Date
1 - 15 of 15
nanoVNA SAA-2N N connector cables #hardware
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Robert Coleman
Over a year ago I bought theSAA-2N model from R&L Electronics, but I found out later that it is/might be a clone, depending on which ",io" group one reads. But it seems to work for me. I have a question about the N connector cables which came with the unit. They seem to properly connect the VNA to whatever device but the cables are so stiff that they will flip the VNA or the DUT off my workbench. I'm considering attaching the VNA to a clipboard or pine slab, maybe a 2x4, to keep it from flipping off the bench.
So I'm looking for ideas to immobilize the VNA, or get some new N cables that are much more pliable. Amazon has some but....... Any thoughts or suggestions, especially for decent replacement cables? |
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Robert,
I would suggest getting newer cables. I would imagine the stress being placed on the connectors and board internally would not be good for the longevity of the device. My cables were very stiff when I purchased my unit. I ended up using a N to BNC adapter and using other BNC cables that were very pliable. Respectfully, John G. Asmussen *From:* NanoVNA-V2@groups.io <NanoVNA-V2@groups.io> on behalf of Robert Coleman <rcoleman@...> *Sent:* Monday, January 23, 2023 18:10 *To:* NanoVNA-V2@groups.io <NanoVNA-V2@groups.io> *Subject:* [NanoVNA-V2] nanoVNA SAA-2N N connector cables #hardware Over a year ago I bought theSAA-2N model from R&L Electronics, but I found out later that it is/might be a clone, depending on which ",io" group one reads. But it seems to work for me. I have a question about the N connector cables which came with the unit. They seem to properly connect the VNA to whatever device but the cables are so stiff that they will flip the VNA or the DUT off my workbench. I'm considering attaching the VNA to a clipboard or pine slab, maybe a 2x4, to keep it from flipping off the bench. So I'm looking for ideas to immobilize the VNA, or get some new N cables that are much more pliable. Amazon has some but....... Any thoughts or suggestions, especially for decent replacement cables? |
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I slapped a couple of wood scraps together and mounted the VNA via two dowels. I have it connected to a laptop and leave it on the bench most of time. If I want to take it portable, it is easily removed from the dowels and unplugged.
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Just a thought. On Monday, January 23, 2023, 21:43, John Asmussen <john@...> wrote:
Robert, I would suggest getting newer cables. I would imagine the stress being placed on the connectors and board internally would not be good for the longevity of the device. My cables were very stiff when I purchased my unit. I ended up using a N to BNC adapter and using other BNC cables that were very pliable. Respectfully, John G. Asmussen *From:* NanoVNA-V2@groups.io <NanoVNA-V2@groups.io> on behalf of Robert Coleman <rcoleman@...> *Sent:* Monday, January 23, 2023 18:10 *To:* NanoVNA-V2@groups.io <NanoVNA-V2@groups.io> *Subject:* [NanoVNA-V2] nanoVNA SAA-2N N connector cables #hardware Over a year ago I bought theSAA-2N model from R&L Electronics, but I found out later that it is/might be a clone, depending on which ",io" group one reads. But it seems to work for me. I have a question about the N connector cables which came with the unit. They seem to properly connect the VNA to whatever device but the cables are so stiff that they will flip the VNA or the DUT off my workbench. I'm considering attaching the VNA to a clipboard or pine slab, maybe a 2x4, to keep it from flipping off the bench. So I'm looking for ideas to immobilize the VNA, or get some new N cables that are much more pliable. Amazon has some but....... Any thoughts or suggestions, especially for decent replacement cables? 
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RG-316 cables are very small and very flexible. They are 50Ω and rated for 400 watts (which is hard to believe). My H4 nano has SMA connectors which makes it easy. But N to SMA adapters exist and with Amazon your problem is solved! Mounting to a board is still a good idea since the nano is so light weight.
-- 73 Karl KI4ZUQ |
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Jim Barbour
Be careful of what cables you use. You want double shielded, not braid over foil, and ideally you want a "phase stable" cable. Most cables when flexed, introduce some phase variation, which will skew results.
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The cables I got with mine, also from R&L, are good cables, and I have no significant problem with them being too stiff. Nothing I can't deal with. On 1/24/2023 8:31 AM, Karl via groups.io wrote:
RG-316 cables are very small and very flexible. They are 50Ω and rated for 400 watts (which is hard to believe). My H4 nano has SMA connectors which makes it easy. But N to SMA adapters exist and with Amazon your problem is solved! Mounting to a board is still a good idea since the nano is so light weight. |
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David Stuben
Sma connectors have about 500 insertion cycles. Not a robust connector. Really designed for semi rigid cable. Manufacturers like to use them where space is limited. My nano has N connectors
On Tue, Jan 24, 2023 at 8:31 AM, Karl via groups.io<karlshumaker@...> wrote: RG-316 cables are very small and very flexible. They are 50Ω and rated for 400 watts (which is hard to believe). My H4 nano has SMA connectors which makes it easy. But N to SMA adapters exist and with Amazon your problem is solved! Mounting to a board is still a good idea since the nano is so light weight. -- 73 Karl KI4ZUQ |
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Sma connectors have about 500 insertion cycles. Not a robust connector. Really designed for semi rigid cable. Manufacturers like to use them where space is limited. My nano has N connectors
No doubt this is absolute gospel. But, so what? 500 cycles may be a severe limit in a lab but very few hams or experimenters are likely to reach that number of insertions. The average ham is going to learn how stunning this simple and relatively cheap this tool is and how easy it is to replace defective connectors. I have a lifetime supply from Amazon! -- 73 Karl KI4ZUQ |
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KD6VKW
My nano is also equipped with N-connectors. I've had it long enough that I don't recall whether any of the 4-inch screen versions (mine) were made and sold with SMA conectors. I prefer N-connectors, anyway.When the TinySA appeared, I saw only SMA connectors, so that's what I bought. I will leave a short "pigtail" lead on the input connector full time to avoid any wear on the SA's input connector. I have adapters.KD6VKW, 28 years and countingSent from my T-mobile 4G LTE Tablet
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-------- Original message --------From: David Stuben <stubbyinmi@...> Date: 1/24/23 5:46 AM (GMT-08:00) To: NanoVNA-V2@groups.io Subject: Re: [NanoVNA-V2] nanoVNA SAA-2N N connector cables #hardware Sma connectors have about 500 insertion cycles. Not a robust connector. Really designed for semi rigid cable. Manufacturers like to use them where space is limited. My nano has N connectors On Tue, Jan 24, 2023 at 8:31 AM, Karl via groups.io<karlshumaker@...> wrote: RG-316 cables are very small and very flexible. They are 50Ω and rated for 400 watts (which is hard to believe). My H4 nano has SMA connectors which makes it easy. But N to SMA adapters exist and with Amazon your problem is solved! Mounting to a board is still a good idea since the nano is so light weight.-- 73KarlKI4ZUQ
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KD6VKW
Amazon has a good assortment of short, flexible RF cables, suitable as adapters. The brand name "Superbat" isn't necessarily on everyone's lips but they have a wide variety and the user reviews are quite favorable. I intentionally checked the negative reviews; most of them appeared to have been written by people who could use some more knowledge. One of Superbat's offerings includes a set of four (?) additional adapters. For fifteen dollars, it might be a worthy purchase.Sent from my T-mobile 4G LTE Tablet
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-------- Original message --------From: "Dave Bisciotti via groups.io" <dbisc@...> Date: 1/23/23 7:56 PM (GMT-08:00) To: NanoVNA-V2@groups.io Subject: Re: [NanoVNA-V2] nanoVNA SAA-2N N connector cables #hardware I slapped a couple of wood scraps together and mounted the VNA via two dowels. I have it connected to a laptop and leave it on the bench most of time. If I want to take it portable, it is easily removed from the dowels and unplugged. Just a thought. On Monday, January 23, 2023, 21:43, John Asmussen <john@...> wrote:Robert,I would suggest getting newer cables. I would imagine the stress being placed on the connectors and board internally would not be good for the longevity of the device. My cables were very stiff when I purchased my unit. I ended up using a N to BNC adapter and using other BNC cables that were very pliable.Respectfully,John G. Asmussen*From:* NanoVNA-V2@groups.io <NanoVNA-V2@groups.io> on behalf of Robert Coleman <rcoleman@...>*Sent:* Monday, January 23, 2023 18:10*To:* NanoVNA-V2@groups.io <NanoVNA-V2@groups.io>*Subject:* [NanoVNA-V2] nanoVNA SAA-2N N connector cables #hardwareOver a year ago I bought theSAA-2N model from R&L Electronics, but I found out later that it is/might be a clone, depending on which ",io" group one reads. But it seems to work for me. I have a question about the N connector cables which came with the unit. They seem to properly connect the VNA to whatever device but the cables are so stiff that they will flip the VNA or the DUT off my workbench. I'm considering attaching the VNA to a clipboard or pine slab, maybe a 2x4, to keep it from flipping off the bench.So I'm looking for ideas to immobilize the VNA, or get some new N cables that are much more pliable. Amazon has some but.......Any thoughts or suggestions, especially for decent replacement cables?
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N2MS
I have various NanoVNA's for different functions. For portable operation I use BNC connectors and installed BNC to SMA adapters and use a BNC OSLThru kit for calibration. I have a VNAs dedicated to N and UHF connections with the appropriate adapters and OSLThru calibration kits. The adapters are mounted on panels to take the stress off of the VNA SMA connectors.
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Keep in mind the SAA-2N has a N to SMA adapter and is not affixed to the case so be careful about putting too much stress on the adapter. For SMA applications I use SMA-M to SMA-F adapters. It's easier to replace adapters than original connectors. Mike N2MS On 01/24/2023 10:38 AM Karl via groups.io <karlshumaker@...> wrote: |
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Trevor Waters
Need a little help with nano. Very old git here so trying to get the old grey cells working.My question is not about cables (i think) I have notice most vna show a reading in ch 0 smith chartof 1.0 FS. Mine shows anything but this scale. So, My question (probably a dumb one) is how do I getto this scale ch 1 smithchart of 1.0 fsAny help would be most grateful. Sorry if this does not relate to the subjectRegards Trev On Tuesday, 24 January 2023 at 16:53:51 GMT, N2MS <mstangelo@...> wrote:
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I have various NanoVNA's for different functions. For portable operation I use BNC connectors and installed BNC to SMA adapters and use a BNC OSLThru kit for calibration. I have a VNAs dedicated to N and UHF connections with the appropriate adapters and OSLThru calibration kits. The adapters are mounted on panels to take the stress off of the VNA SMA connectors. Keep in mind the SAA-2N has a N to SMA adapter and is not affixed to the case so be careful about putting too much stress on the adapter. For SMA applications I use SMA-M to SMA-F adapters. It's easier to replace adapters than original connectors. Mike N2MS On 01/24/2023 10:38 AM Karl via groups.io <karlshumaker@...> wrote: |
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N2MS
My TRACE 2 FORMAT S11 (REFL) is set to SMITH Re + Im to display the Smith chart.
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After calibration: An Open on CHO displays 1 (right) on the Smith Chart A Load on CH0 displays a 0 (center) on the Smith Chart A Short on CH0 displays a -1 (left) on the Smith Chart Does this answer your question? Mike N2MS On 01/24/2023 1:19 PM Trevor Waters via groups.io <trevwaters@...> wrote: |
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John Gord
Mike,
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If I understand your question, you want to set the scale of the Smith chart display to 1. Firmware versions vary, but this is the general idea: DISPLAY / TRACE / TRACE2 (highlighted or check box selected) (Trace 2 is set up for Smith chart on my NanoVNA BACK SCALE / SCALEperDIV / (enter 1.0, then x1) I hope this helps. --John Gord On Tue, Jan 24, 2023 at 03:43 PM, Trevor Waters wrote:
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Trevor Waters
To all who replied to my question. Thanks very much. John Gord hit the nail plumbcentre. Thanks to all for the time in replying. 75 years old grey cell can now relax.Cheers Have a happy and healthy year to allRegards Trev
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On Wednesday, 25 January 2023 at 07:14:33 GMT, John Gord via groups.io <johngord@...> wrote:
Mike, If I understand your question, you want to set the scale of the Smith chart display to 1. Firmware versions vary, but this is the general idea: DISPLAY / TRACE / TRACE2 (highlighted or check box selected) (Trace 2 is set up for Smith chart on my NanoVNA BACK SCALE / SCALEperDIV / (enter 1.0, then x1) I hope this helps. --John Gord On Tue, Jan 24, 2023 at 03:43 PM, Trevor Waters wrote:
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Keith Ostertag
Hello Jim- Could you elaborate on this? Examples of double shielded and significant differences between them and braid over foil? Maybe point to a source I could read up about it?
Thanks, Keith N3KZ Jim said: "Be careful of what cables you use. You want double shielded, not braid over foil, and ideally you want a "phase stable" cable. Most cables when flexed, introduce some phase variation, which will skew results." |
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