I have been working on some software for the original NanoVNA to measure PDNs. I am not sure how useful this would be for the V2Plus4.   With its limited 50kHz lower end and 10kHz resolution, your not going to see much.  There are some other features and a few bugs that were discovered so I have gone ahead and updated the Plus as well.  The manual for it is now available.  Hope to have some time to start testing the software next week and put up a new video on how to use it.

An updated manual has now been uploaded (mostly grammar and easier to read).   I have also uploaded the firmware image that I use with the original NanoVNA along with providing a link to their repository.  The people making these corrections were uploading directly to the EEVBLOG and I am not sure if this particular version was ever archived.  You will notice this firmware is from 2019.  It is missing a lot of the fluff and certainly is not bug free but it is stable enough to allow me to use the VNA.

Recently I attempted to update my original NanoVNA and also picked up an H4 after someone was asking me about it.  The H4 was binned along side the V2Plus (not the 4)  and I rolled back my original NanoVNA to this old firmware.  If you are interested in seeing some of the data for the H4, you may find it here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/nanovna-custom-software/msg3584301/#msg3584301

I have started to work on a demo video showing the Bode feature.  Hope to finish it up soon.

I have uploaded a video demonstrating how to use the Bode plot feature:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8ouApeex78

The software and manual used for this demo is now available at:
https://github.com/joeqsmith

While my software for the V2Plus4 has been updated to 2.0 as well.  It needs to be tested before uploading it but it should be available in another day or so.

I had ran into a minor problem while testing the 2.00 release for the V2Plus4 which could cause problems with slower PCs.  I have made a minor change to turn off the peak detector when a sweep is being performed.  This change was also made to the software for the original NanoVNA.    Both versions are now available.

Joe,



Where can I find your program?



Thanks in advance.



Mike N2MS

> On 06/28/2021 8:19 PM Joe Smith via groups.io
<joeqsmith49=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

>

>
>

>
>

> I had ran into a minor problem while testing the 2.00 release for the
V2Plus4 which could cause problems with slower PCs. I have made a minor
change to turn off the peak detector when a sweep is being performed. This
change was also made to the software for the original NanoVNA. Both
versions are now available.

_._,_._,_

* * *

I ended up rewriting the peak detector to use a recursive algorithm which greatly improved the performance.  No other changes were made.   Both programs have been updated and are available.

Any help..

I tried to setup.exe the newest version v21... that did not worked (it
seems that .zip is way to small in comperision to the other versions
before)... I tried to check your source code... but, i did not found it,
just only the Test Version <v10... V2P4_Test_R0.vi that worked... If you
planned to upload source code, if you can, please Labview versions before
2016 hehe... 😆

On Sun, 27 Jun 2021, 18:06 Joe Smith via groups.io, <joeqsmith49=
yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

> I have uploaded a video demonstrating how to use the Bode plot feature:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8ouApeex78
>
> The software and manual used for this demo is now available at:
> https://github.com/joeqsmith
>
> While my software for the V2Plus4 has been updated to 2.0 as well. It
> needs to be tested before uploading it but it should be available in
> another day or so.
>
>

zeljko adzic,

With NI now offering the latest tools free for non-commercial use, these could be used for this particular project as I am not selling the software or asking for any financial support.  I evaluate new releases of LabView as they become available but have not seen anything useful. For my home use, I plan to continue to stay on 2011.  No matter though as I have no intent to release the source code for this project.

As I mention in the user's manual, readme and the last few videos for the Nano,  0.10 is the installer which includes not only an old version of software but also the runtime engine and NIVISA.  Other releases contain only the EXE.  It should have been obvious that these other ZIP files would be much smaller by comparison.  Maybe I am missing what you are trying to convey.

*If you want help, you would need to provide a lot more detail than just stating it does not work.* Have you taken the time to read the Readme and manual for the software?

I discovered a problem with my software that had been there since demonstrating using the Nano to measure a crystal and import the S-parameter data into SPICE.  There was an overlap when using segmented sweeps that would cause problems with 3rd party Touchstone viewers.  I assumed this was having to do with my quasi log sweep mode but I didn't really have a use for the segmented sweep until we started these PDN experiments.  It turns out the real problem is having two data sets with the same frequency.

Both programs have been corrected and are now available.
https://github.com/joeqsmith

@n2msqrp:
You can find Joe's Smith software by accessing the link that he published on Jun 27, message #2002.

@zeljko adzic:
Mr. Joe Smith has right: you can't install *and* use his software without carefully reading the manual.
However, here is a shortcut to install and quick start:

1) Download all 21 installer files from here: https://github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_Software/releases/tag/0.10
2) Open the first file (NanoVNA_V2Plus_Installer.zip.001) using 7zip ( https://www.7-zip.org/ ) to extract the basic installer
3) Run setup.exe, accept both license agreements and wait for installation to finish.

Those 3 steps will give you the *basic* installation files to use the software of Mr. Joe Smith. Read the manual to understand better.
After these steps, you need to install the last version of a specific file depending on the NanoVNA version that you wish to use.
If you will read the manual, you will see that the Joe Smith software is designed for original NanoVNA (V1) ( https://github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_Software/tree/NanoVNA ) or for the NanoVNA V2+ and V2+4 ( https://github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_Software/tree/NanoVNA_V2Plus ).
On the GitHub, there are separate branches for both versions of his software, see the links above.
At this time (10.07.2021, 20:23 UTC), the last version for NanoVNA (V1) is 2.05 and the last version for NanoVNA V2+ series is 2.03 .

4) Download the appropriate version for your device, extract the executable file from the archive and put it in the folder where the initial installation was completed (if you didn't changed anything, that was C:\Program Files (x86)\NanoVNA_V2Plus\  .
5) Create a shortcut on your desktop to the executable file that you extracted at the point 4) .

That is all.
Run the software version you need, select the serial port where your nanovna device is connected, press Link button and you're ready to use the software.

*But, WARNING!* To use Joe's Smith software, don't expect to be as easy as with other software you probably tested.
It is a very good software, but you'll have some headaches until you understand how it works, how you can set it and how you can really use it to its maximum capacity.
As Mr. Joe Smith himself says, it's a tool designed for engineering fireworks ;-)
What I mean is that it is not meant to be extremely intuitive, but practical, pragmatic and made to work, without bells and whistles.
So, *to use it, you don't have any chance if you will not stay on the manual *and* if you don't know what to expect to do with it* !
The last manual is here: download the last revision r21 ( https://github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_Software ) :)

Happy digging !
Bob

hello software experts,

Maybe a question already asked.. but I lost count in all the existing 3 GHz
vna versions..

Is there also a version written by joe Smith for the basic NanoVNA V2_2
[buildtime 10-11-2020 board nanovna v2_2] with FPU,
gitghub git-20201110-0490db8] 3 GHz version sold in the very beginning of
the 3GHz vna's with 4 inch display ?

I bought a version with 2.8 inch display and modified to a 4 inch display
with the proper 4 inch firmware.

For now I use the QT software but the JoeSmith software looks very fancy

regards, jac pe1kxh



On Sat, Jul 10, 2021 at 10:38 PM Bobinuta Bobinel via groups.io <bobinuta=
yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

> @zeljko adzic:
> Mr. Joe Smith has right: you can't install *and* use his software without
> carefully reading the manual.
> However, here is a shortcut to install and quick start:
>
> 1) Download all 21 installer files from here:
> https://github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_Software/releases/tag/0.10
> 2) Open the first file (NanoVNA_V2Plus_Installer.zip.001) using 7zip
> <https://www.7-zip.org/> to extract the basic installer
> 3) Run setup.exe, accept both license agreements and wait for installation
> to finish.
>
> Those 3 steps will give you the *basic* installation files to use the
> software of Mr. Joe Smith. Read the manual to understand better.
> After these steps, you need to install the last version of a specific file
> depending on the NanoVNA version that you wish to use.
> If you will read the manual, you will see that the Joe Smith software is
> designed for original NanoVNA (V1)
> <https://github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_Software/tree/NanoVNA> or for the NanoVNA
> V2+ and V2+4
> <https://github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_Software/tree/NanoVNA_V2Plus>.
> On the GitHub, there are separate branches for both versions of his
> software, see the links above.
> At this time (10.07.2021, 20:23 UTC), the last version for NanoVNA (V1) is
> 2.05 and the last version for NanoVNA V2+ series is 2.03 .
>
> 4) Download the appropriate version for your device, extract the
> executable file from the archive and put it in the folder where the initial
> installation was completed (if you didn't changed anything, that
> was C:\Program Files (x86)\NanoVNA_V2Plus\ .
> 5) Create a shortcut on your desktop to the executable file that you
> extracted at the point 4) .
>
> That is all.
> Run the software version you need, select the serial port where your
> nanovna device is connected, press Link button and you're ready to use the
> software.
>
> *But, WARNING!* To use Joe's Smith software, don't expect to be as easy
> as with other software you probably tested.
> It is a very good software, but you'll have some headaches until you
> understand how it works, how you can set it and how you can really use it
> to its maximum capacity.
> As Mr. Joe Smith himself says, it's a tool designed for engineering
> fireworks ;-)
> What I mean is that it is not meant to be extremely intuitive, but
> practical, pragmatic and made to work, without bells and whistles.
> So, *to use it, you don't have any chance if you will not stay on the
> manual *and* if you don't know what to expect to do with it* !
> The last manual is here: download the last revision r21
> <https://github.com/joeqsmith/NanoVNA_Software> :)
>
> Happy digging !
> Bob
>
>
>

On Sun, Jul 11, 2021 at 05:31 AM, pe2kxh wrote:

>
> Is there also a version written by joe Smith for the basic NanoVNA V2_2 
> [buildtime 10-11-2020 board nanovna v2_2] with FPU, gitghub
> git-20201110-0490db8]  3 GHz version sold in the very beginning of the
> 3GHz vna's with 4 inch display ?
>
> I bought a version with 2.8 inch display and modified to a 4 inch display
> with the proper 4 inch firmware.
>
> For now I use the QT software but the JoeSmith software looks very fancy
>

I have tested it with the original NanoVNA and the V2Plus4.  I tried the V2Plus but it would lock up and require a power cycle to clear it.   I also tried an H4 but was unable to find stable firmware for it.   Finding stable firmware for the original NanoVNA was near impossible which is why I archived the version I use with the software.  That firmware was from 2019.   I recently tried some of the latest firmware with it and still ran into problems.   My guess is you will not find a combination that will work but you are certainly more than welcome to try.

What I would like to see is OWOs next generation VNA.  You can be sure I will be supporting that if it gets released.

While my software may look fancy and you may even discover it has a few features not yet available in other software, I suggest staying with something well known and supported by the amateur radio community.  If you do attempt to run it, consider that while I have uncovered a few problems with the software in the last month,  the vast majority of the problems that people attempting to use have been reporting have been self induced.  This software is not for the beginner.  If you don't like reading and learning, never used a VNA, just want to measure SWR, this would be a very poor choice.  If you like experimenting with RF and designing hardware, maybe it would be a good fit to help you learn some of the basics.

On Sun, Jul 11, 2021 at 04:38 AM, Bobinuta Bobinel wrote:

>
> So, *to use it, you don't have any chance if you will not stay on the
> manual *and* if you don't know what to expect to do with it* !

LOL.  Now that you have the basics sorted out, I hope you put it to some good use.

Thanks,

Mike N2MS

> On 07/10/2021 4:09 PM Bobinuta Bobinel via groups.io <bobinuta=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
>
>
> @n2msqrp:
> You can find Joe's Smith software by accessing the link that he published on Jun 27, message #2002.
>
>

Hello Joe

Thanks for the extensive answer. I'm very familiar with VNA's [
hp8753d, pnax ] and more an RF guy than a software player.
What exact firmware from 2019 are you using and is that also available for
a 4 inch display. I think that is the best option for your fancy software

regards jac

On Sun, Jul 11, 2021 at 12:01 AM Joe Smith via groups.io <joeqsmith49=
yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

> On Sun, Jul 11, 2021 at 05:31 AM, pe2kxh wrote:
>
> Is there also a version written by joe Smith for the basic NanoVNA V2_2
> [buildtime 10-11-2020 board nanovna v2_2] with FPU,
> gitghub git-20201110-0490db8] 3 GHz version sold in the very beginning of
> the 3GHz vna's with 4 inch display ?
>
> I bought a version with 2.8 inch display and modified to a 4 inch display
> with the proper 4 inch firmware.
>
> For now I use the QT software but the JoeSmith software looks very fancy
>
> I have tested it with the original NanoVNA and the V2Plus4. I tried the
> V2Plus but it would lock up and require a power cycle to clear it. I also
> tried an H4 but was unable to find stable firmware for it. Finding stable
> firmware for the original NanoVNA was near impossible which is why I
> archived the version I use with the software. That firmware was from
> 2019. I recently tried some of the latest firmware with it and still ran
> into problems. My guess is you will not find a combination that will work
> but you are certainly more than welcome to try.
>
> What I would like to see is OWOs next generation VNA. You can be sure I
> will be supporting that if it gets released.
>
> While my software may look fancy and you may even discover it has a few
> features not yet available in other software, I suggest staying with
> something well known and supported by the amateur radio community. If you
> do attempt to run it, consider that while I have uncovered a few problems
> with the software in the last month, the vast majority of the problems
> that people attempting to use have been reporting have been self induced.
> This software is not for the beginner. If you don't like reading and
> learning, never used a VNA, just want to measure SWR, this would be a very
> poor choice. If you like experimenting with RF and designing hardware,
> maybe it would be a good fit to help you learn some of the basics.
>
>
>

Hi there!
@Joe Smith:
>> LOL.  Now that you have the basics sorted out, I hope you put it to some good use.
Well, I posted a reply here ( https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/nanovna-custom-software/msg3604927/#msg3604927 ).

Thanks a lot and best regards !
Bob

Bob...
THANK YOU very much for this detailed and COMPREHENSIVE post on Joe's S/W.
It is really very much appreciated and saves me having to hunt thru msg and
archives.
Am currently reading Joe's documentation.
This gentleman is a true assert to the NanoVNA community.
Your point on Joe is well taken. Joe is an engineer in Heart and Soul, but
even so.... finds the time to help us all here,
produce brilliant S/W and docs... for what to me at times looks like a very
ungrateful audience.
Its people like Him and You and a handful of others who make this forum
such a goldmine of info.
I am most grateful to you all. Your efforts are appreciated and I mean that
in full.
Albert
EI7II.

On Sun, 11 Jul 2021 at 09:42, Bobinuta Bobinel via groups.io <bobinuta=
yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

> Hi there!
> @Joe Smith:
> >> LOL. Now that you have the basics sorted out, I hope you put it to
> some good use.
> Well, I posted a reply here
> <https://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/nanovna-custom-software/msg3604927/#msg3604927>
> .
>
> Thanks a lot and best regards !
> Bob
>
>
>

On Sun, Jul 11, 2021 at 03:37 PM, pe2kxh wrote:

>
> Hello Joe
>
> Thanks for the extensive answer. I'm very familiar with VNA's [ hp8753d,
> pnax ] and more an RF guy than a software player.
> What exact firmware from 2019 are you using and is that also available for
> a 4 inch display. I think that is the best option for your fancy software
>
> regards jac
>

>Finding stable firmware for the original NanoVNA was near impossible *which is why I archived the version I use with the software.

* That firmware was something a few members on the EEVBLOG had worked on.  I am not sure what they used for a starting point.  It predates any of the 4" models and I am sure is missing a lot of the features of the latest releases.    The people working on it were also starting to work on features and I stopped following it.  I am far less interested in the firmware features than I am in getting good data off it.

Albert Kleyn,

That was a rare response indeed.  You're very much welcome.