Using The Nano VNA to Solve Real World Problems (#947)

Steven Jensen sent me some charts on using the Nano VNA. Watch to learn more about his presentation.

Edited and Videographed by Aidan Jakeman

Twitter: @dcasler

[alklapaxida]

the nano vna gets you in the game and that's a game changer for so many people who cost is a barrier to entry
(and i can say from experience that cost kept many out of the game)
great video..

[kalilay]

You’re the man Dave. 6 months ago: “nanovna too complicated don’t use it”

Today: “nano vna to solve real world problems

[MarcusPocus]

mine is used for antenna check/tune and coaxial cable verification (i can to see on it the length of my coax cable and if any open/short, with the distance of it, before my antenna).. i can do a cable impedance check too if needed.. for me it's a must to have in RF!! ❤

[robcarnaroli]

I had no idea how to make changes to the reactance on the smith chart. That's great!

[sfrahm]

I told ya Dave! Now that VNA's are affordable, anybody that plays with RF much at all should learn how to use one. Good episode. Thanks!

[glenmartin]

Thank you, Dave.
Amazing how tiny things are now. N0QFT

[alexjh]

I still have nightmares about using Smith charts in my university exams - this was a great explanation.

[BobMellor]

Very interesting Dave, thank you; 73 Bob

[Ben--David]

As said, I have thrown 2 Nano VNAs in the garbage, because batteries were about to explode.
Now I have a Rig Expert Stick Pro Antenna Analyzer/. Works

[godarklight]

The NanoVNA definitely punches above its weight. W2AEW has a video on tuning a duplexer.

[NXRradio]

A low return loss means a HIGH SWR. Return loss is measured in positive numbers. A 12dB return loss might be like a 1.7:1 SWR. There are calculators online that will convert for you.

[thetruthserum]

I want to build an RLC circuit with all variable components to add to my antenna lab. I've already sourced a variable plate capacitor, log potentiometer, and will hunt down some variable inductors. It's like building a whah pedal circuit for RF... I will run some spreadsheets to determine the ideal tuning ranges... .22uF Cap, 1K Pot, 10uH Inductor...

[hamradioeconomystyle]

I have as much fun using my NanoVNA as I do my radio.

[farmerwayne]

Hello Dave! Im thinking, MFJ-225, or Nano vna. Which is better in performance and durability? Does one do more than the other? Using this mainly for Ham Radio. Thank you, much!

[DeltaXray]

I will admit regardless of any explanation I've watched this nano baffles me, swr and feedline readings are easy but for resolving or investigating any other issues I'm lost.. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[oasntet]

Somehow this explanation of Smith charts actually clicked with me, whereas the explanation in the extra handbook just kinda bounced off. I think the real-world context helps a lot, at least for how my brain works.

I have a nanovna and I have used it to tune some things, but I'm still suspicious of its accuracy. Without having a $14k VNA to compare to, what could I do to validate its results? In particular for things more complex than a simple SWR reading.

[chucksgarage-us]

I take it you are getting complaints about how much time you spend shilling patreon. Excellent solution.