I am new to this forum and new to the NANOVNA. I read about the clones and want to make sure I am purchasing the real deal. I don't need an expensive unit. So I am asking if the *“NanoVNA V2 4.3 Inch 3GHz NanoVNA-F V2 Vector Network Analyzer S-A-A-2 Antenna Analyzer 50kHz-3000MHz Short Wave HF VHF UHF SWR,with Aluminum Case, IPS LCD Screen* ” is considered a goof purchase? I want make sure I get a good unit with capabilities to downloads new updates. I am mostly want to check my SWRs on my Butternut HF6V when permanently putting it in the ground.

Thank you

N8NEU – Tim Kelly

I think you should dig a little deeper into who makes what.

I don't think any nanovna is so expensive. This is precisely the advantage that previously unattainable capabilities are available through it.
Here, too, there are differences in price and capability.
.

https://nanorfe.com/nanovna-v2.html

the v2plus4 and plus4 pro reasonably good devices
If you pay attention to static protection because static voltages can destroy inputs, - You will be a happy user

- it doesn't hurt if you're careful about the source you get it from...

Istvaan

Istvaan, I think the problem is as a new user its not that easy to understand what is a clone and what is not.

There are some nice nanovnas on the market with some appealing features. On top of that you see them listed as "NanoVNA V2 Upgraded" then this looks legit to a new user.

For me, it's much simpler:

- Choose the good, not the beautiful! :))

Regardless of Nanovna, and there are exceptions to this:
I don't know if I'm revealing a big secret, but the clones are often made in the same place as the originals.
Only they do not meet the technical requirements. Finding a fault and fixing it is costly.

To buy a scrap and find the manufacturer, designer; that's not ok. It's an interesting concept to say the least.

Experience is the most expensive thing. :)

István

The official site has a warning not to buy outside of the official store
and, yes, it’s from China (where the designers are). You can buy
wherever you want, just be aware that you may get a clone that could give
you trouble later if you try to update firmware.

On Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 1:29 AM Lee via groups.io <lee=N2LEE.com@groups.io>
wrote:

> Istvaan, I think the problem is as a new user its not that easy to
> understand what is a clone and what is not.
>
> There are some nice nanovnas on the market with some appealing features.
> On top of that you see them listed as "NanoVNA V2 Upgraded" then this looks
> legit to a new user.
>
>
>

István, all good advice.

Here is the problem as I see it from the outsiders perspective.

For example:
I know my way around test equipment but did not know about the feud between the developers and the manufacturers.
All we see is “NanoVNA” which is apparently not trademarked so the user sees is different developers putting their spin on an open source platform.

The SAA-2N for example looks like it is the same as all the others except with upgraded connectors to N-type. It is only if you do the research, read the official site, and start investigating do you find out this is not the case.

Regardless of where they purchase the unit, the first place a user would research would be Amazon then possibly YouTube. Even the reviews of these units never mention anything about a “clone”. So, the new user has no idea this is even an issue.

Got It
Ok so now a user finds out there is an issue and before returning the clone to Amazon for example, they go to the official Tidle store to support the original efforts and get a real NanoVna. And what do you discover?

The user finds a site with BAD photos and confusing pricing. “Wait I thought these were low cost, and everywhere for less than a $100 USD”????



So you see the issue for a new user who just wants to learn and buy a low cost way to measure their hidden HOA antenna. LOL

Lee

Hello, unfortunately the cost of the parts used in the V2 designs has increased a lot and there are no known substitutes, it is no longer feasible to produce V2 VNA at the lower price.

*For customers with a lower budget, we advise to avoid V2/S-A-A-2 based VNA (any version advertising >3GHz capability), as they may use non new parts.* You may consider NanoVNA-F products, which are another design and we are not affiliated with, for a lower cost choice.

Thanks,
NanoRFE Support