Complete 99% Assembled and Tested Kit

A new version of the VA5 Kit with only 1 component to solder - final assembly only takes 10-15 minutes before unit is ready to use.

Please note that the Complete VA5 Kit is still available.

The newly designed VA5 is a high precision 600 MHz instrument for measurements of antennas, cables and other one port devices. 

The VA5 is a portable, full-featured Vector Measuring Device with a frequency range of 10 kHz to 600 MHz, with the added benefit of a USB port for connection to a computer.

The designer, Michael Knitter DG5MK, has taken feedback from users of the previous VA4 instrument and incorporated many new features in the VA5, whilst maintaining high performance and excellent value for money.

• Frequency Range 10 kHz - 600 MHz

• Small dimensions 15 x 8.5 x 2.2 cm - fully portable

• User friendly - intuitive menus
  

• Large display with good readability

• Low power consumption (up to 40 hours from 2 AA batteries)

• SOL Calibration function

• USB-interface with support of the DG8SAQ VNWA Software
  

• Real time clock with backup capacitor
  

• Audible buzzer alert for minimum SWR alignment

The FA-VA5's graphic display shows the complex impedance, standing wave ratio, complex reflection coefficient, capacitance and inductance.

Vectorial measurement means that, unlike a scalar instrument, not only the SWR is measured and displayed, but also the value of the impedance, including the signed imaginary part. The so-called SOL (Short, Open and Load) compensation is used for the calibration of the device and provides precise measurements in different configurations.

FA-VA5 Technical Datasheet

New Feature - USB-interface

The new USB-interface allows follow-on processing of measurement data, a feature that was top of the wish list for many Radio Amateurs. Michael has collaborated with Dr. Thomas Baier, DG8SAQ, to introduce support for the VA5 in his well-respected DG8SAQ VNWA software application. The combination of FA-VA5 and VNWA Software will allow all kinds of one port measurements included in the software. One example is Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to help find defects in antenna installations. Ths USB-interface also enables the user to carry out any future firmware updates to the VA5.

This FA-VA5 Kit is a 99% Assembled and Tested Kit including a pre-assembled PCB with pre-programmed microcontroller, graphic display including backlight, and a USB module, fitted in a specially designed enclosure.

Final assembly of the 99% FA-VA5 kit is easy and consists of:

• Fitting and soldering of only 1 component, the power On/Off slide switch to the main PCB, see fig. 3. of FA-VA5 Manual
• Fit main PCB in the bottom Enclosure and secure with 4 screws provided in the kit
  
• Plug in the ready assembled LCD/'Backlight Display unit into the Main PCB, see fig. 9.  Remove any protective plastic cover
  
• Place the 3 knobs on top of the pushbutton switches on top of the main PCB  - see fig. 9.
• Ensure that Slide switch is set to Off as in fig. 10. then fit 2 AA batteries (not  supplied in the kit)
• Fit the Enclosure top cover, ensuring that all 3 push button knobs protrude outwards and secure with the 4 screws provided.

The kit also includes Short, Open and Load calibration elements, which are usable up to about 100 MHz but require soldering of the BNC short connector. 
A high-quality 3pc or 4pc calibration kit, covering a frequency range up to 600 MHz, and with Load parameters individually measured, is also available from our Webshop.

English Language Assembly and Operation Manual - For current Firmware version 1.09

Also available: see our range of BNC Adaptors

FA-VA5 Kit including Japanese translation of assembly and operating instructions is also sold through SDR-Kits' Authorised Resellers for Japan: ICAS Enterprises  www.ICAS.to