SV6301A Vector Network Analyzer Review/Teardwon

00:00 Overview
02:35 Firmware upgrade
03:42 Powering on, unique features
06:56 Calibration
10:56 Whip antenna measurement
12:00 GPS antenna measurement
13:41 LC filter measurement
14:38 MIMO antenna measurement
17:07 TWT amplifier measurement
19:03 Signal generator output
21:19 TDR measurement
22:12 Current consumption
23:57 Teardown, control board
25:54 Teardown, RF board
28:55 Conclusions

[KerryWongBlog]

Please turn off "Stable Volume" in the video playback setting (the first menu item after clicking the gear icon) as for some reason, this new YouTube playback feature made the video much noisier than usual.

[RickFletcher-jsdz]

Great presentation, Kerry. I have the NanoVNA-F V3, which I very much like; but, I've often wished the screen were bigger and that the software offered more 'automatic' and enhanced functionality which seems to be present in the SV6301A. Looks like I'll be adding it to my RF toolkit. Again, thanks for a great presentation and tear-down!

[thed]

Perfect. I was curious about the internals. Exactly what I wanted to know. TY

[DavidJohnstone-hikr]

I’m most impressed with your YT on the SV6301A. I really like the features, layout and size of this device. I’m tempted to buy one. I’m concerned with the number of “fake” devices coming out of China. While these devices are open source so many different manufacturers can build them, the level of quality of the components used and construction varies widely. Before I plunk down that kind of money for one of these gadgets, I want to be sure I’m getting the “real deal”. I would really like to see a tinySA Ultra in this form factor; 7 inch screen, N connectors and a metal case. It would not be as tiny but lots more useful if that’s possible.

[Ifishmo]

Would really like to see a side by side comparison of this VNA along side professional VNA to see if the freq peaks line up along with the db.

[wm]

Hi, thank you for that great tear down. Coule you do a review and tear down on the VNA6000-B, they claim high dynamic range and i wonder, if they have the best hardware in that price range. But it seems their software isnt that good.
Also libreVNA and liteVNA would be very interesting. I cannot find good precise counter measrurements. 😊

[emezzo]

Hi Kerry, I already subcribe, amazing videos!!! I just bought the SV4401A, are there important differences between them? Thanks.

[reltius]

I concur U2 is a 1-6000MHz 0-31dB attenuator chip, I use them frequently. Can't read the part number off of the video to know exactly which one, but they tend to have similar pinouts.

[zygmunt]

I'm wondering what are differences between thoose two version on the hardware side... Thx for review, I will compare that with my version...

[reltius]

Wonder who is going to make the first hobbyist type VNA with video out and mouse/keyboard peripherals

[ernestb.]

Hi, thanks for all your interesting reviews! A question about something else: I am interesting about how are you dealing with the fan noise of your old HP spectrum analyzer? I am currently trying to solve the same issue on my Tektronix 2712 which I got recently. This little (6x6x2cm) fan has only 1 speed and that is "full gas". The capacity is quite high, about 31CFM (or 52.6m^3/h). This SA unit has operating range from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius, and has MIL specs, and my logic was telling me that the fan could be running slower, maybe even half speed. But after some thermal measurements my conclusion is that I would prefer this "full gas" of the fan, but it is quite loud and disturbing to me. I am even considering an external fan, connected by a hose. Considering the heavy weight of your setup I don't think you move the SA around a lot 😆 so you could also consider a big(ger) fan outside the unit that can suck out the air but not making to much noise itself. Just curios about your experience with this noise.

[ahmedgaafar]

Thank you Kerry, a very nice review, I have the previous version SV4401A which is awesome indeed, the only thing which i am still missing is external clock reference input, i was about to get the Libre VNA because it does have the EXT Clk 10 Mhz in, but alas it also have heat problem and hanging issues, so i ended up purchasing the SV4401A, hoping newer models will include the 10 Mhz in.
another problem is the Battery indicator, it goes to about 48% in just few minutes after switching on with full battery charged.
the calculation percentage is definitely wrong and i am surprised to see the same problem in that newer model too...!

[ghlscitel]

Do
You have the schematics of tthis unit? Could you share IT?

[arkadybron]

Your English is excellent, but if you are going to produce broadcast content, then I would suggest, that it would help us follow your narration, if you did a little work on your diction.

I hope that you accept this comment as constructive critisism, and not just some snide trolling.

[czorgormez]

Does anyone know the small rf switch ic that marked 5 on it ?

[jspencerg]

You did not show the signal generator performance at the maximum frequency, though you did show 1GHz.

[metercrew]

Not seeing the upgrade files on the GitHub page it’s a blank space can you send a link to find these firmware update???

[Chris-hyjy]

Thanks for the review. They need to stop using those reflective screens!

[SpinStar]

I was expecting much better hardware for the price, but the same largely as the V3, plus no SOL calibrators really makes it way-overpriced and a disappointment to me.
Thanks very much, as a lot of people would just assume they are getting a much better performing unit as the larger LCD is known to not be 'that' much more expensive.
I also think this leave the market wide open for a similar form-factor unit with much better specs...

[PAMWO]

Can you please share me the 0.5.0 firmware version ??? or tell me where to download it ?? Many thanks