In this video I will show you how to measure impedance, capacitance and inductance with reasonable reliably using a nanoVNA. In fact, these principples apply to any VNA you might have to occasion to use.
I am also going to show you you how to apply a Port Extension to your calibrated VNA so you can add cables and/or adapters as needed to interface with your unit under test.
Antenna analyzers also purport themselves to be able to make these sorts of measurements. I will investigate the accuracy of two different antenna analyzers in this capacity:
** MFJ-259C
** The Rig Expert (AA-600).
I was told that the RigExpert allows for user calibration which has the potential of significantly improving its accuracy. What you will see here is the "off the shelf" accuracy which is still pretty good, especially when compared to the MFJ.
As a note on the MFJ-259C, I sent it into MFJ to have it recalibrated five months ago. In the accompanying letter, I was clear that I was interested in accurately measuring impedance, capacitors and inductors. Since it's return, it has spent the VAST majority of its life snuggled cozily in its protective case in a climate controlled shop.
SPEED OF LIGHT VALUES
11802.85E6 inches/sec
29979.24E6 cm/sec
Time Markers for Your Convenience
----------------------------
00:05 Introductory Comments
01:19 The Reality of Strays
02:54 Why a VNA?
04:50 Connecting to Our Component
04:53 Reconnoiter the Playing Field
05:24 Determine your Test Frequency
05:50 Component Self-Resonance
07:17 How are we going to calibrate our VNA?
10:00 What if all you have are the SMA standards? Introducing Port Extensions
11:11 The kind of calibration we are interested in ...
12:18 My Test Parameters
12:35 DEMO#1: Calibrate at the end of a cable & measure
16:37 DEMO#2: Measuring Loose Components
20:16 DEMO#3: Using a Port Extension
25:38 Using an Antenna Analyzer to Measure
25:42 The MFJ-259C
28:48 The Rig Expert (AA-600)
29:48 Conclusions and advise
30:19 Parting comments and toodle-oots
-----------------------------