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Homebrew project of a vector network analyser VNA by N2PK

This project is an attempt to build a portable standalone VNA (Vector Network Analyzer).

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

60KHz to 60MHz. laboratory quality Vector Network Analyzer project

Homebrew VNA capable of both transmission and reflection measurements from 0.05 to 60 MHz

Metro Vector Network Analyzer is a custom antenna analyzer designed and produced by IZ7LDG.

DG8SAQ Vector Network Analyzer and VNWA multiband antenna analyzer

A 500 kHz to 5.5GHz 2-port vector network analyzer designed for use with any Linux, Windows or MacOS computer. High performance: up to 80 dB dynamic range in the MHz range; up to 40 dB in the GHz range

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

A calibration kit useful when you need known reference impedances to properly calibrate your vector network analyzers.

The NanoVNA is a very compact handheld Vector Network Analyzer. The NanoVNA is tiny and portable analyzer, and it offers a high performance capabilities with an embedded lcd display.

Very Tiny Palmtop Vector Network Analyzer by edy555. This is the original GitHub firmware repository implementing the standard 50KHz to 300MHz model

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.

This article published on QEX details measurements of tree conductivity and permittivity at HF frequencies, addressing a long-debated topic in amateur radio. N6LF conducted experimental impedance measurements on Douglas fir and maple trees using a vector network analyzer with rings of nails inserted into tree trunks. Results showed that tree conductivity increases with frequency while relative permittivity decreases, similar to soil characteristics. Measured conductivity ranged from 0.06 to 0.4 S/m at 10 MHz, aligning with values used in previous research. These findings validate that NEC modeling can reliably estimate trees' substantial impact on HF antenna performance.

A common mode choke/balun, essential for mitigating common mode current on antenna feedlines, is detailed in this construction and measurement guide. It utilizes eight Fair-Rite #2643167851 Mix 43 ferrites housed within a Hammond 1598JSGYPBK plastic case, with RG-8X coax cable forming the windings. The document references design principles from Ian White, GM3SEK's article on cost-effective ferrite chokes. Specific construction details include the layout of three coils to minimize inter-coil coupling and methods for securing the ferrites with foam tape. The resource presents comprehensive measured data, including isolation impedance (magnitude, real, and imaginary components), Q factor, inductance, and phase angle across various frequencies. It also covers the choke/balun's coax frequency response and return loss characteristics. Techniques for measuring choking impedance are thoroughly explained, focusing on S21 transmission measurements with a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and testing ferrite beads in both S11 and S21 modes. The guide describes a practical setup using an aluminum sheet or baking foil for measurements and outlines the calculation of series impedance from attenuation in a 50-ohm system. Additionally, it details a method for determining the balun's equivalent L and C around resonance by adding a parallel capacitor.

Facilitates interfacing with various NanoVNA models, including NanoVNA-H, NanoVNA-H4, NanoVNA-F, AVNA, and LiteVNA, to extract and display measurement data on a computer. The application supports splitting frequency ranges into multiple segments, increasing resolution beyond the standard 101 data points, with reported tests achieving up to 10,000 points for detailed analysis. Data averaging is also implemented to improve measurement accuracy, particularly beneficial at higher frequencies where noise can be more prevalent. Displays data across several chart types, such as Smith, LogMag, Phase, and VSWR charts, for both S11 and S21 parameters. Markers provide specific readouts for impedance, VSWR, Q factor, and equivalent capacitance or inductance at selected frequency points. Users can define and display customizable frequency bands as reference overlays on the charts. Developed in Python 3 (specifically >=3.10), the software leverages pyside6 for its graphical user interface, numpy for numerical operations, and scipy for scientific computing. This robust framework ensures stable performance and accurate data processing for amateur radio operators and electronics enthusiasts performing antenna and circuit characterization.

HamVNA presents an alternative Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) software tailored for the Hermes SDR RX/TX board, enhancing its utility for analyzing antenna systems and radio circuits. The software processes measurement data from two distinct sources: direct acquisition via the Hermes hardware, leveraging fixtures like Sam Wetterlin's Series Fixture or reflection bridge, or by importing existing TouchStone format files (*.s1p, *.s2p) from other VNA hardware. It operates on Win2000/WinXP/Vista/Win7 platforms, supporting both 32 and 64-bit architectures. The program incorporates standard Open-Short-Load calibration for reflection mode and Short Circuit calibration for transmission mode, with the capability to save and reload calibration data. A key distinguishing feature is its RLC Fit function, which automatically generates an equivalent RLC circuit matching the impedance-vs-frequency curve of the Device Under Test (DUT), a capability noted as unique among VNA software. This function allows control over circuit complexity via an 'Order' slider. HamVNA also supports remote calibration, enabling the removal of coaxial cable effects from measurements for clearer analysis, as demonstrated with an 80m vertical antenna example. The software is an open-source project, distributed under the MPL v.2.0 license, with both the installation package and source code available for download.

Presents a Windows software application specifically engineered to interface with NanoVNA vector network analyzers. The application's source code reveals modules like Calibration.cpp and GraphUnit.cpp, indicating robust functionalities for VNA calibration procedures and graphical visualization of RF measurement data. It supports various NanoVNA firmware versions, including NanoVNA H v1.2.24.dfu and NanoVNA H4 v1.2.24.dfu, ensuring broad compatibility across popular hardware iterations. Key components such as BatteryVoltageUnit.cpp, ColourPickerUnit.cpp, and SerialPort.cpp manage battery monitoring, user interface customization, and serial port communications, respectively. DataUnit.cpp handles measurement data processing, while SettingsUnit.cpp provides comprehensive control over application configurations, allowing hams to tailor the software to their specific analysis needs. The project integrates USB100.H and USBDI.H for direct USB connectivity and TCPIP.cpp for network-based communication, offering flexible options for connecting to NanoVNA devices. This software streamlines the process of analyzing and interpreting RF characteristics, making it a practical tool for antenna tuning and circuit analysis.