I have designed a case for the NanoVNA V2. It has space for a 18650 cell, stores the stylus and has a lanyard attachment point. It is held together with 4 2.5mm countersunk screws on the bottom. Enjoy!
Original nano goes up to 900MHz using the third harmonic
I'd prefer a bigger LCD variant from the V2 though (my eyes are not the best anymore) and I'm probably not alone with this... Any chance for such version?There are already versions with a 3.2" screen floating around.
@Owo Just out of curiosity, the current draw seems to cycle between 350 to 390mA, what causes that? Maybe the lower parts of the frequency band are using more parts?Not sure, might have something to do with ADF4350 switching in/out between bands, newest firmware turns off the ADF4350 when not needed.
As others noted the text on the display is way to small unless I'm using a headband magnifier (which I need to hook up the U.FLs |O )
My NanoVNA V2 is on order from Tindie and I'm interested in doing a 4" LCD upgrade
The git version has 4 inch display support but there is no binary released yet; I'll go do a release right now. https://github.com/nanovna/NanoVNA-V2-firmware (https://github.com/nanovna/NanoVNA-V2-firmware)Great update:
...
I have a Kirkby VNA SMA Cal kit which includes Open, Short, and Through connectors in male and female; am I right in thinking these will be suitable for use with the NanoVNA V2?Yes, any good SMA cal kit will do. If it has kit parameters in S parameter form you can import that into NanoVNA-QT, but the on-device calibration doesn't support kit parameters yet.
When I download the binary-st7796.bin file what program do I use to program the NanoVNA without loading IDEs and compiling?NanoVNA-QT can do the firmware update, and on Linux (maybe also mac os) you can use dfu.py: https://github.com/nanovna/NanoVNA-V2-firmware/blob/master/dfu.py
Does anyone know how the Tindie store units are being declared for shipping? I'd be OK with the VAT bill, but TNT charge like wounded bulls for "admin fees" on top when collecting it - at 20 quid it's over twice the VAT due :(I'm pretty sure they under declare it to less than $20, but that doesn't mean you get a VAT bill, it depends on the country but I've heard DHL tends to ask for proof of purchase. After the pandemic is over and shipping times return to normal they will probably offer cheap ePacket shipping again.
It should be mentioned: this is a really nice device :-+ Good work!I don't have mine yet but I did read the user guide.
I have two questions: Is there a way to see the battery level on the device? Will it charge (and with how much current) from USB?
It's almost as if I should have read the user guide first! :palm: Thanks for the clarification.You're welcome ^-^
Didn't notice this post until now. I was the layout and RF engineer on the nanovna V2 team. I can answer technical questions.any plan to build NanoVNA 6GHz version?
Didn't notice this post until now. I was the layout and RF engineer on the nanovna V2 team. I can answer technical questions.What is the specification figure for Total Measurement Uncertainty ?
Didn't notice this post until now. I was the layout and RF engineer on the nanovna V2 team. I can answer technical questions.any plan to build NanoVNA 6GHz version?
probably the 5,6 figure price HP or R&S brand too... if price is right, i want to compare with my Deepace KC901 VNA. 2 devices to confirm each other is better than 1. sub $100 GHz VNA was never be seen before. and recently w2aew published series of videos using NanoVNA, i think he got excited with it.Lets be real, at this level of the hardware your measurements will not differ much from those taken using a kettle and a pot.Didn't notice this post until now. I was the layout and RF engineer on the nanovna V2 team. I can answer technical questions.any plan to build NanoVNA 6GHz version?
It's not clear from what you wrote but I think you meant at 6GHz, right?Didn't notice this post until now. I was the layout and RF engineer on the nanovna V2 team. I can answer technical questions.any plan to build NanoVNA 6GHz version?
Lets be real, at this level of the hardware your measurements will not differ much from those taken using a kettle and a pot.
https://www.tindie.com/products/hcxqsgroup/nanovna-v2/ (https://www.tindie.com/products/hcxqsgroup/nanovna-v2/)is this the authorized seller? (corrected the above link) any other authorized seller in aliexpress?
Then I saw that R&L are selling (http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/shopping_cart.php) what appears to be my VNA but with cables, Cal items (open, short, & load), and fitted with a battery, for $60. I wish I'd known that before paying $25 to ship from China with no cables etc.i think thats V1 1.5GHz max version like w2aew demo'ed
I bought mine from Tindie, $64 shipped. I am happy to pay a few extra $$ and have an open source design. For one thing, the longevity and the device itself can be improved by those who know how. After all, that approach is a major reason we have this in the first place. And I, for one, would really like to see an open source 6 GHz version, either with higher accuracy, or perhaps the option to get higher accuracy built into the design for those who are happy to buy more expensive parts or do crazy things like mount resistors upside down.
- S-A-A-2 design is open source, which means anyone can manufacture it. Most clones perform fine, but please consider buying from the official stores if you want to support our development team. Other major players in the NanoVNA space do not share their design files, and all 3 of us are working on competing V3 (6GHz) designs. Please support us if you want to see an open source V3 rather than a proprietary one.
and all 3 of us are working on competing V3 (6GHz) designs. Please support us if you want to see an open source V3 rather than a proprietary one.put it in Crowd Fund or Kickstarter, if the price is within $200 (depending on my financial condition/recovery state ie when the timing is right) i will get one, the cheaper the better :P. i dont have Kickstarter account nor Crowdfund to do the "backing" stuff. but i bought Erasynth Micro from Crowdfund (Crowd Supply) after backing/production period. it seems they keep producing it for future customers. keep us informed :-+
Only the Tindie store is official. Aliexpress, ebay, etc are mostly selling clones. R&L is probably selling Hugen manufactured units (speculation; hugen himself hasn't yet confirmed this). Only the Tindie and nanorfe store provide funding to the development team, but V2s from other manufacturers generally perform fine. Banggood seems to sell a mix of official devices and clones.
EDIT: I'm not so sure that R&L is selling hugen units because the pricing doesn't check out. The V2 is basically selling at the same price as the original Nano ($55 vs $50), even more so if you take into account the cable cost difference (the "low end" V2 bundle has a more expensive cable than the original Nano). I know for a fact that the BOM and manufacturing cost of the V2 is around double the original Nano, so whoever is supplying these units to R&L seems to be selling at extremely thin margins.
ps: err sorry to say... if you keep everything open (incl pcb gerber files), inevitably you will be doomed by cloners from your own flag, imho... not really a problem if that is your intention.. cheers.Yeah, clones are going to come out whether or not you publish the layout files ;) The original nano didn't have any publicly released layouts or gerbers, but it's cloned to death. Difference is that V2 clones tend to perform ok since they learned to use the published layouts rather than doing PCB copying. https://gitlab.com/bepissneks/S-A-A
Hm, i cannot find any suitable case for this dimension.I'm waiting for my 4 inch display to arrive and then I plan to update the firmware and test. If it works well (and I can read the fonts), I plan to design a 3D-printable case for the S-A-A-2 with the 4" display that I posted a picture of earlier.
Anybody an idea?
My 3D printer is taken apart ::)... so currently i have to buy the box unfortunally..Maybe you can send files to an online company to print them for you?
Look forward to a 6GHz design soon. There are 3 competing players all working on their own 6GHz design; one of them even hired edy555/ttrftech. How come they are paying to develop their own design rather than wait for the OwOComm one and just clone it (which is allowed)? That is left as an exercise to the reader ;)
Thanks for the pictures! This one is a well known clone, but I'm still unsure about who actually manufactures it. Do you remember when your order was shipped? Can you check the firmware build time (in CONFIG > VERSION)?I am just wondering why you say "This one is a well known clone"? What stands out to you that is different?
This clone is known for its 8 extraneous shield clips and 2 electrolytic caps. There are a lot of other subtle differences in the components used. I can usually tell whether a board is a clone with certainty by looking at the PCB bottom side, but I'm still unsure which clone types are made by whom. Once I can get a look at some clones manufactured in June or later I'll get closer to knowing who is responsible for these clones.Thanks. Yeah, I had also noticed what looked like extra shield clips.
Official devices have now moved to CX2156NL but this is much more expensive (3x price increase).And which is end of life...
:-DD Sorry, but now you have an excuse to get the larger display.Yep! I've just ordered a couple of the 4" ones linked by Gandalf_Sr above. :-+
Sorry guys, I haven't got round to loading the firmware and trying the new 4" LCD. I have plugged it into my NanoVNA V2 and it will physically work if I design a special case for it.:-DD Sorry, but now you have an excuse to get the larger display.Yep! I've just ordered a couple of the 4" ones linked by Gandalf_Sr above. :-+
Latest firmware has some noise improvements at lower frequencies using AGC.
After the firmware upgrade although I could bring up the menu, I could not select menu points so probably some calibration is required after the change
nanoLab is owned by Hugen. He was the one that made nanoVNA popular by his offering. Very fair guy that is worth supporting. Get the nanoVNA H4, or wait for the 4 inch dsiplay for the S-A-A-22 which should be coming out soon. Unless you totally connect it to your PC, 2.8inch display is too small.
@OwO: do you take donations? I'd like to contribute 100 Yuan.Ditto (20 AUD)
So I went with the NanoLab one just for the preinstalled case and battery. Seems like a fair guy with decent product quality, unless there is a catch.We don't take donations. Most of the cloners probably don't check for directivity, but for measuring antennas it really doesn't matter (20dB calibrated directivity is more than good enough). Hugen simply copied my board design verbatim and started selling it (which is fine), but he does seem to manipulate his order count on taobao in order to grab market share (look at the 20+ reviews from the same person on the same day).
@OwO: do you take donations? I'd like to contribute 100 Yuan.
I now have an SAA2 and its great. But I am having a problem using the software on Linux. The software starts with the menus on the top greyed out, and doesnt recognize (it doesnt even show the menu) or put the VNA into USB mode, unless I start it as root.
Ive compiled it properly because it does run as a privileged user.
It likely needs a udev.rules file, so I have been trying to figure out the magic incantation that works..
The only thing I can think of is I have tried an awful lot of software- I have at various times both installed from debs and source, a great many other programs (one example, sigrok another FX2prog) that use the Cypress FX2 in various ways installed. Also I have been playing around with installing other software ion the $2 stlink 2 clones.
Perhaps some interaction between them?
But anyway, the nanovna2 has been a lot of fun for me so far and Ive been like everybody else, taking all my old antennas and homemade patch cables and retesting them and making some new ones :)
So I went with the NanoLab one just for the preinstalled case and battery. Seems like a fair guy with decent product quality, unless there is a catch.We don't take donations. Most of the cloners probably don't check for directivity, but for measuring antennas it really doesn't matter (20dB calibrated directivity is more than good enough). Hugen simply copied my board design verbatim and started selling it (which is fine), but he does seem to manipulate his order count on taobao in order to grab market share (look at the 20+ reviews from the same person on the same day).
@OwO: do you take donations? I'd like to contribute 100 Yuan.
Juat cancelled my order at Hugen, only to find your store cannot issue a tax invoice, making reimbursement impossible. So had to order from him again.what the tax will be? $10-20.. use your imagination! what kind of big company that thinks that figure does matter?
The clones are fine on average since they use the published board designs, but there is a little known detail which is that the directional coupler does not have perfect yield, it is in the range of 80-90% depending on the baluns used. The rest do not pass the directivity test and have to be repaired. If this QC step is not done you can have 10-20% of devices with worse S11 trace noise. If unsure, do a SOL calibration up to 2.7GHz and keep the 50ohm load standard attached, the S11 noise floor should be around -40dB or less.
I went to the TaoBao web site to buy the nanoVNA SAA2 , 1st thing is most of it does not make sense , no fixed price -it says y 2.00 -378.00 .
I clicked on both [ at different times ] add to cart & buy now and do not see any response or cart or move to next step to buy ???
So, I went with the dfu.py script and that also didn't go terribly well. Initially, it found the device but then reported a read timeout and that the device wasn't in DFU mode (which it clearly was). Repeated trials eventually got it to show some dots but it got stuck along the way. I had to repeat the update a couple of times and I was at the brink of breaking out a soldering iron to populate the SWD header to recover the device when it finally completed. That is something that needs more care.That sounds like something else is writing to the serial port - maybe modem-manager or something like that? Which OS was this on?
So, I went with the dfu.py script and that also didn't go terribly well. Initially, it found the device but then reported a read timeout and that the device wasn't in DFU mode (which it clearly was). Repeated trials eventually got it to show some dots but it got stuck along the way. I had to repeat the update a couple of times and I was at the brink of breaking out a soldering iron to populate the SWD header to recover the device when it finally completed. That is something that needs more care.That sounds like something else is writing to the serial port - maybe modem-manager or something like that? Which OS was this on?
Got my V2 so I tried out the software available for it. VNA_QT_Windows 10 works like a charm and nanoVNA Saver V 0.3.6 for Windows 10 also works, but a little bit trickier (flaky) to set up.
The little nanoVNA V2 worked really well, easy to set up and calibrate and quickly connected to vna_qt software.
I got the acrylic case included in the purchase as an easy way to put it in a protective box. Its fiddly to put together and to get the plastic film off the the cut shapes, but it works ok and the clear acrylic makes it easy to see the leds working. Just make sure you check the cut out slots for fit, as there are 2 different slot sizes. Trying to fit the thick plate into the narrow slot does not work out too well. Finally noticed the difference spun the plate around and screwed it in.
What a handly little easy to use analyser!
I just love mine, I've been learning so much with it.
Is the pattern for the acrylic case online anywhere? I urgently need to make a case for mine.
I just love mine, I've been learning so much with it.
Is the pattern for the acrylic case online anywhere? I urgently need to make a case for mine.
If you have access to a 3D printer here is a link for the files to a really nice case!
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/30212-case-for-nanovna-v2 (https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/30212-case-for-nanovna-v2)
I'm now ready to update the firmware on my Tindie-supplied S-A-A-2 so that it works with the new 4 inch display. Can anyone please confirm the correct firmware location to apply?
Thanks :D
I got my 4" replacement LCD (and a spare) the other day. I programmed the latest firmware and it is working again.I plan to design a new 3D printed case for the stock S-A-A-2 with the 4" display but it's still on my to do list. Do you have (or have access to) a 3D printer?
The only problem I had was working out how to load the firmware from the VNA_QT app - it wasn't clear that you manually put the device into DFU mode first via the menu (via the buttons due to an uncalibrated touch screen), and then the VNA_QT app recognises it is in DFU mode and prompts to upload new firmware.
Anyway I'm happy as the 4" screen is a big improvement, but I definitely need to work out an enclosure of some sort now as there is otherwise no way to support the larger LCD.
1. Why the lower frequency is limited to 50kHz? It is possible to go under that frequency?
2. There is an official NanoVNA V2 that comes with a 4" display?
[I plan to design a new 3D printed case for the stock S-A-A-2 with the 4" display but it's still on my to do list. Do you have (or have access to) a 3D printer?
Yes, I have a few 3D printers here (ABS/PLA/Resin). FWIW I use Fusion 360 for modelling. I just won't have much free time over the next month or two.No promises but I may get to it in the next week or so. I taught myself FreeCAD (vn 0.16) and it does well for the price.
Looking forward to see what you come up with.
Hi Gandalf_Sr where did you buy the 4 inch display for the nanovna?I got it from AliExpress, the link is in this post (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/nanovna-v2-aka-s-a-a-2/msg3100180/#msg3100180) on the first page of this thread. That link is problematic, says item doesn't exist - [EDIT] removed link to one that doesn't have the touch panel. See next post below with a link to the correct display from Amazon.
Hi Gandalf_Sr where did you buy the 4 inch display for the nanovna?I got it from AliExpress, the link is in this post (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/nanovna-v2-aka-s-a-a-2/msg3100180/#msg3100180) on the first page of this thread. That link is problematic, says item doesn't exist - here it is (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000790899595.html?gps-id=pcDetail404&scm=1007.16891.96945.0&scm_id=1007.16891.96945.0&scm-url=1007.16891.96945.0&pvid=67f098ec-e6a1-487e-9548-b012a5e2c985&_t=gps-id:pcDetail404,scm-url:1007.16891.96945.0,pvid:67f098ec-e6a1-487e-9548-b012a5e2c985,tpp_buckets:668%230%23131923%2358_668%23808%235965%23265_668%23888%233325%2310_668%232846%238107%2313_668%232717%237566%23869__668%233374%2315176%23546). It would be better if you could find it without the SD card holder but it's easy to remove it.
I was not happy that my new display was not attached firmly to the NanoVNA and then I had an idea. The posts that came with mine are brass so, with a really powerful soldering iron, it should be possible to scrape away the copper on the display PCB, tin the exposed area, and then solder the posts on. I did this and it works. See pictures.
Hi Gandalf_Sr where did you buy the 4 inch display for the nanovna?I got it from AliExpress, the link is in this post (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/nanovna-v2-aka-s-a-a-2/msg3100180/#msg3100180) on the first page of this thread. That link is problematic, says item doesn't exist - here it is (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000790899595.html?gps-id=pcDetail404&scm=1007.16891.96945.0&scm_id=1007.16891.96945.0&scm-url=1007.16891.96945.0&pvid=67f098ec-e6a1-487e-9548-b012a5e2c985&_t=gps-id:pcDetail404,scm-url:1007.16891.96945.0,pvid:67f098ec-e6a1-487e-9548-b012a5e2c985,tpp_buckets:668%230%23131923%2358_668%23808%235965%23265_668%23888%233325%2310_668%232846%238107%2313_668%232717%237566%23869__668%233374%2315176%23546). It would be better if you could find it without the SD card holder but it's easy to remove it.
Except that new listing seems to not have the optional touch included. :--
I also bought some of the ones in the original AliExpress listing which has now dissappeared.
Edit to add: as mentioned by someone earlier, when scanning listings for similar LCDs note that some sellers list the 3.5" ones as 4", so you need to review the specs/measurements
Yeah i made the mistake of ordering the wrong one. Have not looked at the listing very much, mostly went off the photos. But then i got it and it turns out it doesn't have touch. :palm:
So yeah im gonna have to order a new one.
I found this one on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/480x320-Display-Module-ST7796S-Driver/dp/B08C5FFX9P/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=480x320+ST7796S&qid=1596014221&s=electronics&sr=1-2 (https://www.amazon.com/480x320-Display-Module-ST7796S-Driver/dp/B08C5FFX9P/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=480x320+ST7796S&qid=1596014221&s=electronics&sr=1-2) from DONGKERUS
It looks just like the one I got but it's $19 :(
You'd also have to remove the SD card reader but that's no big deal IMHO.
It would be great to have a SD card slot for saving calibration setups long term while operating portable. That is a feature I would appreciate in the firmware a lot.The 4" display I'm using has a 4 pin connector at the left edge but there's no corresponding connector on the NanoVNA V2 so it's all redundant. I will allow for air flow through my case design which, in case it's not obvious, is a design for the standard NanoVNA V2 with the 4" display fitted as per my recent pictures.
I am concerned about heat in a plastic case. Unless it has ventilation.
For my second try i ordered this display instead: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000966874873.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000966874873.html)I think that's a good one, hope it works out for you.
Its 15 bucks with shipping from Europe.
Really made sure it has touch this time. So hope it works out.
Do you mind if I order an exception unit?Just PM me for a free sample. I think I'll have a lot of prototypes ready in a few weeks.
Yes all amazon, ebay, and aliexpress sellers are now selling bad clones. I'm getting emails about defective NanoVNA V2 devices every week now and they all turn out to be clones. If you have to buy a clone go for the 3.2'' version. This one has the least defect reports and seems to be well built.
Btw there will be a small hardware upgrade soon (1 month or so) that will allow 2x faster sweep and lower noise. It will be called V2-N and will only be released outside of China to keep off the clones for a while.
I'm interested in it as well, but I'm also ready to pay for it.Same here - price seems very fair for what it is, and I appreciate the efforts trying to stop people getting burnt by bad clones. Are there any plans for a case etc too? Or is 3d printing one the way to go?
OwO ,
I have older eyes so the need for a larger screen 4" ?
Also no printer here so would like a case also .
I can wait , I would prefer to buy from You and or from at least one of the developers [ seems like there are 2 or more ? ]
Thanks for your efforts
Are there any plans for a case etc too? Or is 3d printing one the way to go?
We are working on getting a 3D case included with the current 2.8 inch version and maybe even a battery. We didn't go with a metal enclosure because it was found to worsen port to port isolation.Are there any plans for a case etc too? Or is 3d printing one the way to go?
So we ended up getting permission from one of the members of the community to use their 3D printed case design. I don't think it will be sold standalone but you can always just 3D print it.
I have now prototypes of the 4 inch version with 400 points/s sweep rate. The noise floor stays at around -80dB up to 1.5GHz even with the faster sweep. The DSP code can go up to 500 points/s but the UI fresh almost doesn't keep up when the 4 inch display is used, so it'll have to be 400 points/s.
V2-N will be renamed to V2 Plus to avoid confusion with another NanoVNA variant. I think it'll be available in a week or two. The improvements are 200 points/s sweep (compared to 100 points/s for the current V2) and a bit lower noise floor.
The 3D enclosure and battery option will also be available in a week or two, maybe a bit earlier than the V2 Plus.
I have now prototypes of the 4 inch version with 400 points/s sweep rate. The noise floor stays at around -80dB up to 1.5GHz even with the faster sweep. The DSP code can go up to 500 points/s but the UI fresh almost doesn't keep up when the 4 inch display is used, so it'll have to be 400 points/s.
V2-N will be renamed to V2 Plus to avoid confusion with another NanoVNA variant. I think it'll be available in a week or two. The improvements are 200 points/s sweep (compared to 100 points/s for the current V2) and a bit lower noise floor.
The 3D enclosure and battery option will also be available in a week or two, maybe a bit earlier than the V2 Plus.
Are you referring to ch_scr's case, post #2 of this thread?Yes
For headless, can you get the data across the USB fast enough to run 500pps?Should be doable, but it's a bit more noisy at 500 points/s.
We didn't go with a metal enclosure because it was found to worsen port to port isolation.
Are you referring to ch_scr's case, post #2 of this thread?Yes
Yes, we got permission to let HCXQS offer the case on Tindie with the V2. The 18650 hole is lengthened, and the batteries have the protection board on the side, so lengthening it by 2mm was enough.
The enclosure material is translucent white and you can see the indicator LEDs.
As others have said, although it's an engineering tool (and perhaps looks shouldn't matter as much), most people buying these are every-day people acting as consumers. When they see a shiny V2 clone in a beautiful case next to a genuine V2 which ironically looks a bit half-baked, it's a tough decision.Agreed, I'm going to forward your suggestion to do some post-processing on the 3D printed enclosure. Thanks!
We didn't go with a metal enclosure because it was found to worsen port to port isolation.
This can often be greatly helped by adhering a layer of carbon-impregnated anti-static foam to the inside of the case in strategic locations. The foam needs to be the black kind that DIP ICs and such used to come in. You should be able to measure some level of conductivity of the foam with an ohmmeter for it to work well.
John
S21 is a little out of spec above 2.8GHz, but that's just due to reflections by the metal enclosure.
S11 looks good.
S21 is within spec now. Mind taking some pictures of the PCB top and bottom side? I'm curious what their layout looks like with the buttons and switches moved.
What happens when you terminate S21?
USB noise is oten hard - very hard to get rid of.
What happens when you terminate S21?
I often make temporary cases for my hardware out of cardboard because its easy to make and gets them out of harms way. In order to have shielding I then usually use either copper tape or sometimes I will use what you describe, a copper "O" a flat strip joined with solder with holes cut to give SMAs good ground points.
I will then often solder a wire to the copper tape to ground it to the chassis and also ground the power at the same point the DC power is attached.
USB noise is oten hard - very hard to get rid of.
Looks good; if you want to fix the enclosure reflection issue there are RF absorbing ferrite sheets like these:
(Attachment Link)
The 3.2 inch clone is just one of the many clone manufacturers that played it fair, and I don't mind recommending it if you want a NanoV2 with a metal enclosure.
From experience the thicker the better (up to 0.5mm at least). The best positions for the absorbing material are hard to predict, but you can always just put it on all walls of the enclosure.
Looks good; if you want to fix the enclosure reflection issue there are RF absorbing ferrite sheets like these:
(Attachment Link)
The 3.2 inch clone is just one of the many clone manufacturers that played it fair, and I don't mind recommending it if you want a NanoV2 with a metal enclosure.
:-+ OMG this was good ! Not only for Nano but... I have totally forget to try find some this kind of things even more importantly to my some other things... I have direct places for these products after I return my homeland. (not only just in image but they have also other things..)
But for NanoVNA it need experience what exact product and how is best to try -- of course without experience it can find using long iteration... but it is not nice to teardown for several iteration if there is allready some experience..
Even some advisory so that do not start from empty board. What material exactly, they have many, and where exactly add in Nano. There is several thickness and different materials.
... I have been unsuccessful in making an array of holes for cooling purposes.I wasn't aware the unit got hot enough to warrant ventilation. I'll have to make some measurements
I've done a design for a case (the bottom half anyway) that deals with the issues you describe ... give me a few more days.Looking forward to it :-+
.....I was going to go that route but got caught up with a neat drawer. As you noted, the USB connector is too deep even with the 3.2 inch display and the display and RF boards have a mismatch at the SMA connector. In my design the angle of display (50°) and its height are dictated by the bend of the RF cables. Straight cables and a 60° angle would have been nicer.
Maybe a design similar to bicycleguy's with the nanovna board flat and the LCD display tilted will do the trick :-//
The magnetic PLA may not have desired RF properties and may not even be that compatible with electronics, if they were I would expect their web page would be crowing its benefits for use in cases of RF devices.
Powdered iron may in fact be at best a major irritant and at worst dangerous.
Note that I really know next to nothing about this stuff and could easily be wrong, this is just my gut feeling from spending around two minutes reading the web page at https://www.proto-pasta.com/pages/magnetic-iron-pla (https://www.proto-pasta.com/pages/magnetic-iron-pla)
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@aargee
Can you try a test like this: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/nanovna-v2-aka-s-a-a-2/msg3182046/#msg3182046 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/nanovna-v2-aka-s-a-a-2/msg3182046/#msg3182046) in and out of your case and see if you get the rise at high frequency?
pps
forgot to mention the lcd is meant to be attached with ribbon
I haven't done a test print but I did figure out how to do the vent holes. My battery is between the 2 PCBs so it doesn't need extra space.I looked back through this thread to see what battery you used, it didn't occur to me that perhaps cordless phone batteries might be usable as they come wired with connectors.
Jitter, FM, residual FM, hopping, phansenoise or AM mod or what ever mess there is....
Jitter, FM, residual FM, hopping, phansenoise or AM mod or what ever mess there is....
I you check it with DSO (that can handle reasonable high frequency and has big enough memory) it'll become pretty clear that it's not a continuous signal (which I'd also prefer) but more like when it's sweeping so a bit of signal then silence for PLL to lock to the next frequency (which is just the same here) and so on (I've checked it a long time ago but if my memory serves me correct, stepping is something like 5ms).
While I did not check the code, I suspect that the same loop is used to sweep.
It's OK for VNA functionality but for CW it would be indeed better to emit real CW signal like the original Nano (even though it may eat a bit more battery etc.)
I don't think "CW mode" is intended for use as a signal generator. It is simply a zero span mode for the VNA (this is called "CW time" on Agilent VNAs as well). I agree that the name is somewhat misleading.
Adding a proper CW output in the firmware should not be particularly hard. It would still be of somewhat limited use, since it is unlevelled and there is no filtering. This is probably why no one has bothered so far. It is open-source after all.
I don't think "CW mode" is intended for use as a signal generator. It is simply a zero span mode for the VNA (this is called "CW time" on Agilent VNAs as well). I agree that the name is somewhat misleading.
Adding a proper CW output in the firmware should not be particularly hard. It would still be of somewhat limited use, since it is unlevelled and there is no filtering. This is probably why no one has bothered so far. It is open-source after all.
Yes. But there is more than just one zero span mode. For what all these need use this pulse mode for measurement. Least one can be just plain Continuous Wave. I have in my homelan workshop "trucload" of RF generators. But I think peoples who have this Nano, what is cheap, pocket size handy tiny tool. Even if its RF CW output is not good quality and without level adjustment and not even known level and or it is far away from flat, not even close, from low to high freq. Still I think it is not at all bad feature for many peoples if it have just this RF quality but without this "pulse modulation" what just make it totally useless if try use it as some kind RF generator. And because all is ready in HW for it.
In menu there can select start, stop, center, span, cw freq, and pause sweep. Is it enough that one setup can result CW without pulsing. No matter if Nano do not "listen and measure" anything in this CW output mode. Of course if need adjust level, nano do not this, but for many hobbyists there is available many cheaper and more cheap low grade attenuators and some day he or shee may check different frequencies true level and after then he can use it knowing something more about level. For things what need medium or high quality RF generator, this is not.
I am not ranting about this and that like I am if this is true commercial business model product, but it is not, this is just open source as you told.
It was wish that if developing team see it is easy to do change it is perhaps good to do. Even with all cons what it have as rf generator. Just like, better than nothing for perhaps many peoples. Least it do not shoot not down this NanoVNA value if there is this "CW only out" mode.
It also mean that in this mode it do not measure anything like it do now. In CW mode now it do measurements also. But then there is Pause Sweep selection. Now it do not update any displayed measurements in CW mode but still it continue Pulsing. For what. In this state it can send just Continuous wave out. Least I somehow think that when it do not need measure anything in CW mode then pulse modulation can also stop.
Perhaps example OwO can answer what is real reason for pulsing in state/mode when it do not any measurements.
Or is it just..."no one care" reason.
The pulsing isn't because of internal calibration, it's because the reference channel is measured by shorting port 1 to ground. The two synthesizers do not have known phase relationship (ADF4350 phase resync is not usable for the full frequency range) so the reference measurement is required. It is possible in CW mode to only measure reference once, but then you will have a lot of drift and anything that causes a ADC buffer overrun (like writing to flash) will cause it to lose sync and phase will become random.
Now here's a case. It's a wonder what you can do with Covid-19 spare time.Your drawer has bugged me for a while, but I wanted it optional and tiny. Today was the day!
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/nanovna-v2-aka-s-a-a-2/?action=dlattach;attach=1044654)
Angled so you can see it.
Holds SOLT, attenuators and adapters in a drawer.
Holds a standard 18650 Li cell.
Lots of air holes for cooling.
I have patched the firmware so the measurement is turned off when the sweep is paused. I am not too interested in the S-A-A2 as a signal generator, but I want to some more detailed performance characterizations and for that purpose it can be useful to have a CW output.
https://github.com/switchabl/NanoVNA-V2-firmware/tree/cw
I would really like that device with larger and higher-resolution screen, because normally I look at them from some distance (to have enough space for DUT directly in front of me). I wonder if it's possible to re-design the display part to utilize something like 7" RGB24 screen (perhaps via something like EVE controller - FT813 or BT815). Or use beefier main MCU which supports parallel RGB LCD panels directly.I test 7`display for H4, and it show good perfomance on only SPI bus (on display test i use 401 point measure) (yes if use 8bit or 16bit parallel connection can more faster), but 8bit color mode + hardware bitblt and fill allow get good speed.
That's the one I bought; look back at my posts to see how I changed it to 4" display.thanks for the tip. requoted here for future reference... i'm thinking if 3d printing cant do what i want, maybe cutted wood/acrylic/plastic/metal can may do the job as well for the enclosure / test rig... i'll try to do whats best for my "way", not necessarily need 3d printed enclosure.
I have to say that the original 3.2"? LCD was close to unreadable for my old eyes, the 4" display I fitted is really good and I have no problems using it now. I haven't got around to printing my 3D case for it yet though :(
So I got round to upgrading the firmware to the version that handles the 4 inch display. For those who haven't done it before:
1. Get the new .bin file ready.
2. Plug in your NanoVNA and check which port it comes up on.
3. Turn the NanoVNA on and put it into DFU mode via touch menus.
4. Plug into USB port.
5. Run up NanaVNA_QT
6. Select the port under device
7. You should now see a pop up window that says found device in DFU mode, do you want to upgrade firmware (or something close to that)
8. Click [Yes], browse to .bin file, and click [OK]
9. When it's finished unplug and power off NanoVNA
10. Fit new display and power on, it should work.
I recalibrated my touch screen after the upgrade but it was close anyway so the menus worked. I removed (carefully) an SD card reader that was fitted to my display as it interferes with the fit. I must say that the larger display and font has made this very usable for me, much easier to read now.
I found this one on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/480x320-Display-Module-ST7796S-Driver/dp/B08C5FFX9P/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=480x320+ST7796S&qid=1596014221&s=electronics&sr=1-2 (https://www.amazon.com/480x320-Display-Module-ST7796S-Driver/dp/B08C5FFX9P/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=480x320+ST7796S&qid=1596014221&s=electronics&sr=1-2)
[EDIT] I also just found this one on AliExpress (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000956245394.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000014.11.37aa534fJdyQ39&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.14976.178076.0&scm_id=1007.14976.178076.0&scm-url=1007.14976.178076.0&pvid=b8802144-6725-41d5-b87d-300e24b12517&_t=gps-id:pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller,scm-url:1007.14976.178076.0,pvid:b8802144-6725-41d5-b87d-300e24b12517,tpp_buckets:668%230%23131923%2358_668%23808%235965%23265_668%23888%233325%2310_4976%230%23178076%230_4976%232711%237538%23486_4976%233223%2310815%239_4976%233104%239653%234_4976%233141%239887%232_668%232846%238107%2313_668%232717%237566%23869__668%233422%2315392%23839), please check but I think it's the right one.
The git version has 4 inch display support but there is no binary released yet; I'll go do a release right now. https://github.com/nanovna/NanoVNA-V2-firmware (https://github.com/nanovna/NanoVNA-V2-firmware)
The battery is any li-ion battery (3.6V and 3.7V cells are the same thing, they are all 3.0 - 4.2V). The dimensions should be 6*40*60 mm to fit in the device, usually labeled as "604060", or use that enclosure that supports a 18650 cell (I would go this route because 18650s are generally safer).
can existing version be made faster sweep too? is it simply updating FW, or there using new IC?There are both circuit and firmware changes, I will post more info some time after it's released, or DM me.
Pictures of the V2 plus4 in metal enclosure, with 3200mAh battery inside
After calibration the dynamic range still reaches 70dB to 3GHz, so plus4 will come with a metal enclosure.
Pictures of the V2 plus4 in metal enclosure, with 3200mAh battery inside
After calibration the dynamic range still reaches 70dB to 3GHz, so plus4 will come with a metal enclosure.
I'm starting to loose track of the different models now.
V2 plus4 is the upgrade with better dynamic range and faster sweep with more points and 4" screen?
V2 plus is - what?
woo I'm clearly not following, I thought the V2_2 was the latest and greatest. Ordered one yesterday :palm:yup announcement today, i bought few days ago :palm: i'll see what i can upgrade...
...Usually this situation requires creation of a udev rule, and Ive tried to come up with the right rule, failed, ...
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idProduct}=="0008", ATTRS{idVendor}=="04b4", MODE="0666"sudo udevadm control --reload-rules
sudo udevadm triggerHi,...Usually this situation requires creation of a udev rule, and Ive tried to come up with the right rule, failed, ...
You need to create a udev rule with content:Code: [Select]Put this content in a file named e.g. 99-nanovna-v2.rules in the path /etc/udev/rules.d/SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idProduct}=="0008", ATTRS{idVendor}=="04b4", MODE="0666"
Then you have to reload the udev rules:Code: [Select]or restart your computer.sudo udevadm control --reload-rules
sudo udevadm trigger
Now you can communicate with nanovna from the normal user level.
Regards, Pawel
Sorry for my English. I am using google translator.....
ls -l /dev/ttyACM*
sudo systemctl stop ModemManager
lsof /dev/ttyACM*
It would be great if you could run an isolation test on it and post the data in the other thread (just to keep it in one place). I would also be interested in seeing any other comparisons you come up with.i'm still struggling to understand it.. i want log vertical scale on resistance and reactance but i still cant find where the option is.. i got used to KC901V (and i guess every other brand name VNA out there) that we can see R and X all values all in one screen nicely in log scale with 50 ohm at the center, 0 ohm at bottom and inf ohm at the top.. currently i need to keep changing the linear vertical scale if i want to see short, 50 ohm and Hi resistance. sometime traces and freq range lose control, changed setting and other weird stuffs when i play with side menu... anyone can give a hint?
I will be selling my V2 Plus that has been upgraded to a 4 inch display upgradei thought of upgrading to 4" display earlier, but i still can see most of the things on the bundled small screen, so i think i will not make an upgrade soon. btw, the sweep speed is comparable to my KC901V, not too slow, so i'm quite happy already with it. but sometime less resolution plot (many straight lines).
I like that I'll get an extra 800 MHz with a top frequency of 4 GHz.(reading back this thread from start) the one with me titled V2 Plus, but OwO mentioned in reply #234 above (after i made the order) that V2 Plus is not released yet, so i'm confused now... my pcb is V2_2 same as yours but the FW is git-20200707-2a35e6e can go from 10kHz up to 4.4GHz, so i'm curious what you meant by you need extra 800MHz with a top frequency of 4 GHz? mine can go beyond that. maybe you still using old FW? upgrading FW will enable 10kHz-4.4GHz i guess (spec (old FW?) 50kHz - 3GHz).
I understand that it's possible to make my V2 into a V2 Plus by changing 3 components and applying a new firmware; I might still do that but, for now, I would rather just move to the latest hardware and sell my V2 with 4 inch display to someone for $75.I like that I'll get an extra 800 MHz with a top frequency of 4 GHz.(reading back this thread from start) the one with me titled V2 Plus, but OwO mentioned in reply #234 above (after i made the order) that V2 Plus is not released yet, so i'm confused now... my pcb is V2_2 same as yours but the FW is git-20200707-2a35e6e can go from 10kHz up to 4.4GHz, so i'm curious what you meant by you need extra 800MHz with a top frequency of 4 GHz? mine can go beyond that. maybe you still using old FW? upgrading FW will enable 10kHz-4.4GHz i guess (spec (old FW?) 50kHz - 3GHz).
edit: bug report... if we enable more than one marker... moving them past center will make frequency label negative (jump from 2GHz to -2GHz) and moving down in magnitude as we continue to the right (bigger frequency) until near end, they become zero and positive again, something like 50-100MHz at rightmost, where actual span is 10kHz-4.4GHz (they should show 4.4GHz). i believe this was mentioned earlier by a member here..
thats the clone, performance not guaranteed by OwO. you can join here if you want... https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/4-inch-display-saa-2n-nanovna-v2-3ghz-with-n-type/?topicscreen (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/4-inch-display-saa-2n-nanovna-v2-3ghz-with-n-type/?topicscreen)
I've just started sorting through this for my attempt #3 and it's confusing (and potentially very time consuming) again ..... even people who seem to have read all the most recent stuff seem to have found surprises within the last week or so.
What we need is a nanoVNA "family tree" diagram that goes back to the adam and eve nanoVNAs; mostly it would be an easy to navigate tree diagram with very brief name and note boxes (kinda like name and title in an org chart, or a family tree chart with birthdays). Once that was brought current it would just need to be updated when new fruit falls from one of the branches. But the beauty is you could see at a glance all the model naming/nomenclature, maybe who spawned it (adam or eve, etc.), and what it's major breakthrough or flaw was/is.
Just suggestin'.... in case anyone likes making family trees or org charts :)
A really good chart would have just the basics on the top layer with hyperlinks to the detailed info. Just dreaming.... :)
We could start with just the top layer and add the links later :)
trap for young player. we need to calibrate completely all SOLT and save to make S21 plot works, we cant just calibrate the T alone, otherwise S21 plot will go wacky... this is not the case with my KC901V. attached is S21 noise floor (uncalibrated and calibrated).. so comparing the 2N unit (Hugen) from another member in the other thread side by side with my unit (OwO)...
...
trap for young player. we need to calibrate completely all SOLT and save to make S21 plot works, we cant just calibrate the T alone, otherwise S21 plot will go wacky... this is not the case with my KC901V. attached is S21 noise floor (uncalibrated and calibrated).. so comparing the 2N unit (Hugen) from another member in the other thread side by side with my unit (OwO)...
...
I thought they were claiming 4GHz but I wasn't seeing any data beyond 3. Is 3 the upper limit?
I thought they were claiming 4GHz but I wasn't seeing any data beyond 3. Is 3 the upper limit?i was capturing 3GHz span to make easy comparison with the 2N next thread... but mine can go 4.4GHz on display (attached) just maybe a little bit out of spec.
4Ghz only on the NanoVNA V2 Plus4 that was released somewhere last week. I guess Mechatrommer has the NanoVNA V2 Plus.i bought it as NanoVNA V2 Plus. i guess what i have is V2+ (V2_2) HW with latest FW (sept 2020) meant for V2+4? not sure... maybe mine is pilot unit for testing V2+4.
I've just started sorting through this for my attempt #3 and it's confusing (and potentially very time consuming) again ..... even people who seem to have read all the most recent stuff seem to have found surprises within the last week or so.
What we need is a nanoVNA "family tree" diagram that goes back to the adam and eve nanoVNAs; mostly it would be an easy to navigate tree diagram with very brief name and note boxes (kinda like name and title in an org chart, or a family tree chart with birthdays). Once that was brought current it would just need to be updated when new fruit falls from one of the branches. But the beauty is you could see at a glance all the model naming/nomenclature, maybe who spawned it (adam or eve, etc.), and what it's major breakthrough or flaw was/is.
Just suggestin'.... in case anyone likes making family trees or org charts :)
A really good chart would have just the basics on the top layer with hyperlinks to the detailed info. Just dreaming.... :)
We could start with just the top layer and add the links later :)
Right. Become famous - make THE CHART of Nanovna. Don't be the whining [...] who expects that somebody else shall do the job for you.Just suggestin'.... in case anyone likes making family trees or org charts :)Instead of relying on others to do so, why don't read the WHOLE threads and do this "graph" by yourself?
Right. Become famous - make THE CHART of Nanovna. Don't be the whining [...] who expects that somebody else shall do the job for you.Just suggestin'.... in case anyone likes making family trees or org charts :)Instead of relying on others to do so, why don't read the WHOLE threads and do this "graph" by yourself?
Electro Fan, did you check out Kosmic's link above? Looks like it covers many of the various flavors.
To be square this wasn’t a request to help just me it was an idea about structuring information in a way that might help lots of people who are interested in VNAs get and stay current with developments that seem to have a history of interwoven moving parts. I’m not JFK and we’re not going to the moon, but it was just a suggestion for anyone who might be a content expert and who enjoys organizing info.Right. Why don't you do main work gathering all the info. We can help you to organize it :)
I doubt you are the only one confused by all the flavors of hardware. Guessing the firmware versions are a nightmare. Once Radiolistener took on modifying the firmware, I basically followed them to the point they had it working well enough and called it a day. I haven't reprogrammed it since.Right. Become famous - make THE CHART of Nanovna. Don't be the whining [...] who expects that somebody else shall do the job for you.Just suggestin'.... in case anyone likes making family trees or org charts :)Instead of relying on others to do so, why don't read the WHOLE threads and do this "graph" by yourself?
I try to contribute when I think I have some answers and I ask for help when I don’t have or can’t find the answers. In this case if the shoe doesn’t fit you, don’t wear it. No worries.
To be square this wasn’t a request to help just me it was an idea about structuring information in a way that might help lots of people who are interested in VNAs get and stay current with developments that seem to have a history of interwoven moving parts. I’m not JFK and we’re not going to the moon, but it was just a suggestion for anyone who might be a content expert and who enjoys organizing info. If the idea doesn’t have merit please feel free to ignore it. Sorry if it was whining.
4Ghz only on the NanoVNA V2 Plus4 that was released somewhere last week. I guess Mechatrommer has the NanoVNA V2 Plus.i bought it as NanoVNA V2 Plus. i guess what i have is V2+ (V2_2) HW with latest FW (sept 2020) meant for V2+4? not sure... maybe mine is pilot unit for testing V2+4.
I missed it this time. I wonder when they restock them.
A word on the included cal kit: The "thru" piece desperately needs a knurl! It's hardly possible to properly attach the DUT or cal kit, with only turning the nuts to avoid abrasion on the center contacts.
The double-female "through" piece that comes with the V2 and also V2 plus4 is completely round. Impossible to hold it firmly. I have another SMA cal kit that at least has a knurled "midriff". No proper face for a wrench, but the knurl at least allows holding it firmly.
I missed it this time. I wonder when they restock them.
I was told that they will restock them in about 2 weeks.
Thx Segger JLink should work or?
The double-female "through" piece that comes with the V2 and also V2 plus4 is completely round. Impossible to hold it firmly. I have another SMA cal kit that at least has a knurled "midriff". No proper face for a wrench, but the knurl at least allows holding it firmly.
So you want something like these?
https://www.amazon.com/Female-Barrel-Adapter-Connector-Straight/dp/B00VL6OCE2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=39MR5T1ES7AU5&dchild=1&keywords=sma+female+to+sma+female&qid=1603757580&sprefix=sma+fem%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-3 (https://www.amazon.com/Female-Barrel-Adapter-Connector-Straight/dp/B00VL6OCE2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=39MR5T1ES7AU5&dchild=1&keywords=sma+female+to+sma+female&qid=1603757580&sprefix=sma+fem%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-3)
It looks like Digikey stocks at least one.
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/mueller-electric-co/BU-P72966/9675950 (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/mueller-electric-co/BU-P72966/9675950)
How does the new Nano handle the thru?
Did yours come with the stainless connector/cable? It looked like the standard was blue with gold plate.the steel cable is huber-suhner cable. i keep the blue cable safely for real job. the huber suhner cable is a little bit out of spec so i will torture that first.
The only real problem I saw when putting the plastic case that came with the V2+ together was the switches were not installed flat into the PCB. The would interfere with the holes.mine is aligned quite well. if they are not aligned, you can try turning them around up or down. the enclosure designer is clever enough to make none symetrical notch dimension so its unlikely you can install them wrong, if it should be the other way around, you'll see the notches and holes wont fit. my problem with buttons is they are too closely placed, i have to press with nail. if i press with finger, i'll press 2 buttons simultaneously.
the trick is... be gratefull we got solt kit + good cables included at all, at much much less than $1K of damage... if i want to complaint, then its the open and short butt have same appearance, the open should have a little hole on the butt so we can easily recognize. but well what can i say for something that i (assume) got for basically free.
Also, at $130 the V2plus4 is not "cheap" cheap.super-used old 3GHz HP/Agilent VNA still in range of $2K price tag. the 6GHz version is $3K, if they ever reach $1K range, i will grab one if i have some money saved, i guarantee you this. but that time still not here yet. Deepace KC901V is $2K. so blessed the NanoVNA birth. i agree with you, its not wrong to make suggestion for improvement, what i'm afraid, they will find better option as suggested, but increase the price as a result. if we need better cal kit, we can get from other sources. Kirkby Microwave provides both male and female at $500, guaranteed tracability to whatever HP/Agilent VNA he's using, he also provides respond plots for the kit, each are manually hand tuned and characterized for a week after payment with unique serial number (i guess if he is like me, he will keep data files for each set he's characterising in case customers come back to him due to lost data files). another China option that i searched provides only one gender at $200 with no characterization nor guarantee whatsoever. another is SDR kit etc and others cheaper version, you get what you paid. i tell you, with current world's VNA state, $100 is cheap! cheers.
Did yours come with the stainless connector/cable? It looked like the standard was blue with gold plate.the steel cable is huber-suhner cable. i keep the blue cable safely for real job. the huber suhner cable is a little bit out of spec so i will torture that first.The only real problem I saw when putting the plastic case that came with the V2+ together was the switches were not installed flat into the PCB. The would interfere with the holes.mine is aligned quite well. if they are not aligned, you can try turning them around up or down. the enclosure designer is clever enough to make none symetrical notch dimension so its unlikely you can install them wrong, if it should be the other way around, you'll see the notches and holes wont fit. my problem with buttons is they are too closely placed, i have to press with nail. if i press with finger, i'll press 2 buttons simultaneously.
Also, at $130 the V2plus4 is not "cheap" cheap.super-used old 3GHz HP/Agilent VNA still in range of $2K price tag. the 6GHz version is $3K, if they ever reach $1K range, i will grab one if i have some money saved, i guarantee you this. but that time still not here yet. Deepace KC901V is $2K. so blessed the NanoVNA birth. i agree with you, its not wrong to make suggestion for improvement, what i'm afraid, they will find better option as suggested, but increase the price as a result. if we need better cal kit, we can get from other sources. Kirkby Microwave provides both male and female at $500, guaranteed tracability to whatever HP/Agilent VNA he's using, he also provides respond plots for the kit, each are manually hand tuned and characterized for a week after payment with unique serial number (i guess if he is like me, he will keep data files for each set he's characterising in case customers come back to him due to lost data files). another China option that i searched provides only one gender at $200 with no characterization nor guarantee whatsoever. another is SDR kit etc and others cheaper version, you get what you paid. i tell you, with current world's VNA state, $100 is cheap! cheers.
Not being able to torque a connector at 4GHz, how does that work?up to 6GHz, i can torque with just my bare hand to get consistent result. i have china torque wrench for sma, but i dont find that necessary to use so its just for backup. i think using wrench will put too much torque and wear out the connectors faster thats why i dont like to use it.
Something like this might do the job but I'll need to find one with good enough parameters:thats funny, thats for panel mounting. the one joeqsmith posted in reply #294 is more practical (i have that in stock) and the one came with Kirkby set is more shorter than provided by NanoVNA, full thread across length but has flattened area in the middle to put locking wrench, as in Joe's reply #288.
I plan to run it with the cal kit and cables they included. I'm sure below 1GHz, it will be fine but at > 2GHz, its hard to believe it will put up meaningful data. Not being able to torque a connector at 4GHz, how does that work? I'm guessing it $120 works. Looking forward to hours of fun.
the trick is... be gratefull we got solt kit + good cables included at all, at much much less than $1K of damage... if i want to complaint, then its the open and short butt have same appearance, the open should have a little hole on the butt so we can easily recognize. but well what can i say for something that i (assume) got for basically free.
I'm not "complaining". I'm trying to improve the quality of the product. Attention to detail is a differentiator. Your suggestion about putting a small hole into the "open" standard is another one of those little details. Also, at $130 the V2plus4 is not "cheap" cheap.
Not being able to torque a connector at 4GHz, how does that work?up to 6GHz, i can torque with just my bare hand to get consistent result. i have china torque wrench for sma, but i dont find that necessary to use so its just for backup. i think using wrench will put too much torque and wear out the connectors faster thats why i dont like to use it.
Again, like your comment about hand tightening connectors giving consistent resultsthis is subjective matter. i wont make a reply to your previous query, since it will (usually) make further stir or arguments. if your measurement indicated nonconsistency, then you are free to use other means such as whats suggested by the standard, to use wrench to the specific torque figure. as i said, i thought i've followed the standard torque figure, i'm not sure what was wrong, my china cheap torque or the figure, it was just not up to my expectation, having knowing how much a good CAL kit costs i'm not going to get another one soon again. but that is just me. and the cost for good quality torque wrench is another decision to think about, they are not cheap either.
I didn't notice any papers for the cal kits supplied with mine. Let's assume you found some numbers. While the metrology grade standards I borrowed use a common set of characteristics, you can imagine the machining/assembly tolerances on these are tight enough to support it. Can we say the same for the standards supplied with the Nano?this is the reason why there are CAL kit that cost hundreds or thousands and there are that costs only few dollars or free. can you hope the machining tolerance of CAL kits provided for free with Nano have the same stringent process as those made by Agilent, R&S et al that cost thousands? even with stringent and quality process, CAL kit from brand names will always come with their own unique profile/characteristics/s1p/offset/databased files.
So, does it make sense to attach a $1000 cable to a $120 Nano so you can use your $10,000 standards with it? :-DDimho. the answer is yes. there were discussions in this forum and here and there in the net that i agree with. VNA is just like a blind measurement tool, its just an s-parameter calculator tool with enough peripherals/components/circuits/rig to test a DUT. but it needs sort of a good "boundary condition" to complete the calculation correctly, that is a good and well characterized CAL kit. you may not need to put $1K cabling in there since they will probably be "de-embedded" in the calculation (behind the measurement 's plane) but think of CAL kit that you use during measurement as a "voltage reference" IC in every quality DMM. the more far off the Vref wanders from true value, the more wrong you measurement will be, how much far off is the characterization process we usually found in Vref IC's datasheet figure. the characterization process for CAL kit is its S11 plot/s1p/offset profile. although you can find characterization plot on some choosen CAL kit from SDR web site, but machining process will make different CAL kit's profile will differ to another set by some amount, how much the amount? you need to ask manufacturer, it will be nice and easier if we have the exact character for our own unique set come from factory, no need much "re-compensation" to correct measurement result. unfortunately a well characterized CAL kit is not any closer cheap to a well characterized Vref IC in every Fluke or Gossen DMM. ymmv cheers.
I should have made it clear that my comments of attaching a metrology grade standard to the nano would be the risk of damaging the standard. Using the high grade cable or adapter to act as a buffer between the standard and the nano. Of course that cable or adapter would be at risk.high grade CAL kit may lose its characteristics or metrological grade even when using high grade cable and VNA (see shariar video on KC901V iirc he mentioned it on HP/Agilent CAL kit). can you guess why? i'm guessing... torque wrench, but i'm maybe just kidding myself. otoh by logic, cheap metal should be weaker and softer hence dont grind high grade cal kit/cable/connector as bad, but that logic may not be applicable anyway.
YouTube shut down the video link ?Seems to play here.
with respect to Kirkby kit, the above fixture's "50 ohm Load" is not flat 50 ohm, only good up to few hundreds MHz, similarly to Open and Short Loads.
yes i also have made one or two diy SMA set much earlier. but then, we need some way to verify our diy kit performance with the "real thing". the point of fixture is so i can insert my DUT easily into measurement plane. with this fixture method, i can also see what characteristic trace impedance of my seeedstudio manufactured pcb on cheap substrate. the picture shown is using 2mm trace width. i recently sent latest revision 2.0 of my "VNA Test Plane" pcb using 1mm unmasked trace, it turned out to be "worse" than ver1 (note: "worse" is a subjective term).with respect to Kirkby kit, the above fixture's "50 ohm Load" is not flat 50 ohm, only good up to few hundreds MHz, similarly to Open and Short Loads.Small PCB's are most likely to blame. You would want to consider making SOL kit out of lone connectors as most DIY'ers are doing (https://www.qsl.net/in3otd/electronics/VNA_calkit/SMA_female.html) (pic from suggested page with build info and test results):
i recently sent latest revision 2.0 of my "VNA Test Plane" pcb using 1mm unmasked trace, it turned out to be "worse" than ver1 (note: "worse" is a subjective term).
yes i've read about theories. iirc i used Saturn PCB and other pcb trace impedance calculator to make my pcb. i've made "Transmission Lines" PCB test, 100 ohm in Saturn (0.2mm trace) turned out to be like 73 ohm on real life pcb, 75 ohm (math/theory 0.6mm trace) -> 59 ohm (real life), 50 ohm -> 47 ohm, but then they only good for low frequency application maybe largely due to "adjustable trimpot" used as termination outlined by w2aew in his "figuring out characteristic impedance of coax cable" video. attached is sample of impedance test on 100-50 ohm traces of my earlier "Transmission Lines" PCB test to get the feeling for you of what i'm talking about. or i will need to tweak FR4 substrate dielectric coefficient, or using Roger PCB to get consistent and impedance controlled traces, you can make a survey on what cost they are ;)i recently sent latest revision 2.0 of my "VNA Test Plane" pcb using 1mm unmasked trace, it turned out to be "worse" than ver1 (note: "worse" is a subjective term).Impedance of grounded coplanar waveguide (https://www.microwaves101.com/encyclopedias/coplanar-waveguide) most likely was not 50 Ohms. You can check here (https://chemandy.com/calculators/coplanar-waveguide-with-ground-calculator.htm). Look around internet - you will definitely find decent designs for material (thickness) you use.
To measure PCB trace impedance, better make through fixture for S21 measurements like shown here (https://www.edn.com/pcb-fixtures-improve-component-measurements/).that is to test components like capacitors (shunted to ground), not PCB trace tester, how to shunt a pcb (DUT) on that tester pcb? anyway my KC901V doesnt support S21 impedance analyzer, i'm not sure if NanoVNA has. i also have "through" PCB included in my VNA Test Plane setup above if i want to do such thing. its compatible for both SMA and BNC connectors. i have few like 10 or 20 pcs from previous orders.
Your S11 results show impossible - line impedance wandering between 25 and 200 Ohms. Do you know why? ;)its a combination of line and termination impedance. they are all parasitics and strays that resulted varying impedance across frequencies. reflection due to 50 ohm mismatch is one of the thing.
that is to test components like capacitors (shunted to ground), not PCB trace tester, how to shunt a pcb (DUT) on that tester pcb?
Measure another thru trace of same design on same panel, made specially for purpose of impedance control - as most RF engineers do.RF engineers use another type of VNA for verification, not like NanoVNA nor KC901V... ie full 2 port VNA.. thats why their e-cal is connected to both VNA ports during CAL (there is switching inside e-cal). NanoVNA, Deepace and any other cheap VNA only require CAL on port 1 (ch0), port 2 (ch1) cant be CAL'ed the same way as full 2 port VNA. they the RF engineers have different workflow. afaik there is no way to measure trace impedance using S21 method (only can measure gain/loss and phase/delay), without terminating it properly and probing reflection from it. on cheap VNA, only S11 can do that afaik. or do you have any reference that state specifically exactly this? (measuring trace impedance from S21) or at least can you demonstrate how to do that on NanoVNA?
Can one connect two NanoVNAs together to obtain a full two-port VNA?
Can one connect two NanoVNAs together to obtain a full two-port VNA?the units need to be in synched, otherwise i dont see it how. while conversing with odgen, i found a diy full 2 port 6GHz VNA site from 2 years ago... http://www.yl3akb.lv/content/vna_v2/vna_v2.php (http://www.yl3akb.lv/content/vna_v2/vna_v2.php) i'm not sure why the guy didnt pursue it (no update) its promising. with OwO roadmap of not-full 2 port 6GHz is ahead, i guess full 2 port version will take another years. but... we learnt to deal on how to get S12 and S22, just turn the DUT over, ie its output that once connected to P2 is now connected to P1 vice versa. the more we dig into this, the more we realize there a lot more "s-parameters goodies" we are missing, such as the S21 impedance analyzer, and transmission line Zc plotter (see below)...
Yes you are right. No S21. I just have been told that one end of 2-port test strip you attacht VNA, but another - to 50 Ohm cal standard...i figured this method while i started to collect few "better" quality coax cable such as Huber Suhner, Gore and China semi rigid coax. starting from here Performance of China 50 ohm Coaxial Cable (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/performance-of-china-50-ohm-coaxial-cable/?topicscreen) it maybe not so obvious how i did it, or maybe you all know it already. i was happy go lucky using some hunglow coax cable that later i figured out as crappy (wobbling as you can see in my plots above) it is usefull though if operating frequency is carefully selected when crossing the desired impedance. i didnt find on how to test coax or stripline's Zc in definitive and easy way without extensive math matrix. so i have to find my own "subjective" way (good coax or stripline will have flatter plot close to its Zc when terminated with its Zc (characteristic impedance)) but searching again, i found the method, but still it requires math in this post by Bud...
i found a diy full 2 port 6GHz VNA site from 2 years ago... http://www.yl3akb.lv/content/vna_v2/vna_v2.php (http://www.yl3akb.lv/content/vna_v2/vna_v2.php) i'm not sure why the guy didnt pursue it (no update) its promising.Yes, very promising project. When you sum it all up - you will see that BOM alone exceeds pain treshold of DIY and enthusiast buyers, approaching level of commercial low end tools. Cost is always cooling factor for project/idea to become insanely popular (speculation).
Looks like the 4" is back in stock.
Before I pull the trigger on this, is there anything I should know? Is a new rev due out soon? Are there known hardware issues (less concerned about software if it will get fixed and I can update the firmware) which I should wait on getting resolved before I buy, etc?
what is the maximum input dbm on the v2.2 board?
Looks like the 4" is back in stock.
Before I pull the trigger on this, is there anything I should know? Is a new rev due out soon? Are there known hardware issues (less concerned about software if it will get fixed and I can update the firmware) which I should wait on getting resolved before I buy, etc?
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/nanovna-custom-software/msg3329742/#msg3329742 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/nanovna-custom-software/msg3329742/#msg3329742)
I have to confess, my immediate need is checking an aviation (118-136MHz) antenna. I love having toys, and being able to say: "Hey, I've got a 2 port 4 GHz VNA!" is good bragging rights (without mentioning its $30/60/120). But I don't routinely build RF circuits, and other than perhaps characterizing components for self-resonant frequency, I'm not sure what I'd do with it.
...
I think its possible to use relays to extend the functionality of a two port VNA to make an effective four port VNA too. (Or so I read in QEX a while ago)
Joe, the same relays are used as the tiny low voltage Omron ones you use in your switch box.
I have to confess, my immediate need is checking an aviation (118-136MHz) antenna. I love having toys, and being able to say: "Hey, I've got a 2 port 4 GHz VNA!" is good bragging rights (without mentioning its $30/60/120). But I don't routinely build RF circuits, and other than perhaps characterizing components for self-resonant frequency, I'm not sure what I'd do with it.
:-+
I think the thing to do is just stay in the forums and claim you are a EE with 40 years of RF design experience and claim you personally own, say a mill in new TE. That's the cheapest way out. :-DD
The Nano has a single receiver and can't measure all four S-parameters. You really need something better. That and the Nano is so cheap, all your friends will already have one. Your goal should be to one up them!
I saved some pictures of people who have set up some really nice non-functioning labs for show. That may be another option. Buy everything damaged and set it all up so it looks nice. Maybe have a cheap scope you can turn on if people come over. Maybe get some cheap unfinished projects on eBay to place on the bench to make it look more real. Costs a little more but for some real bragging rights, seems effective. :-DD
I would say, forget the bragging rights, find that original Nano and learn how to use it. If you are working below 300MHz, it can throw up some very impressive data. If you want to brag, brag about how much you have learned from using the Nano.
I have to confess, my immediate need is checking an aviation (118-136MHz) antenna. I love having toys, and being able to say: "Hey, I've got a 2 port 4 GHz VNA!" is good bragging rights (without mentioning its $30/60/120). But I don't routinely build RF circuits, and other than perhaps characterizing components for self-resonant frequency, I'm not sure what I'd do with it.
:-+
I think the thing to do is just stay in the forums and claim you are a EE with 40 years of RF design experience and claim you personally own, say a mill in new TE. That's the cheapest way out. :-DD
The Nano has a single receiver and can't measure all four S-parameters. You really need something better. That and the Nano is so cheap, all your friends will already have one. Your goal should be to one up them!
I saved some pictures of people who have set up some really nice non-functioning labs for show. That may be another option. Buy everything damaged and set it all up so it looks nice. Maybe have a cheap scope you can turn on if people come over. Maybe get some cheap unfinished projects on eBay to place on the bench to make it look more real. Costs a little more but for some real bragging rights, seems effective. :-DD
I would say, forget the bragging rights, find that original Nano and learn how to use it. If you are working below 300MHz, it can throw up some very impressive data. If you want to brag, brag about how much you have learned from using the Nano.
I'm an EE with 20+ years of IC design experience. Also an Extra Class ham who hasn't touched a ham radio in a decade, maybe longer... but fairly limited RF experience.
The idea is that by reversing the two ports available with the very minimal differences possible, all four sets of S-parameters of a DUT become measurable....
I think its possible to use relays to extend the functionality of a two port VNA to make an effective four port VNA too. (Or so I read in QEX a while ago)
Joe, the same relays are used as the tiny low voltage Omron ones you use in your switch box.
I think those were $10-$20 each. They work alright but the isolation was poor. I have an old Transco relay that I made up a really crappy DC-DC to drive it from the USB port. My software supports it. I plan to mount that along with a couple of bias-t's and maybe a decent step attenuator. But then I think, I should really add some mixers and some better couplers and maybe a wide band amp...... :-DD Reality always steps in.
I've been meaning to try something like this, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I picked up an old HP 8711 K02 switching test set for that purpose, which is a essentially just a box with 4 N-connectors on the front and a couple of high-isolation RF relays inside. It's a big 19'' unit, so maybe not the most practical NanoVNA accessory, but it was cheaper than buying the relays separately (and as a bonus has two of those unobtainium HP probe power connectors as well).
The normal NanoVNA software doesn't support this measurement mode of course, but scikit-rf will do the 2-port corrections just fine.
The accuracy may be limited (apart from the switch repetability) by the unusal NanoVNA v2 architecture. The usual error model assumes that the load match on port 2 is the same for reflection and transmission measurements. But because there is only one receiver that is switched in for R and T measurements, this will not be the case, so the error correction will not be complete. It remains to be seen how bad this is in practice.
The author of the article uses a shielded box partition with a wall between them for isolation, so it could easily double the size of the nanoVNA, so the idea of an external add on for bench use makes more sense I think. See the second graphic below.
This would be a useful add on for the many of us with these small VNAs.
It could also be incorporated into a nanoVNA case. If it was permanently there, it would make sense to calibrate the vna for its presence permanently and add its presence to the FW. People could plug the calibration into the routines. Not very difficult. That would eliminate another source of error.The idea is that by reversing the two ports available with the very minimal differences possible, all four sets of S-parameters of a DUT become measurable....
I think its possible to use relays to extend the functionality of a two port VNA to make an effective four port VNA too. (Or so I read in QEX a while ago)
Joe, the same relays are used as the tiny low voltage Omron ones you use in your switch box.
I think those were $10-$20 each. They work alright but the isolation was poor. I have an old Transco relay that I made up a really crappy DC-DC to drive it from the USB port. My software supports it. I plan to mount that along with a couple of bias-t's and maybe a decent step attenuator. But then I think, I should really add some mixers and some better couplers and maybe a wide band amp...... :-DD Reality always steps in.
(Thats what I meant by "four port" - I meant that the more VNA functionality is exploitable).
....
There is a 3.3v version of the Omron relays.
I think its possible to use relays to extend the functionality of a two port VNA to make an effective four port VNA too. (Or so I read in QEX a while ago)
The idea is that by reversing the two ports available with the very minimal differences possible, all four sets of S-parameters of a DUT become measurable.to measure all four sets of s-parm, you need full 2-ports VNA (to generate full s2p file), NanoVNA is not full 2-port.. is called TRL VNA iirc... ie cant measure S22 and S12 directly.. for such architecture like Nano, you'll need a s-parm test set as you mentioned using relays to switch DUT's port automatically between port 1 and 2 to enable TRL VNA type to measure full 4 s-parm. but FW need to support it, unfortunately NanoVNA's FW doesnt. so you need to switch relays manually, or unwrench-rotate dut-wrench manually, save s1ps manually, and then photoshop the s1p -> s2p manually. 4-port or more VNA (s4p s5p ... ) is far far away from our league, and see very little to no usage in hobby arena, which usually dealt with making antenna (1 port device) or filter (2 port, only forward gain (S21) is relevant).
If I could afford a 4-port or more, I think I would also invest in an ecal for it. The only time I have thought it may have been nice for home use was to look at some home made mixers and couplers. There was a 3-port 8753 for sale a while back with the test set built in. I've never seen one. They were asking around $5K. Sold fairly quickly.
If you wanted to use a transfer relay with the Nano, I would expect you could use a PC to drive it. No real need for firmware changes but the software would need to support it. Maybe the newer opensource software does.
To measure PCB trace impedance, better make through fixture for S21 measurements like shown here (https://www.edn.com/pcb-fixtures-improve-component-measurements/). Your S11 results show impossible - line impedance wandering between 25 and 200 Ohms. Do you know why? ;)
The only real problem I saw when putting the plastic case that came with the V2+ together was the switches were not installed flat into the PCB. The would interfere with the holes. Quick touch of the iron. Worse part is having to align the spacers when placing the covers. They tend to move. Extra spacers and screw were included. I suspect people would loose them. I left off the rubber O-ring.
Flipper had printed a case for my original Nano. I added a slot for the development connector.
To measure PCB trace impedance, better make through fixture for S21 measurements like shown here (https://www.edn.com/pcb-fixtures-improve-component-measurements/). Your S11 results show impossible - line impedance wandering between 25 and 200 Ohms. Do you know why? ;)
It's easier to use S11 for measuring impedance than to use S21. I have some of those PCBs shown in your link,and they aren't 50 ohms. They're close enough for many uses < 2 GHz, but I wouldn't use them for characterizing components.
If I could afford a 4-port or more, I think I would also invest in an ecal for it. The only time I have thought it may have been nice for home use was to look at some home made mixers and couplers. There was a 3-port 8753 for sale a while back with the test set built in. I've never seen one. They were asking around $5K. Sold fairly quickly.
If you wanted to use a transfer relay with the Nano, I would expect you could use a PC to drive it. No real need for firmware changes but the software would need to support it. Maybe the newer opensource software does.
I have a NanoVNA v2.2 with 2.8 inch screen size, can I buy a 4 inch TFT LCD for the NanoVNA and use it? after upgrading can I use the tact buttons?
I have a NanoVNA v2.2 with 2.8 inch screen size, can I buy a 4 inch TFT LCD for the NanoVNA and use it? after upgrading can I use the tact buttons?
I have designed a case for the NanoVNA V2. It has space for a 18650 cell, stores the stylus and has a lanyard attachment point. It is held together with 4 2.5mm countersunk screws on the bottom. Enjoy!
Edit: I just learnt that the 4 LED's on the bottom show the state of charge. Easiest would be to print the case (or at least the bottom half) out of translucent plastic. Another alternative may be to drill some holes into the side. Let's see what else we can come up with?
I've got something wanky going on with my NanoVNA S-A-A-2 when I plug in a USB cable. Picture noUSB.JPG shows a highpass filter. When I plug in the USB cable (usb.JPG) there is a thing going on at 3.88 GHz. Without USB connected, and doing a good cal, measurements seem to correlate with my HP VNAs. If I could read the data, then I could show you how well they correlate, but I can't. I just got this thing, and I find it frustrating that I can't make a measurement, then plug in a USB and read the data. It reads the uncorrected data. Why, why, why? |O The software that's written (all that I've seen) want you to set up the measurement with the software if you want to save the data. But plugging in a USB adds crap to the unit's operation (at least mine, with this computer).
...
Its always best to save the raw data in its original form, otherwise various rounding errors, and approximations add up.
My understanding is that the USB data are generally not subject to the calibration which was done in the firmware, but a PC appplication has to handle all the calibration stuff itself at application level. Both, the NanoVNA Saver and the NanoVNA-Qt app obviously do that. I.e. you calibrate in the application, and then you do the measurements in the application, and the error terms calculated by the application are not shared with the fimware (and vice versa).
EDIT: My NanoVNA even reboots quite frequenty upon connecting/disconnecting USB while the NanoVNA is turned.
I've got something wanky going on with my NanoVNA S-A-A-2 when I plug in a USB cable. Picture noUSB.JPG shows a highpass filter. When I plug in the USB cable (usb.JPG) there is a thing going on at 3.88 GHz. Without USB connected, and doing a good cal, measurements seem to correlate with my HP VNAs. If I could read the data, then I could show you how well they correlate, but I can't. I just got this thing, and I find it frustrating that I can't make a measurement, then plug in a USB and read the data. It reads the uncorrected data. Why, why, why? |O The software that's written (all that I've seen) want you to set up the measurement with the software if you want to save the data. But plugging in a USB adds crap to the unit's operation (at least mine, with this computer).
ask user @joeeqsmith , he is working on custom labview compatible software for the nanovna2. Chances are he's dealt with the exact same problem you have.
...
Its always best to save the raw data in its original form, otherwise various rounding errors, and approximations add up.
Normally in a measurement instrument, what is displayed is corrected data, and that is what you record. I don't know of any of my instruments (power meters, spectrum analyzers, VNAs, DMMs, vector signal analyzers, modulation analyzer, oscilloscopes) for which I'm interested in reading and saving uncorrected data. I'm disappointed that I can't get to the corrected data that I see on the NanoVNA display, and that if I plug in USB to use one of the software tools I see issues with USB interference. It is going to take some work (either hardware or software) to be able to save good corrected NanoVNA data. Right now I can't (without having USB interference).
In the case of the V2Plus/4 once you connect to the USB port, everything is uncorrected. It's up to the software to do the heavy lifting. At that time, the display, buttons, touchscreen are all disabled. Your S-A-A-2 sounds more like the original NanoVNA I have. The peripherals all remain enabled and you can send corrected data if you want.
On Linux there is a permission problem with ttyACM0:
$ ls -l /dev/ttyACM0
crw-rw---- 1 root dialout 166, 0 Mär 22 23:59 /dev/ttyACM0
So in order to get access to the USB serial port, your user ID needs to belong to the group dialout (or you need to run NanoVNA-Saver/NanoVNA-QT as root).
Alternatively, it were certainly possible to configure some udev rules which assign 0666 permissions to /dev/ttyACM0, but I did not spend time to figure out how to do that exactly.
On Linux there is a permission problem with ttyACM0:
$ ls -l /dev/ttyACM0
crw-rw---- 1 root dialout 166, 0 Mär 22 23:59 /dev/ttyACM0
So in order to get access to the USB serial port, your user ID needs to belong to the group dialout (or you need to run NanoVNA-Saver/NanoVNA-QT as root).
Alternatively, it were certainly possible to configure some udev rules which assign 0666 permissions to /dev/ttyACM0, but I did not spend time to figure out how to do that exactly.
Stay away from udev rules if you can. The simple way, is to edit /etc/group (as root) and add your user name to the dialout line:
dialout:x:20:dougg
The terminal you are in then needs to be restarted to pick that up. The "id" command will show the groups that the current user belongs to.
Many user access to devices issues can be fixed with this technique.
... That last sentence makes me wonder, how do you plan to save data from the S-A-A-2 without using USB? ...
An easy and informative way to save captured data quickly is to just take a screenshot of the appropriate output.
An easy and informative way to save captured data quickly is to just take a screenshot of the appropriate output.
So far, I did not pay attention to nanovna.py (https://github.com/nanovna-v2/NanoVNA-V2-firmware/tree/master/python). Playing around with this script I noticed that it is possible to grab screenshots from the NanoVNA over USB (nanovna.py -C screenshot.png), without entering USB measurement mode (where the display turns black, and buttons and touchscreen are disabled).
static void cmdRegisterWrite(int address) {
if(address == 0xee) {
usbCaptureMode = true;
#pragma pack(push, 1)
constexpr struct {
uint16_t width;
uint16_t height;
uint8_t pixelFormat;
} meta = { LCD_WIDTH, LCD_HEIGHT, 16 };
#pragma pack(pop)
serial.print((char*) &meta, sizeof(meta));
// use uint16_t ili9341_spi_buffers for read buffer
static_assert(meta.width * 2 <= sizeof(ili9341_spi_buffers));
for (int y=0; y < meta.height; y+=1){
ili9341_read_memory(0, y, meta.width, 1, ili9341_spi_buffers);
serial.print((char*) ili9341_spi_buffers, meta.width * 2 * 1);
}
usbCaptureMode = false;
return;
}
[...]