Thanks (again?) for making this vid, Kevin. I'd never bought a NanoVNA, as they all seemed too small & too cheaply made. But you convinced me. Arrived yesterday. Lots to learn, but I'm already thoroughly impressed . So much more useful than the MFJ metal shoebox antenna analyzer I've used up to this point.
To everyone who says "just use it with the PC software" - yes that works well BUT you still have to run a calibration on the device itself and save it in slot 0 before you attach the software (and then run the calibration yet again - read the calibration dialog text if this is news to you). The continuous sweep mode works a whole lot better on device than USB attached too, so there are still good reasons to want to be able to see the VNA itself clearly.
Kevin, I have the older tiny version and the NanoVNA H4. The smaller unit is great out in the yard for a quick antenna check but the 4 inch version sits on my workbench as a great aid winding coils, toroids and tuning filters. I also have a TinySA spectrum analyzer for my xmtr and rx projects. Keep well and stay warm. John, k0ebc
I bought an H4 several years ago for $150. It is easy enough to read, and like the SiiSii, has buttons instead of the infamous rocker switch. I like using it, and it is reliable. World events have altered my views, and now I would buy a Rig Expert instead. Glory to Ukraine.
Hi Kevin, Great video. I have the NanoVNA Lite64. Same size screen, but with a few less features. I did notice TDR as a selection. That would help find a problem with the coax without using my MFJ-269. Hope your health is improving. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U
😅I bought one a few years ago. Hardly used it.. It's very good. Reason is not used much is simply I preferred my old fashioned methods of measuring. Not all of course as my maths not as good as it was. This video well timed as I last week powered it up ready to do some tests on antenna resonance. That newer model looks far better. Thanks for the intro.
I have a RigExpert AA-220 Zoom, which is nice, but on my bench, I use the smaller version of the MiniVNA. Yes, my magnifier is within arms reach. This look nice. Thanks for the review Kevin de KA9TII 73
Kevin, thanks for this video. I've been wanting to get a VNA for some time and this looks like the best product I've seen for the money. Really looking forward to getting it. Also, it's great to see you doing much better and having more energy! Cheers and 73, Steve AE6SS
I have the NANO VNA-H4 with the 4" screen as advertised. I guess they measure screen size the way they do with a t.v., that is diagonally across the screen because horizontally across the screen is about 3¼". Mine is also 5½" x 3" overall. It sounds similar to this SeeSii one. I'm getting used to where things are now so not relying on my magnifying glass as much, still a bit small for me. I've used it for all my h/b aerials, 20 to 10m dipoles, inverted vee for 5.262 MHz and a 2m 4 element collinear. Very useful and the reason I got it. I have l.p.f. and b.p.f. to check on my h/b tcvr. G4GHB.
Hi Kevin, Great to see you back feeling better and on form. This video is very interesting especially how you checked out cables. I will be buying one to replace my older unit. G4PEY
I have tried those. Still too hard to read. Can't they make the font bigger or adjustable. The Rig Experts are nice due to the font size and they seem made to actually read and work with. I guess I need to wait for the 10" version.
As far as I remember, nanoVNA has a special firmware marked with "AA". "AA" means "antenna analizer". The firmware has a large font, but limited in features compairing to regular nanoVNA firmware.
It's just a version of available firmware for nanoVNA. It's hard to recall for my old Android phone was taken by russian betrayers for my Bible study with JW. I cannot restore my Goggle account. I'm using a new phone and a new account for already a year now. I had a bunch of firmware versions for my nanoVNA. "Dislord" is a nickname of firmware creator. I'm nearsighted since 1981. My vision is good for a short distance till now. I'm not interested in large print books or big font screens for I can read extremelly small print without glasses.
Oh yes, the software works fine. Also in the manual, towards the end they talk about text-based commands you can do over the serial connection from a terminal. Which would make automating data gathering pretty easy.
His theory is... Uh, haven't read how these things work, eh? It takes 101 data points, no matter what the sweep range is. So, if something happens between data points, it may miss it. This is the state of RUclips reviews, sadly. Reviewers that don't know the product. I've seen it all too often. I have a version of this. Like the fact this one is aluminum, mind isn't. Otherwise the same. There's at least a couple of different firmware for these. I've not found it the differences yet. But it's an interesting product. Fine know if he went though the calibration procedure, he never mentioned it to the point i watched, anyway.
The symbols on the bottom of the screen indicate it was calibrated. You are wrong, it can scan with up to 301 data points, still misses the narrow loop. Since there is no direct statement in the manual regarding the potential for missing small or narrow changes over the sweep range, it is technically, a theory. I try to state things correctly, and present information in a format that is approachable to the broader audience. There's tons of nanoVNA reviews and tutorials out there already. I could run over the same old ground and waste time, or I could talk about how this is different and better.
301 is the maximum setting, it still looses the very narrow loop when sweeping a large range. No big deal really. When using a magloop you're going to bring it into range by listening to the noise on the receiver anyway. So just set the sweep to that area.
Thanks (again?) for making this vid, Kevin. I'd never bought a NanoVNA, as they all seemed too small & too cheaply made. But you convinced me. Arrived yesterday. Lots to learn, but I'm already thoroughly impressed . So much more useful than the MFJ metal shoebox antenna analyzer I've used up to this point.
To everyone who says "just use it with the PC software" - yes that works well BUT you still have to run a calibration on the device itself and save it in slot 0 before you attach the software (and then run the calibration yet again - read the calibration dialog text if this is news to you). The continuous sweep mode works a whole lot better on device than USB attached too, so there are still good reasons to want to be able to see the VNA itself clearly.
Yeah, and who wants to carry a PC out to the antenna every time? ha.
I learned so much from my NanoVNA. and it cost £30. The PC software is really handy!
Kevin, I have the older tiny version and the NanoVNA H4. The smaller unit is great out in the yard for a quick antenna check but the 4 inch version sits on my workbench as a great aid winding coils, toroids and tuning filters. I also have a TinySA spectrum analyzer for my xmtr and rx projects. Keep well and stay warm. John, k0ebc
I bought an H4 several years ago for $150. It is easy enough to read, and like the SiiSii, has buttons instead of the infamous rocker switch. I like using it, and it is reliable. World events have altered my views, and now I would buy a Rig Expert instead. Glory to Ukraine.
Hi Kevin,
Great video. I have the NanoVNA Lite64. Same size screen, but with a few less features. I did notice TDR as a selection. That would help find a problem with the coax without using my MFJ-269. Hope your health is improving. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U
😅I bought one a few years ago. Hardly used it.. It's very good. Reason is not used much is simply I preferred my old fashioned methods of measuring. Not all of course as my maths not as good as it was. This video well timed as I last week powered it up ready to do some tests on antenna resonance. That newer model looks far better. Thanks for the intro.
I have a RigExpert AA-220 Zoom, which is nice, but on my bench, I use the smaller version of the MiniVNA. Yes, my magnifier is within arms reach. This look nice. Thanks for the review Kevin de KA9TII 73
Kevin, thanks for this video. I've been wanting to get a VNA for some time and this looks like the best product I've seen for the money. Really looking forward to getting it. Also, it's great to see you doing much better and having more energy! Cheers and 73, Steve AE6SS
I have the NANO VNA-H4 with the 4" screen as advertised. I guess they measure screen size the way they do with a t.v., that is diagonally across the screen because horizontally across the screen is about 3¼". Mine is also 5½" x 3" overall. It sounds similar to this SeeSii one.
I'm getting used to where things are now so not relying on my magnifying glass as much, still a bit small for me.
I've used it for all my h/b aerials, 20 to 10m dipoles, inverted vee for 5.262 MHz and a 2m 4 element collinear. Very useful and the reason I got it.
I have l.p.f. and b.p.f. to check on my h/b tcvr.
G4GHB.
Hi Kevin, Great to see you back feeling better and on form. This video is very interesting especially how you checked out cables. I will be buying one to replace my older unit. G4PEY
I have tried those. Still too hard to read. Can't they make the font bigger or adjustable. The Rig Experts are nice due to the font size and they seem made to actually read and work with. I guess I need to wait for the 10" version.
I have one of those. It's great ! Metal case too !
As far as I remember, nanoVNA has a special firmware marked with "AA". "AA" means "antenna analizer". The firmware has a large font, but limited in features compairing to regular nanoVNA firmware.
Just checked, neither my little nanonVNA or the SeeSii model have an "AA" in their firmware number.
It's just a version of available firmware for nanoVNA. It's hard to recall for my old Android phone was taken by russian betrayers for my Bible study with JW. I cannot restore my Goggle account. I'm using a new phone and a new account for already a year now.
I had a bunch of firmware versions for my nanoVNA. "Dislord" is a nickname of firmware creator.
I'm nearsighted since 1981. My vision is good for a short distance till now. I'm not interested in large print books or big font screens for I can read extremelly small print without glasses.
OK, I'll try to find the firmware for you. Gimme a minute.
@@loughkb search for nanoVNA_900_aa_20190802.dfu
Thanks but I have no need of a less capable firmware. I'll stick with what's loaded.
I can't help but notice that there is no 80m dip on your EFHW. is it only cut for 40m?
Thanks Kevin.
Yes, limited space so it's length is cut for 40.
@@loughkb Excellent! Thanks for the response!!!!
How does the screen look in full sunlight?
You definitely need to cast a shadow on it. As you could see from the outdoor shots when I was testing Tony's cables.
It looks much better than mine.
...and I bet that in the shack you could connect that new NanoVNA-F V2 to a computer ala nanovnasaver. Might be time to find a new home for old blue.
Oh yes, the software works fine. Also in the manual, towards the end they talk about text-based commands you can do over the serial connection from a terminal. Which would make automating data gathering pretty easy.
His theory is... Uh, haven't read how these things work, eh?
It takes 101 data points, no matter what the sweep range is. So, if something happens between data points, it may miss it.
This is the state of RUclips reviews, sadly. Reviewers that don't know the product. I've seen it all too often. I have a version of this. Like the fact this one is aluminum, mind isn't. Otherwise the same. There's at least a couple of different firmware for these. I've not found it the differences yet. But it's an interesting product.
Fine know if he went though the calibration procedure, he never mentioned it to the point i watched, anyway.
The symbols on the bottom of the screen indicate it was calibrated.
You are wrong, it can scan with up to 301 data points, still misses the narrow loop.
Since there is no direct statement in the manual regarding the potential for missing small or narrow changes over the sweep range, it is technically, a theory. I try to state things correctly, and present information in a format that is approachable to the broader audience.
There's tons of nanoVNA reviews and tutorials out there already. I could run over the same old ground and waste time, or I could talk about how this is different and better.
You are at 201Points. Increase that for Hi Q
301 is the maximum setting, it still looses the very narrow loop when sweeping a large range. No big deal really. When using a magloop you're going to bring it into range by listening to the noise on the receiver anyway. So just set the sweep to that area.
@ yeah, 301 can still skip a high Q. Shame there aren’t more sample points.
V3 of this device has 800 points but in some cases the cpu is under powered.