Matt Gumbley
Hmm, I think I need a decent tripod mount for testing antennas with the NanoVNA. The “grey stick” I bought (allegedly 5.8dBi, 868 MHz) doesn’t seem to have a promising VSWR - but I was holding it. Perhaps tying it to a hook and suspending it from a tree might be better. (Go on, Matt, BODGE IT!)
Feb 3 at 8:37pmWeb
Show threadRetFeb 3
@M0CUV what’s your general approach in terms of placement?
Show threadMatt GumbleyFeb 3
@ret I’m hoping to string this up in the loft, or perhaps use its mounting bracket on a suitable rafter. Today’s measurement was me holding it aloft in the shack surrounded by stuff. A better test would be on a short pole fixed in my workmate in the garden.
Show threadJeromeFeb 3

@M0CUV "Stick antenna" may need some kind of counterpoise to exhibit a reasonable SWR. A tripod may not be sufficient.

Generally speaking, testing antennas is more complicated than it seems.

Show threadMatt GumbleyFeb 3
@dl2jml Yes I think I’ve underestimated it - testing a HF dipole in my loft is one thing; the stick doesn’t come with radials - documentation is somewhat sparse.
Show threadJeromeFeb 3

@M0CUV Basically, the small antennas in form of a whip to be connected to a SMA connector are supposed to be used with a PCB and the user hand as a counterpoise. You can test them by directly mounting them on the Nano VNA and holding the NanoVNA in your hand. Do that outside or in a large room.

If you intend to use the Heltec alone, don't hold the NanoVNA in your hand.

Show threadGary @N8DMTFeb 3
@M0CUV Used to have two sturdy camera tripods with 1 meter length wood mast interfaces to mount antennas on at about 3 meters height. That and some longer length high quality RF cables supported very nice outdoor testing in my RF quiet neighborhood. Having moved multiple times, all that gear is now gone and the RF levels at new QTH are challenging for such fun. How is your noise level? #AntennaTest
Show threadMatt GumbleyFeb 4
@n8dmt I could possibly build something lashed-up like that - noise is OK at times, but there is occasional QRM from modern electronics and broadband Internet routers. I’ll have to try listening to the 868MHz ISM band on an SDR to discover noise levels - MeshCore does give a reading of it, and it appears to be fairly low, but this is on a handheld device indoors.