[TowerTalk] Antenna Analyzers

[Paul Christensen]

>"The VNWA is a nice unit but it's WAY WAY WAY to delicate for serious field work.  The newest variation with the micro USB is a step back because that connector is far more fragile than the old hunk-square type A USB connector.  Guys who use them "all the time" in the field are apparently much more disciplined than I am.  The other issue is that it requires a computer to work.  So it's workable on the ground, but if you have to go up the tower, then it's a problem.  And the software is a long way from intuitive - but it does work fine once you figure out how to use it.  The myVNA software used with the N2PK requires virtually zero learning curve.  I love the GUI and the N2PK but this is even more non-portable in that my N2PK requires a parallel port to drive it as well as the computer.  So it's attracted to the bench and never goes for a field trip."

My $0.02.  I own the USB version of the N2PK VNA and as Jeff points out, the myVNA GUI from G8KBB is very intuitive.  I have tried the VNWA GUI with the N2PK but found that setup is more complicated and graphics quality isn't nearly as good as myVNA.  

I used to lug around a tablet PC and gel-cell when making field measurements with my N2PK VNA, but now use RigExpert 230 and 55 Zoom models in the field.  They've worked very well in high AM BC fields, display graphics is good, and the batteries seem to last forever.  Probably 95% of what I need in the field can be accomplished with either RigExpert single-port CIA rather than 2-port VNA measurements.  Most of my S21 measurements are done on the workbench.

Another excellent VNA is the Array Solutions VNA2180.  For detailed S11 and S21, I like it as much as the N2PK and graphics quality is excellent with W5BIG's software.  All the analyzers mentioned have a HF or VHF frequency limit but I rarely need measurements beyond VHF.   

Paul, W9AC