NanoVNA-H4 Made Easy - HAM Radio - TheSmokinApe 

Thanks for the info!

It’s too difficult to think and understand before clicking everything without any idea how it works and what it means.

Thanks YSB, glad the video was helpful 👍

Ain't that the truth brother I just turned mine on Sunday night. Intimidating for sure.

Thanks Vince, glad you liked it!

Glad you think so!

Unfortunately a bad cable can slip through, glad you got it worked out 👍

Thanks man, glad it was helpful 👍

Thanks man, glad you liked it 👍

Thanks for checking out the video William 👍

That’s a really good point, thanks man 👍

I have a question would it be possible to measure if there's a static charge out of curiosity? I'm assuming it would be ac voltage? Just curious.

Thanks for watching, glad it was helpful 👍

Awesome, good luck with it 👍

Hey Andy, I like these little devices and all the tips and tricks that folks have been sharing. Thanks for watching 👍

Awesome Matt, good luck with it 👍

I saw that but haven't tried yet, thanks for the info!

Thanks Brandon, glad you liked it 👍

Glad it helped!

Hey Kyle, The open has a small hole in the center or the cap while the short has a pin. The load is the silver standard. When you do the calibration you have 5 memories tilted "save 0" through "save 4". When you recall a saved calibration you use "recall 0" through "recall 4". The wider the spectrum in the calibration the more granularity you looks as the calibration only contains so many data points. I'd recommend you do them for; 80-60, 40-20 and 17-6. that will leave you with two for specific bands you are working.

Thanks Barry!

Glad it was helpful. WHen I got mine there wasn't really any videos out there and being honest it was super confusing and even a bit intimidating.

@@TheSmokinApe Pretty confusing at first until you figure out what not to do. After playing with it once it’s really fairly simple to use

Thanks Charles, glad you liked it!

Hey DeWayne, glad you like the VNA and that the video helped. Thanks for watching!

Thanks for the sub Ron, and glad someone was there to get you sorted out 👍

Thanks for the feedback EJ 👍

Agree, no offense, just focus camera at focal point and turn off auto focus. Good to go after that.

Glad it was helpful, good luck with the Dipole Carey 👍

I calibrate mine with each use unless I have that particular calibration saved to one of the memories. The more narrow your sweep / calibration the more accurate the device will be.

That's helpful feedback, thanks!

It is possible but I am not well versed on the process, I do have a playlist showing them in action though. Thanks for watching the video Eric!

bob fourjs glad you liked it, hope it’s helpful 👍

@@TheSmokinApe Helps a lot thanks very much.

Glad it was helpful Gerald.

Haha, thanks for watching 👍

I think mine has a blue light when charging and it typically chargers pretty fast, about 2 hours?

@@TheSmokinApe When the switch is off and device connected to USB or brick the light doesn’t appear to blink, so perhaps it arrived with a full charge. I’ll keep an eye on it. Thank you.

@@TheSmokinApe I found the problem - I was using the supplied USB type A to USB type C cable and with that the device was not charging. I tried a USB type C to USB type C cable, and problem solved. It's now taking a charge, which is a good thing as it's a pretty awesome little device.

@@KC0TLV glad it’s working out 👍

@@KC0TLV I have exactly the same question and couldn't find a straight answer. MIne too will not show blue unless it is turned on when connected to power. When off it is solid red not matter if I use USB type A/C or USB C/C on a computer or USB C/C with an Iphone brick. Does your's now blink when charging with the included USB C/C cable? What device do you use to charge with. I could not find any documention on what V/A is required to charge the battery on board.

Stick with it, these are great for amateur radio 👍

@@TheSmokinApe Welp, on Saturday I used the nanoVNA to tune my 10m vertical dipole antenna by using the swr bandsweep you showed. I cut two inches off each side and got no higher than 1.3:1 in the tech portion of the band! Didn't have to use the tuner anymore. Pretty excited about that. I worked Japan from California with 5 watts on FT8 right when the band was crashing. Got a bunch of other DX too. I'm wondering how much my yaesu ft-891 will handle with FT8 considering its a higher duty cycle mode. The radio should be able to handle 100watts ssb no problem though I'm limited by my battery to 50watts.

@@youtubeaccount931 you should be able to do 50w and even 100w digital with that radio 👍

@@TheSmokinApe oh ok good and thanks for the reply. Everything I was reading talks about overheating and keeping the output power down to 30-40 watts

@@youtubeaccount931 play around and experiment with your gear, you will figure out what works best 👍

Awesome, glad it was helpful Martin 👍

Glad you liked it 👍

Hey Harold. I would do 10% because the 17m band is pretty small, you might need to expand further. To the left is too long and to the right is too short, best of luck on the build 👍

You really can’t use it that way, you best bet would be to get the TinySA Ultra, I have a few videos on it 👍

You can do either but understand that your test plane starts from the point of calibration. I calibrate with each use or after a change in frequency. If you always test the same frequency sweep you can save and recall a calibration if necessary 👍

@@TheSmokinApe Can I save and recall different segments of the HF band?

I'm trying to setup my new Wolf River Coils antenna.

Yes, you can save them as part of the calibration. Good luck with the WRC!

Hey Louis. You can sweep all three bands at the same time but are limited to the same number of data points. If you sweep each band individually you can get more accurate data.

Great show! You always have great info on the unusual topics, ie the more complex stuff that most won't tackle. LOL I wasn't sure if the antenna would allow the VNA to sweep each band individually. I wanted to get more detail. I found that the SWR on 20 meters is over 8, but below 9. I have to see if its a matter of adjusting the wire length, or if it is the way I have it set up in the attic. I did not have enough horizontal length, so I angled it at 90 degrees down the walls at a downward angle. That may be part of the high SWR issue, but I am not sure. Never messed with a dipole before, but the HOA is a royal pain, so I have to find a way to make it work for winter use. Right now I have an MFJ TriMag on the roof of my Durango, the Durango is parked next to my garage, and I am running the coax under the garage door, and into my 7300. I just got my Gen License back on August 30th, so I both new and clueless with regards to the dipole. I am getting out with those Shark Whips, but the snow becomes an issue whent I want to change bands! LOL KK7AAG Louis

The have the H, H4 and the v2 over there these days. Without a pic I can’t saw which but when it powers up it should tell you. I should have a patreon up in a few weeks, thanks man 👍

@@TheSmokinApe This has got to be the H series. I will look at boot-up info again. Making a step-by-step guide now, based on your video. Looking forward to supplying some $ for channel support!!! Mike, N3JW

👍

Hey N3JW, just wanted to let you know the Patreon went live: www.patreon.com/TheSmokinApe

It does have the ability to save and recall calibrations.

Congrats on the purchase, hope it works out for you 👍

@@TheSmokinApe your other video on software set up for it was awesome.

Glad you liked it, that software is handy 👍

@@TheSmokinApe so I am getting H4 now after getting the 3 inch. I can see it, but I will enjoy the bigger one. This thing is awesome. The usb C -usb C cable plugs great into my pixel 3a to use software on my phone.

Awesome, hope you like it

Your best bet is to set the stimulus, calibrate and then save that to memory slot 👍

The Nano will come with two short jumpers about 6” long 👍

Make sure you have the correct trace and format selected, also make sure you are calibrated correctly and connected to the right port. These things can be confusing at first.

@@TheSmokinApe, thanks for your reply, yes followed all the recommended settings and calibration procedures, got that covered but still no readings. Could it be that I wiped out the program when I accidently pressed the "reset" in the config tab?

@@KarlheinzOhm reset erases the calibration

Thanks for the bump!

You can use it just fine as a stand along device 👍

@@TheSmokinApe Thank You for your help

Good luck with it 👍

Use the NanoVNA to sweep a range of frequencies that include 137Mhz and they will let you know.

I don't, I supposed you could reflash the firmware.

Hey Brent. I'm not sure about a case my backpack has a pocket it fits into perfectly. My best guess would be to check Amazon or ebay.

@@TheSmokinApe Thanks for the reply. I will have to figure out some pockets and sandwich bags to carry this nanoVNA in. I have looked on amazon and my search parameters need work. I get too many suggestions from amazon (don’t you love it when these systems try to be so helpful - haha).

This explains it better than I can: noji.com/hamradio/pdf-ppt/noji/Noji-Article-NanoVNA-Coax-Length.pdf

C0 C1 C2 C3 C4 : Each indicates that the corresponding calibration data is loaded. c0 c1 c2 c3 c4 : Each indicates that the corresponding number of calibration data is loaded, but the frequency range has been changed after loading, indicating that the error correction is using complement. D : Indicates that directivity error correction is applied R : refrection tracking Indicates that error correction is applied S : source match Indicates that error correction is applied T : transmission tracking Indicates that error correction is applied X : indicates that isolation (crosstalk) error correction is applied

@@TheSmokinApe I have a Red Pa letters also

Sorry Byron, I missed that. P - power level used on calibration. Px is for Calibrate-power a - auto, power level depend from frequency at measure point. If after calibration change output power, Px text show as red This is due to bug in that version X text rewrite by Px (power level)

It’s best to set the frequencies first, you can save the calibration to be recalled later 👍

Hey Len, I use it with NanoVNA-Saver, I have a video on it 👍

Nah, just buy a decent antenna for 2m/70cm and you will be fine 👍

@@TheSmokinApe what antenna would you recommend starting with?

What radio are you using? I really like the Ed Fong db2 roll up j-pole.

@@TheSmokinApe A superior antenna that is easy to set up and take down.

@@TheSmokinApe I have a baofeng bf-f8hp and an anytone 878 is on its way to my door

75:50 would be a 1.5:1 SWR, which is manageable. Are you feeding these yagi's with 50 ohm coax? I'm sure the radio is expecting 50 ohm and the jack.

@@TheSmokinApe I am using 75 ohm on the yagi’s since I don’t transmit on them, they are receive only. I have a 250’ spool of beldin high quality 75ohm coax I’ve had for a while and it’s pretty low loss coax. I just didn’t know if the wire being 75 ohm would make much difference when measuring swr with this nanovna.

You we see a 1.5:1 match which shouldn't make a bit of difference on a RX only antenna, good luck with the project!

@@TheSmokinApe i always thought an antenna or yagi would receive a signal better if its tuned close as possible to the target frequency you are trying to receive. I made a yagi to receive ATCS frequency 897.9375 and it does ok but im not sure how close it is to being on that frequency. I used a yagi calculator to build the antenna and i was going to put it on this nanovna just to see how close it is to frequency. I used the rg6 75 ohm instead of rg-8x cause the rg6 has lower signal loss at that high of frequency (to my understanding that is). thanks for the answers

Mine blinks red while charging, solid red when done.

Yes

The TinySA is the tool for the job 👍

I’ll see if I can find one 👍

It was an older Logitech, I do not have it any longer so I am unsure of the model number.

Hey CB, it's because you use two cables for through measurements 👍

Not sure about that one...

Before you set and save your calibration, use the stimulus feature to send the NanoVNA to cover the 11m band.

Thanks Don, take care 👍

Try calibrating with the standard from the first VNA, it could be a bad standard 👍

Tnx... Already done that. Seems like a faulty vna, so sending it back to the shop for a refund. Tnx agn..

Hey Nathan. The is the setting for SCALE / DIV, you can adjust this for the active trace by going to DISPLAY > SCALE / DIV. Hope that helps...

Hey John, there are some nuances to measuring HT antennas as the manufacturers claim that in their tests the HT is supposed to be held. These will measure any HT antenna as well as any other meter.

@@TheSmokinApe Thanks!

It can, just set the span before you calibrate.

Hey Juan, you can use it for 2 port devices and calibrate it for 2 ports.

Yeah, so far I like it much better. Keep in mind my original is about a year old and I never updated the firmware 👍

@@TheSmokinApe thats just as bad as me and my g90 firmware lol

Haha 😂

Yes you can, check out my playlist. It has a few videos showing how.

I’d like to see a simpler interface designed for Hams 👍

@@TheSmokinApe Yes, me also, it is a bit confusing when all you want to do is test SWR and Impedance and resonance. It is just a bit over the top for what is needed.

@@TheSmokinApe Whats confusing about it? Its test gear learn how to use it. There is not a "easy" new ham extra class interface for all you appliance operators. Learn something.

@@TheSmokinApe I use a program called Nanovna saver on my laptop that makes job so much easier and with the firmware upgrade it can be used as a TDR for checking those long runs. It works great for tuning cavities also. 73 KC3EKL

Well 2 years later they still look the same lol.

Are you trying the Dislord firmware?

@@TheSmokinApe I think that was one of them. Do you have a link I can follow? The newest on from Dislords is 0.8.0 from 2020. The newest one available that I can find is 3.0.6. from .dfu (?) will download but will not go into a file to download like describe here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NcXzITPPTyA.html. Am I doing something wrong?

github.com/DiSlord/NanoVNA-D/releases

@@TheSmokinApe

@@TheSmokinApe I just found your message. I have this update, but the newest one that I found is 3.0.6. Will this one add that release to my device?

Hey Steve, I've never seen one of these go into a demo mode. They do open with 4 traces active which can be confusing. Use the menu to turn off the ones you don't need and move on from there. My playlist so get you started off using these. Thanks for the comment.

Hey Mike, this will explain this codes nanovna.com/?page_id=46

I looked at the link you sent me I cannot find a PA anywhere on that list please help

Just set the start and stop frequencies to cover the band you want 👍

I am going to guess that the NanoVNA isn't for you.

Nope, but I have a video on how to easily build one ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DuVeyyWjoaE.htmlsi=ZCgbsiIYxj0vBxYD

No, to separate instruments

Cool, it'll be here tomorrow and I'll be watching your video on the tiny SA Ultra!

Nice, good luck with it 👍

@@TheSmokinApe I tested my Baofeng 5RM and got: 1st (set) 146.52 10 dBm with the 40 dB attenuator 2nd 146.4 -14dBm with the 40 dB attenuator 3rd 292.9 -17dBm with the 40 dB attenuator 4th 439 -27dBm with the 40 dB attenuator 5th 585 -27dBm with the 40 dB attenuator 6th 732 -48dBm with the 40 dB attenuator There was a 7 and 8 but both under -40 As I interrupt this is that the -14dBm is actually +36??

Fair point and great tip!

You would have to compile the code, you can fine a pre compiled executable a few versions back 👍

Hey Gary, do you have a link to the chart?

@@TheSmokinApe Yes i have just bought the nano vna so the chart came with it.

@@TheSmokinApe Please look at attached charts do they mean anything to you and is there anything i can do to get a better signal

Is trace 0 set to the SWR format?

I think so, I’ll have to double check. I know the top trace was set to swr not sure on mine if it was trace 0 or trace 1. I was following along with this video and some of my menu options are a little different. I’d assume different firmware? Thanks for the reply I’ve had my callsign less than a month and have learned a great deal from your channel. 73

It very well could be different firmware

Solved the issue I ended up needing to change the scale. Thanks.

The H4 is IMO 👍

Turn the Smith trace off, I believe it’s the third one down 👍

From the top menu right below "Display" you should have the Marker menu.

That’s true 👍

Yeah R&L is great 👍

Thanks 👍

8 within 8 minutes

That is BS, I will see if there is something I can do to change it...