NanoVNA-Saver — The Complete Guide: Measuring Antennas, Filters and Cables with a NanoVNA

NanoVNA-Saver is open-source software (GPL-3.0) that controls low-cost NanoVNA vector network analysers over USB. The instrument itself is small with a tiny screen; the software moves the work to your computer display, with large plots, long sweeps and saved results. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.

NanoVNA-Saver

NanoVNA-Saver project

Desktop software for low-cost NanoVNA vector network analysers: sweeps, Smith charts, VSWR and TDR, for tuning antennas, filters and cables.

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What you get

Frequency sweeps — wide ranges at high resolution, beyond what the device shows on its own.
Smith chart — impedance and matching of an antenna or network.
VSWR and return loss — a quick check that an antenna is tuned to the right frequency.
TDR — finding the distance to an open or a defect along a cable.
Touchstone files — saving the measurement for use in simulation software.

Practical tip

Accuracy depends on calibration: before each measurement, calibrate with short, open and load standards at the end of the cable you measure through. A measurement saved as a Touchstone file can be loaded into a simulator and combined with the circuit design. It does not replace a laboratory analyser, but for teaching, field work and quick checks it is an excellent solution.

Related tools

For designing filters and matching networks before measuring — QucsStudio. For electromagnetic simulation of an antenna — openEMS. For signal processing and software-defined radio — GNU Radio.

QucsStudio

Michael Margraf

A circuit and RF simulator: DC, AC, transient, S-parameters and harmonic balance, with microstrip tools and filter synthesis. Free even for commercial use.

Electrical & Electronics Completely Free Windows Electronics Design (EDA)

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