SDR-Kits DG8SAQ VNWA 3 Getting Started Manual

Vector network analyzer for windows 7, vista and windows xp

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SDR-Kits, Grangeside Business Centre, 129 Devizes Road, Trowbridge Wilts, BA14-7SZ, England

DG8SAQ VNWA 3 & 3E - Vector Network Analyzer -

"Getting Started Manual" for Windows 7, Vista and Windows XP

For VNWA

License Code

see page 2

VNWA

Hints

see page 10

Introduction:

Thank you for purchasing the DG8SAQ VNWA 3 or VNWA 3E Vector Network Analyzer from SDR-

Kits. This manual is a concise "Getting Started" guide for release VNWA 36.3.0 onwards, showing

what steps are necessary to place the DG8SAQ VNWA in operation for the Microsoft Windows 7,

Windows Vista and Windows XP Operating Systems using VNWA Application 36.3.0 and later.

For Windows 8 refer to:

The DG8SAQ VNWA has many advanced features and options, therefore VNWA Users are strongly

urged to study the current VNWA helpfile:

1.1

Shipment Damage:

You should receive the VNWA in good order, however in event of visible damage of the parcel, please

notify in first instance your Carrier or the Postal Service who delivered the shipment to you.

Important Information

2.1

Caution - Safety Information:

1. The VNWA 3 or 3E is powered and controlled through the USB-cable supplied. The USB-

cable should be connected to the USB port of a Personal Computer capable of supplying

+5V DC at 500mA maximum.

2. Do NOT apply any DC Voltages to the RF Ports. The maximum safe input voltage into

the TX-out and Rx-in ports is an RF Voltage of 0dBm (225mV RMS with a frequency

between 1 kHz up to 1300 MHz). Exceeding this value may cause damage to the VNWA

and may invalidate product warranty.

3. Always check the SDR-Kits Website for current Product information including Safety

Information and latest Product Updates.

SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP

http://www.sdr-kits.net/vnwasoftware/

http://sdr-kits.net/DG8SAQ/VNWA/VNWA_HELP.pdf

http://www.sdr-kits.net/vnwasoftware/?20

Need help?

Do you have a question about the DG8SAQ VNWA 3 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for SDR-Kits DG8SAQ VNWA 3

Page 1 Important Information Copyright notice The design of the VNWA 3.x is copyright by Thomas Baier DG8SAQ & SDR-Kits - All right reserved. Caution - Safety Information: 1. The VNWA 3 or 3E is powered and controlled through the USB-cable supplied. The USB- cable should be connected to the USB port of a Personal Computer capable of supplying +5V DC at 500mA maximum.
Page 2 Windows 7 & Vista 64 bit and 32 bit Installation This section shows installation procedure for Windows 7 (64 or 32 bits) – Vista procedure is similar. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 2 of 48...
Page 3 Note: For 64 bit Operating Systems the filename ending in -x64.msu should be downloaded and -x86.msu for 32 bit Operating Systems. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 3 of 48...
Page 4 PC. This will prevent overwriting the setup files of your first VNWA application: 3.1.5 Press "Next >" – This shows the default where program shortcuts will be installed SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 4 of 48...
Page 5 Note: A Screen (not shown) is now displayed with option to create a Desktop Icon for: A) All users or B) For Current User only. Make your selection and press "Next >" SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 5 of 48...
Page 6 3.1.8 Press "Next >" and Ready to Install screen is displayed 3.1.9 Press "Install" – VNWA Application and helpfile are now installed SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 6 of 48...
Page 7 3.1.10 Press "Next >" – Following screen may be displayed – Select “Install this driver software anyway” 3.1.11 Press "Next >" – Driver installation will take from 10-30 seconds and screen below is displayed SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 7 of 48...
Page 8 3.1.14 Press “Finish” to complete installation. END OF VNWA Installation SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 8 of 48...
Page 9 Select "OK" to allow overclocking of the DDS chips beyond 400 MHz. Note: VNWA performance over 500 MHz will be negatively affected if overclocking of the DDS is not permitted. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 9 of 48...
Page 10 3.2.4 The VNWA “Hint File” is now displayed. Please review this information carefully! SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 10 of 48...
Page 11 Note: The VNWA License code is shown on page 2 of the “Getting Started” Manual shipped with your VNWA – It is also shown in the VNWA_Delivered – shipping email. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 11 of 48...
Page 12 Make sure that Nothing is connected to VNWA RF Ports - Press “OK” to start the Audio Auto-detection - SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 12 of 48...
Page 13 Press “OK” to calibrate the Audio device sampling rate. 3.2.8 Press “OK” to calibrate the Audio device sampling rate. Calibration of Sample rate takes approx 30 seconds. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 13 of 48...
Page 14 = Tru/Reflect should now disappear (because the TX port is now terminated with a 50 Ohm load from the RX port). SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 14 of 48...
Page 15 Later VNWAs are fitted with PCM2900C chip which Windows configures as a “Stereo Line input” device but at the wrong sample rate. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 15 of 48...
Page 16 Next click on Tab “Instrument Settings”. The screen below shows usual settings for normal operation. 3.2.14 Click on Tab “Misc Settings”. The screen below shows usual settings for normal operation. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 16 of 48...
Page 17 VNWA Application. This updates the VNWA configuration files for the next time the VNWA application is started. End of VNWA Configuration for Windows 7 and Vista SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 17 of 48...
Page 18: Windows Xp Installation
Note: Select a different Destination Location (ie C:\VNWA_2) if you want to install a second VNWA application on the same PC. This prevents overwriting the set-up files of your first VNWA application. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 18 of 48...
Page 19 Specify the VNWA License key file which may be emailed to VNWA users as an attachment of the VNWA shipping advice email. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 19 of 48...
Page 20 Note: The VNWA hardware must now be connected to the USB Port of the PC in this step otherwise driver installation may fail. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 20 of 48...
Page 21 3.3.9 The Installation of VNWA Application and Helpfile is now complete. The installation of the Driver is next! NOTE: At this point the VNWA Installer v36.2.3 (available from 20 November 2012 onwards) will SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 21 of 48...
Page 22 3.3.10 Driver installation is now complete - Press "Finish" 3.3.11 Press "Finish" - to exit the VNWA installation routine. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 22 of 48...
Page 23 END of Windows XP Installation SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 23 of 48...
Page 24 Select "OK" to allow overclocking of the DDS chips beyond 400 MHz. Note: VNWA performance over 500 MHz will be negatively affected if overclocking of the DDS is not permitted. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 24 of 48...
Page 25 3.4.4 The VNWA “Hint File” is now displayed. Please review this information carefully! 3.4 5 Press “OK” to continue and start the VNWA Application. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 25 of 48...
Page 26 Make sure that Nothing is connected to VNWA RF Ports - Press “OK” to start the Audio Auto-detection - SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 26 of 48...
Page 27 The screen below is displayed once the process is completed. Press “OK” to calibrate the Audio device sampling rate. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 27 of 48...
Page 28 3.4.9 Press “OK” to calibrate the Audio device sampling rate. Calibration of Sample rate takes approx 30 seconds 3.4.10 Sample Rate Calibration completed – press “OK” to continue SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 28 of 48...
Page 29 = Tru/Reflect should now disappear (because the TX port is now terminated with a 50 Ohm load from the RX port). SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 29 of 48...
Page 30 Select Tab “Aux Audio Level” and screen below should be displayed. (RX port is receiving TX output via Thru coax cable). SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 30 of 48...
Page 31 3.4.15 Click on Tab “Audio Level” and press on softbutton “Stop“ to cease the Audio test. Next click on Tab “Instrument Settings”. For reference: settings valid for VNWA release 36.2.9 are shown below. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 31 of 48...
Page 32 VNWA Application. This updates the VNWA configuration files for the next time the VNWA application is started. End of VNWA Configuration for Windows XP SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 32 of 48...
Page 33 For Windows 7 & Vista refer to para 3.1.9 onward to finish the installation. For Windows XP refer to step 3.3.9 onwards to finish the installation. End of Amateur Radio Certificate Installation SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 33 of 48...
Page 34 Master Cal 0-500Mhz. Note: you may save any number of cal files. Note: It is generally recommended to skip the crosstalk cal. It has benefits only in very special circumstances. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 34 of 48...
Page 35 From Top Menu select “File” - “Retrieve” and select “Mastercalibration” Now select the required Calibration file for loading End of VNWA Master Calibration SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 35 of 48...
Page 36 In the example the Marker displays: Frequency = 434 MHz, VSWR = 1.61 Real Z = 78.75 Ohm and Imag Z = 10.43 Ohm (Inductive) SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 36 of 48...
Page 37 22.28 Ohm and Input imagZ = -5.76 Ohm (capacitive). Note: SAW filter is not matched to 50 Ohm impedance of VNWA TX and RX port. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 37 of 48...
Page 38 Ohm!). The total length of the coax cable is actually 0.63m. Accuracy of this measurements depends on correct Velocity Factor of the cable type to be entered SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 38 of 48...
Page 39 - Verification of Proper Operation (Troubleshooting section) Note: a PDF version of the latest helpfile may be downloaded from: http://sdr-kits.net/DG8SAQ/VNWA/VNWA_HELP.pdf SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 39 of 48...
Page 40 VNWA measurement. See also the VNWA helpfile how to use Zplots in the VNWA Application. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 40 of 48...
Page 41 Optional SMA connector to obtain the multiplied 12 MHz internal TCXO clock or to feed in an external 36 MHz clock source. SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 41 of 48...
Page 42 Note 1: For operating the VNWA3 from an external 5V DC power supply, a zero Ohm resistor must be removed as detailed in VNWA Helpfile section “General”, page "VNWA3E” Note 2: Cable colour refers to the colours of the optional RJ12 cable available from SDR-Kits 7.1.2 VNWA 3E Optional External Clock input/Output An Optional SMA connector may be fitted for connecting an External 36 MHz Clock output or to tap the internal multiplied System clock.
Page 43 Presentation-Storage case with 4 pcs Calibration kit and RG223 cable (Order Option) Optional Items  Presentation case  SDR-Kits Calibration Kit (SMA Short - SMA 50 Ohm Load - SMA cable)  Various adapters  VNWA Expansion Board SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP...
Page 44 Warranty claims should be made by contacting SDR-Kits by email in first instance with a description of the issue. Customer is responsible for return of the VNWA to SDR-Kits by tracked shipment. SDR-Kits will pay for outbound shipping cost of the repaired unit or for the supply of a replacement VNWA in similar condition as the VNWA received.
Page 45 129 Devizes Road Trowbridge, Wilts BA14-7SZ United Kingdom Orders: Orders@SDR-Kits.net Technical support email: Support@SDR-Kits.net Email Backup sdrkits@gmail.com Website www.SDR-Kits.net SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.04 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 45 of 48...
Page 46 3. Orders are placed by opening an account on the SDR-kits Webshop, and dropping the required goods into the Web basket. Payment should be made at the time of ordering via Paypal or by requesting a Pro Forma invoice.
Page 47 Notes: SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.0 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 47 of 48...
Page 48 SDR-Kits VNWA 3 & 3E "Getting Started" Manual W7 - XP v2.0 - copyright 2013 by SDR-Kits Page 48 of 48...

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