<\/span>an International Ham Radio Success Story The N2PK VNA an International Ham Radio Success Story Oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and tracking oscillators are scalar instruments which we have used for decades so what's new? A VNA is distinguished by the ability to generate, detect and analyze signals …<\/p>\n
\nOscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and tracking oscillators are scalar instruments which we have used
\nfor decades so what's new? A VNA is distinguished by the ability to generate, detect and analyze
\nsignals with very precise phase relationships. Prior to the mathematical analysis of electro-magnetic
\nfields by Clerk Maxwell, vector analysis was probably carried out by physical means.Today affordable
\nPCs can perform the complex math involved and custom software turns the data into a wide variety of
\nfunctions for analyzing the behavior of individual components, networks,transmission lines and
\nantennas.
\nThe VNA designed by Paul Kiciak N2PK is unique in several ways. First and foremost design details
\nand extensive documentation were made available to Radio Amateurs about 15 years ago at no charge.
\nIt has been diligently supported by Paul with new versions as the technology evolved. It is designed as
\na homebrew project for the serious builder and experimenter. The technical performance has been
\ncompared to professional products from HP, Boonton and others and found to be very close indeed.
\nPaul's documentation begins with a few illustrations of precision. For example analysis of a leaded 3.3
\nOhm \u00bc watt 1% resistor at 40MHz had a resistance of 3.41 Ohms and inductive reactance of 3.3 Ohms.
\nThe superior quality of the N2PK VNA has attracted and encouraged others to contribute their time and
\nexpertise. The associated software and PCB designs are developed and supported by Hams elsewhere
\nin the US, England, Canada and Sweden. Paul likes to call it the N2PKetal VNA as it is truly an
\ninternational Ham Radio success story. Visiting Paul's web site N2PK.com is highly recommended.
\nI built mine about 14 years ago and used it extensively. One example of the incredible power of aVNA
\nand associated software is the measurement of common-mode rejection as described in the Nov\/Dec
\n2010 issue of QEX. Recently my own VNA showed no sign of life and after verifying the DC supplies
\nwere OK I concluded that new software drivers were required. For me this became a major challenge
\nbut fortunately a most talented Ham coached me using TeamBuilder; once more proving that members
\nof our hobby help each other.
\nThe VNA story is incomplete without describing the incredible software and to do so is now on my to-
\ndo list.
\nRon Skelton W6WO March 2018<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"