Products > Test Equipment

nanoVNA vs SVA1015X VNA (Need entry level VNA)

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nctnico:

--- Quote from: joeqsmith on August 23, 2022, 05:01:08 pm ---
--- Quote from: nctnico on August 23, 2022, 04:48:24 pm ---
--- Quote from: spacehen on August 23, 2022, 12:34:38 pm ---
LibreVNA also looks like a neat product

--- End quote ---
Why not try that one first? From what I've read so far in this thread and other information, it seems to be the best option in your budget range.

--- End quote ---

Cost is about $600.  Another member had posted about the software not being stable and hanging.  I assume you own one or you would not be recommending it.  Are you seeing similar problems with yours hanging and could maybe provide some additional insight?

--- End quote ---
I don't own one but would like to try one for sure. For me it would replace two seperate pieces of equipment and add several capabilities. From where I stand it look likes it has the best bang per buck. Software hanging can have all kinds of causes like a dodgy computer or bad USB ports. The software is also updated regulary so maybe the problems have been fixed already. No reason to discard it off the bat. That is why I wrote: try that one first!

spacehen:

--- Quote from: nctnico on August 23, 2022, 04:48:24 pm ---
--- Quote from: spacehen on August 23, 2022, 12:34:38 pm ---
LibreVNA also looks like a neat product

--- End quote ---
Why not try that one first? From what I've read so far in this thread and other information, it seems to be the best option in your budget range.

--- End quote ---

I am definitely interested in purchasing a LibreVNA, I've received some good feedback by some users of the product. By the way I was also looking at several other low cost USB based VNA's too such as the miniVNA http://miniradiosolutions.com/54-2/ and the pocketVNA https://pocketvna.com/. You see the only concern I have with the LibreVNA is that it seems more like a "hobby" project (it also has issues such as crashing, overheating apparently), i.e not backed by a professional test equipment brand name and I am looking for a professional tool to add to my bench (I understand this is difficult at a low price point). I could of course be completely naive here and I've heard that the LibreVNA performs on the same level if not better than the SVA1015X from Siglent but most of the comments here are leaning towards the LibreVNA.

Will I be able to measure the input impedance of a simple quarterwave antenna with the LibreVNA for example?

Also are there any good reviews for this product (LibreVNA)?



nctnico:
I suspect the LibreVNA has no problem measuring your antenna; that is not a super difficult task for any VNA. Most of the differences are in useability.

If you want a professional tool, then look on the used market. Recently I bought a JDSU (Viavi) 745A that is a spectrum analyser and VNA in one but has a seperate VNA and spectrum analyser modules. Viavi may not be well known but this is a huge telecom test equipment company.

joeqsmith:
I watched all the reviews I could find for the LibreVNA early on.  All of them that I saw were your typical unboxing 5 star reviews.   I never came across one were the reviewer would lead me to think they knew anything more than how to use a knife to open the box.    Nothing against the product itself. 


--- Quote from: nctnico on August 23, 2022, 05:55:47 pm ---If you want a professional tool, then look on the used market.
--- End quote ---

I agree, which is why my home lab looks like a museum.   I would also add that if you go with used, consider making the sale contingent on having the VNA sent to the manufacture for a full inspection.   Maybe the seller pays to have it returned if their are problems, maybe share the costs of repairs.   Keeping in mind that these shipping/checkout/repair costs may far exceed the price of these low cost VNAs.   Which is why I suggest you make sure you understand what you need before buying anything.   

tomud:
LibreVNA, as I have probably mentioned, is not an ideal product.

However, at this price point, it's hard to find any good VNAs. If you only care about antennas, you can easily try the cheaper LiteVNA recommended here. If you are thinking about something more and need more dynamics (e.g. filter measurements) I would choose LibreVNA.

The Siglent SVA is a nice product, but the VNA as I wrote is just an addition to the spectrum analyzer and does not have great parameters.

Personally, I bought a Siglenta SSA3021X Plus without even thinking about the VNA, it turned out that I can easily convert it to SVA1032X by changing the firmware - so at this price I cannot say a bad word about this equipment.

The sad truth is that you have to pay a lot of money for a good VNA (even a used one).

I think a bit about the Siglet SNA5000 myself, but I will wait for more opinions about this equipment. Probably at a similar price I will look for other solutions in the future (although I am afraid of buying expensive used equipment online - it's easy to be deceived and buy faulty equipment). I have already bought a damaged HP spectrum analyzer (it was supposed to be operational), after thorough tests it turned out to be damaged  |O. On the other hand, the cost of parts on e-bay is so high that it doesn't pay to repair it. Maybe someday I will find a similar one at a low price to take apart and I will be able to run it  :-//

So if you only care about antennas, I think you can trust joeqsmith's opinion and see how LiteVNA works (especially since it's a small expense). Watching Brymen 869s multimeter tests on Joeqsmith Youtube channel I decided to buy this meter and I am very pleased. So I think you can rely on his opinion on LiteVNA.

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