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If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a vector network analyzer (VNA) without breaking the bank, the NanoVNA is your ticket to RF nirvana. Launched in 2019 by edy555, this tiny handheld device has revolutionized the hobbyist and amateur radio scene, offering a 50 kHz to 900 MHz frequency range (extendable to 1.5 GHz with newer firmware) for a mere £50. Whether you’re tuning antennas, debugging filters, or analyzing coax, this pocket-sized powerhouse delivers impressive bang for your buck.
What’s Great About It?
Affordable Precision: For the price, the NanoVNA measures S-parameters (S11, S21), SWR, impedance, and phase, rivaling units that once cost hundreds. Its dynamic range of up to 40 dB at 900 MHz (or 70 dB with later models like the V2 Plus4) is a steal.Portability: Weighing just 69 grams with a 2.8-inch touchscreen (or 4.3-inch on upgraded versions), it’s perfect for fieldwork, complete with a rechargeable battery.Versatility: From antenna tuning to cable length checks with TDR functionality, it’s a Swiss Army knife for RF enthusiasts. USB connectivity lets you control it via PC software like NanoVNA-Saver, enhancing its usability.Community Support: Open-source firmware from developers like Hugen and DiSlord keeps it evolving, with features like harmonic extensions and faster measurements.
Also there is PC Software that allows you to see the display on a much larger screen. In my opinion that is the big Bonus!
The Catch
Calibration Hassle: Accurate results require careful calibration with the included SMA kit (open, short, load), which can be fiddly for beginners. Cheap cables may introduce errors if not phase-matched.Frequency Limits: Beyond 300 MHz, performance dips due to harmonic reliance, with noise increasing above 1.5 GHz. It’s not a substitute for pro-grade VNAs like the Keysight FieldFox for high-frequency work.Build Quality: Early models had stability issues with battery power, and some clones flood the market with exaggerated specs, so buying from reputable sellers is key.
User Groups
The NanoVNA community is thriving with active user groups and a robust ecosystem of custom firmware, making it a versatile tool for RF enthusiasts. The primary user group is hosted on groups.io, a popular forum where users discuss everything from setup tips to troubleshooting. This group, active since 2019, welcomes all NanoVNA users, offering a space to share files and a wiki (members-only) with detailed guides. Another specialized group, groups.io/g/nanovna-f, focuses on the NanoVNA-F variant, providing a platform for firmware updates and Q&A, particularly for FreeRTOS-based versions developed by contributors like BH5HNU.Custom firmware enhances the NanoVNA’s capabilities, with several developers contributing to its evolution. The original firmware by edy555 (ttrftech/NanoVNA on GitHub) laid the foundation, but Hugen and DiSlord have since expanded it with features like improved gain correction, harmonic support up to 1.5 GHz, and faster sweep rates. The NanoVNA V2 series, developed by HCXQS/NanoRFE, offers official firmware updates via nanorfe.com, with versions like the V2 Plus4 supporting up to 4 GHz and adjustable IF bandwidth for crystal filter measurements. Experimental firmware, including builds for older V2.2 models, is available through GitHub repositories (e.g., nanovna-v2/NanoVNA2-firmware), though caution is advised due to clone compatibility issues. Tools like NanoVNA-QT and DfuSe facilitate firmware flashing, with step-by-step guides (e.g., from rtl-sdr.com) helping users update via USB or DFU mode. However, the market is flooded with clones (e.g., SAA-2N, LiteVNA) that may not support official updates, so purchasing from trusted sources like Tindie is recommended.These user groups and custom firmware options empower users to tailor the NanoVNA to specific needs, though staying updated requires navigating clone risks and mastering calibration—a small price for such an affordable, community-driven tool!
Verdict
The NanoVNA is a must-have for hobbyists and small-scale RF projects. It’s not perfect—calibration takes practice, and high-frequency accuracy lags—but its price-to-performance ratio is unmatched. Pair it with quality accessories and updated firmware, and you’ve got a tool that punches well above its weight. For under £100, it’s a no-brainer for anyone serious about RF exploration. Just don’t expect it to replace a £40,000 benchtop VNA—yet!
Would I buy one, Indeed, I didn’t get given it, I bought for the sole purpose of testing antenna’s cables and the likes. Unlike many other reviews this was not given to me.
Changes I plan to make, I intend to make a break out box (3d printed) that will give me N type, SO239, BNC and SMA type connectors Something that I can velcro to the base unit, maybe even add some extra weight to it, so as not to put stress on the ports.
Ideal for: Antenna builders, filter designers, and curious tinkerers.Rating: 4.5/5—flaws are minor for the cost.
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Hi I am Marcus, MM0ZIF, a licenced Radio Amateur, Doctor of Musicology, amateur weather enthusiast. I over the years have been a Amateur Radio Tutor, Examiner, and a Regional Manager for the Radio Society of Great Britain.
This site is dedicated more towards Amateur Radio and Weather, with an angle on Technology too. I also maintain https://havenswell.com/ which is my other blog which is more aimed at cooking, hobbies and life in general as well as businness and networking.
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