A simple way to test an antenna with a NanoVNA
May 14, 2025Admin
A simple way to test an antenna with a NanoVNA involves connecting the antenna to the NanoVNA, calibrating the device using open, short, and load standards, and then measuring the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) across the desired frequency range. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Connect the antenna:
Use an SMA-to-N connector or a similar adapter to connect the antenna to one of the NanoVNA’s ports. 
2. Calibrate the NanoVNA:
Open: Connect the open calibration standard to the NanoVNA port. 
Short: Connect the short calibration standard to the NanoVNA port. 
Load: Connect the 50-ohm load calibration standard to the NanoVNA port. 
Follow the NanoVNA’s calibration procedure, which may involve touching the calibration standards to the NanoVNA port and selecting “done”. 
3. Set the frequency range:
Choose the frequency range you want to test the antenna over. You can set the start and stop frequencies in the NanoVNA’s menu. 
4. Measure SWR:
Connect the antenna to the NanoVNA port. 
Choose the “SWR” display format in the NanoVNA’s menu. 
Observe the SWR graph to identify the antenna’s resonant frequency and SWR values. 
5. Analyze the results:
A good SWR plot will show a deep dip (minimum SWR) at the antenna’s resonant frequency