HF Antenna Analyzer Kit

[C2]

The designer of this kit proclaims it better performing than a $40k VNA instrument.

Anyone care to give it a shot?

https://sites.google.com/site/k6bezprojects/antenna-analyser

 

[The DB]

Better than a VNA? I highly doubt it.

All it is is a glorified SWR meter, it is not even in the same league as anything that is a true VNA, or even something like a cheap MFJ antenna analyzer... Also, if it has a more accurate SWR reading then I wonder what is wrong with the VNA?

Its a neat little device, and at the price and a mod or two I could likely make something useful out of it, perhaps even an antenna side SWR meter powered over the feedline, and an x-bee wireless data connection to another arduino which shows SWR reading from both sides of the same feedline for monitering...

The ARRL has a book about using PIC and Arduino microcontrollers with ham radio, and it also includes a device that also measures SWR, although it is a bit more complicated I think...


The DB

 

[C2]

I think the problem with the VNA is that it's optimized for microwave frequencies.

Still, this one no good?

Actually, one I always wanted to build was an N2PK. Collected all the expensive parts and then...

 

[Tallman]

I would buy one

I think the problem with the VNA is that it's optimized for microwave frequencies.

Still, this one no good?

Actually, one I always wanted to build was an N2PK. Collected all the expensive parts and then...

I noticed that the frequency being checked was just above 7 MHz. I can imagine it would be a welcome tool to anybody who tunes antennas on a regular basis. Or, if you are setting up a fan dipole antenna. I have a project like that in the works and could see using it to setup the various bands without risking the finals on my radio or tuning with a radio that has an auto tuner. One tiny little meter to cover all of the bands, I like that thought. I have so many SWR meters for this or that frequency and could relinquish them to monitoring purposes would suit me just fine. Also not hitting the bands with the annoying "Dead Key" while tuning.