What Cal Kit should I get

[CrazyTiger]

I managed to get myself a fully working and tested, R&S ZNB8 VNA and a R&S ZVR. Over the last year, I managed to get from EvilBay R&S ZV-Z30 (3.5mm Cal Kit) and Maury BNC Cal Kit. The ZV-Z30 did come with a floppy with the cal files. The Maury Cal Kit however did not come with anything, it came pretty dinged up.

Now I am looking for N type cal kit. This time around I am seeking for something new. I have come across few Chinese manufacturer making cal kits equivalent to Keysight 85032F. It turns out most of these Chinese Cal kits are more or less made by the same manufacturer.

https://siglentna.com/product/f504ts-male-female-9-ghz-n-type-vna-calibration-kit/
https://www.salukitec.com/sckcl09-n-mechanical-calibration-kit/ (1050 USD)
https://www.ugwave.com/562.html (900 USD)

The saluki and ugwave specs are exactly same. UGwave is about 100usd cheaper.
I have also considered getting an used 85032F, based on my personal observation with both the kits I purchased used, i never know what kind of abuse it has taken. I have seen total change of characteristic of open and short standard if its dropped, they will look pristine from the outside however.

Any other cal kit I should consider?
Anyone ever bought these Chinese cal kit?

[tautech]

Will you be using all N type cabling ?
Many use the much more convenient SMA cabling and Cal at its termination nulling all cable and adapter effects.

I went through this exercise and only ended up purchasing the F603FE Female 4.5 GHz 3.5 mm type VNA calibration kit for my somewhat basic needs.

[CrazyTiger]

Will you be using all N type cabling ?
Many use the much more convenient SMA cabling and Cal at its termination nulling all cable and adapter effects.

I went through this exercise and only ended up purchasing the F603FE Female 4.5 GHz 3.5 mm type VNA calibration kit for my somewhat basic needs.

Yes, I will be using N connectors. Will be using it to characterize lots of cavity filters and couplers with N connector. What's your opinion on the F603FE?
Another contender I am thinking is Dr. Kirkby's Cal Kit

https://www.kirkbymicrowave.co.uk/Sales-and-Services/Vector-network-analyzer-calibration-kits/N-calibration-kit/

Its limited by 6GHz Load, dropped him an email sometime ago requesting 18Ghz variant/9Ghz, no news till date.

[tautech]

What's your opinion on the F603FE?

It suits my needs to its rated 4.5 GHz but push it higher and flatness is not so good. (SNA5014A)
Comes in a sound wood box without a torque wrench however the more expensive kits do.
Not 100% sure but think these might be of Rosenberger origin as they do make some cable assemblies for Siglent.
Eg. https://siglentna.com/product/nm-smam-cable100cm18-ghz/
 
At one time we didn't have definitions for Cal kits and they are still only generalised for each type.
https://siglentna.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2023/08/Mechanical-Calibration-Kit-Datasheet_EN01A-.pdf
P9&10