Vector Network Analyzer
VNA Vector Network Analyzer
Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) are essential tools for ham radio operators building and optimizing antennas, filters, and other RF circuitry. These instruments measure the complex impedance and S-parameters of components across a range of frequencies, providing critical data for matching networks and ensuring efficient power transfer. Hams use VNAs to characterize their antenna projects, verify transmission line performance, and tune resonant circuits for specific bands.
Many operators enjoy homebrewing their own test equipment, and this category features numerous VNA projects, such as the widely known N2PK VNA and the M0WWA design, offering lab-quality performance for a fraction of commercial costs. You will also find resources for building simpler HF antenna analyzers, like the SARK100 kit, which provide SWR readings and impedance measurements. These tools are invaluable for ensuring antennas are properly tuned for optimal QSOs and DX.
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This antenna analyzer measures complex impedance over the 1.6 - 33 MHz HF spectrum -
The GM3VLB Poor Man's Antenna Analyser -
3 to 30 Mhz antenna analyzer schematic by YO3DAC / VA3IUL -
Homebrew project of a vector network analyser VNA by N2PK -
60KHz to 60MHz. laboratory quality Vector Network Analyzer project -
The mini Radio Solutions miniVNA PRO is the only affordable vector network analyser (VNA) I know of that offers remote wireless operation. This is very interesting because it allows to measure the input impedance of HF antennas installed at height without having to deal with coax cable lengths, baluns nor common mode suppression chokes. However, to render the miniVNA PRO truly field proof, it requires a number of significant modifications. -
G3SEK answers to some practical questions on builing the N2PK VNA Vector Network Analyser -
Homebrew VNA capable of both transmission and reflection measurements from 0.05 to 60 MHz -
This article describes a low-cost vector network analyzer that operates from 200 kHz to 100 MHz, and connects to a personal computer using a USB 1.1 interface By Tom McDermott, N5EG, and Karl Ireland -
A small and inexpensive measurement device designed to determine antenna performance across the amateur bands through use of automatically collected SWR readings -
The SARK100 Antenna Analyzer it is yet another antenna analyzer but available in kit form and designed to be easy to assemble and with an affordable pricing. -
This project is an attempt to build a portable standalone VNA (Vector Network Analyzer). -
A simple antenna analyser for the HF spectrum with a built-in signal generator with 3-digit LED frequency display. -
In this article the author analyze six different type of VHF handheld antennas and as result of his self training on his new vector network analyzer published this interesting report -
Antan is a homemade antenna analyzer project by F6BQU -
This article explain how to homebrew and use an HF antenna analyzer by simply adapting a Windows PC, micro-controller and a DDS evaluation board by K6BEZ -
An interesting project of the popular IW3HEV antenna analyzer in and embedded solution by PA3CKR. -
How to measure the characteristic impedance of a unknown transmission line using MiniVNA -
Internal Bluetooth interface for miniVNA, Bluetooth connection to the PC allow Full cordless operation with ao external components -
A windows program that scans the SARK-100 and plot the SWR Vs frequency. The data can also be stored as an Excel file. The min and max match frequency is calculated. Donationware -
An home made antenna analyzer made with Arduino Nano -
A calibration kit useful when you need known reference impedances to properly calibrate your vector network analyzers.