent and “easy to understand “ (for the clueless like me 😉😆) has been very much lacking Until now.... Great work.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Glad you found it useful. There have been several papers published by HP, Agilent, CopperMountain on VNAs if you would like to dive into more details. I also made a few other videos for the Nano as well as a recent review of the V2 Plus 4. If you want to play above 300MHz, that's a very nice VNA for the beginner.

[@HG-nv8fk]

Just received my vna today and and after watching your video help me in getting it working to its full extent. Your explanation is clear and to the point. Seeing your software makes me wish I had the skills to write code particularly when I compare it to the supplied software. Like others here have expressed your software would be appreciated but hear your concerns. Great channel glad I found it and look forward to looking at your other videos. Great work. Regards Richard ( Australia) VK2VD

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Hello Richard. Good to hear that you found the video helpful. I put together a second video showing some basic antenna SWR and resonance measurements as well that depending on what you plan to use the nano for, you my find helpful as well.

[@K3RRR]

Outstanding video, Joe… I posted to my Twitter account yesterday that I was interested in buying one of these and your video came highly recommended. Now I see why! I also add my voice to the chorus requesting a copy of that great software you developed albeit it is clear from your prior responses that the answer is not only no but hell no because of your realistic expected time burden for support issues even if you say there's no support. Maybe, there someone here who is knowledgeable enough and willing to give support for the software? Just an idea but irrespective of that - kudos for the great video. We'll start the quest to find your other two videos. 73 de Robert K3RRR

[@billmeyers3058]

For a number of years now, work has been proceeding in order to bring perfection to the crudely conceived idea of a Victor Network Analyzer that would not only supply inverse reactive current for use in unilateral phase detractors, but would also be capable of automatically synchronizing cardinal grammeters.

[@bobkozlarekwa2sqq59]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@DaruoshAghajaney]

Excellent demonstration. Thanks.

[@johnohare1234]

Great video Joe, thanks for taking the time.

[@GrantGrove]

Wow. Lots of good info.

[@thomaskallmyr]

Yes.....

[@avejst]

Impressive job you have done Sir Thanks for sharing 👍😀

[@daviddyessii1126]

I won't be twisting my Radio onto my cables anymore. Thanks!

[@Basement-Science]

56:12 Ha! I knew they were hiding their light speed engines from us! On a serious note, I had no idea you could get a network analyzer so cheap. I might look into getting one of those.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

If you have never owned or used a VNA, and wanted to learn more about them this seems like a good product to get started with. Once you have a grasp of the basics, then look at dropping some coin. I would like to replace my old HP VNA. There's just not a lot of options. I thought about getting an 8753 w/ the test set but these are also very old. I looked at Copper Mountain but to get a 2-port was more than I can justify for the amount of times I need it.

[@wktodd]

nice little gadget :-) 31 light years away. Yep, had to explain just how far away this actually is ,many times!

[@joesmith-je3tq]

It is very rare I will watch TV, let alone the news. I happened to catch this and thought, did I really just hear this. Checked on-line and sure enough. Sad part is I bet we have people that believe what they just heard.

[@JustLearning]

Joe your probably right about how to tighten the connectors but I find doing it by hand is safer. I just tighten until snug and leave it. Using a tork wrench could result in over tightening. All the best.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

If you are over tightening connectors when using a torque wrench, you have the wrong wrench, a wrench that is not in calibration or not using the wrench properly. Enjoy your new VNA. It's a great tool a great product to learn some of the basics and for developing good habits. If you damage it, worst case you are out $50.

[@romanopinto5172]

Fantastic Presentation 🥰👍🙏👌

[@wa4aos]

Hi Joe, I had seen this VNA on ePay recently which sent me on a search for reviews. THis is how I found your EXCELLENT channel. I appreciate the in depth review of this device and can hardly believe for ~$50, one can purchase a VNA with some degree of accuracy. A few questions. 1) Can you provide a source for the pcb's you use for making loads and test fixtures ? 2) Do you plan on making your software available to the public? I think many of us would be willing to pay for this application. 3) I don't see a link for your Patreon account. I would like to support your channel but finding it on Patreon with your name might be a challenge. Again, thanks and I have subscribed and will start perusing some of your great videos. Thanks, Glenn SC

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Hello Glen. If you go to the eevblog link in the description, you can find my current posts about the Nano. There were three parts to the review. I covered the software release in the third video but it has been discussed on the eevblog as well. You will not find a Patreon account for me. That was a bit of an insiders joke. I don't ask for support and I don't enable ads. I don't think I have ever even asked people to join the channel. The channel is just my way of giving back to the electronics community. Enjoy your stay.

[@PhillipLandmeier]

Excellent video! I haven't used a VNA in about 25 years so I'm a bit rusty. I just had to get one of these NanoVNAs and I'm astounded at how well it works. I've used SMA launchers that cost twice what this VNA sells for. Haha. Insane. I recommend getting one of those 3D printed cases for it selling on eBay. Thanks again, Phil, KW2P

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Thanks. If you join the groups.io (see description), there are plenty of people posting about their printed cases. As I mentioned in the video, a friend of mine picked these up for educational purposes. They were going to buy a VNA and I suggested he learn some basics before spending any cash. I made the this first video to give them some idea how to run it. Sadly, after playing with the nano, I have been thinking again about upgrading my old HP VNA. The $50 nano has suddenly become a money pit.

[@PhillipLandmeier]

@@joesmith-je3tq That would constitute a very deep money pit. Price tag on some of them is well into six digits. Fortunately, if this Nano continues to behave itself, it's all I need these days, plus a couple hundred bucks worth of external widgets.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

@@PhillipLandmeier Towards the end, there was a member on EEVBLOG that was working on the firmware. I started to put together a regression test to validate their releases. Some of that later code was fairly robust. It was much better than what I show in these videos. They widened the upper and lower frequency limits by a fair amount. I recommend you have a look. I have not followed the open source software interface but understand its the best thing since sliced bread. You should look into that as well.

[@PhillipLandmeier]

@@joesmith-je3tq Will do. Thanks for the tips.

[@johnbrown-rm8kc]

thanks very helpful

[@bren42069]

That was amazing! You went all out. 👍

[@StanleySeow]

What are those PCB with SMA calibration board at 31:14 ? Do you have video explaining about those boards ?

[@joesmith-je3tq]

They are custom made. I talk about them in the FAQ video.

[@steenrudberg]

Nice and informative video. I Would use a pair of portsavers (SMA (f) to SMA (m) adapter) to save the connectors on the NVA.

[@RobertSzasz]

Probably easier to just replace em if they get damaged

[@johnhoopes9944]

Very informative video Joe. You know your stuff!

[@hightttech]

Thanks Joe.

[@bryanethier1910]

Joe the man.

[@Mi-Di]

Highly appreciated, thanks very much for this deep analysis of the nanoVNA, Joe! Had searched the last days for this kind of information, so this came up at the right time 👍🏻 Seems to be a good bang for the buck. Maybe I missed that part: would it be useful in the range of near 900MHz for e.g. 868MHz antenna characterisation? Edit: Antenna feedpoint characterisation is meant. Sure I need to watch it another time to get it...

[@joesmith-je3tq]

An antenna? Sorry but you lost me. How would you use it to measure the radiation pattern? What about the gain and efficiency? Beam width? Polarization? Directivity? I'm thinking you would start with a chamber, receiver, turntable, calibrated antenna and go from there. Seems far outside the scope of a $50 instrument.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Check out this persons channel. They seem to show a fair amount of details on how to characterize antennas. They have an entire playlist dedicated to the subject. kzbin.info/door/dlnqMpRrMcClK2fT6z8EEw

[@Mi-Di]

@@joesmith-je3tq Sorry, did not mean radiation, only feedpoint characterisation like swr and bandwidth - corrected that. Andreas Spiess: Optimizing antennas using cheap VNA - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKGuoH-sprSKr8U

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Your link made YT tag you as SPAM. I watched the video you linked. I don't have the same analyzer as his friend shows so I am not sure how I would compare them to give you a definitive answer. They do offer some sort of antenna analyzer firmware for this device but I didn't look into it. You could write the channel you linked an see if they would be willing to benchmark the Nano for you. I could also build up the same ground plane antenna, tune it with the Nano, then measure the SWR compared with my HP relic. If you use EEVBLOG, I could post it there where I posted the other info on the Nano.

[@jdandrea12]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I created a playlist that includes all four videos for the Nano if you are interested.

[@evangill7911]

Is your labview runtime availible for download? Would love to use yours for making some of my own antennas. KF7FPH.

[@OhanSmit]

I would also be interested in this. :D ZS1SCI

[@pentachronic]

Likewise.

[@hobbygaertner420]

Also interested

[@kb2cxj]

me to would love a copy willing to pay

[@ethanarquette3924]

Me seven!

[@andyquattro]

Thanks for the video Joe, I did need a lie down in the middle for my grey matter to catch up! Regards Andrew G1PPZ

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I'm not known for short videos and I suspect with my monotone voice, I could market them as sleep aids. There's three other videos on this low cost VNA. That means plenty more naps for you.

[@ericm0612]

did you make those testing circuit boards or did you buy them like that?

[@jbx907]

Fantastic video

[@jeffreypritts2530]

Excellent video! I was wondering when I can acquire some of the pcbs and connectors?

[@TymexComputing]

Very nice :)

[@Rainbient]

Awesome video!!

[@xxxXXXCH04XXXxxx]

Dat ending though lol

[@clems6989]

Very Good Video.....Great Job !!

[@jafinch78]

Excellent video (I plan to review your others next regarding) detailing your work in general with the VNA's. I was wondering the same regarding using the NanoVNA as a spectrum analyzer as seems in general the components are their... though not sure about the hardware capabilities and the software. I still need to read into as I'm a newbie and was focused on outdoor projects for the season when their wasn't snow on the ground. Time to get back into the amateur radio, electronics and RF engineering studies for the winter time. Also, thanks in particular for sharing how you reverse engineered the NanoVNA software to identify how to code a new application. Excellent thinking and am wondering if you have shared the code anywhere... I'll read the links you have in the description next too. Thanks for sharing!

[@brianvk4bap506]

Thanks, good video. Around minute 39 you measure a 220pF capacitor and say it reads 220 at first and then 233 at 64MHz. Is this a limitation of the NanoVNA? What does the HP VNA show as the capacitance at 64MHz using the same calibration pieces? There is a lot written about calibration but not much about accuracy.

[@SDR-DXobserver]

Nice review. Just got mine delivered and getting started. Did like your software a lot. Are you gonna publish it whet its ready?

[@223Nebraska]

Great video Thanks

[@michaelm1keyhardy865]

Great film Joe most of this went over my head im only wanting a device to check the dipole wires save me running in and out of the shack , you would make a good teacher. Mike M1KEY M0FCG

[@grhinson]

2 NanoVNA videos in one day...WooHoo....

[@lawrencetotty6224]

How do I run this program? I downloaded the runtime software but there's so many different installations I'm not sure what I need for this program to run,

[@philbuckhannon4201]

Stellar video. Thank you!

[@maximmaxim2082]

Dear Sir hello, Could you please tell me if it's possible to get you LabView software? Impatiently waiting for your answer. Thank you in advance. Maxim

[@craigburnett6050]

Thanks for presenting a very informative video Joe. Regards VK4CDB

[@jbx907]

Hi i tried to change the scale on the nanovna, im trying to tune a duplexer that would have a notch about -100 or more, not sure if it can be changed, i coukd only scale to -100 and more on the pc software which is inconvinient in fields test bringing a laptop. I could only read -70 max with the nanovna alone

[@ilgazk.9057]

i feel weird just by having fun listening to this

[@joesmith-je3tq]

For me it's weird to have a one way conversation with a microphone.

[@LawpickingLocksmith]

Awesome! Thanks Joe!

[@jeff92677]

I see ZERO activity on the unit. When I first turned it on, things were active. I think I shut down the scanning, and now cannot find the location to restore the sweeps.

[@edwatts9890]

Very nicely done. I recently purchased one on these, and I really appreciate the time ine effort ("...only two days...") you put into making this video. Thank you. Ed, KI6DCB

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I have no idea where you came up with the 2 day quote. You would need to show me. It takes me a lot of time to make these videos which is why I don't produce very many of them. In this case, I had to learn the Nano, write some code for it, make up various circuits for demonstrations, then actually make the video and edit it. I would imagine I was over a week on this one.

[@edwatts9890]

@@joesmith-je3tq: You mentioned that it took about two days to write the software.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

@@edwatts9890 That is very true. It's odd you then concluded that was all it took to make the video shown. You have no idea the effort many people put into making some of their videos. In my case there are no ads, no donations and you will never hear me beg people to subscribe. I make them just as a way of giving something back to the electronics community.

[@edwatts9890]

@@joesmith-je3tq: I never meant to imply that you spent only two hours on the entire production. Indeed, the quote I used made me think that you were probably understating the time you spent developing the software. I never intended for anyone to think that I believed that a video could be done with little effort. I used to work in television, and I know what is involved. Sometimes a one-minute spot would take a couple of days just to shoot, never mind all of the post- work. I didn't mean to offend or belittle you.

[@edwatts9890]

By the way, thank you for the video. I recently bought one of these, and it was quite helpful.

[@radiotestfr1232]

very interesting can you share your labview file pls ? ty

[@jlbao1]

Great

[@waynegram8907]

JOESMITH, I'm very confused when to use the reflection coefficient because the reflection coefficient is only telling the reflected wave dB ratio only? I'm not sure what RF device would you want to measure the reflection coefficient because most RF measurements often use return loss and VSWR. The Return loss of -30dB means the forward wave and the reflection wave are 30db of isolation between each other?

[@terrybailey2769]

Thank you Joe, A great instructional video. Can I ask is the artwork for the blank pcbs that you were using to build test terminations on available please, I would like to get some made. Thanks

[@captlarry-3525]

Brilliant.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Recently I had a look at the V2+4 which can throw up some decent data to about 4.4GHz. It's pretty impressive if your willing to overlook the narrow band performance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpK8c6OGeNRkp80

Hello and 73 Joe, Would you consider in sharing with the nanovna community your LabView interface? Cheers and thanks in advanced!

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Hello. There really didn't seem to be much interest in it and I can't see trying to support the handful of people who may find it useful. I would try to work with the creators of the original software and see if they will make what ever changes you are needing.

@@joesmith-je3tq Would you consider in releasing a version without (your) support? I do own a NanoVNA and I would definitely would like to use your creation. Or, can I beta test it? :) Anyway the changes are simply adding the additional functionality/calculations your interface already does remarkably well.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

@ No because again, I don't have time to support it. It would be a bit naive to think that in today's world that people will not expect support and want to provide feedback for future updates. Had there been a larger interest, I may have considered it but it's just not worth it for a small group.

@@joesmith-je3tq I understand and agree. And per individual request, like myself?

[@joesmith-je3tq]

@ I've said no twice, yet you choose to pursue it. I do like your persistence but it but it also corroborates what I said about releasing the code and people expecting support, but on a larger scale. Again, if there had been some interest I may have considered it but I can't see investing any more time in the project.

[@johncooper6894]

Great video Joe!

[@DavidLindes]

Thanks for this cool exploration. Question for you: Where did you get (if you bought them, pre-designed) and/or how did you go about designing those circuit boards for your reference and test circuits? You mentioned them being aligned for 50 ohms, which... I guess means I need to study up a lot on circuit board design, to know how to figure that out? Or, perhaps they're available for purchase somewhere, and I can focus on learning other aspects of all this... Anyway, would be interested in any hints or pointers you could provide. Either way, thanks for these videos (I've only watched this and maybe one other, but I expect to watch more.)

[@joesmith-je3tq]

If you take the time to watch my review for the NanoVNA V2 Plus 4 you can see some very poorly constructed microstrip circuits being designed and testing above 1GHz. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpK8c6OGeNRkp80

[@davidhollfelder9940]

When I calibrate above 100 MHz, the 0 and open marks are not on the smith chart’s resistance endpoints, they are both inside the outer circle …

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I would have no idea what hardware/firmware/software combination you have or how you are trying to use it. If you are asking for help, you will need to supply a lot more detail. Even better, make a small video showing each step, starting with turning on the VNA.