[TowerTalk] Suggestions -- VNA, Smith Chart Software

[Jim Brown]

I'm looking for suggestions for upgrading my antenna design and analysis 
resources.  Something like six years ago I bought the version of the 
TAPR VNA marketed by Ten Tec.  It's nice as far as it goes, but six 
years is a long time in the development cycle of products like this, and 
when my neighbor called looking for suggestions, I didn't have a good 
answer.  I've consistently heard good things about N2PK's design, but 
it's surface mount, and  my eyes and soldering skills aren't up to it.

Second, I'm looking for Smith Chart software suitable for modeling 
antennas.  I need to be able to exchange files with W7EL's EZNEC and 
measurement software like the TAPR.  I don't anticipate working above a 
few hundred MHz with it.

Suggestions/experience welcome. Please keep it on the list -- I suspect 
others may have interest in these issues, and any suggestions may invite 
comments/review from others.

73, Jim K9YC