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ceengland7(at)gmail.com
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 11:41 am    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

Hi,

I just stumbled upon a mention of vector network analyzers, which to my relatively RF-uneducated mind, appear to be more sophisticated versions of antenna analyzers. 
Any thoughts on purchasing something like this
nanoVNA

instead of a low end analog antenna analyzer? Purchase cost seems about the same, and at least some versions seem to allow some trick functions that used to be ungodly expensive, like TDR for measuring lengths of wire & cable.
My short term personal motive is to get a cheap SWR meter that eliminates analog meter movements while possibly having some down-the-road uses beyond a once-a-decade SWR check.
Any thoughts from the RF-intelligent brain trust?
Thanks,
Charlie


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 1:43 pm    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

I ordered this https://www.ebay.com/itm/283898850600  ten days ago. Will probably be several weeks before I get it.
You can get them a lot cheaper, but I wanted one that'll also be useful checking transponder (and ADS-B) cable and antenna. (1GHz)

Still haven't given up on the idea of putting VHF comm antenna under the RV-4 canopy. Other than vertical polarization, ground plane will probably be the biggest issue (and impedance matching if I can't get the ground plane right). Got three 12"  5/32"OD brass tubes from Hobby Lobby. Should give a reasonably wide bandwidth.

Finn

On 7/15/2020 3:38 PM, Charlie England wrote:

Quote:
Hi,

I just stumbled upon a mention of vector network analyzers, which to my relatively RF-uneducated mind, appear to be more sophisticated versions of antenna analyzers. 


Any thoughts on purchasing something like this
nanoVNA

instead of a low end analog antenna analyzer? Purchase cost seems about the same, and at least some versions seem to allow some trick functions that used to be ungodly expensive, like TDR for measuring lengths of wire & cable.


My short term personal motive is to get a cheap SWR meter that eliminates analog meter movements while possibly having some down-the-road uses beyond a once-a-decade SWR check.


Any thoughts from the RF-intelligent brain trust?


Thanks,


Charlie




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PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 2:04 pm    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

Stay in touch when you get it; I'd like to know if it proves useful.

On the subject of the cockpit antenna: Contact me direct; I'll send you some 1/2" copper foil tape to stick on the canopy. Works even better for the nav side, if you install a nav radio (set up as half-wave instead of quarter wave).

Charlie

On 7/15/2020 4:36 PM, Finn Lassen wrote:

Quote:

I ordered this https://www.ebay.com/itm/283898850600  ten days ago. Will probably be several weeks before I get it.
You can get them a lot cheaper, but I wanted one that'll also be useful checking transponder (and ADS-B) cable and antenna. (1GHz)

Still haven't given up on the idea of putting VHF comm antenna under the RV-4 canopy. Other than vertical polarization, ground plane will probably be the biggest issue (and impedance matching if I can't get the ground plane right). Got three 12"  5/32"OD brass tubes from Hobby Lobby. Should give a reasonably wide bandwidth.

Finn

On 7/15/2020 3:38 PM, Charlie England wrote:

Quote:
Hi,

I just stumbled upon a mention of vector network analyzers, which to my relatively RF-uneducated mind, appear to be more sophisticated versions of antenna analyzers. 


Any thoughts on purchasing something like this
nanoVNA

instead of a low end analog antenna analyzer? Purchase cost seems about the same, and at least some versions seem to allow some trick functions that used to be ungodly expensive, like TDR for measuring lengths of wire & cable.


My short term personal motive is to get a cheap SWR meter that eliminates analog meter movements while possibly having some down-the-road uses beyond a once-a-decade SWR check.


Any thoughts from the RF-intelligent brain trust?


Thanks,


Charlie





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PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 2:43 pm    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

The reason I chose 5/32" tubing is that it's nearly 1" "wide". 5/32 * 2 * Pi = 0.98". I'm considering it a 1" wide strip rolled  into a 5/32" tube.

But maybe I'm understanding it wrongly and it's only 5/32" "wide".
Finn
On 7/15/2020 6:00 PM, Charlie England wrote:
Quote:
Stay in touch when you get it; I'd like to know if it proves useful.

On the subject of the cockpit antenna: Contact me direct; I'll send you some 1/2" copper foil tape to stick on the canopy. Works even better for the nav side, if you install a nav radio (set up as half-wave instead of quarter wave).

Charlie

On 7/15/2020 4:36 PM, Finn Lassen wrote:

Quote:

I ordered this https://www.ebay.com/itm/283898850600  ten days ago. Will probably be several weeks before I get it.
You can get them a lot cheaper, but I wanted one that'll also be useful checking transponder (and ADS-B) cable and antenna. (1GHz)

Still haven't given up on the idea of putting VHF comm antenna under the RV-4 canopy. Other than vertical polarization, ground plane will probably be the biggest issue (and impedance matching if I can't get the ground plane right). Got three 12"  5/32"OD brass tubes from Hobby Lobby. Should give a reasonably wide bandwidth.

Finn

On 7/15/2020 3:38 PM, Charlie England wrote:

Quote:
Hi,

I just stumbled upon a mention of vector network analyzers, which to my relatively RF-uneducated mind, appear to be more sophisticated versions of antenna analyzers. 


Any thoughts on purchasing something like this
nanoVNA

instead of a low end analog antenna analyzer? Purchase cost seems about the same, and at least some versions seem to allow some trick functions that used to be ungodly expensive, like TDR for measuring lengths of wire & cable.


My short term personal motive is to get a cheap SWR meter that eliminates analog meter movements while possibly having some down-the-road uses beyond a once-a-decade SWR check.


Any thoughts from the RF-intelligent brain trust?


Thanks,


Charlie





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user9253



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 1908
Location: Riley TWP Michigan

PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 3:48 pm    Post subject: Re: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

I purchased a REDOT SWR meter.
Adapter fittings are necessary to convert to BNC.
It seems to work well. It is very simple to operate.
There is only one button for all functions.
eBay item number:224059845597
Amazon has the best price: $53.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=REDOT+SWR+meter&ref=nb_sb_noss
The REDOT SWR measures power out to antenna, power reflected back to transmitter, and SWR.
I had started a thread titled "IS a COM ANTENNA GROUND PLANE NECESSARY"
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?t=16775669
This Friday I will go to the airport and test the SWR of my friend's
antenna that does not have a ground plane


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user9253



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PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 4:38 pm    Post subject: Re: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

The REDOT connectors are female type N.

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PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 4:56 pm    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

On 7/15/2020 6:48 PM, user9253 wrote:
Quote:


I purchased a REDOT SWR meter.
Adapter fittings are necessary to convert to BNC.
It seems to work well. It is very simple to operate.
There is only one button for all functions.
eBay item number:224059845597
Amazon has the best price: $53.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=REDOT+SWR+meter&ref=nb_sb_noss
The REDOT SWR measures power out to antenna, power reflected back to transmitter, and SWR.
I had started a thread titled "IS a COM ANTENNA GROUND PLANE NECESSARY"
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?t=16775669
This Friday I will go to the airport and test the SWR of my friend's
antenna that does not have a ground plane

--------
Joe Gores
Hi Joe,


Thanks for the link, but I'm hoping to get more functionality (features,
uses) at about the same price point.

Charlie

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PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 7:52 pm    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

At 04:36 PM 7/15/2020, you wrote:

Quote:
I ordered this https://www.ebay.com/itm/283898850600Â ten days ago. Will probably be several weeks before I get it.

You can get them a lot cheaper, but I wanted one that'll also be useful checking transponder (and ADS-B) cable and antenna. (1GHz)

Still haven't given up on the idea of putting VHF comm antenna under the RV-4 canopy. Other than vertical polarization, ground plane will probably be the biggest issue (and impedance matching if I can't get the ground plane right). Got three 12"Â 5/32"OD brass tubes from Hobby Lobby. Should give a reasonably wide bandwidth.

Finn

Check out this article from a 1971 issue of QST Magazine

http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles/Antennas/DDRR_Antenna.PDF

A 2 meter (146 Mhz) version of this antenna
is 6" in diameter and sets about 1" off the
ground plane. An aviation version would be
about 7" in diameter.

It's bandwidth is probably pretty narrow . . .
you'd have to build one and sweep it to
see if it's usable. Would this fit on
the deck just behind the rear seat?

I've got one of those analyzers but haven't
had time to make it sing, dance and do dishes.
I've been using the VNA Tiny which is a good
bit more expensive. It seems to work well.
Let us know how that 'baby' VNA works for you!



Bob . . .


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merlewagner2



Joined: 01 Jun 2016
Posts: 18
Location: Spring Hill, FL

PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 4:47 am    Post subject: Re: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

For anyone interested in the VNA-

First educate yourself on what to purchase. There are too many clones out there and you must be very careful in what you purchase. I have 3 different units which effectively do the same thing but the user interface is different in each.

Go to the VNA user group at https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users and start researching the info. The WIKI has a TON of information.

Given you purchase the correct unit (the problem is they keep enhancing this on a weekly basis) you will be extremely happy with the capability and performance. And even happier with the price.

I just finished installing a NAV antenna on my Tailwind. Foil was used and attached to the Lexan windshield. I was able to tune the VOR and ILS portions of the antenna in real-time while watching the SWR for each frequency.
you can check out antennas to the nth degree, components, chokes, torroids, coax faults, coax length, impedance, etc, etc

Just educate yourself before purchasing.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 5:46 am    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

Oops. That should be:
The reason I chose 5/32" tubing is that it's nearly 0.5" "wide". 5/32 * Pi = 0.48". I'm considering it a 0.5" wide strip rolled  into a 5/32" tube.
Finn

On 7/15/2020 6:39 PM, Finn Lassen wrote:

Quote:

The reason I chose 5/32" tubing is that it's nearly 1" "wide". 5/32 * 2 * Pi = 0.98". I'm considering it a 1" wide strip rolled  into a 5/32" tube.

But maybe I'm understanding it wrongly and it's only 5/32" "wide".
Finn
On 7/15/2020 6:00 PM, Charlie England wrote:
Quote:
Stay in touch when you get it; I'd like to know if it proves useful.

On the subject of the cockpit antenna: Contact me direct; I'll send you some 1/2" copper foil tape to stick on the canopy. Works even better for the nav side, if you install a nav radio (set up as half-wave instead of quarter wave).

Charlie

On 7/15/2020 4:36 PM, Finn Lassen wrote:

Quote:

I ordered this https://www.ebay.com/itm/283898850600  ten days ago. Will probably be several weeks before I get it.
You can get them a lot cheaper, but I wanted one that'll also be useful checking transponder (and ADS-B) cable and antenna. (1GHz)

Still haven't given up on the idea of putting VHF comm antenna under the RV-4 canopy. Other than vertical polarization, ground plane will probably be the biggest issue (and impedance matching if I can't get the ground plane right). Got three 12"  5/32"OD brass tubes from Hobby Lobby. Should give a reasonably wide bandwidth.

Finn

On 7/15/2020 3:38 PM, Charlie England wrote:

Quote:
Hi,

I just stumbled upon a mention of vector network analyzers, which to my relatively RF-uneducated mind, appear to be more sophisticated versions of antenna analyzers. 


Any thoughts on purchasing something like this
nanoVNA

instead of a low end analog antenna analyzer? Purchase cost seems about the same, and at least some versions seem to allow some trick functions that used to be ungodly expensive, like TDR for measuring lengths of wire & cable.


My short term personal motive is to get a cheap SWR meter that eliminates analog meter movements while possibly having some down-the-road uses beyond a once-a-decade SWR check.


Any thoughts from the RF-intelligent brain trust?


Thanks,


Charlie





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PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 6:02 am    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

On 7/15/2020 11:47 PM, Robert L. Nuckolls, III wrote:
Quote:
At 04:36 PM 7/15/2020, you wrote:

Quote:
I ordered this https://www.ebay.com/itm/283898850600  ten days ago. Will probably be several weeks before I get it.

You can get them a lot cheaper, but I wanted one that'll also be useful checking transponder (and ADS-B) cable and antenna. (1GHz)

Still haven't given up on the idea of putting VHF comm antenna under the RV-4 canopy. Other than vertical polarization, ground plane will probably be the biggest issue (and impedance matching if I can't get the ground plane right). Got three 12"  5/32"OD brass tubes from Hobby Lobby. Should give a reasonably wide bandwidth.

Finn

  Check out this article from a 1971 issue of QST Magazine

http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles/Antennas/DDRR_Antenna.PDF

  A 2 meter (146 Mhz) version of this antenna
  is 6" in diameter and sets about 1" off the
  ground plane. An aviation version would be
  about 7" in diameter.

  It's bandwidth is probably pretty narrow . . .
  you'd have to build one and sweep it to
  see if it's usable. Would this fit on
  the deck just behind the rear seat?

  I've got one of those analyzers but haven't
  had time to make it sing, dance and do dishes.
  I've been using the VNA Tiny which is a good
  bit more expensive. It seems to work well.
  Let us know how that 'baby' VNA works for you!



  Bob . . .
Thanks Bob.

I did look at this earlier. There's a guy on VansAirforce.com that put it in a wing tip. Appeared to work for his purpose (APRS Tracking, which I assume use a single frequency)
 https://vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=39797

I dismissed it as being too heavy (and possibly narrow bandwidth), but didn't consider putting it under the canopy. He used hardware store copper tubing. But may be able to use some very thin plastic tubing as a form and wrap copper foil around it. Then there's the tuning capacitor: variable and high voltage. May be able to replace that with a fixed cap.

Finn
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 6:55 am    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

On 7/16/2020 7:47 AM, merlewagner2 wrote:
Quote:


For anyone interested in the VNA-

First educate yourself on what to purchase. There are too many clones out there and you must be very careful in what you purchase. I have 3 different units which effectively do the same thing but the user interface is different in each.

Go to the VNA user group at https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users and start researching the info. The WIKI has a TON of information.

Given you purchase the correct unit (the problem is they keep enhancing this on a weekly basis) you will be extremely happy with the capability and performance. And even happier with the price.

I just finished installing a NAV antenna on my Tailwind. Foil was used and attached to the Lexan windshield. I was able to tune the VOR and ILS portions of the antenna in real-time while watching the SWR for each frequency.
you can check out antennas to the nth degree, components, chokes, torroids, coax faults, coax length, impedance, etc, etc

Just educate yourself before purchasing.

--------
KC1DNJ
General Radiotelephone
Commercial SEL
A&P
Building scale P51, rebuilding Tailwind W10
That's the kind of info I've been hoping to find (failing someone

telling me to 'buy *this one*). My biggest concern is exactly what
you're describing; I want as dirt-simple a user interface as possible,
and a manual written by an English-as-a-1st-language writer. It's great
to see confirmation of all the other 'value added' features.

If you have a specific recommendation that would get me up and running
for a sub-$100 price point, I'd love to see it.

Do you have a web site detailing your P51 & Tailwind projects?

Thanks,

Charlie

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merlewagner2



Joined: 01 Jun 2016
Posts: 18
Location: Spring Hill, FL

PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 8:45 am    Post subject: Re: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

[quote="ceengland7(at)gmail.com"]On 7/16/2020 7:47 AM, merlewagner2 wrote:

Quote:

telling me to 'buy *this one*). My biggest concern is exactly what
you're describing; I want as dirt-simple a user interface as possible,
and a manual written by an English-as-a-1st-language writer. It's great
to see confirmation of all the other 'value added' features.

If you have a specific recommendation that would get me up and running
for a sub-$100 price point, I'd love to see it.

Do you have a web site detailing your P51 & Tailwind projects?

Thanks,

Charlie

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Charlie,

You are asking for a lot these days. I think you must be older than I am.....

OK, for what it's worth - I would purchase from

http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=75145

They are an official[?] U.S. distributor of the Hugen version of the NANOVNA and the link is to the 4" unit. This site also sells a manual for the VNA. They told me the shipment they just received is the latest version.

For $60 and $14 for the manual (or start reading on the groups link I provided earlier) you can start doing amazing things.

I understand enough to be dumb but I have managed to get the unit functioning. You need to understand calibrations, etc but the book will get you started. Again, go to the groups site and READ the wiki.

Sorry, no web site for my projects. I get really tired of all the "experts" and their opinions on how airplanes should be built.

Merle


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 9:42 am    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

At 07:47 AM 7/16/2020, you wrote:
Quote:
--> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "merlewagner2" <wagnermerle(at)gmail.com>

For anyone interested in the VNA-

First educate yourself on what to purchase. There are too many clones out there and you must be very careful in what you purchase. I have 3 different units which effectively do the same thing but the user interface is different in each.

Go to the VNA user group at https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users and start researching the info. The WIKI has a TON of information.

Great data point sir! Thanks.


Bob . . .


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user9253



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 1908
Location: Riley TWP Michigan

PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 10:22 am    Post subject: Re: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

I have made homemade antennas in the past and wished that I could measure
the resonate frequency. Does the NANO VNA H4 do that? If that is the only
feature that I want, is there a less expensive alternative? This may be wishful
thinking, but is it possible to use a structural part of the airframe as an
antenna? An antenna analyzer could help locate where to attach coax cable.
Of course such an antenna would likely have a skewed radiation pattern.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 10:38 am    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

Quote:
Quote:


Go to the VNA user group at https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users and start researching the info. The WIKI has a TON of information.

Great data point sir! Thanks.

Bob . . .

P.S. I've joined this group and took a quick look around.
Heaven knows I don't need another 'time sink' but at
first blush, this is a gold-mine of VNA-users practical
information.

I strongly encourage joining this group for everyone interested
in adding a VNA to to their toolbox.


Bob . . .


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 10:40 am    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

At 01:22 PM 7/16/2020, you wrote:
Quote:
--> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "user9253" <fransew(at)gmail.com>

I have made homemade antennas in the past and wished that I could measure
the resonate frequency. Does the NANO VNA H4 do that? If that is the only
feature that I want, is there a less expensive alternative? This may be wishful
thinking, but is it possible to use a structural part of the airframe as an
antenna? An antenna analyzer could help locate where to attach coax cable.
Of course such an antenna would likely have a skewed radiation pattern.

The VNA is a sweep signal generator teamed up with a
network analyzer in one box. As you can see from
the plots I posted earlier, you can glean a great
deal of information about the radio frequency characteristics
of a host of 'loads'.

I have a nano-VNA that I've yet to exercise but
have found the big brother VNA Tiny to be
a powerful investigative tool.

https://tinyurl.com/ybm5jxlp



Bob . . .


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merlewagner2



Joined: 01 Jun 2016
Posts: 18
Location: Spring Hill, FL

PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 10:46 am    Post subject: Re: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

user9253 wrote:
I have made homemade antennas in the past and wished that I could measure
the resonate frequency. Does the NANO VNA H4 do that? If that is the only
feature that I want, is there a less expensive alternative? This may be wishful
thinking, but is it possible to use a structural part of the airframe as an
antenna? An antenna analyzer could help locate where to attach coax cable.
Of course such an antenna would likely have a skewed radiation pattern.


The NANOVNA does that and MUCH more. You just have to learn how to use it. Groups wiki and tons of video via youtube. w2aew has some excellent videos on youtube.

Using the structure as an antenna - not a good plan. Structure is great for a ground plane.

attaching photo of my NAV/ILS antenna. Used RG174 to feed.

Merle


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NAV ILS.jpg
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NAV/ILS ANTENNA
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NAV ILS.jpg



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PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2020 11:13 am    Post subject: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

On Thu, Jul 16, 2020 at 12:00 PM merlewagner2 <wagnermerle(at)gmail.com (wagnermerle(at)gmail.com)> wrote:

Quote:
--> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "merlewagner2" <wagnermerle(at)gmail.com (wagnermerle(at)gmail.com)>

[quote="ceengland7(at)gmail.com"]On 7/16/2020 7:47 AM, merlewagner2 wrote:


>
> telling me to 'buy *this one*). My biggest concern is exactly what
> you're describing; I want as dirt-simple a user interface as possible,
> and a manual written by an English-as-a-1st-language writer. It's great
> to see confirmation of all the other 'value added' features.
>
> If you have a specific recommendation that would get me up and running
> for a sub-$100 price point, I'd love to see it.
>
> Do you have a web site detailing your P51 & Tailwind projects?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Charlie
>
> --
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus


Charlie,

You are asking for a lot these days. I think you must be older than I am....

OK, for what it's worth - I would purchase from

http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=75145

They are an official[?] U.S.  distributor of the Hugen version of the NANOVNA and the link is to the 4" unit. This site also sells a manual for the VNA.  They told me the shipment they just received is the latest version.

For $60 and $14 for the manual (or start reading on the groups link I provided earlier) you can start doing amazing things.

I understand enough to be dumb but I have managed to get the unit functioning. You need to understand calibrations, etc but the book will get you started.  Again, go to the groups site and READ the wiki.

Sorry, no web site for my projects. I get really tired of all the "experts" and their opinions on how airplanes should be built.

Merle

--------
KC1DNJ
General Radiotelephone
Commercial SEL
A&amp;P
Building scale P51, rebuilding Tailwind W10


That's exactly the kind of recommendation I've been wanting! Hoping to get one in my hands soon, and I'll begin perusing the VNA group. Having access to that kind of support group is what I hoped for; an 'RF' group similar to the support we all get with basic electrical stuff on this list. Many thanks for both tips.
Congrats on the Tailwind. I've had the pleasure of flying several examples, and they are truly impressive performers, and at a great price point. If I could find one with the cockpit room and 'creature comforts' of an RV, I'd seriously consider trading in my RV-6. 
Charlie
(And while I'm not cheap, if I spend a nickel, I expect some change...)


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N804RV



Joined: 20 Aug 2013
Posts: 6
Location: Mount Vernon, WA

PostPosted: Fri Jul 17, 2020 8:50 am    Post subject: Re: antenna analyzer? Reply with quote

merlewagner2 wrote:
For anyone interested in the VNA-

First educate yourself on what to purchase. There are too many clones out there and you must be very careful in what you purchase. I have 3 different units which effectively do the same thing but the user interface is different in each.

Go to the VNA user group at https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users and start researching the info. The WIKI has a TON of information....


Outstanding! There really is "A TON of info" in the VNA user group.

I was looking at these a couple of months ago. But, was a little leary of them. I've been using the MFJ-259. It does the basic job.

But, now after reading this thread, I bought the Seesii NanoVNA off Amazon for $68. Can't wait to start using it!


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