Hello Group,

I have just acquired a V2 after using the prior lower bandwidth versions. Although I have not had the chance to do a comparison between the V2 and my HP8714EC VNA I think the V2 as a bench instrument platform would be a great starting point.

I like the portability but I was thinking one could take one of the V2 units and build a fairly rugged stand alone bench instrument.

I know that one can use a PC application to communicate with the unit but being able to adjust things on the fly is very attractive. I know that some have adapted the unit to a 4 inch screen but does anyone know of a larger (perhaps 5/6 or even a 7 inch display one could buy that would be compatible with the unit.

Has anyone done this? I think it would make a killer system as anything similar is very expensive. If it could be realized for even a $100.00 cost adder it would still be a great bargain. I would think with all of the displays available on eBay (5 and 7 inch for the Raspberry Pi for example) that there should be something that would work. Put the NanoVNA-V2 in a box with N connectors and a larger display and a clean power supply (you could even use 18650 batteries and retain the portable use) and you would have something that has the best of both worlds. If you can't get a touch screen perhaps a simple interface could add a rotary encoder and menu buttons along the side of the display like HP has used for decades,

The V2 itself is so in-expensive by comparison that owning a second one for exclusive portable use is a real possibility for most hams and making a bench version that does not require a PC would be a great project. The USB connection would be retained and function exactly as it does today.

Another thought around stand alone bench instruments:

Also I am wondering if any work has been done on a unit that could cover say 5 or 10Hz to 200MHz or so that would have better resolution for lower frequency work. Perhaps this would be a separate unit or a modification of an existing unit. This would be similar in coverage to the venerable HP3577A Network Analyzer.

In any event I personally am a hardware guy so writing software is not my forte and I realize my limitations in that regard. I am just tossing these ideas out there and see if their is any interest in expanding the utility of the device as the more I use the V2 the more possibilities I see for it.

I think that many of us who use professional grade T&M equipment in our careers would like to be able to have bench type equipment that closely emulates that type of equipment in our home lab.

Being able to make a large screen bench instrument based on the V2 would go a long way towards that goal.

Thank you for your time,

Sam
W3OHM

i mount a 4 inch display and be done with it ... as long as no clever
guy writes a firmware for 800x480 pixels for a 5 to 8 inch display

n connectors would be superb and more robust as sma sockets ...

i build it just a bit bigger ... so the 4 inch does fit well ... and
that i have room for 4x 18650 cells

a bigger usb connector ... and the side slide switch will be changed to
a better flipswitch

bigger buttons as well ...

and it will still be portable ...

didnt i see that a user hacks around a bluetooth module?!? (i have a bt
module in my sark100 ... and measure "wireless" is superb)

cause it is more or less a "normal serial port connection" it should be
easy ... but you have to take care that the bt module does not influence
your tests (especially if you measue around that frequency of 2.4 gig)

... sam ... the saa2 starts at 10 kc (there is a reason why there are
TWO different clock sources) .. how low will you go???

so ... get a v2 ... buy 4 inch display to change the size to the bigger one

buy 2 double cell holders (makes 4x 18650)

mount all in a nice metal case and you have your test gear (portable and
bench work)

(i have no idea how to desolder the sma socket so i will use short sma
to n pigtails)

greetz sigi dg9bfc


**

Am 01.07.2020 um 03:17 schrieb Sam Reaves:

> Hello Group,
>
> I have just acquired a V2 after using the prior lower bandwidth versions. Although I have not had the chance to do a comparison between the V2 and my HP8714EC VNA I think the V2 as a bench instrument platform would be a great starting point.
>
> I like the portability but I was thinking one could take one of the V2 units and build a fairly rugged stand alone bench instrument.
>
> I know that one can use a PC application to communicate with the unit but being able to adjust things on the fly is very attractive. I know that some have adapted the unit to a 4 inch screen but does anyone know of a larger (perhaps 5/6 or even a 7 inch display one could buy that would be compatible with the unit.
>
> Has anyone done this? I think it would make a killer system as anything similar is very expensive. If it could be realized for even a $100.00 cost adder it would still be a great bargain. I would think with all of the displays available on eBay (5 and 7 inch for the Raspberry Pi for example) that there should be something that would work. Put the NanoVNA-V2 in a box with N connectors and a larger display and a clean power supply (you could even use 18650 batteries and retain the portable use) and you would have something that has the best of both worlds. If you can't get a touch screen perhaps a simple interface could add a rotary encoder and menu buttons along the side of the display like HP has used for decades,
>
> The V2 itself is so in-expensive by comparison that owning a second one for exclusive portable use is a real possibility for most hams and making a bench version that does not require a PC would be a great project. The USB connection would be retained and function exactly as it does today.
>
> Another thought around stand alone bench instruments:
>
> Also I am wondering if any work has been done on a unit that could cover say 5 or 10Hz to 200MHz or so that would have better resolution for lower frequency work. Perhaps this would be a separate unit or a modification of an existing unit. This would be similar in coverage to the venerable HP3577A Network Analyzer.
>
> In any event I personally am a hardware guy so writing software is not my forte and I realize my limitations in that regard. I am just tossing these ideas out there and see if their is any interest in expanding the utility of the device as the more I use the V2 the more possibilities I see for it.
>
> I think that many of us who use professional grade T&M equipment in our careers would like to be able to have bench type equipment that closely emulates that type of equipment in our home lab.
>
> Being able to make a large screen bench instrument based on the V2 would go a long way towards that goal.
>
> Thank you for your time,
>
> Sam
> W3OHM
>
>
>

Hi Siegfried,

Thanks for responding. I am just spoiled from using gear with large screens
and real knobs!

That is my fallback plan. I can always rebuild it when someone comes out
with a plan to put an
even larger screen on it. Too bad someone does not make a VGA interfaced
version.

73,

Sam Reaves
ARS W3OHM
Owner and Moderator of:
LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io (Current and Future Group)
Electronics and Mechanical Hardware Design Engineering Manager
Andritz Rolls Global Research Center (RETIRED)



On Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 12:45 AM Siegfried Jackstien <
siegfried.jackstien@freenet.de> wrote:

> i mount a 4 inch display and be done with it ... as long as no clever
> guy writes a firmware for 800x480 pixels for a 5 to 8 inch display
>
> n connectors would be superb and more robust as sma sockets ...
>
> i build it just a bit bigger ... so the 4 inch does fit well ... and
> that i have room for 4x 18650 cells
>
> a bigger usb connector ... and the side slide switch will be changed to
> a better flipswitch
>
> bigger buttons as well ...
>
> and it will still be portable ...
>
> didnt i see that a user hacks around a bluetooth module?!? (i have a bt
> module in my sark100 ... and measure "wireless" is superb)
>
> cause it is more or less a "normal serial port connection" it should be
> easy ... but you have to take care that the bt module does not influence
> your tests (especially if you measue around that frequency of 2.4 gig)
>
> ... sam ... the saa2 starts at 10 kc (there is a reason why there are
> TWO different clock sources) .. how low will you go???
>
> so ... get a v2 ... buy 4 inch display to change the size to the bigger one
>
> buy 2 double cell holders (makes 4x 18650)
>
> mount all in a nice metal case and you have your test gear (portable and
> bench work)
>
> (i have no idea how to desolder the sma socket so i will use short sma
> to n pigtails)
>
> greetz sigi dg9bfc
>
>
> **
>
> Am 01.07.2020 um 03:17 schrieb Sam Reaves:
> > Hello Group,
> >
> > I have just acquired a V2 after using the prior lower bandwidth
> versions. Although I have not had the chance to do a comparison between the
> V2 and my HP8714EC VNA I think the V2 as a bench instrument platform would
> be a great starting point.
> >
> > I like the portability but I was thinking one could take one of the V2
> units and build a fairly rugged stand alone bench instrument.
> >
> > I know that one can use a PC application to communicate with the unit
> but being able to adjust things on the fly is very attractive. I know that
> some have adapted the unit to a 4 inch screen but does anyone know of a
> larger (perhaps 5/6 or even a 7 inch display one could buy that would be
> compatible with the unit.
> >
> > Has anyone done this? I think it would make a killer system as anything
> similar is very expensive. If it could be realized for even a $100.00 cost
> adder it would still be a great bargain. I would think with all of the
> displays available on eBay (5 and 7 inch for the Raspberry Pi for example)
> that there should be something that would work. Put the NanoVNA-V2 in a box
> with N connectors and a larger display and a clean power supply (you could
> even use 18650 batteries and retain the portable use) and you would have
> something that has the best of both worlds. If you can't get a touch screen
> perhaps a simple interface could add a rotary encoder and menu buttons
> along the side of the display like HP has used for decades,
> >
> > The V2 itself is so in-expensive by comparison that owning a second one
> for exclusive portable use is a real possibility for most hams and making a
> bench version that does not require a PC would be a great project. The USB
> connection would be retained and function exactly as it does today.
> >
> > Another thought around stand alone bench instruments:
> >
> > Also I am wondering if any work has been done on a unit that could cover
> say 5 or 10Hz to 200MHz or so that would have better resolution for lower
> frequency work. Perhaps this would be a separate unit or a modification of
> an existing unit. This would be similar in coverage to the venerable
> HP3577A Network Analyzer.
> >
> > In any event I personally am a hardware guy so writing software is not
> my forte and I realize my limitations in that regard. I am just tossing
> these ideas out there and see if their is any interest in expanding the
> utility of the device as the more I use the V2 the more possibilities I see
> for it.
> >
> > I think that many of us who use professional grade T&M equipment in our
> careers would like to be able to have bench type equipment that closely
> emulates that type of equipment in our home lab.
> >
> > Being able to make a large screen bench instrument based on the V2 would
> go a long way towards that goal.
> >
> > Thank you for your time,
> >
> > Sam
> > W3OHM
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>

Why VGA, HDMI would be even better!

73, Kjell

Den 01.07.2020 06:56, skrev Sam Reaves:

> Hi Siegfried,
>
> Thanks for responding. I am just spoiled from using gear with large screens
> and real knobs!
>
> That is my fallback plan. I can always rebuild it when someone comes out
> with a plan to put an
> even larger screen on it. Too bad someone does not make a VGA interfaced
> version.
>
> 73,
>
> Sam Reaves
> ARS W3OHM
> Owner and Moderator of:
> LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io (Current and Future Group)
> Electronics and Mechanical Hardware Design Engineering Manager
> Andritz Rolls Global Research Center (RETIRED)
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 12:45 AM Siegfried Jackstien <
> siegfried.jackstien@freenet.de> wrote:
>
>> i mount a 4 inch display and be done with it ... as long as no clever
>> guy writes a firmware for 800x480 pixels for a 5 to 8 inch display
>>
>> n connectors would be superb and more robust as sma sockets ...
>>
>> i build it just a bit bigger ... so the 4 inch does fit well ... and
>> that i have room for 4x 18650 cells
>>
>> a bigger usb connector ... and the side slide switch will be changed to
>> a better flipswitch
>>
>> bigger buttons as well ...
>>
>> and it will still be portable ...
>>
>> didnt i see that a user hacks around a bluetooth module?!? (i have a bt
>> module in my sark100 ... and measure "wireless" is superb)
>>
>> cause it is more or less a "normal serial port connection" it should be
>> easy ... but you have to take care that the bt module does not influence
>> your tests (especially if you measue around that frequency of 2.4 gig)
>>
>> ... sam ... the saa2 starts at 10 kc (there is a reason why there are
>> TWO different clock sources) .. how low will you go???
>>
>> so ... get a v2 ... buy 4 inch display to change the size to the bigger one
>>
>> buy 2 double cell holders (makes 4x 18650)
>>
>> mount all in a nice metal case and you have your test gear (portable and
>> bench work)
>>
>> (i have no idea how to desolder the sma socket so i will use short sma
>> to n pigtails)
>>
>> greetz sigi dg9bfc
>>
>>
>> **
>>
>> Am 01.07.2020 um 03:17 schrieb Sam Reaves:
>>> Hello Group,
>>>
>>> I have just acquired a V2 after using the prior lower bandwidth
>> versions. Although I have not had the chance to do a comparison between the
>> V2 and my HP8714EC VNA I think the V2 as a bench instrument platform would
>> be a great starting point.
>>> I like the portability but I was thinking one could take one of the V2
>> units and build a fairly rugged stand alone bench instrument.
>>> I know that one can use a PC application to communicate with the unit
>> but being able to adjust things on the fly is very attractive. I know that
>> some have adapted the unit to a 4 inch screen but does anyone know of a
>> larger (perhaps 5/6 or even a 7 inch display one could buy that would be
>> compatible with the unit.
>>> Has anyone done this? I think it would make a killer system as anything
>> similar is very expensive. If it could be realized for even a $100.00 cost
>> adder it would still be a great bargain. I would think with all of the
>> displays available on eBay (5 and 7 inch for the Raspberry Pi for example)
>> that there should be something that would work. Put the NanoVNA-V2 in a box
>> with N connectors and a larger display and a clean power supply (you could
>> even use 18650 batteries and retain the portable use) and you would have
>> something that has the best of both worlds. If you can't get a touch screen
>> perhaps a simple interface could add a rotary encoder and menu buttons
>> along the side of the display like HP has used for decades,
>>> The V2 itself is so in-expensive by comparison that owning a second one
>> for exclusive portable use is a real possibility for most hams and making a
>> bench version that does not require a PC would be a great project. The USB
>> connection would be retained and function exactly as it does today.
>>> Another thought around stand alone bench instruments:
>>>
>>> Also I am wondering if any work has been done on a unit that could cover
>> say 5 or 10Hz to 200MHz or so that would have better resolution for lower
>> frequency work. Perhaps this would be a separate unit or a modification of
>> an existing unit. This would be similar in coverage to the venerable
>> HP3577A Network Analyzer.
>>> In any event I personally am a hardware guy so writing software is not
>> my forte and I realize my limitations in that regard. I am just tossing
>> these ideas out there and see if their is any interest in expanding the
>> utility of the device as the more I use the V2 the more possibilities I see
>> for it.
>>> I think that many of us who use professional grade T&M equipment in our
>> careers would like to be able to have bench type equipment that closely
>> emulates that type of equipment in our home lab.
>>> Being able to make a large screen bench instrument based on the V2 would
>> go a long way towards that goal.
>>> Thank you for your time,
>>>
>>> Sam
>>> W3OHM
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

You 'could' put a 7" HDMI and a Raspberry Pi 4 into a case with it and then plug it into the VNA or VNA-V2 using USB3.0

Still add the N chassis connections etc...

72

Dom
M1KTA

Well, I did just that.
I use the original size nano in a box with N connectors as the interface. I installed a power supply and a transfer relay. with the transfer relay I can reverse the ports with the flip of a switch to measure in the reverse direction. Care must be taken that the lines from the VNA to the transfer relay and the lines from the transfer relay to the N connectors are exact the same length that way thee is no need to re-calibrate as long as the cables used to the DUT are also the same.I thought about using one of the small USB 7 inch displays but since I run it with the nanosaver software I decided against it.

I think a video connector to add an external display would be great.
There are a lot of external displays that run off of battery for portable use.
I am retired but still like to work with test equipment projects. I love the V2, looking forward to the next revision.

Would be nice to have a device that had both VNA and spectrum analyzer in one unit.
I could see a VNA and a VNA/spectrum analyzer or two sitting on my bench.
HDMI monitors already on bench.

10" tablet with linux and a custom box and you are good to go.

On Wed, 1 Jul 2020 at 05:45, Sam Reaves <sam.reaves@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Group,
>
> I have just acquired a V2 after using the prior lower bandwidth versions.
> Although I have not had the chance to do a comparison between the V2 and my
> HP8714EC VNA I think the V2 as a bench instrument platform would be a great
> starting point.
>
> I like the portability but I was thinking one could take one of the V2
> units and build a fairly rugged stand alone bench instrument.
>
> I know that one can use a PC application to communicate with the unit but
> being able to adjust things on the fly is very attractive. I know that some
> have adapted the unit to a 4 inch screen but does anyone know of a larger
> (perhaps 5/6 or even a 7 inch display one could buy that would be
> compatible with the unit.
>
> Has anyone done this? I think it would make a killer system as anything
> similar is very expensive. If it could be realized for even a $100.00 cost
> adder it would still be a great bargain. I would think with all of the
> displays available on eBay (5 and 7 inch for the Raspberry Pi for example)
> that there should be something that would work. Put the NanoVNA-V2 in a box
> with N connectors and a larger display and a clean power supply (you could
> even use 18650 batteries and retain the portable use) and you would have
> something that has the best of both worlds. If you can't get a touch screen
> perhaps a simple interface could add a rotary encoder and menu buttons
> along the side of the display like HP has used for decades,
>
> The V2 itself is so in-expensive by comparison that owning a second one
> for exclusive portable use is a real possibility for most hams and making a
> bench version that does not require a PC would be a great project. The USB
> connection would be retained and function exactly as it does today.
>
> Another thought around stand alone bench instruments:
>
> Also I am wondering if any work has been done on a unit that could cover
> say 5 or 10Hz to 200MHz or so that would have better resolution for lower
> frequency work. Perhaps this would be a separate unit or a modification of
> an existing unit. This would be similar in coverage to the venerable
> HP3577A Network Analyzer.
>
> In any event I personally am a hardware guy so writing software is not my
> forte and I realize my limitations in that regard. I am just tossing these
> ideas out there and see if their is any interest in expanding the utility
> of the device as the more I use the V2 the more possibilities I see for it.
>
> I think that many of us who use professional grade T&M equipment in our
> careers would like to be able to have bench type equipment that closely
> emulates that type of equipment in our home lab.
>
> Being able to make a large screen bench instrument based on the V2 would
> go a long way towards that goal.
>
> Thank you for your time,
>
> Sam
> W3OHM
>
>
>
>

On Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 08:17:22PM -0700, Sam Reaves wrote:
>I know that one can use a PC application to communicate with the unit but being able to adjust things on the fly is very attractive. I know that some have adapted the unit to a 4 inch screen but does anyone know of a larger (perhaps 5/6 or even a 7 inch display one could buy that would be compatible with the unit.
>
>Has anyone done this? I think it would make a killer system as anything similar is very expensive. If it could be realized for even a $100.00 cost adder it would still be a great bargain. I would think with all of the displays available on eBay (5 and 7 inch for the Raspberry Pi for example) that there should be something that would work. Put the NanoVNA-V2 in a box with N connectors and a larger display and a clean power supply (you could even use 18650 batteries and retain the portable use) and you would have something that has the best of both worlds. If you can't get a touch screen perhaps a simple interface could add a rotary encoder and menu buttons along the side of the display like HP has used for decades,

In the "N connectors" thread I suggested a Rohde and Schwarz-style
rugged portable enclosure, with a bigger screen, physical controls, N
connectors, weather resistance, etc.

That sounds like what you are looking for.

Hello,

Please show us more :) how is the inside? Thanks!


*73 de Luís, CT2FZI*

*QRV @ 145.300 MHz | **CQ0VMST (VHF REP Monsanto)*
<http://goog_717545661>
http://www.ct2fzi.net


<http://goog_717545661>


On Wed, 1 Jul 2020 at 12:09, John Cunliffe W7ZQ (x-N2NEP) <
n2nep@rochester.rr.com> wrote:

> Well, I did just that.
> I use the original size nano in a box with N connectors as the interface.
> I installed a power supply and a transfer relay. with the transfer relay I
> can reverse the ports with the flip of a switch to measure in the reverse
> direction. Care must be taken that the lines from the VNA to the transfer
> relay and the lines from the transfer relay to the N connectors are exact
> the same length that way thee is no need to re-calibrate as long as the
> cables used to the DUT are also the same.I thought about using one of the
> small USB 7 inch displays but since I run it with the nanosaver software I
> decided against it.
>
>
>
>

Thanks for the response.

I wonder in that case if the screen would be as responsive as the one
connected to the VNA micro? Maybe that would take a version of the firmware
where you can bypass the LCD driver and go external. My aim is to keep the
display lag as short as possible for using the device while adjusting
filters, etc.

I think being able to use one of the common larger 5 to 7 inch displays
like on the Raspi would be great as they are readily available. While the
idea of using a tablet is a good one for some it still puts another
interface (HW and Software) in the way. I like my hardware to be dedicated
with quick power up and fast response and although the NanoVNA saver is
absolutely great software it can't compete with the screen response of the
display on the VNA.

Maybe there is some hardware that could take the current display hardware
interface and convert it to drive the larger screens. Thus far I have not
seen any 480 X 320 LCD touch screens larger than 3.5 to 4 inches that use
the same serial interface. If anyone knows of any I would like to know.
>From searching on eBay I only found 3.5 and 4 inch which I think are really
the same display (as used on the NanoVNA H4). I ordered a couple to play
with but there are no US stocking distributors so I have to wait a couple
of months.

Unfortunately for me I am a solder and boards hardware guy who
dangerously dabbles in software/firmware because I know my limitations.
Perhaps one of the firmware gurus on this or another group will come up
with a solution.

Considering what commercial units cost even if you had to upgrade the
processor to add a larger display and the cost to do that was $100.00
additional I think you would still sell a ton of them.

HDMI might be the ticket. You can get a 7" HDMI touch LCD for less than
$50.00
smaller ones even less. I would imagine that you could somehow get a video
processor chip to drive it.


73,

Sam Reaves
ARS W3OHM
Owner and Moderator of:
LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io (Current and Future Group)
Electronics and Mechanical Hardware Design Engineering Manager
Andritz Rolls Global Research Center (RETIRED)



On Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 6:42 AM Dom Baines M1KTA via groups.io <dombaines=
yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

> You 'could' put a 7" HDMI and a Raspberry Pi 4 into a case with it and
> then plug it into the VNA or VNA-V2 using USB3.0
>
> Still add the N chassis connections etc...
>
> 72
>
> Dom
> M1KTA
>
>
>
>

should be easy to make the cutout bigger and add a 4 inch screen

greetz sigi

Am 01.07.2020 um 11:09 schrieb John Cunliffe W7ZQ (x-N2NEP):

> Well, I did just that.
> I use the original size nano in a box with N connectors as the interface. I installed a power supply and a transfer relay. with the transfer relay I can reverse the ports with the flip of a switch to measure in the reverse direction. Care must be taken that the lines from the VNA to the transfer relay and the lines from the transfer relay to the N connectors are exact the same length that way thee is no need to re-calibrate as long as the cables used to the DUT are also the same.I thought about using one of the small USB 7 inch displays but since I run it with the nanosaver software I decided against it.
>
>
>

you can get bigger screens with same port but they have 800x480 points

so another fw change to be made

greetz sigi dg9bfc

Am 01.07.2020 um 14:22 schrieb Sam Reaves:

> Thanks for the response.
>
> I wonder in that case if the screen would be as responsive as the one
> connected to the VNA micro? Maybe that would take a version of the firmware
> where you can bypass the LCD driver and go external. My aim is to keep the
> display lag as short as possible for using the device while adjusting
> filters, etc.
>
> I think being able to use one of the common larger 5 to 7 inch displays
> like on the Raspi would be great as they are readily available. While the
> idea of using a tablet is a good one for some it still puts another
> interface (HW and Software) in the way. I like my hardware to be dedicated
> with quick power up and fast response and although the NanoVNA saver is
> absolutely great software it can't compete with the screen response of the
> display on the VNA.
>
> Maybe there is some hardware that could take the current display hardware
> interface and convert it to drive the larger screens. Thus far I have not
> seen any 480 X 320 LCD touch screens larger than 3.5 to 4 inches that use
> the same serial interface. If anyone knows of any I would like to know.
> From searching on eBay I only found 3.5 and 4 inch which I think are really
> the same display (as used on the NanoVNA H4). I ordered a couple to play
> with but there are no US stocking distributors so I have to wait a couple
> of months.
>
> Unfortunately for me I am a solder and boards hardware guy who
> dangerously dabbles in software/firmware because I know my limitations.
> Perhaps one of the firmware gurus on this or another group will come up
> with a solution.
>
> Considering what commercial units cost even if you had to upgrade the
> processor to add a larger display and the cost to do that was $100.00
> additional I think you would still sell a ton of them.
>
> HDMI might be the ticket. You can get a 7" HDMI touch LCD for less than
> $50.00
> smaller ones even less. I would imagine that you could somehow get a video
> processor chip to drive it.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Sam Reaves
> ARS W3OHM
> Owner and Moderator of:
> LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io (Current and Future Group)
> Electronics and Mechanical Hardware Design Engineering Manager
> Andritz Rolls Global Research Center (RETIRED)
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 6:42 AM Dom Baines M1KTA via groups.io <dombaines=
> yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
>
>> You 'could' put a 7" HDMI and a Raspberry Pi 4 into a case with it and
>> then plug it into the VNA or VNA-V2 using USB3.0
>>
>> Still add the N chassis connections etc...
>>
>> 72
>>
>> Dom
>> M1KTA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

Here is example 4` display module 480x320 pixels currently supported by V2 firmware (see releases in https://github.com/nanovna/NanoVNA-V2-firmware/releases)
https://aliexpress.ru/item/4000946111830.html

Need search 14 pin module (at right) vs ST7796S driver and touch.
Need also use firmware binary-st7796.bin and connect module on place

you can see this post as example it work
https://groups.io/g/NanoVNAV2/message/341

I was suggesting using a raspberry pi as the primary location for the software, the TFT on the V2 becomes, secondary. Could still be used just not with the nanovna-saver, or VNA-QT etc software. Make the HDMI  touch screen and you wouldn't need a keyboard, although could have one available. You could capture and email plots, print them out, lots of options. Enhanced firmware on the V2 is not going to hurt. 72 Dom M1KTA

On 1 Jul 2020 21:17, Siegfried Jackstien <siegfried.jackstien@freenet.de> wrote:

>
>
>
> you can get bigger screens with same port but they have 800x480 points
>
> so another fw change to be made
>
> greetz sigi dg9bfc
>
> Am 01.07.2020 um 14:22 schrieb Sam Reaves:
> > Thanks for the response.
> >
> > I wonder in that case if the screen would be as responsive as the one
> > connected to the VNA micro? Maybe that would take a version of the
> firmware
> > where you can bypass the LCD driver and go external. My aim is to keep
> the
> > display lag as short as possible for using the device while adjusting
> > filters, etc.
> >
> > I think being able to use one of the common larger 5 to 7 inch displays
> > like on the Raspi would be great as they are readily available. While
> the
> > idea of using a tablet is a good one for some it still puts another
> > interface (HW and Software) in the way. I like my hardware to be
> dedicated
> > with quick power up and fast response and although the NanoVNA saver is
> > absolutely great software it can't compete with the screen response of
> the
> > display on the VNA.
> >
> > Maybe there is some hardware that could take the current display
> hardware
> > interface and convert it to drive the larger screens. Thus far I have
> not
> > seen any 480 X 320 LCD touch screens larger than 3.5 to 4 inches that
> use
> > the same serial interface. If anyone knows of any I would like to know.
> >  From searching on eBay I only found 3.5 and 4 inch which I think are
> really
> > the same display (as used on the NanoVNA H4). I ordered a couple to play
>
> > with but there are no US stocking distributors so I have to wait a
> couple
> > of months.
> >
> > Unfortunately for me I am a solder and boards hardware guy who
> > dangerously dabbles in software/firmware because I know my limitations.
> > Perhaps one of the firmware gurus on this or another group will come up
> > with a solution.
> >
> > Considering what commercial units cost even if you had to upgrade the
> > processor to add a larger display and the cost to do that was $100.00
> > additional I think you would still sell a ton of them.
> >
> > HDMI might be the ticket. You can get a 7" HDMI touch LCD for less than
> > $50.00
> > smaller ones even less. I would imagine that you could somehow get a
> video
> > processor chip to drive it.
> >
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Sam Reaves
> > ARS W3OHM
> > Owner and Moderator of:
> > LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io (Current and Future Group)
> > Electronics and Mechanical Hardware Design Engineering Manager
> > Andritz Rolls Global Research Center (RETIRED)
> >
> >
> >
> > On Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 6:42 AM Dom Baines M1KTA via groups.io
> <dombaines=
> > yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
> >
> >> You 'could' put a  7" HDMI and a Raspberry Pi 4 into a case with it and
>
> >> then plug it into the VNA or VNA-V2 using USB3.0
> >>
> >> Still add the N chassis connections etc...
> >>
> >> 72
> >>
> >> Dom
> >> M1KTA
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>

if you use a raspi as backend ... that would be a complete new design
(rf frontend can be used similar to the v2)

the bigger screens (4 inch) have an sd card slot ... would be nice if we
could store snapshots there (for later use) ... or store calibration
settings (say you have 2 or 3 different bench test setups that you
regularly use) .. also nice to open such scans later on the pc

and ... firmware update via sd card?? why not?!? ...

but to keep things simple the first thing needed is a clever guy who
writes a firmware for 800x 480 screens (5 to 8 inch) ... that should be
big enough as final solution (you still can use the pc and vna qt if
that is not big enough)

so ... WHERE IS A CLEVER PROGRAMMER THAT CONVERTS THE FW TO A BIGGER
SCREEN AS THE 4 INCH ?!?!?!?

(hands up please and shake it that we all see it hi hi)

greetz sigi dg9bfc

Am 02.07.2020 um 06:56 schrieb Dom Baines M1KTA via groups.io:

> I was suggesting using a raspberry pi as the primary location for the software, the TFT on the V2 becomes, secondary. Could still be used just not with the nanovna-saver, or VNA-QT etc software. Make the HDMI  touch screen and you wouldn't need a keyboard, although could have one available. You could capture and email plots, print them out, lots of options. Enhanced firmware on the V2 is not going to hurt. 72 Dom M1KTA
>
> On 1 Jul 2020 21:17, Siegfried Jackstien <siegfried.jackstien@freenet.de> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> you can get bigger screens with same port but they have 800x480 points
>>
>> so another fw change to be made
>>
>> greetz sigi dg9bfc
>>
>> Am 01.07.2020 um 14:22 schrieb Sam Reaves:
>>> Thanks for the response.
>>>
>>> I wonder in that case if the screen would be as responsive as the one
>>> connected to the VNA micro? Maybe that would take a version of the
>> firmware
>>> where you can bypass the LCD driver and go external. My aim is to keep
>> the
>>> display lag as short as possible for using the device while adjusting
>>> filters, etc.
>>>
>>> I think being able to use one of the common larger 5 to 7 inch displays
>>> like on the Raspi would be great as they are readily available. While
>> the
>>> idea of using a tablet is a good one for some it still puts another
>>> interface (HW and Software) in the way. I like my hardware to be
>> dedicated
>>> with quick power up and fast response and although the NanoVNA saver is
>>> absolutely great software it can't compete with the screen response of
>> the
>>> display on the VNA.
>>>
>>> Maybe there is some hardware that could take the current display
>> hardware
>>> interface and convert it to drive the larger screens. Thus far I have
>> not
>>> seen any 480 X 320 LCD touch screens larger than 3.5 to 4 inches that
>> use
>>> the same serial interface. If anyone knows of any I would like to know.
>>>   From searching on eBay I only found 3.5 and 4 inch which I think are
>> really
>>> the same display (as used on the NanoVNA H4). I ordered a couple to play
>>> with but there are no US stocking distributors so I have to wait a
>> couple
>>> of months.
>>>
>>> Unfortunately for me I am a solder and boards hardware guy who
>>> dangerously dabbles in software/firmware because I know my limitations.
>>> Perhaps one of the firmware gurus on this or another group will come up
>>> with a solution.
>>>
>>> Considering what commercial units cost even if you had to upgrade the
>>> processor to add a larger display and the cost to do that was $100.00
>>> additional I think you would still sell a ton of them.
>>>
>>> HDMI might be the ticket. You can get a 7" HDMI touch LCD for less than
>>> $50.00
>>> smaller ones even less. I would imagine that you could somehow get a
>> video
>>> processor chip to drive it.
>>>
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Sam Reaves
>>> ARS W3OHM
>>> Owner and Moderator of:
>>> LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io (Current and Future Group)
>>> Electronics and Mechanical Hardware Design Engineering Manager
>>> Andritz Rolls Global Research Center (RETIRED)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 6:42 AM Dom Baines M1KTA via groups.io
>> <dombaines=
>>> yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
>>>
>>>> You 'could' put a  7" HDMI and a Raspberry Pi 4 into a case with it and
>>>> then plug it into the VNA or VNA-V2 using USB3.0
>>>>
>>>> Still add the N chassis connections etc...
>>>>
>>>> 72
>>>>
>>>> Dom
>>>> M1KTA
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

That is what I mean just make it twice the height so you have a 7" HDML screen above it with the RaPi behind.
I expect there will be loads of space for other kit too.

You could/should put a powered USB hub in so the V2 is isolated from the RaPi, perhaps even feed the V2 USB to a 4 way switch (if you don't want to just un-plug it) so could use another PC/display.

You could use an ILI9341 3.2" TFT screen now as well.

72

Dom
M1KTA

Not much to see really, I solder 2 wires in parallel with the on switch, used a usb cable with a plug on one site and a chassis mount on the other, a small sma transfer relay and all is powered by a wall wart 12v supply.Since I use it predominantly below 300Mhz I used equal length cables made from RG316. If I would do this with a -F or the nano-2 or for higher frequencies I would use 141 or 085 hardline and as short as possible. The USB cable is modified because the box is not tall enough so I removed the insulation from the plug bend the wire and fixed it in place with a blob of black sealant.it's not pretty, but it works very well.

John

John,

Who is the manufacturer and model of the transfer relay? I could not make it out from the picture you posted.
Where do I find one?

Thanks and 73,

Sam
W3OHM

On Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 01:09 PM, John Cunliffe W7ZQ (x-N2NEP) wrote:

>
> Well, I did just that.
>
Hi,
I'm new to this group.
Here is my version: http://www.hakanh.com/dl/nanovna.htm

/Håkan

On Mon, Jul 20, 2020 at 07:00 AM, zenith5106 wrote:

>
> Håkan
Superb version!!!

hi hakan ... great idea including it in other bench instrument

so ... you have TWO usb connectors?? one permanently to bench pc and the
front is additional?!?

greetz sigi dg9bfc

Am 20.07.2020 um 13:43 schrieb zenith5106:

> On Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 01:09 PM, John Cunliffe W7ZQ (x-N2NEP) wrote:
>
>> Well, I did just that.
>>
> Hi,
> I'm new to this group.
> Here is my version: http://www.hakanh.com/dl/nanovna.htm
>
> /Håkan
>
>
>

On Mon, Jul 20, 2020 at 10:37 PM, Siegfried Jackstien wrote:

>
> .. you have TWO usb connectors?? one permanently to bench pc and the front is additional?!?
>

Yes that is correct. The idea with the front connector was if I some time want to use it outside the mainframe
or in any other mainframe that doesn't have the rear USB to interface connection.

/Håkan

ahh ... nice idea ... so you still can pull it out and use it
standalone/outside in the garden ?!?

superb job ... well done ... (what about add some 18650 holder?!? ...
charge circuit is already there)

greetz sigi dg9bfc

Am 20.07.2020 um 20:57 schrieb zenith5106:

> On Mon, Jul 20, 2020 at 10:37 PM, Siegfried Jackstien wrote:
>
>> .. you have TWO usb connectors?? one permanently to bench pc and the front is additional?!?
>>
> Yes that is correct. The idea with the front connector was if I some time want to use it outside the mainframe
> or in any other mainframe that doesn't have the rear USB to interface connection.
>
> /Håkan
>
>
>

any non latching (or latching if you use the right drivers) that works over the frequency range will do. I have a bunch of these I got surplus and either one will work fine.