Cheap, useful, simple to use. Must-have, at least one per club.
As antennas must be checked in-situ (in place), vector network analyzer is the only tool, that can be used. Antennas can not be “calculated”, “pre-selected” or “standardised” for experimental aircrafts. A small change in the mounting position, other antenna type, angle, a cable itself, adapter – and you could be way off the optimum configuration.
NANO VNA tests SWR (standing wave ratio) – which must be below 2 and antenna response frequency (should be in the middle of aviation frequency range).
In the picture below – we have standard ICOM radio antenna attached to the unit. It is calibrated to work at ~126 mHz., with SWR being around 1.70, and antenna gain at around 11.67 dB
On three diffrerent planes it helped me to find proper antenna position, identify broken cable and decide on antenna lenght. In all cases radio was working before, but after small adjustments – the quality has significantly increased.
n.b. Additional DIY adapters are required – SMA to BNC.
Full kit available at our store.
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