Introduction
Recently I discovered the NanoVNA vector network analyzer. I had seen articles in QST magazine over the last several years and was intrigued (Ref.1/2). My first experiment was with my HF vertical antenna. I calibrated the unit for the HF band from 1MHz – 30MHz and tested the SWR (Ref.3). Next I tested my VHF Marine antenna over 150MHz – 180MHz (Ref.4). In this post I test my HF Loop Antenna over 1MHz – 30MHz. The results will be captured with NanoVNA software that interfaces with my laptop.
Initial Setup
Figure 1 shows the NanoVNA Port 1 connected to the HF Loop antenna RG-58 coaxial cable through a PL259/sma adapter. The first step is to calibrate the unit over the frequency range of interest. You can work directly with the unit, or use the pc software to access the unit which I did (see YouTube video). I entered the frequency range of interest which is 1MHz – 30MHz. Then I placed an Open on Port 1, followed by a Short, and finally a 50 termination.
Test Results
Figure 2 shows the SWR of the HF Loop antenna plus transmission line tuned to 7MHz. Figure 3 shows SWR at 12.5MHz.
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References
#1. – “NanoVNA V2 Plus4 50KHz – 4GHz Two-port Vector Network Analyzer”, P.Salas AD5X, QST Magazine April 2022
#2. – “NanoVNA Vector Network Analyzer”, P.Salas AD5X, QST Magazine May 2020
#3. – “HF Antenna Testing with NanoVNA”
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/hf-antenna-testing-with-nanovna
#4. – “VHF Marine Antenna Testing with NanoVNA”
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/vhf-marine-antenna-testing-with-nanovna/
