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DG8SAQ Vector Network Analyser - VNWA2.x Kit Description

This design for a Vector Network Analyser was developed by Thomas Baier DG8SAQ over several years.
The current design titled “A Small, Simple, USB-Powered Vector Network Analyser Covering
1 kHz to 1.3 GHz” was published in QEX January/February 2009 and is available here from ARRL …..thanks to ARRL for their permission.
Many VNWA kits are now successfully assembled worldwide.
The original VNWA PCB required a Parallelport interface for control, however since July 2008 an USB-VNWA interface PCB kit is available. This permits a single USB connection to the Personal Computer for power and control. The kit is only suitable for assembly by experienced kit builders who have assembled kits with SMD components before. The USB-VNWA Application runs on Windows 32 bit Operating systems, however Vista 64 bits and Windows 7 64 bits are NOT supported
Ready Assembled VNWA Modules are expected to be available from January 2010 onwards.

DG8SAQ VNWA2 Basic Specification

• Coverage from 1 kHz to 500 MHz with dynamic range of up to 90dB – Useful performance up to 1.3 GHz with reduced accuracy. See Caution

• S-Parameter S11, S12, S21 & S22, VSWR, dB

• Component Measurements – Resistance, Admittance Capacitance, Inductance & Quality Factor (Q)

• Time domain & Gating in Time domain.
  Distance to Fault Measurements for Antenna installations up to 500m with resolution of <0.5m

• Logarithmic and Listed sweep

• Matching Tool and Complex Calculator

• user defined S-parameter calculus

• optional S-parameter test set

• Basic Spectrum Analyser function

• Crystal parameter testing

VNWA Operational requirements - Important

• VNWA2.x requires a Personal Computer with either Microsoft XP or Windows 2000 Operating System equipped with a standard Parallel Line Printer Port and a standard sound card with stereo “Line in” connection to operate the VNWA2.x.

• The USB-VNWA Interface kit allows the VNWA to be controlled from a standard USB 1.1 or 2.0 Personal Computer port, capable of providing up to 500mA power. The USB-VNWA runs on recent Windows 32 bit Operating Systems like XP, Vista 32 bits and Windows 7 32 bits. Vista 64 bits and Windows 7 64 bits are NOT supported as only Digital Signed drivers can be installed. The LibUsb win-32 Driver is currently not Digitally Signed.

• Caution: The VNWA WILL DEFINITELY NOT WORK with any USB to Parallel Port adapter due to stringent timing requirements!
  There could be also driver compatibility issues with PCI or PCMCIA LPT cards, but generally these should work. Test LPT functionality before ordering with our software*. Test procedure:: “Start DDS.exe application, press the button toggle 1/5MHz and check with a scope if the LPT control lines show activity.

• Caution: Please note that operation up to 1.3 GHz requires configuration of the AD9859 DDS clocks to be in excess of the manufacturers specification, invalidating warranty of these devices. Although this has been successfully done by a number of VNWA Beta Users – no responsibility is assumed for reliability or reliable operation above the manufacturers specification whatsoever

Required Kit Construction Skills

The DG8SAQ VNWA project is only suitable for Experienced Kit builders who have already successfully completed advanced electronic kits using SMD components. Check whether you have relevant experience with the following before considering to order this kit – Skill check list to assemble VNWA Kit:

If in doubt please Do Not proceed. An Assembled USB-VNWA module will be made available by SDR-Kits from January 2010 onwards.

Ordering, Documentation and Support

If you are sure you have the skills and would like to purchase a kit please see the Ordering page for pricing and availability. You will be required to accept the ordering terms and conditions prior to placing your order.

Kit assembly instructions are available by clicking on the Documentation link. This gives would-be kit builders a taste of what is required to assemble the kit.

User Support for the DG8SAQ VNWA kit is done through the DG8SAQ VWNA User Group on Yahoo. This is where kit builders and VNWA users are encouraged to post and share their experiences. Jan G0BBL of SDR-Kits and Tom DG8SAQ will be involved in the running of the user group.

Kit Building and Repair service: Peter Krengel DG4EK offers a (commercial) VNWA build and repair service to VNWA kitbuilders. Peter should be contacted on the following email address: krengeldatec@gmx.de Peter's services are offered independently from SDR-Kits or DG8SAQ.

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VNWA Documentation Page

Copyright notice: The project design on this page is Copyright 2008, 2009 by DG8SAQ and SDR-Kits
Kit of parts produced by SDR-Kits with permission of DG8SAQ
Website Copyright 2008, 2009 by SDR-Kits