Written by: Martin Svaco, 9A2JK

email: 9a2jk@hamradio.hr
Version: 1.6 26th January 2021
 Preface
It all started in Japan in 2016 when Tomohiro Takahashi (a.k.a. edy555) created
the open source NanoVNA project on GitHub. In early 2019 Hugen in China completed
the device with significant improvements, changed the name to NanoVNA-H and start
mass producing. Other Chinese manufacturers soon started producing and selling
clones.

And then everyone started talking about NanoVNA. It can measure this and that,
low price etc ... so I decided to order one from China. When it finally arrived, I faced the
problem like everyone else - the lack of any instructions. There is a huge amount of
information about Vector Network Analyzers on the internet, but very little for absolute
beginner. A great help in my search were the links from the Wiki page of the nanovna-
users group https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users/wiki so I started reading and taking
notes. This guide is created from these notes.

The goal of this guide is to get us familiar with NanoVNA so we could use it to
learn about radio engineering. There are many good instructions for NanoVNA on the
nanovna-users group Wiki page. See the excellent NanoVNA User Guide edited by
Larry Rothman - file NanoVNA-User-Guide-English-reformat-Jan-15-20.pdf. This
Beginner's Guide is not a substitute for already great instructions, but a supplement for
us complete beginners.
 Table of Contents:

NanoVNA hardware versions ........................................................................... 1

Owerview .......................................................................................................... 4
Charging the battery .......................................................................................... 5
Touch screen calibration ................................................................................... 6
A brief theory of the VNA ................................................................................... 8
How does NanoVNA display mesurement results ? ......................................... 9
Frequency sweep range ................................................................................. 12
NanoVNA's ports ............................................................................................ 12
NanoVNA menu system ................................................................................. 13
Opening and closing menu ............................................................................. 14
Selecting and executing a menu command ..................................................... 14

NanoVNA measurement configuration ........................................................... 15

Select the TRACE
Deselect the TRACE
Active TRACE
Trace FORMAT
Trace CHANNEL
SCALE
REFERENCE POSITION
STIMULUS FREQUENCY

Calibration ...................................................................................................... 22
Verify the calibration ....................................................................................... 26
Recall the calibration ...................................................................................... 27
NanoVNA firmware upgrade ........................................................................... 28
The driver installation ...................................................................................... 28

Verify the driver installation ............................................................................. 32

NanoVNA in NORMAL MODE
NanoVNA in DFU MODE

DfuSe Demo installation ................................................................................. 34

Troubleshooting the driver installation ............................................................ 37

Update driver from Device Manager ................................................................ 38

FIRST METHOD
SECOND METHOD
THIRD METHOD

The firmware upgrade procedure ................................................................... 43

How to Find a DFU File for Your NanoVNA ? ................................................. 44

Putting NanoVNA in DFU mode ..................................................................... 45

ENTERING DFU MODE FROM THE MENU
ENTERING DFU MODE BY PRESSING MULTISWITCH

Entering DFU mode when nothing else works ................................................ 47

Flashing the firmware ..................................................................................... 48
Firmware upgrade using DfuSe DEMO v3.0.6 ................................................ 48
Firmware upgrade using NanoVNA-App by OneOfEleven ............................. 52
An Example Of The SWR Measurement ........................................................ 56
Matching The Antenna Coupler ...................................................................... 62
Filter measurement ......................................................................................... 64
Software for PC and Android smartphones .................................................... 66
Summary ........................................................................................................ 69
 NanoVNA HARDWARE VERSIONS
There are several versions and clones of NanoVNA although they are all based
on the same open source NanoVNA project created by edy555. The original Nano VNA
was not properly cased, but was supplied as a "sandwich board". Even today, you can
buy clones without a case (Fig. 1).

Different hardware versions of NanoVNA use different firmware.

Figure 1

Hugen’s improved models, the

NanoVNA-H 2.8’’ and NanoVNA-H4 4’’,
come in a proper plastic case. We call
Hugen's models "classic" models (Fig.
2, 3 and 4).

Figure 2

1
 NanoVNA-H
2.8'' display
''classic model'' by Hugen
(Fig. 3).

Figure 3

NanoVNA-H4
4'' display
up to 1.5 GHz
''classic model''
by Hugen
(Fig. 4).

Figure 4

NanoVNA-F in an aluminum box

4.3-inch display
manufactured by BH5HNU
(Fig. 5).

Figure 5

2
 NanoVNA V2 with push buttons (S-A-A-2)
by OwOComm
V2 Plus V2.3
2.8'' display
50 kHz – 3 GHz
(Fig. 6).

Figure 6

NanoVNA V2 with push buttons (S-A-A-2)

by OwOComm
V2 Plus4 V2.4
4'' display
metal box
frequency range extended to 4 GHz
(Fig. 7).

Figure 7

NanoVNA V2 SAA-2N with N connectors 4''

display
metal box
50 kHz – 3 GHz
(Fig. 8).

Figure 8

3
 OVERVIEW
Depending on where you purchased it, the NanoVNA comes with calibration set
(3 pcs - open, short, load), two SMA male to male cables, USB C to USB-2 cable, SMA
female-female adapter, guitar pick to operate the menu system and, if you are lucky,
you have got printed NanoVNA Menu Structure Map. Otherwise, you can download this
map from the nanovna-users group files section. Folder '' Miscellaneous'', file: nanoVNA
Menu Structure v1.1.pdf by Larry Goga.
https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users/files/Miscellaneous

There are several versions of NanoVNA but the main parts on all are the same
(Fig. 9). The screenshots in this document were taken from the classic NanoVNA-H.
You may have another NanoVNA model and / or have different firmware installed, so
the screenshots on your NanoVNA may be slightly different, but in principle there is no
difference.

Figure 9

Power OFF/ON switch turns the NanoVNA on and off. After switching off the battery
LED stays on for a while. It's normal.

USB-C port is used to charge the battery and send data to a PC. It doesn't matter how
the USB cable is inserted.

The multifunction switch has multiple functions, such as selecting and executing
commands and moving markers.

- press the multifunction switch to open the menu or to execute the selected menu
command

4
 - slide the multifunction switch to the right or left to select a command from the
menu
- slide the multifunction switch to the right or left to move selected marker along
the trace on the screen

Battery LED - constant light is an indication of a charged battery. It flashes when the
battery is charging. During normal operation, flashing indicates low power - connect the
charger to charge the battery.

System LED flashes during normal NanoVNA operation.

Figure 10

Instead of a multifunction switch, some versions of NanoVNA have three mini

push button switches that perform the same function as the multifunction switch (Fig. 10
– push buttons on NanoVNA S-A-A V2 model). The middle button opens a menu or
executes a selected command from the menu. The left and right buttons are used to
select a command from the menu or to move the selected marker along the trace.

CHARGING THE BATTERY

The first thing to do is charge the battery by connecting the USB-C port of the
NanoVNA to a PC or via a 5V charger. It doesn't matter how the USB cable is inserted
into the USB-C port. Battery LED is an indication of battery charge. The LED flashes
when the battery is charging. A steady light is an indication of a charged battery.

When charging the battery, the NanoVNA can be turned off or on.

5
 TOUCH SCREEN CALIBRATION
We control the NanoVNA by selecting a command from the menu. The menu can
be opened by tapping (pressing with a stylus) the touch screen or with the multifunction
switch. For proper operation, the touch screen should be calibrated and the calibration
should be stored in the NanoVNA memory.

The touch screen is of resistive technology and needs the right amount of stylus
pressure to work properly.

1. Select CONFIG from the NanoVNA menu.

As the touch screen is not yet calibrated,

press the multifunction switch. This will
open the menu as in Figure 11.

Slide the multifunction switch to the right

several times to highlight the CONFIG
menu option.

Now, press the multifunction switch to

execute the selected CONFIG
command. This will open the submenu
as in Figure 12.

Figure 11

2. Open the TOUCH CAL command from the new menu.

Slide multifunction switch to the left

several times to highlight the TOUCH
CAL menu option. Now, press the
multifunction switch to execute the
selected command.

Figure 12

6
3. On the new screen, touch the upper left corner of the screen with the stylus (Fig. 13).

Figure 13

4. Now touch the lower right corner of the screen with the stylus (Fig. 14).

Figure 14

5. SAVE screen calibration (Fig. 15).

Slide multifunction switch to the right to

highlight the SAVE menu option, and
then press the multifunction switch to
execute the SAVE command.

Figure 15

7
 After calibration, we can open the menu by tapping the stylus or a guitar pick
anywhere on the NanoVNA screen or by pressing the multifunction switch.

To verify the accuracy of the touch

screen calibration, select CONFIG -
TOUCH TEST. Draw on the screen
with the stylus. The touch screen is of
resistive technology and needs the
right amount of stylus pressure to work
properly. If necessary, repeat the touch
screen calibration.

Figure 16

A BRIEF THEORY OF THE VNA

Vector Network Analyzer, VNA, is an instrument that measures network
parameters of electrical networks, such as antenna or antenna system, filters, individual
components, etc. The VNA sends a known signal (an electromagnetic wave of known
magnitude and frequency) into a device under test, DUT, and measures how much of
that wave reflects from the device (reflection) and how much transmits through the
device (transmission). The VNA captures both magnitude and phase of reflected wave
from the DUT or magnitude and phase of the wave that has passed through the DUT.

When measuring one port devices, such as an antenna or individual

components, the VNA transmits a signal of known magnitude and frequency from it's
Port 1 into the DUT and measures magnitude and phase of the reflected signal from the
DUT on the same port, VNA Port 1.

When measuring two ports devices, e.g. filters, the VNA transmits a signal of
known magnitude and frequency from it's Port 1 into the DUT and measures the
magnitude and phase of the signal passed through the DUT to the VNA other port, Port
2.

All other ''measurements'' are calculated in the VNA based on measurements of

the magnitude and phase of the reflected and transient signal.

(That’s a very simplistic explanation but enough to get us started).

8
HOW DOES NanoVNA DISPLAY MEASUREMENT RESULTS?
The NanoVNA draws the measurement result on the screen as a graph (trace) of
the measured quantity versus frequency and / or on the Smith Chart.

The trace that NanoVNA draws on the screen is similar to the graph that we
could draw by hand on a piece of paper. Take SWR measurement as an example. How
do we do that by hand? With transmitter and SWR meter! We measure the SWR at
regular points, e.g. at every 20 kHz in the frequency range of interest, enter the
measured values into the coordinate system and finally connect all data points to get a
graph. In Figure 17 SWR was measured in the frequency range from 3500 to 3800 kHz,
in regular frequency intervals of 20 kHz.

A picture is worth a
thousand words! On the
drawn graph, we see the
SWR of our antenna on the
whole band at first glance.
For example, if we are
interested in SWR at a
frequency of 3580 kHz, we
draw a vertical line from the
3580 kHz label on the x-axis
to the graph. From this point
of intersection, we draw a
horizontal line to the y-axis
and read the SWR from the
y-axis.

Figure 17

The above procedure took us some

time. NanoVNA can produce a similar
graph (a trace in the VNA jargon) on the
screen in a second (Fig. 18). In the
NanoVNA we set up the frequency
span, choose which trace we want to
see on the screen and connect the
antenna. The rest is NanoVNA's job.

Figure 18

9
 However, there is an important difference between our graph on paper and the
display on the NanoVNA screen. There are no x and y axes on the NanoVNA screen as
on the graph. Instead of the x and y axes, the screen is divided by horizontal and
vertical lines, and there is a marker that we can move along the trace. The marker
position on the trace indicates the frequency and SWR and reveal these values
numerically at the top of the screen (Fig. 18 and 19).

Figure 19

Horizontal and vertical lines are a kind of substitute for the x and y axes. The
vertical lines automatically scale the set frequency span to equal parts as we see at the
bottom of the screen (Figure 20). Horizontal lines scale unit of measurement. We set
the scale of the unit as most appropriate with regard to the type of measurement.

Figure 20

NanoVNA can display up to four traces or three traces plus a Smith Chart
simultaneously. Each trace has its own marker that we can move along the trace. By
moving the marker (changing marker's position) we select the frequency of interest.

The numerical values corresponding to the active marker of each trace are
displayed at the top of the screen (Fig. 19). Depending on the installed firmware, the
active channel is highlighted or marked with a triangle.

Current numerical value is measured value at a marker position M1 i.e. at 3.741

MHz (Fig 21). It is shown as CHANNEL – FORMAT – SCALE - Current value.

Figure 21

10
CHANNEL - the channel from which the measurement was taken (CH0 or CH1)
FORMAT - measurement type (SWR, PHASE, SMITH, RESISTANCE, etc.)
SCALE - number of units of measure per division (between each horizontal line on
the screen)
Current value - measured value at the selected frequency

Figure 22

As we can see in the example from Figure 22 there are three traces of different
colors with a marker on each trace. The marker M1 is on position of 3.741 MHz. The
yellow trace is measurements from the CH0 channel and shows the SWR on a scale of
1.00. The SWR value is 1: 1.3707. The blue trace is resistance (taken from CH0 on a
scale of 20 ohms per vertical division and current value of 38.992 ohms), and the green
trace is reactance (taken from CH0 on a scale of 20 ohms per verticall division and
current value of 8.6204 ohms).

Trace REFERENCE POSITION indicates the reference position of the

corresponding trace. It is horizontal grid line. The bottom line is line number 0, and the
top line is line number 8. The reference position of the corresponding trace is indicated
by a triangle along the left edge of the screen (Fig 22).

11
 FREQUENCY SWEEP RANGE
VERY IMPORTANT !!!!

NanoVNA does not generate frequencies continuously but in 101

DISCRETE FREQUENCY STEPS in the selected frequency range.

Whenever we work with the NanoVNA, we, the users, have to set the frequency
range in which NanoVNA measures. So for example, if we set the frequency range from
3 to 30 MHz, NanoVNA will generate a signal in increments of about 267 kHz (27000
kHz/101 steps). In other words, it measures at every 267 kHz, which is not accurate
enough.

To improve the accuracy of the measurement, we need to narrow the frequency

range and thus get a lot more data points. This is not a serious limitation, especially if
we carefully choose the frequency span in which we measure.

NanoVNA's PORTS
NanoVNA has two ports labeled: CH0 (Port 1) and CH1 (Port 2) (Fig. 23).

On CH0 NanoVNA measures the reflected signals from the DUT (e.g. antenna).
On CH1 NanoVNA measures the signals that have passed through the DUT (e.g. filter).

Figure 23

12
 NanoVNA MENU SYSTEM
There are no buttons and knobs on the NanoVNA. Instead, we use a menu
system to issue the command. If you did not get printed NanoVNA Menu Structure Map
with your device (Fig. 24) you can download this map from the files section of the
nanovna-users group, https://groups.io/g/nanovna-
users/files/Miscellaneous/nanoVNA%20Menu%20Structure%20v1.1.pdf

Figure 24

Depending on the installed firmware, this menu structure may differ slightly from
the menu on your device.

13
 OPENING AND CLOSING MENU

We open the menu by tapping any part

of the screen with the stylus or guitar
pick or by pressing the multifunction
switch. This will open the home menu as
shown in Figure 25.

Close the menu by tapping on the

screen or by sliding the multifunction
switch to the left.

Figure 25

SELECTING AND EXECUTING A MENU COMMAND

STYLUS
To select and/or execute a command from the menu, tap the command with the
stylus. The command briefly changes the background color and is executed.

MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH

To select a command from the open

menu, slide the multifunction switch to
the right. The selected command
changes its background color. As we
can see from Figure 26. the background
color of the DISPLAY command is
green, which means that DISPLAY is the
selected command.

To execute the selected command,

press the multifunction switch.

Figure 26

14
 NanoVNA MEASUREMENT CONFIGURATION
Before each measurement we need to configure NanoVNA for the type of
measurement:

- which traces we want to display (up to four or three plus Smith Chart)
- trace channel (CH0 REFLECT or CH1 THROUGH) for each trace separately
- trace format (unit of measurement of each format)
- scale (how many units of measurement per each horizontal line, for each trace
separately)
- reference position for each trace separately
- sweep frequency (stimulus frequency range)
- calibrate the NanoVNA

The order of the setting is not important except of the calibration. The calibration must
be done last. As you will see later, the calibration also saves the display settings, so
you can easily recall the whole setup.

SELECT THE TRACE

NanoVNA can display up to four traces or three traces plus a Smith Chart
simultaneously. By choosing a trace from the TRACE menu, we select the trace(s) that
NanoVNA will display.

Select DISPLAY | TRACE

The NanoVNA can display up to four

traces, TRACE 0, TRACE 1, TRACE 2
and TRACE 3. As we can see from
Figure 27, traces number 0, 1 and 2 are
highlighted, (the background color of the
trace names is highlighted in the same
color as the color of the trace). This
indicates the traces that NanoVNA will
display. The background color of
TRACE 3 is white – it is not used at the
moment.

Figure 27

15
 DESELECT THE TRACE

Deselect (cancel) the unwanted trace from the TRACE submenu.

Open DISPLAY | TRACE and:

WITH STYLUS:
Tap on the highlighted TRACE one or two times.

WITH MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH:

Highlight the TRACE you want to deselect (slide the multifunction switch to that trace),

a) if the trace is not an active trace, press the multifunction switch two times.
b) if the trace is an active trace, press the multifunction switch once.

(The active trace is labeled with a triangle or its channel text is inverted.)

ACTIVE TRACE
We can only change the properties (e.g. format, scale, reference position and
channel) of the active trace. The NanoVNA can display up to four traces, but only one is
the active trace. We can only activate selected, highlighted, traces. Depending on the
installed firmware, the active trace is labeled with a triangle or its channel text is
inverted (Fig. 28).

To activate the trace:

WITH STYLUS:
Tap on the highlighted TRACE once.

WITH MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH:

Slide the multifunction switch to highlight menu option of the trace you want to set active
and press the multifunction switch.

Figure 28

16
 TRACE FORMAT

Each trace has its own format. Format is a type of measurement that the trace
will display on the screen, such as SWR, Smith Chart, reactance, resistance, etc. To set
or change the trace format we have to activate the trace (Fig. 28).

DISPLAY | FORMAT opens the FORMAT submenu as in Figure 29 to select the

format you want, e.g. SWR. We can use a stylus or a multifunction switch.

Figure 29

17
 TRACE CHANNEL

NanoVNA has two ports, labeled as CH0 and CH1. On some models the ports
may be labeled as Port 1 and Port 2. We need to select at which NanoVNA port (CH0 or
CH1) we measure, for each trace separately.

First, activate the trace (see ACTIVE TRACE chapter). The active trace is labeled
with a triangle or inverted text. Now, open the home menu:

WITH STYLUS - tap anywhere on the screen.

WITH MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH - press the multifunction switch.

Open the DISPLAY menu

WITH STYLUS: tap on DISPLAY.

WITH MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH:

slide the multifunction switch to highlight
the DISPLAY menu option and then
press the switch.

Figure 30

Open the CHANNEL submenu

WITH STYLUS: tap on CHANNEL.

WITH MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH:

slide the multifunction switch to highlight
the CHANNEL menu option and then
press the switch.

Figure 31

18
 Now, select CH0 REFLECT or
CH1 THROUGH (Fig. 32)

WITH STYLUS: tap on CH0 REFLECT

or CH1 THROUGH.

WITH MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH:

slide the multifunction switch to highlight
the CH0 REFLECT or CH1 THROUGH
menu option and then press the switch.

Figure 32

19
 SCALE

The NanoVNA screen is divided into 8 horizontal sections. The SCALE/DIV

defines a number of units of measure per division (between each horizontal line on the
screen). In Figure 22 we see that the SWR is on a scale of 1 and the resistance, R, and
reactance, X, are on a scale of 20. To set the scale per division open the SCALE/DIV
submenu: DISPLAY – SCALE –SCALE/DIV

This opens the keypad screen as in Figure 33. Tap a number to enter the
number(s) you want. Finally tap on x1 to set the scale and close the keypad screen. To
exit the keypad screen without changing anything, delete the entry with the back key.
When all characters are deleted, the back key closes the keypad screen.

Figure 33

REFERENCE POSITION
The reference position of a trace is one of the horizontal lines on the screen.
There are 9 horizontal lines. The bottom line is line number 0, and the top line is line
number 8. The reference position of the corresponding trace is indicated by a triangle
along the left edge of the screen (Fig 22). To set the reference position open the
REFERENCE POSITION submenu: DISPLAY – SCALE – REFERENCE POSITION

In the keypad screen (Fig. 34) tap a

number for the reference position you
want and then tap on x1 to close the
keypad screen.

To exit the keypad screen without

changing anything, delete the entry with
the back key. When all characters are
deleted, the back key closes the keypad
screen.

Figure 34

20
 STIMULUS FREQUENCY

Stimulus frequency is the frequency range at which we measure, from the initial
to the final frequency. We can set the frequency range by setting the START and the
STOP frequency separately.

To set the START frequency, open STIMULUS | START

This opens a keypad screen similar to

those for a reference position or scale
(Fig. 35).

Figure 35

Note the letters G, M and k on stimulus frequency keyboard screen.

G = GHz, M = MHz, k = kHz. Each letter multiplies the current input by the appropriate
unit and terminates input immediately. For example, for 3.5 MHz, tap 3 . 5 and then
tap the letter M. This multiplies the current input by Megahertz unit and terminates input.

For frequency in Hertz, enter the value and tap x1.

To set the STOP frequency, open STIMULUS | STOP

The procedure is the same as for the START frequency.

To exit the keypad screen without changing anything, delete the entry with the
back key. When all characters are deleted, the back key closes the keypad screen.

21
 CALIBRATION
The proper NanoVNA calibration is absolutely crucial for correct
measurement.

For one port measurement, e.g. SWR, we only need OSL (OPEN, SHORT,
LOAD) calibration. The first three steps as described below.

For two port measurement, e.g. filter, we need full calibration. All five steps as
described below.

Calibrate the NanoVNA with the

calibration standards that came with the
device: OPEN, SHORT and 50 ohm (Fig
36).

Figure 36

I use a short flexible cable such as the RG174 to

relieve the mechanical stress on the SMA connector
on my NanoVNA (Fig 37). This means that the
calibration must be done at the end of that cable, not
on the NanoVNA.

Figure 37

If you use cable as in Figure 37, connect it to the CH0 of the NanoVNA. To the
other end of the cable connect the SMA female to female connector.

Before calibration we have to configure: TRACE(s) we want to display, TRACE

FORMAT, SCALE, REFERENCE POSITION, CHANNEL and STIMULUS frequency.

22
 When all parameters are set (frequency, trace(s), etc.), open CAL | RESET from
the home menu.

Reset the current calibration state – tap

on RESET (Fig. 38).

Figure 38

Connect OPEN calibration standard to

the other end of the cable connected to
CH0 port and tap on CALIBRATE, then
tap on OPEN (Fig. 39).

Figure 39

After one second OPEN is highlighted in

black and SHORT is green (selected).

Now, connect SHORT calibration

standard and tap on SHORT (Fig. 40).

Figure 40

23
 When SHORT is highlighted in black
and NanoVNA is ready for the next
calibration step, connect LOAD
calibration standard and tap on LOAD
(Fig. 41).

Figure 41

Now, connect LOAD calibration standard

to CH1. If using short pigtail cable on
CH1, connect LOAD calibration
standard to the other end of the cable
and tap on ISOLN (Fig. 42).

Figure 42

Connect a cable between the CH0 and

CH1 ports, and execute THRU (Fig. 43)

If you use cables, connect the cables

with SMA female-female adapter.

Figure 43

24
 Finish calibration, tap on DONE (Fig.
44).

Figure 44

The calibration must be stored in one of

the NanoVNA memories named SAVE 0
to SAVE 4. Select the desired memory
location and tap it. In Figure 45 selected
location is SAVE 1.

Figure 45

Notice the calibration status indicators, C1 D R S T X characters, vertically

along the left edge of the screen (Fig 46). This indicates that the NanoVNA
has been calibrated and is using calibration settings from a memory
location number 1.

Figure 46

NanoVNA has five memory locations where we can save calibration settings for
later use. Note that after switching on, NanoVNA always loads the calibration from
memory location 0.

Remember, before any calibration we have to reset the existing calibration. After
the reset we see that the calibration indicators have gone away (Fig. 39). Only then we
can proceed with the calibration.

25
 VERIFY THE CALIBRATION
It is wise to check that the calibration is well done. If you did not select one of the
traces to be Smith Chart already, temporarily change one trace to Smith Chart.

DISPLAY | TRACE | <activate the trace you change > | BACK | FORMAT | SMITH

Connect the OPEN calibration standard.

The marker on the Smith Chart should
be all the way to the right. (Fig. 47).

Figure 47

Connect the SHORT calibration

standard. The marker on the Smith
Chart should be all the way to the left
(Fig. 48).

Figure 48

Connect the 50 OHM calibration

standard. The marker should be at the
center of the Smith Chart (Fig 49).

Figure 49

26
 RECALL THE CALIBRATION
When you save a calibration, it also saves all configuration settings, (frequency
range, the settings for each trace, channel, and whch measurement the trace shows,
e.g. LOGMAG or SWR), so you can easily recall the whole setup.

To open saved calibration and configuration settings, select RECALL from the
home menu (Fig. 50) and then select the previously saved calibration.

Figure 50

When powered on, the Nano VNA automatically loads the calibration saved in
position RECALL 0.

27
 NanoVNA FIRMWARE UPGRADE

The capabilities of NanoVNA are largely determined by the installed firmware.

When you bought your NanoVAN, it probably came with old firmware. There are now
many newer firmware versions developed by independent developers with many
improvements and it is a good idea to upgrade the firmware. Before the upgrade, we
need to install two software components for the personal computer: the driver and the
firmware upgrade software. There are at least two different firmware upgrade software,
but only one driver.

The firmware upgrade procedure described below applies to the Windows 7/10 and has
been tested on NanoVNA-H 2.8“ (classic model) and USB 2.0 port.

Some users have reported problems when using the USB 3.0 port and have resolved
the issue using the USB 2.0 port.

To upgrade the firmware you need:

a) USB cable (you got it with your NanoVNA)

b) install the appropriate driver for PC
c) install the software for firmware upgrade
d) the firmware file for YOUR NanoVNA model

You have a USB cable, so the next step is to install the driver.

THE DRIVER INSTALLATION

To communicate with a personal computer and upgrade the firmware, we need to

install the STM32 microcontroller driver. The driver creates a virtual COM port through
which NanoVNA, in normal operation, communicates with the software. We use the
same driver to upgrade the firmware.

There are two ways to install the driver:

a) install the driver only

b) install the driver along with the firmware upgrade program (DfuSe DEMO -
because the driver is an integral part of that software)

28
 First, let's just install the driver, not the DfuSE DEMO software.

The driver can be downloaded from the STM32 microcontroller manufacturer's website:

https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stsw-stm32102.html

Figure 51

When you click on ''Get Software'' the site will ask your e-mail address to send
you an email with a download link. Click on the link inside the received e-mail to
download zip file to your computer. Save the file en.stsw-stm32102.zip in a
separate folder and unzip it. The unzipped file contains four drivers as in the Figure 51.

Figure 51

The zip file contains drivers for Windows 7 and Windows 8, 32 and 64-bit.
Win 8 drivers are OK for Win 10.

NanoVNA should not be connected to a PC yet!

To begin the installation, double-click the appropriate file, 32 or 64-bit.

If you are installing on Windows 10, select W8 (32bits or 64bits) file.

29
 Click Next P (Fig. 52)

Figure 52

P again Next

P accept default destination folder and click Next (Fig. 53)

Figure 53

30
 Figure 54

Click Finish (Fig 54).

If the installation procedure asks you for program updates, select '' No, skip this
step '' and click Finish.

Now, connect the NanoVNA to a PC with a USB cable and turn it on.

On Windows 7, wait a moment for the driver installation to complete (Fig 55).

Figure 55

The next step is to verify the driver installation.

31
 VERIFY THE DRIVER INSTALLATION
Depending on the mode in which NanovNA is connected to the PC, Windows
Device Manager displays the driver differently.

When NanoVNA is connected in normal mode (for working with programs on a

PC) we see the driver as .

When NanoVNA is connected for a firmware upgrade (in DFU mode) we see the
driver as .

NanoVNA in NORMAL MODE

Connect the NanoVNA with a USB cable to the PC and turn it on. Now, open the
Device Manager (Fig 56).

Figure 56

In the Ports (COM & LPT) section you should see STMicroelectronics Virtual
COM Port (COM4). (Your COM number may be different).

Disconnect the USB cable from the NanoVNA and the STMicroelectronics
Virtual COM Port (COM4) will disappear. Reconnect and the STMicroelectronics
Virtual COM Port (COM4) will reappear.

32
 NanoVNA in DFU MODE

Put NanoVNA in DFU mode as described in the "PUTTING NanoVNA in DFU

MODE" section below. When the NanoVNA in DFU mode (its screen is blank) is
connected with the USB cable to the PC, open the Device Manager. In Universal Serial
Bus controllers section, you should see STM Device in DFU Mode (Fig 57).

Figure 57

Note that there is no longer STMicroelectronics Virtual COM Port under Ports
(COM & LPT). This is normal because NanoVNA cannot be connected to two
connections at the same time.

If you have a warning in the Device Manager, a yellow triangle with an

exclamation mark (Fig 58), ignore it for now. We still need to install the DfuSe firmware
upgrade software. The software may also fix the driver.

Figure 58

33
 DfuSe Demo INSTALLATION
DfuSe Demo is firmware upgrade software via USB cable (using virtual COM
port). Although it has a DEMO in its name, it is fully functional software. Download it
from:

https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stsw-stm32080.html

Figure 59

As when you were downloading the virtual COM port driver, the site will ask your
e-mail address to send you an email with a download link. Click on the link inside the
received e-mail to download zip file to your computer. Save the file en.stsw-
stm32080.zip in a separate folder and unzip it. After unzipping, you get the files as in
the Figure 60.

Figure 60

This file, DfuSe_Demo_V3.0.6_Setup is for both Windows 10 and Windows 7.

34
Double click on DfuSe_Demo_V3.0.6_Setup.exe

Click Next, again Next P accept default destination folder and click Install (Fig. 61).

Figure 61

Figure 62

Finally click on Finish (Fig.62) P

35
 P and it will open DfuSe Demo (v3.0.6) (Fig. 63)

Figure 63

Note that the software does not yet see NanoVNA (there is nothing under Available
DFU Devices).

To upgrade the firmware, we need the appropriate DFU file, which we don't have
yet.

For now, close DfuSe by clicking Quit.

Recheck the driver installation as described in the ''VERIFY THE DRIVER

INSTALLATION'' section above.

If you still have a warning (yellow triangle with exclamation mark) see the
"TROUBLESHOOTING THE DRIVER INSTALLATION" section below.

36
 TROUBLESHOOTING THE DRIVER INSTALLATION
The driver is included with the DfuSe software that was installed, but for some
reason the driver was not installed properly and you have to install it manually. There
are multiple driver directories, so you need to select the correct one.

On my system, the correct directory and files are here (Fig 64):

Figure 64

You may need to move to a different directory for your version of Windows
operating system.

Select the correct .exe file for your system and execute it.

Once the driver is installed, if you close and re-start the DfuSe software and do
not see the device, there are three possible reasons:

a) NanoVNA is not connected to a PC with a USB cable

b) If connected, NanoVNA is not in DFU mode
c) The driver is still not installed correctly. See ''UPDATE DRIVER FROM DEVICE
MANAGER'' section below.

37
 UPDATE DRIVER FROM DEVICE MANAGER
If the STM Device in DFU Mode is missing from your USB Serial Bus Controllers
list, or you still have yellow triangle with exclamation mark as in Figure 65, you may try
to install the driver from Device Manager.

Figure 65

FIRST METHOD

a) connect and turn on NanoVNA

b) open Device Manager (right-click on ''This PC'' icon)

c) select Properties

d) select Device Manager

e) open Ports (COM & LPT), Fig. 66

Figure 66

f) select the appropriate COM port (Fig 66). If you do not know which one, simply
turn nanoVNA off/on to see which disappears and reappears.

g) right-click and select Update Driver, (Fig 66)

h) select Browse my computer for driver software, (Fig 67)

Figure 67

38
i) find Local Disk (C:) and click on Program Files (x86), (Fig 68)

Figure 68

j) click on DfuSe v3.0.6 (Fig 69)

Figure 69
k) click on Bin (Fig 69)

39
 l) click on Driver (Fig 69)

Figure 64

m) Click on Win10 (or Win7/8 for your operating system) (Fig 70)

n) Click on x64 for 64-bit Windows or x86 for 32-bit

o) Click OK.

40
 SECOND METHOD

If the above procedure fails, try the same procedure, but now select the driver from
C:\Program Files (x86)\ STMicroelectronics\ Software\ Virtual comport driver\ Win8
(for Win10) or Win7 (Fig 71)

Figure 71

41
 THIRD METHOD

It is worth trying the procedure described in the first and second methods but now
with NanoVNA connected in DFU mode.

Connect the NanoVNA with a USB cable to the PC and turn it on. Put the NanoVNA in
DFU mode (see ''PUTTING NanoVNA IN DFU MODE'' below) and open the Device
Manager (Fig 72).

Figure 72

In USB Serial Bus Controllers list right-click the STM Device in DFU Mode and
proceed from g) of the first method (select Update Driver, etc.).

42
 THE FIRMWARE UPGRADE PROCEDURE
The capabilities of NanoVNA are largely determined by the installed firmware.
Once you got the confidence to navigate the menus, upgrade firmware. Please
remember, the touch screen calibration should be done after every firmware
upgrade.

NOTE 1: I have used this process several times on my NanoVNA-H 2.8“ (classic
model), hardware version 3.3, but I can NOT guarantee that it will work for YOU! There
are many different hardware versions and clones out there that may behave differently.
I apologize if it does not work for you. Please proceed at your own risk!

NOTE 2: You can't hurt your NanoVNA by uploading incorrect firmware. It just won't
work. Simply repeat the process with the correct DFU file.

The firmware upgrade is three-step process:

1. Downloading the appropriate DFU file for your NanoVNA model

2. Putting NanoVNA in DFU mode
3. Flashing the firmware

Before searching for the firmware, it would be a good idea to check which version of
the firmware you already have in your model of the NanoVNA.

Open CONFIG menu, then VERSION. It will open the screen similar as on Figure 73.

Figure 73

Among other information, we see the firmware version:

Copyright @edy555
Version: 0.8.0
Build Time: Jun 19 2020

43
 How to Find a DFU File for Your NanoVNA ?
Gyula, HA3HZ, maintains a list and informations of different firmware versions on
his website http://ha3hz.hu/hu/home/top-nav/12-seged-berendezesek/15-nanovna

There are different firmware file formats. Make your life easier and look for DFU
file formats only.

Scroll the web page a bit down to the Firmware sources section:

Figure 74

Click on the highlighted text opens a PDF file with firmware information. When
you find which firmware you want and whether it fits your NanoVNA model, download
the file from GitHub or from file section of nanovna-users group. All you need is just one
DFU file.

Links to some active firmware developers (December 2020):

edy555 is the originator of the NanoVNA

https://github.com/ttrftech/NanoVNA/releases

Hugen who created the 2.8" NanoVNA-H version

https://github.com/hugen79/NanoVNA-H/releases

DiSlord fixed many bugs and added additional functions. His latest version of
NanoVNA-H and NanoVNA-H4 firmware, in a rar file, can be downloaded from the
nanovna-users group.
https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users/files/Dislord%27s%20Nanovna%20-H%20Firmware

OneOfEleven is developer of NanoVNA-App software for MS Windows. Her firmware

version for NanoVNA-H is even part of the NanVNA-App software for MS Windows.
https://github.com/OneOfEleven/NanoVNA-H/tree/master/Release

44
 PUTTING NanoVNA IN DFU MODE
The upgrade process requires NanoVNA to be in DFU mode (Device Firmware
Upgrade mode). Depending on the NanoVNA model, there are several ways to enter
DFU mode.

ENTERING DFU MODE FROM THE MENU

On classic NanoVNA and NanoVNA-H by Hugen and clones, enter DFU mode
from the menu by selecting CONFIG then DFU and RESET AND ENTER DFU.

Here is an example of NanoVNA-H 2.8'' entering DFU mode (Fig. 75).

Figure 75

Figure 76 – NanoVNA-H in DFU mode

45
 In DFU mode (Fig. 76), NanoVNA-H 2.8“ may display the information:

DFU: Device Firmware Update Mode

To exit DFU mode please reset device yourself.

Other models show nothing but a blank screen. Depending on the NanoVNA
model, the screen may remain dark or white in DFU mode.

ENTERING DFU MODE BY PRESSING MULTISWITCH

On some models you can get into DFU mode by:

a) turn the unit off,

b) hold the multifunction switch in and turn the unit on,
c) release the multifunction switch.

The screen will turn blank (black or white, depending on the model, e.g. black on
NanoVNA-H4) and it will stay so. It is indication that the NanoVNA is in DFU mode.

46
 ENTERING DFU MODE WHEN NOTHING ELSE WORKS
When the normal DFU entry method mode does not work for any reason, e.g.,
you upgraded the wrong firmware and NanoVNA froze, there is no reason to panic.

To get back into DFU mode, all

you have to do is boot the
NanoVNA whilst you have the
two VDD and BOOT0 points on
the printed circuit bord shorted
together (Fig. 77).

First, switch off the NanoVNA

and open the case. With a piece
of wire temporarily connect VDD
to BOOT0 (Fig. 77). Switch on
the nanoVNA. LCD turns blank
(black or white). That is normal.

Remove the connection wire

from VDD and BOOT0. While
the NanoVNA is in DFU mode
(wire removed !) connect it to the
computer with the USB cable
and redo your firmware upload
as per normal.

Figure 77

47
 FLASHING THE FIRMWARE
To my knowledge, there are at least two firmware upgrade software: DfuSe by
STM32 microcontroller manufacturer and NanoVNA-App for PC by OneOfEleven. Both
software require the installation of the appropriate firmware upgrade driver. The driver
installation instructions are provided earlier in the document.

The firmware upgrade process is flashing the appropriate firmware file to the
NanoVNA processor memory. No additional hardware needed, just USB cable.

FIRMWARE UPGRADE USING DfuSE DEMO v3.0.6

While the NanoVNA is in DFU mode connect it to the computer with the
USB cable.

Then, open the DfuSeDemo software. The software should recognize the
NanoVNA in DFU mode (Fig. 78).

Figure 78

48
 Next step is to open DFU file for your model of the NanoVNA.

Figure 79

We have two ChooseJ buttons to select the DFU file. Click the one in the
"Upgrade or Verify Action" section as shown in Figure 79.

Find your DFU file and click Open (Fig. 80)

Figure 80

49
 Notice the message at the bottom of the DfuSe software:: File correctly loaded
(Fig. 81).

Now, click Upgrade (Fig. 81).

Figure 81

Click Yes to continue (Fig. 82).

Figure 82

Upgrading has started (Fig 78).

Figure 83

50
 When you see the message: Upgrades successful you may click Quit to close
DfuSe Demo (Fig. 84).

Figure 84

Restart your NanoVNA – turn it off and on.

You have a ''brand new'' NanoVNA now. As the touch screen is not calibrated,
chances are it will not work well. So the first thing to do is calibrate the touch
screen. Don't forget to save the touch screen calibration.

And finally, you can check your new firmware version. From NanoVNA menu,
open CONFIG, then VERSION. You have new version successfully installed (Fig. 85).

Figure 85

Remember, after the firmware update, all calibrations, including touch screen
calibration, must be done again. When powered on, the Nano VNA automatically loads
the calibration saved in position C0.

If you prefer videos to written text, check out Alan Wolke, W2AEW, excellent YouTube
video # 320: How to update the NanoVNA-H4 firmware using Windows 10 and DFU file
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcXzITPPTyA

51
 FIRMWARE UPGRADE USING NanoVNA-App for Windows
by OneOfEleven
Please note that to use NanoVNA-App to install a firmware upgrade, you still
require the DFU device driver and the DfuSe software. The installation
instructions are provided earlier in the document.

NanoVNA-App by OneOfEleven is NanoVNA software for Windows that is very

actively developed so we often have a new version. Download the latest version from:

https://github.com/OneOfEleven/NanoVNA-H/tree/master/Release/

Download the NanoVNA-App.rar file and unrar it to a separate folder. The

program does not need to be installed. Double-clicking the NanoVNA-App.exe will run
the software. You can also make a shortcut and copy it to your desktop.

It works on my NanoVNA-H 2.8" and Windows 7 64-bit/Windows 10 v1909 64-bit, but I

can NOT guarantee that it will work for YOU! Please proceed at your own risk!

To upgrade the firmware, first put NanoVNA in DFU mode, connect it to your
computer with a USB cable, and then run the NanoVNA-App software (Fig. 86).

Figure 86

52
Click Upload VNA firmware button (Fig. 87).

Figure 87

Now, click ''open folder'' button to open your DFU file (Fig. 88)

Figure 88

If you don't see a DFU Device, one or all of the following may be the cause:

• NanoVNA is not connected to your PC with the USB cable

• NanoVNA is not in DFU mode
• You have not installed the DFU driver

53
 Select the DFU file and click Open (Fig. 89).

Figure 89

The firmware upload has started. Wait a moment and when you see the message
"The VNA now needs to be power cycled" the upgrade is over (Fig. 90).

Figure 90

54
 Remember, after the firmware update, all calibrations must be done again.

Restart the NanoVNA and check your new firmware version. Connect NanoVNA
to your PC and in NanoVNA-App click on Settings button (Fig. 91).

Figure 91

All the firmware information are in the uper right corner of the new window (Fig. 92).

Figure 92

You now have the latest firmware installed.

55
 An Example Of The SWR Measurement

We will measure SWR of 80m antenna in the frequency range from 3 to 4.3 MHz
and use NanoVNA instead of our transmitter. The antenna is a „one port device“, so we
will use CH0 only. NanoVNA generates (transmits) a signal from CH0 (Port 1). The
measured SWR will be displayed as a trace on the NanoVNA screen.

To connect the PL259 to the SMA connector on NanoVNA we need a suitable

adapter. Do not connect the RG-213 directly to the NanoVNA. Use the 30 cm RG174
cable provided with the NanoVNA to relieve the mechanical stress on the SMA
connector (Fig 93).

Figure 93

Before measurement we have to configure:

- which traces we want to display

- trace channel
- trace format
- scale
- reference position
- sweep frequency
- calibrate the NanoVNA

56
Step 1: TRACE SELECTION

In this example we will use only one

trace, TRACE 0

Open the menu DISPLAY | TRACE and

deselect all traces except TRACE 0 (Fig.
94). Notice how the yellow triangle
activates the yellow TRACE 0.

Finally, tap BACK to return to the

previous menu.

Figure 94

Step 2: CHANNEL SELECTION

We measure SWR, so we use channel

CH0.

Tap on CHANNEL | CH0 REFLECT

(Fig. 95)

Figure 95

Step 3: TRACE FORMAT SELECTION

Trace format is what we measure, so we

choose SWR.

Open the menu DISPLAY | FORMAT |

SWR (Fig. 96).

Figure 96

57
 Step 4: SCALE SELECTION

SCALE defines the number of units of measurement per horizontal line, for each trace
separately. For SWR we will set it to 1.

Open DISPLAY | SCALE | SCALE/DIV

This will open the keypad screen as in

Figure 97. Tap a number 1. Finally tap
on x1 to set the scale and close the
keypad screen.

Figure 97

Step 5: REFERENCE POSITION SELECTION

Open DISPLAY | SCALE | REFERENCE POSITION

This will open the keypad screen similar

to SCALE keypad screen (Fig. 89). For
the reference position, select the second
bottom line. Enter number 1 and tap on
x1. This is the line where the SWR is 1 :
1. In Figure 98, notice that the yellow
triangle, the one without the number on
it, is on the second line from the bottom.

Figure 98

58
Step 6: STIMULUS FREQUENCY SELECTION

To set the frequency range, the simplest method is to set the START and STOP
frequencies. Care should be taken not to select an excessive frequency range.
Remember, NanoVNA generates a signal in 101 discrete frequency steps. The
frequency range from 3 to 4.3 MHz is 1300 kHz wide. This means that NanoVNA will
generate signals in steps of 1300/101 = 12.87 kHz which is satisfactory for this SWR
measurement.

From home menu open STIMULUS | START (Fig. 99).

On the keypad screen enter 3 then tap

on M (for MHz) in the keypad unit
column.

Figure 99

Now, open STIMULUS | STOP (Fig. 100) and enter 4 . 3 M

Figure 100

Selected sweep frequency are displayed as START and STOP frequencies at the
bottom of the screen.

59
 Step 7: CALIBRATION

For reflection measurement on CH0, SOL calibration is sufficient. SOL = Short;

Open; Load. This means that we only have to do the first three calibration steps as
described in the Calibration section. When calibrate, after the LOAD tap on DONE and
store the calibration settings to memory location e.g. SAVE 2.

Remember to verify the calibration on the Smith Chart (see the section VERIFY
THE CALIBRATION).

Step 8: CONNECT DUT (Device Under Test)

Connect your antenna using SMA to SO239 adapter (Fig 93 and 101).
The rest is NanoVNA's job.

Figure 101

Now, we have yellow trace on the

screen. It is a graph of SWR versus
frequency. Notice the yellow marker,
the yellow triangle with number 1. The
position of the marker on the trace
reveals the frequency and the SWR at
that frequency. In Figure 102, the
cursor is at 3 MHz and the SWR at that
frequency is 1: 4.67.

Figure 102

60
 The best SWR is where the graph is
closest to the reference line (Fig 103).
The marker can be moved by sliding
multifunction switch or by dragging with
the stylus.

Figure 103

Although we only have one trace on the screen notice the yellow triangle at the
top of the screen, in front of CH0. This is the label of the active trace.

Move the marker of the active trace by sliding the multifunction switch to the right,
on the location closest to the reference line (Fig 94). The best SWR is 1.18 at the
frequency of 3.611 MHz. We see the frequency in the upper right corner of the screen
as M1: 3.611 000 MHz. M1: indicates marker number 1 and 3.637 000 MHz is
frequency of marker 1.

61
 Matching The Antenna Coupler

Just for the demonstration, (and for a fun of it), instead of our TX, we will use
NanoVNA to ''tune the antenna tuner''. Antenna coupler (''antenna tuner'') acts as a
transformer to transform the impedance on the coaxial cable side to the impedance (50
ohm) on the transmitter side.

Figure 104

We will try to match the 160 m antenna to 80 m band, to around 3,650 kHz. The
antenna is connected to the OUTPUT of the tuner. CH0 of the NanoVNA is connected
to the tuner's INPUT (Fig. 104).

As always, before each measurement, we have to configure certain parameters

in the NanoVNA. The procedure is very similar to that for SWR measurement:

TRACE - select TRACE 0 and TRACE 1

CHANNEL - select CH0 REFLECT for both traces
FORMAT - for TRACE 0 select SWR, for TRACE 1 select SMITH
SCALE - select 1 for SWR and SMITH
REFERENCE POSITION – select 1 for SWR
STIMULUS - select START and STOP frequency (3500 and 3800 kHz respectively)
CALIBRATE - calibrate OPEN, SHORT, LOAD and save to a memory location (e.g.
SAVE 3). Since we are only doing reflection measurement on CH0 we only
have to do an OPEN, SHORT and LOAD.
VERIFY THE CALIBRATION

Now connect the antenna to the output and the NanoVNA to the input of your
antenna tuner.

Tweak the controls of your tuner so that you can see the yellow SWR curve and
the blue curve on the Smith Chart as on Figure 96. Before proceeding, move the M1
marker to the desired frequency, e.g. on 3650 kHz.

62
 The blue trace on the Smith Chart is plot
of the impedances of the antenna over
the selected frequency range. The
controls of antenna tuner twist and roll
the trace on the Smith Chart. Our goal is
to move the blue trace to cut the
horizontal line of the Smith Chart and
center the marker M1 right in the center
of the Smith Chart (Fig. 106 and 107).

Figure 105

Figure 106

Slowly tune the controls of your tuner to

move the blue M1 marker to the center.
The yellow SWR trace moves to the
bottom (it's reference line) at a same
time. The best match should look as in
the Figure 107.

Figure 107

63
 Filter Measurement

Figure 108

To measure the filter, we use CH0 as the source and CH1 as the receiver (Fig.
108). NanoVNA sends signals in the selected frequency range from CH0 to the filter
input. On CH1 NanoVNA measures the signals that have passed through the filter and
displays the result as a trace on the screen. This trace is the ratio of the magnitude of
the signal sent from CH0 to the signal passed through the filter, in decibels (Fig. 109,
110 and 111).

Figure 109

Figure 110

64
Figure 111

In this example, we measure the attenuation of a high-pass filter in the frequency

range from 1 MHz to 900 MHz, in decibels. Since we are measuring attenuation, we will
select a horizontal line at the top of the screen for the reference position, and scale of
10 dB per division.

Let's set the measurement parameters:

TRACE - select TRACE 0

CHANNEL - select CH1 THROUGH
FORMAT - LOGMAG
SCALE - select 10
REFERENCE POSITION – select 7
STIMULUS - select START and STOP frequency (1 MHz and 900 MHz respectively)
CALIBRATE - We need to do a full calibration as described in the CALIBRATION
section (OPEN, SHORT, LOAD, ISOLN, THRU). Calibration must be done
at the ends of the connecting cables, not on the NanoVNA.

SAVE AND VERIFY THE CALIBRATION

Now connect the filter input to CH0 and the output to CH1. We got a trace as in
Figures 109, 110 and 111. Move the marker along the trace to read the attenuation at
the selected frequency. In Figure 109, the marker is at a frequency of 9.99 MHz and the
attenuation of the filter is -54.20 dB. Figure 110 = 108.0 MHz and -31.65 dB. Figure 111
= 549.39 MHz and -0.54 dB.

65
 SOFTWARE FOR PC AND SMARTPHONES
There are some advantages of PC software over the small NanoVNA screen.
The computer screen is much easier to read than the NanoVNA display, you can see
many parameters at once and easily save the images, some software may split a
frequency range into multiple segments to increase resolution, etc.. Different software
offers different options, and some software only works with certain firmwares.

NanoVNA communicates with the software via a virtual COM port. Remember,
we installed the virtual COM port when we installed the driver. In Windows, Device
Manager - Ports (COM & LPT), we have .

Connect NanoVNA to the PC with a USB cable. No matter what software you
use, in that software, first select the virtual COM port used by your NanoVNA.
Everything else is on the software.

For more information regarding software for personal computers and

smartphones visit Wiki page of nanovna-users group:

https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users/wiki#Software

Here are just a few examples of available free software.

Figure 112 – NanoVNASaver by Rune B. Broberg, 5Q5R

https://github.com/NanoVNA-Saver/nanovna-saver

66
Figure 113 - NanoVNA-App by OneOfEleven
https://github.com/OneOfEleven/NanoVNA-H/tree/master/Release

67
 Figure 114 - Android NanoVNA-App by CHO45
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.lowreal.nanovnawebapp

68
 SUMMARY
Can NanoVNA be compared to professional devices that cost several hundred
times more? Let's be serious, it can't! Does NanoVNA have any value for the average
radio amateur? Definitely YES! For those without electronic and radio engineering
background, but willing to learn, there is a great reward waiting just around the corner.
It is the satisfaction of understanding how something works in the world of radio
technology that the money can't buy. NanoVNA can greatly help you in claiming the
reward.

In these three examples, we just scratched the surface. NanoVNA can do much
more. Figuring out everything the NanoVNA can do could take months, even years. But
with NanoVNA, learning is a lot easier and more fun.

For further assistance see the nanovna-users group Wiki page:

https://groups.io/g/nanovna-users/wiki

There are plenty YouTube videos about NanoVNA but by far the best are by Alan
Wolke W2AEW:

http://www.youtube.com/w2aew

Look for his NanoVNA videos from #312 to #326

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4ZSD4omd_AylEyNCQYR3RcEb0olukPEJ

All of Alan's videos are outstanding and highly recommended.

69