What a frustrating as Hades experience this has been....
Anyhow I can not get SWR to display anywhere on the screen.
I have watched a handful of YouTubes and do exactly as instructed but no SWR is
on the screen anywhere at all!

Thanks in advance

What a frustrating as Hades experience this has been....
Anyhow I can not get SWR to display anywhere on the screen.
I have watched a handful of YouTubes and do exactly as instructed but no SWR is
on the screen anywhere at all!

Thanks in advance

Hi Joe,

I suggest a sanity check first.
Set the unit to sweep the full band 50KHz to 900MHz
Initiate a calibration sequence.
Run through the Open, Short, Load calibration with the cal kit supplied
with the NanoVNA. Set the unit to display the Smith chart and verify that
with the open the dot is to the far right, the short it's to the far left
and 50 ohms should be dead center in the chart. If you turn on the yellow
trace and set it to SWR with the open or the short, the unit should display
a very high SWR and with the 50 ohm load it should be 1:1.

If that works the unit is operational. If not you have either not done the
calibration correctly or you have a bad cal kit or you have a defective
NanoVNA. The Cal kit Short and Load can be verified with a DMM. Typically
the load has a silver colored nut on the SMA connector. The open is
obvious, it has no pin. The short when you look at it is obvious as well.

Assuming that it passes, narrow the frequency range to the range of
interest. For example if you are in the 40 meter band set the frequency so
that it covers 6.5MHz to 7.5MHz. You want to set the start and stop
frequency so that it is close to the center of the band. Re-run the
calibration so that it will cover the change in frequency span.

As above check the calibration with the open/short/load on the smith chart.
The readings should be the same as before. Open far right, Short far left
and load dead center. Note that if you change the start and stop
frequencies you should always redo the calibration for best results.

Now before connecting your antenna ground connect a temporary short between
the coax center conductor and the shield ground to discharge any static.
This step is necessary to keep static discharge from damaging the front end
of the NanoVNA. Note also that you should never be transmitting on any band
(even on another antenna) with the NanoVNA connected to an antenna as the
RF input to the NanoVNA is broadband and will not tolerate large signal
levels without damage. It is also not recommended to leave the NanoVNA (or
spectrum analyzer for that matter) connected to an antenna when not in use.

That should get you started.

73,

Sam


Sam Reaves
ARS W3OHM
Owner / Moderator of:
LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io
Sencore Owners Group on Groups.io
Sprint Layout Group on Groups.io
Pulsonix EDA Group on Groups.io
LPKF Owners Group on Groups.io
Electronics and Mechanical Hardware Design Engineering Manager
Staff Scientist Andritz Rolls Global Research Center (RETIRED)



On Sat, Dec 2, 2023 at 10:29 PM Joe in Missouri <joe@tittiger.com> wrote:

> What a frustrating as Hades experience this has been....
> Anyhow I can not get SWR to display anywhere on the screen.
> I have watched a handful of YouTubes and do exactly as instructed but no
> SWR is
> on the screen anywhere at all!
>
> Thanks in advance
>
>
>

Hi Joe, you should post a screenshot of your display to understand your starting conditions.
In any case, follow these step by step instructions indicated in this image. Keep in mind that when you are in the "TRACE" section, one tap selects the single "TRACE 3" and another tap on the same "TRACE 3" disables the "TRACE 3". Make sure "TRACE 3" is selected and active.

Config / Expert settings / More / Clear Config

- then set the mode si or MS5351 (if yor HW version on date table - back site of your device visible MS set to MS )
- calibrate

(What is Your firmware version?
- make a firmware update / use the DiSlord App: https://github.com/DiSlord/NanoVNA-App/blob/main/Win32/Release/NanoVNA-App.exe / You need DFU-driver and USB2 interface)

Istvan

Good point on the MS5351. Once you fix that you tend to forget about it.
Good catch!

Sam Reaves
ARS W3OHM
Owner / Moderator of:
LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io
Sencore Owners Group on Groups.io
Sprint Layout Group on Groups.io
Pulsonix EDA Group on Groups.io
LPKF Owners Group on Groups.io
Electronics and Mechanical Hardware Design Engineering Manager
Staff Scientist Andritz Rolls Global Research Center (RETIRED)



On Sun, Dec 3, 2023 at 10:30 AM István <erretrete@freemail.hu> wrote:

> Config / Expert settings / More / Clear Config
>
> - then set the mode si or MS5351 (if yor HW version on date table - back
> site of your device visible MS set to MS )
> - calibrate
>
> (What is Your firmware version?
> - make a firmware update / use the DiSlord App:
> https://github.com/DiSlord/NanoVNA-App/blob/main/Win32/Release/NanoVNA-App.exe
> / You need DFU-driver and USB2 interface)
>
> Istvan
>
>
>

Thanks much Sam
The info about not transmitting RF  while having an antenna connected  to the VNA and discharging of static are not
intuitive and I thank you for pointing them both out.

I somehow got the SWR trace to show up though I don't have a full grasp of the entirely of your instructions.

I am very surprised that someone has written a Dummys guide to the Nano VNA H4.

I doubt that I will have ever have the time to learn most of the functionality of this device without such a guide.

73

KD0ZBM

Thanks Lucio.

I have made it this far and have the SWR trace showing.

What I need are some good tutorials I think. :-)

I am happy to at least be able to measure SWR's now and that is the prime reason I

purchased the NANO VNA.

Thanks Istvan
Knowing that "clear config" setting is there may come in very useful when FUBAR breaks out. :-)

Sam. Just to say *THANK YOU* for that comprehensive and great set of instructions to him.
Yes, discharging the static build up is vital and many a VNA has died because it was not done.
Albert. EI7II.

You might look for this book at www.randl.com

https://www2.randl.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=70591

I think it is aimed at the 2.8" display model but the basic operation is
the same.

You might also want to have a look at this in the files section:

https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users/files/Antenna%20Analyzers%20Oct%2024.pdf

Sam

Sam Reaves
ARS W3OHM
Owner / Moderator of:
LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io
Sencore Owners Group on Groups.io
Sprint Layout Group on Groups.io
Pulsonix EDA Group on Groups.io
LPKF Owners Group on Groups.io
Electronics and Mechanical Hardware Design Engineering Manager
Staff Scientist Andritz Rolls Global Research Center (RETIRED)



On Sun, Dec 3, 2023 at 1:29 PM Albert Kleyn <ei7ii.ie@gmail.com> wrote:

> Sam. Just to say *THANK YOU* for that comprehensive and great set of
> instructions to him.
> Yes, discharging the static build up is vital and many a VNA has died
> because it was not done.
> Albert. EI7II.
>
>
>

Thanks for the book link Sam.

I found it on Amazon Kindle for $2.99.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
A guide to the NanoVNA ( http://A%20guide to the NanoVNA Kindle Edition by Christoph Schwärzler (Author), Maximilian Schwärzler (Author) Format Kindle Edition ) Kindle Edition
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

by Christoph Schwärzler ( https://www.amazon.com/Christoph-Schw%C3%A4rzler/e/B083JDJCMQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 ) (Author), Maximilian Schwärzler ( https://www.amazon.com/Maximilian-Schw%C3%A4rzler/e/B0B3Y6ZHPK/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_2 ) (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

https://www.amazon.com/guide-NanoVNA-Christoph-Schw%C3%A4rzler-ebook/dp/B083BB82G5 ( http://A%20guide to the NanoVNA Kindle Edition by Christoph Schwärzler (Author), Maximilian Schwärzler (Author) Format Kindle Edition )

On 03/12/2023 16:26, Joe in Missouri wrote:
> What I need are some good tutorials I think. :-)

Joe,

Try:

Barry Feierman K3EUI: A Basic Overview of Nano VNA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I5e3j7R7ho

73,
David GM8ARV
--
SatSignal Software - Quality software for you
Web: https://www.satsignal.eu
Email: davidtaylor@writeme.com
Twitter: @gm8arv

Good. Also look in the files section and be sure to look up Alan Wolke's
W2AEW on YouTube he has excellent tutorials with notes on the NanoVNA's and
Smith charts.

On Mon, Dec 4, 2023, 9:29 AM David J Taylor <davidtaylor@writeme.com> wrote:

> On 03/12/2023 16:26, Joe in Missouri wrote:
> > What I need are some good tutorials I think. :-)
>
> Joe,
>
> Try:
>
> Barry Feierman K3EUI: A Basic Overview of Nano VNA
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I5e3j7R7ho
>
> 73,
> David GM8ARV
> --
> SatSignal Software - Quality software for you
> Web: https://www.satsignal.eu
> Email: davidtaylor@writeme.com
> Twitter: @gm8arv
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Hello group!
https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users/wiki
https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users/files/Absolute%20Beginner%20Guide%20to%20The%20NanoVNA - very useful for beginner
73! Vladimir, dl7pga

Sam just some feedback on:
--------------------------

A guide to the NanoVNA ( http://xn--a%20guide%20to%20the%20nanovna%20kindle%20edition%20by%20christoph%20schwrzler%20%28author%29%2C%20maximilian%20schwrzler%20%28author%29%20%20format%20kindle%20edition-d1n4b/ ) Kindle Edition
It so far has connected  more dots and explained more
than any other tutorial source. I highly recommend it only being half way done reading it.

OK I have kindle open in browser, and cannot read this article.
Directions please


On 12/4/2023 12:19 PM, Joe in Missouri wrote:

>
>
> Sam just some feedback on:
>
>
> A guide to the NanoVNA
> <http://xn--a%20guide%20to%20the%20nanovna%20kindle%20edition%20by%20christoph%20schwrzler%20%28author%29%2C%20maximilian%20schwrzler%20%28author%29%20%20format%20kindle%20edition-d1n4b/>
> Kindle Edition
> It so far has connected  more dots and explained more
> than any other tutorial source.
>
>
> I highly recommend it only being half way done reading it.
>
>

That link does not work for me either...

Super Sam.

Thanks for you time.

With so much pre-occupation of firmware updates ( I learned not to do that for my two as all work the same save for some GUI minor changes), the use of these non-professional instruments does need a VNA For Dummies Guidebook.



And the measurements I see – what exactly does one need that precision for?



I bought these for home use and not for work as I would have to have a lab certify them for commercial, industrial and esp. for government work.



Rule is to use the firmware that came with these devices, calibration is not that hard once done.



And most measurements I see would have benefited from some basic in HF and above frequency theory first hand.



Matching HF lines is just to easy to do w/o these devices.



But I agree when I go from UHF and above, the devices are hard to beat for their utility.





You get what you pay for as in anything electronic and from the manufacturer.

Try grounding yourself first.



To date, my devices are 3-5 years old and in the field, not one has ever been a victim of sferics (atmospheric electricity buildup at some 22V/m on a dry day).



If your antenna system has that static buildup, there is something wrong with your antenna farm and antenna patch panel and/or switches and basic grounding schemes.

BEST PRACTICE TO AVOID ESD DAMAGE:

Before connecting any cable or circuit to ANY VNA, first and foremost, hold
your (damp) finger across the cable which you intend to connect to the
VNA. This goes for both the NANOs and expensive test equipment including
spectrum analyzers.

The one/single time I violated my rule during a windstorm, I took out the
front end of my HP 8753C.

Coaxial cables make an excellent cylindrical low-loss capacitor that will
hold a charge for days.

Dave - WØLEV

On Sun, Dec 28, 2025 at 5:28 PM W4JDY1953_G via groups.io <W4JDY1953=
gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:

> With so much pre-occupation of firmware updates ( I learned not to do that
> for my two as all work the same save for some GUI minor changes), the use
> of these non-professional instruments does need a VNA For Dummies Guidebook.
>
>
>
> And the measurements I see – what exactly does one need that precision for?
>
>
>
> I bought these for home use and not for work as I would have to have a lab
> certify them for commercial, industrial and esp. for government work.
>
>
>
> Rule is to use the firmware that came with these devices, calibration is
> not that hard once done.
>
>
>
> And most measurements I see would have benefited from some basic in HF and
> above frequency theory first hand.
>
>
>
> Matching HF lines is just to easy to do w/o these devices.
>
>
>
> But I agree when I go from UHF and above, the devices are hard to beat for
> their utility.
>
>
>
>
>
> You get what you pay for as in anything electronic and from the
> manufacturer.
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* NanoVNAV2@groups.io <NanoVNAV2@groups.io> *On Behalf Of *Joe in
> Missouri
> *Sent:* December 3, 2023 11:21
> *To:* NanoVNAV2@groups.io
> *Subject:* Re: [nanovnav2] SWR display on nano H4
>
>
>
> Thanks much Sam
> The info about not transmitting RF while having an antenna connected to
> the VNA and discharging of static are not
> intuitive and I thank you for pointing them both out.
>
> I somehow got the SWR trace to show up though I don't have a full grasp of
> the entirely of your instructions.
>
> I am very surprised that someone has written a Dummys guide to the Nano
> VNA H4.
>
> I doubt that I will have ever have the time to learn most of the
> functionality of this device without such a guide.
>
> 73
>
> KD0ZBM
>
>
>
> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
> Virus-free.www.avast.com
> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
> <#m_2500532489407416773_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
>
>

--

*Dave - WØLEV*

There is one, but it's only available for the Kindle as far as I can tell:

https://tinyurl.com/35u4skzx

There is also a writeup by Martin Svaco, 9A2JK:

http://www.nemarc.org/Absolute_Beginner_Guide_NanoVNA.pdf

There are probably others out there.


DaveD
KC0WJN


On Sun, Dec 28, 2025 at 12:28 W4JDY1953_G via groups.io <W4JDY1953=
gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:

> With so much pre-occupation of firmware updates ( I learned not to do that
> for my two as all work the same save for some GUI minor changes), the use
> of these non-professional instruments does need a VNA For Dummies Guidebook.
>
>
>
> And the measurements I see – what exactly does one need that precision for?
>
>
>
> I bought these for home use and not for work as I would have to have a lab
> certify them for commercial, industrial and esp. for government work.
>
>
>
> Rule is to use the firmware that came with these devices, calibration is
> not that hard once done.
>
>
>
> And most measurements I see would have benefited from some basic in HF and
> above frequency theory first hand.
>
>
>
> Matching HF lines is just to easy to do w/o these devices.
>
>
>
> But I agree when I go from UHF and above, the devices are hard to beat for
> their utility.
>
>
>
>
>
> You get what you pay for as in anything electronic and from the
> manufacturer.
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* NanoVNAV2@groups.io <NanoVNAV2@groups.io> *On Behalf Of *Joe in
> Missouri
> *Sent:* December 3, 2023 11:21
> *To:* NanoVNAV2@groups.io
> *Subject:* Re: [nanovnav2] SWR display on nano H4
>
>
>
> Thanks much Sam
> The info about not transmitting RF while having an antenna connected to
> the VNA and discharging of static are not
> intuitive and I thank you for pointing them both out.
>
> I somehow got the SWR trace to show up though I don't have a full grasp of
> the entirely of your instructions.
>
> I am very surprised that someone has written a Dummys guide to the Nano
> VNA H4.
>
> I doubt that I will have ever have the time to learn most of the
> functionality of this device without such a guide.
>
> 73
>
> KD0ZBM
>
>
>
> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
> Virus-free.www.avast.com
> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient>
> <#m_6614249944218746126_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
>
>

On 27/12/2025 14:48, W4JDY1953_G via groups.io wrote:
> With so much pre-occupation of firmware updates ( I learned not to do that for
> my two as all work the same save for some GUI minor changes), the use of these
> non-professional instruments does need a VNA For Dummies Guidebook.
>

One suggestion:

https://www.rsgbshop.org/acatalog/NanoVNAs-Explained-2110.html

Cheers,
David
--
SatSignal Software
Web: https://www.satsignal.eu
Email: davidtaylor@writeme.com
BlueSky: @gm8arv.bsky.social, Twitter: @gm8arv

On Mon, Dec 29, 2025 at 02:02 AM, W0LEV wrote:

>
> Coaxial cables make an excellent cylindrical low-loss capacitor that will
> hold a charge for days.

Just rolling/unrolling a cable can generate a considerable triboelectric charge from the dielectric and conductors rubbing against each other.
I make it a rule to always discharge a cable before connecting it to any instrument; momentarily shorting the inner and outer conductor of the cable connector against the shell of the mating connector is sufficient..
73, Don N2VGU