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Reviews For: NanoVNA

Category: Antenna Analyzers

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Review Summary For : NanoVNA
Reviews: 36MSRP: 30-80
Description:
Very Tiny Palmtop 50 kHz - 900 MHz Vector Network Analyzer (two port) or use one port as an Antenna Analyzer
Product is in production
More Info: https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
33.3364.4
K5TED Rating: 2020-06-05
Works fine. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I only use it for the SWR function on HF/VHF and it correlates acceptably with hardware metering. For $54 bucks it beats the heck out of much more expensive meters.
W0CKI Rating: 2020-06-05
Fiddly wheel Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Works OK, great range for SWR measurements. Adjustment wheel is a weak point. I can still see it with my readers on, 80 year old eyes. Good tool for working outside if you have shade. Battery life is good. Can't be beat for 50 bucks.
VE3TMT Rating: 2020-06-05
Love it! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought the upgraded version with the 4.3" screen. I was in the process of building a 2m beam and didn't want to shell out the bux for an MFJ unit that would probably have QC issues anyway.

The unit is great for portable use, the battery holds a charge for quite a long time. Great to see the antenna properties change on the fly. Once the antenna was up on the tower I used it in the shack, with the PC software, to analyze the 2m beam and my HF antennas. All told my unit was under $175 CAD, a third the cost of the MFJ unit. totally satisfied with my purchase. It also allowed me to measure my coax lengths so when it comes time to replace those, I'll know how much I need!
KR8T Rating: 2020-06-05
It works, and accuracy is good. Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Most accurate if you calibrate over the range you are going to measure. The interface and screen are pretty small, as you would expect. Excellent tool when used with a computer and NanoVNASharp.
W9AC Rating: 2020-06-05
Needs Serious Help Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently purchased a NanoVNA unit from R&L Electronics. I own several VNA and CIA devices but wanted to try the NanoVNA.

The build quality is horrible, even for a $60 product. For example, operation of the jog wheel is extremely unstable -- as is the menu system. The display is very small but I knew that before ordering. The problem I had was additional instability in menu selections. Often, I would need to back out of a menu, then re-start the selection.

If the stability problems can be solved, the NanoVNA is probably a good educational tool but I would not depend on it without cross-checking the results with another VNA.

My experience with the NanoVNA was so bad that within 48 hours, I threw it away: I didn't even want to take the time to return it, give it away, or donate it to a school. There was no point in aggravating others with it.

I know this review goes counter to what others have experienced, but this is an honest review about my experience with the NanoVNA.
K4FX Rating: 2020-03-21
Excellent Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I love this analyzer! This cost me 50 dollars shipped on eBay. I paid a few dollars for a case off eBay. The cases don't fit well so be prepared to dremel it to a fit.

It is an amazing piece of gear, 50 Khz to 900 Mhz!! I use it in the shack and out in the field. No problems. My battery last plenty long enough for my needs.

I really love this analyzer and it is highly recommended!! Spend your money on rigs, amps and antennas, not on analyzers that you only use once in a while! That is why you see so many used analyzers on the market. Guys get their antennas right and sell them. This one you can afford to keep!!
AG6GX Rating: 2020-01-22
Not perfect but very usable Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The unit is amazing considering it's low cost (~$75). The battery in my unit is good and all the features work properly. Using the software program allows a more viewable display and can greatly enhance the user experience, but at a substantial convenience penalty. As noted in other reviews the tracking switch is a bit rough to get used to and is the weakest point of the unit. I believe for most ham uses, the accuracy although not great is sufficient. For any hams working home brew antenna projects, this would be really useful.
VE3JMX Rating: 2019-12-05
Great for the price Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
For $50 it's an unbelievable unit. I've used it extensively since it arrived but only with a PC and external software which is free and readily available.
If it keeps working, it'll be a no brainer buy for hams....if it keeps working....ask me in a year.
F6DEX Rating: 2019-11-17
Great Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This inexpensive vna is incredible for its price. It is small and can be easily used in the field as antenna analyser up to... 900mhz ! As a vna and up to 300mhz, on a bench, it is almost as useful as a much more expensive analyser, unless you require more dynamic range and more conveniences. The software is simple and relatively easy to use. The touch screen is not perfect but usable. The quality of the rotative control is questionable however.. but mine is working fine. The software is fast (faster than my rigexpert and gives more precise details)
All settings are memorized and you can customize it for specific bands. If you buy one, make sure it is fitted with a good battery. It is not a professional tool, it is probably fragile but almost as efficient as many ham analysers currently available in the $200-400 price range.
N4UE Rating: 2019-11-14
Amazing for the price! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just received my mini nanovna today. Best $50 I ever spent in 55 years of hamming. Arrived VERY quickly and safe from China.
I suggest if you get one of these small units, go to eBay and get a 'case' for it. These are 3D printed and fit PERFECTLY.
I also have the 'F' model coming because I like the larger display.
YouTube is loaded with anything you could ever want to know about these devices.
Looks like my SA/TG will be getting dusty....

ron
N4UE

This is just an update for anyone interested in one of these (mini) VNAs.
Go to Groups .io and join the "nanovna-users" Group.
In all my years as a ham, I have never seen a device with this kind of capability and DAILY software updates!

Now it can measure inductance, a TDR function, expansion from 10KHz to 1500MHz, etc.
I have it's 4.3" big brother due to arrive tomorrow.
Yesterday, I saw a posting where there were available from WalMart!!! <$40

ron
N4UE