Arduino Vector Graphic Antenna Analyser

Since the Project is very popular and I get a lot of inquiries , it is necessary here to clarify something.

The newest Firmware is on this side at the end as a link ! So please don’t ask me to send firmware! Thanks !

So please READ every LINE on this side !!!

I’m NOT the Author of this project!!! For questions like eagle files or changing parts in the circuit, please ask DG7EAO !!!
I does not selling parts or finish analyzers
Software support no matter of course . This is a private project and I have a 12 hour job. If I like, I will answer your mails. But you can not count on it!!
When the source code of you will be changed , or other hardware is used, I will never help you.
I give no workshops in any programming language
I’am not searching your bugs in your circuits. Be sure that the software is well testet, by over 50 OMs and ok. Use my firmware or leave it.

Sorry for that rules, but a lot of OM’s can’t read. Every RED rule have a reason with some mails. It must be easier to write a mail, as reading the project files ! I got over 50 mails, with questions, what can easy answered by this side and text file in the ZIP File.

So now we start….

I find in the internet a very interesting Project. He build with Arduino Modules a good Antenna Analyser.

Here you can download all information over the Basic original project:

http://dc2wk.schwab-intra.net/Arduino Analyser Schematics.rar
http://dc2wk.schwab-intra.net/Display Addon.rar

This is a project from DG7EAO. Thanks a lot to him!
The old page is deleted, I don’t know why. So I saved this schematics for us.
But I find a new page from Norbert: http://www.dg7eao.de/test/antennen-analysator/

To download my version of the firmware, see the link after the article.

I ordered the parts and start to build this little project.

For the modules I take IC-Sockets

The modules are installed

The finish analyzer

The underside

The test of the DDS Signal

Works fine

Test measuring’s:

A Sirro CB Mobile Antenna

A DL7IO Hexbeam 10-20m

A Butternut HF5V Vertical 10-80m

You also can check a LC resonator

Here with a frequency from 12.088 MHz (0,9uH + 300pF)

The Costs of this project, without a case, was:

The Arduino Modules:

1x	USB auf RS232 TTL UART PL2303HX Converter Adapter Cable CP12005 F44	5,20 EUR	5,20 EUR
1x	Pro Mini Atmega328P Board Modul 5V/16MHz for Arduino-Compatible AR01011 J32	7,82 EUR	7,82 EUR
1x	AD9850 Module DDS Signal Generator 40Mhz CP13010 D54	10,99 EUR	10,99 EUR

Other Parts:
6x 100 Ohm 1%, RM 7,5 0,30 €
2x 10 K RM 7,5 0,06 €
2x 100 K RM 7,5 0,06 €
2x 4,99 K RM 7,5 0,10 €
2x 649 R RM 7,5 0,10 €
1x 1u RM 2.5 0,10 €
2x 100n RM 5 0,10 €
3x 10n RM 5 0,30 €
1x LM358 0,19 €
IC Sockets 0,50 €
2x Germanium Diode AA143 2,20 €
Cables 0,50 €
PL od BNC Jack 1,50€
circuit board 1,50 €

All together: 31,52 €

Update 1:

I build a case out of circuit board material

This is the front, place for the display later
The Cable on the left side is only connected if the analyzer is in Computer mode
As a stand alone analyzer there will be a battery case installed.

The underside. The case its 100% RF proof

With the RF Proof case, the measuring is near to that what I see with my transceiver.
Here the Butternut HF5V Vertical 10-80m, like some pictures before.

I also made a Battery Case with a 5V power supply and a 9V battery

A 7805 and a electrolyte capacitor, that’s all

Special lock mechanism 🙂

Battery pack is plug in …

…and it works 🙂

Update 2:

My display is arrived 🙂 I test it first with my second arduino. If you build it on a test board like that, it will not be stable. For a short test it’s OK. The computer hangs often times. So keep your cable very short and work with shields!

The current is with the display together 61 mA. So my 9V battery is maybe to small.

So I build it in. This is more stable as it looks

Display and switches in the case

The Scan with my Butternut

The same Scan with the software over USB, this still works 🙂

In the following Pictures the Resolution in the Firmware was max. SWR = 5.
I change it later again to max. SWR = 10, that I can use it as a Dip-meter.

I modify the firmware so that I can switch over the complete band in details. Here 80m.

In the battery-pack I have now 2 accumulators with 3.6v and 1600mA together, so that I have over 7V. With the 7805 I make the 5V for the tester. I charge it with 9v. This is a 10m Mobile Antenna.

Update 3:

I add a third knob and a front plate. This third knob is connected to PIN4 and GND!
The Knobs are in my own firmware:
The first: 2 MHz up in a 3 MHz range (Detail sweep)
The second: 2 MHz down in a 3 MHz range (Detail sweep)
The third: Overview sweep from 1-30 MHz.
And I add a lost in % in the first line.

It’s very important that you are using exactly the same parts and modules!!!!!
A Firmware what is write for this Arduino and Display, will not work with a other!!!!!!!!!!!!! It only works with my three knob version!!!

Here you can download my own version of the firmware:
http://dc2wk.schwab-intra.net/DDS_sweeper1_TFT_swb.zip

And here my own version of the windows tool:
http://dc2wk.schwab-intra.net/VNA_Programm.zip

Videos:

Here the Resolution in the Firmware is max. SWR = 10.

68 thoughts on “Arduino Vector Graphic Antenna Analyser”

Zbig on 18. June 2015 at 13:25 said:

I, interest at more details and software for Antenna Analyzer with display you update project
Zbig

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 20. June 2015 at 18:22 said:
  
  Hi Zbig,
  what you like to know?
  
  Reply ↓
Denis on 3. February 2016 at 10:46 said:

Great Project!

Will you share the INO file and schematic?

73’s

Denis
KC6AUP

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 3. February 2016 at 20:25 said:
  
  Hi Denis,
  thanks for the nice comment. You will find all info’s (schematic, Info’s) in the first link on this project side.
  The DC2WK Version of the firmware you can get from me per e-mail.
  
  Reply ↓
Andreas on 5. February 2016 at 14:29 said:

Erfolgreiches Design, einfache und schnelle Montage .Super. Ich habe Interesse an dem Programm und zeichnung.

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 6. February 2016 at 13:14 said:
  
  Ich sende Ihnen das Programm via E-Mail.
  Mit einer Zeichnung meinen Sie sicher den Schaltplan. Den finden sie oben in dem Beitrag.
  https://lima05web.wordpress.com/2014/03/22/arduino-antennen-analysator-dg7eao/
  
  Die Änderungen beschreibe ich dann in der Mail
  
  Nette Grüße
  Donald
  
  Reply ↓
Sal on 12. February 2016 at 12:24 said:

Very interesting project.
Can you send me .ino files?

Best Regards

Sal
CT2IRJ

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 12. February 2016 at 16:57 said:
  
  Hi Sal,
  the files are on the way
  
  73 de DC2WK
  
  Reply ↓
Jaco on 13. February 2016 at 23:23 said:

Hi,
I really like your project and are in the process of ordering my parts as needed.
Please if it’s no trouble could you also sent me your firmware.
Thank you
73 de ZS6PX

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 13. February 2016 at 23:29 said:
  
  Hi ZS6PX,
  no problem. I will try to send you the zip files.
  
  73 de DC2WK
  Donald
  
  Reply ↓
Carlos Faria on 17. February 2016 at 18:30 said:

Hello, Donald.

I appreciate so much your project. I´d like to know if we can use the module AD9851 replacing the AD9850 instead. Thats because I need to work on the band till 65Mhz. In case it is possible, is there any suggestion in changing the circuitry to accept the AD9851? Still, do you have a project with Arduino that can meassure both the Impedance AND phase of the antenna?
Thanks in advance.

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 17. February 2016 at 20:16 said:
  
  Hi Carlos,
  thanks for the nice comment.
  I think that you can use the AD9851 instead the AD9850, if all pins are the same.
  The Firmware must can handle this, I think. The circuitry must can handle this too.
  In the moment there too much work at my working place. So I have no time to try it out.
  
  Let me know, if it does not working.
  
  73 de DC2WK
  
  Reply ↓
Charles on 20. February 2016 at 12:04 said:

Hi

Very good work.

Can you please send me the firmware?

73 de ZS1CF

Reply ↓
alan on 29. February 2016 at 02:46 said:

hi, i would really like to get an email of your arduino code. It’s a great project

Reply ↓
Elmar on 3. March 2016 at 21:36 said:

Hi, looks like this page lima05web.wordpress.com is no longer available.
since the authors have deleted this site.

Any chance to get a copy online somewhere else?

73
DL3NEW

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 4. March 2016 at 16:41 said:
  
  Hi OM DL3NEW,
  I find it unfortunate that the page has been deleted 🙁
  It was a great page.
  
  So I saved the schematics for us and add two links do download all Information.
  
  Have a lot of fun
  
  73 de DC2WK
  
  Reply ↓
Andreas Chmielecki on 26. March 2016 at 09:38 said:

Hey,
ein wirklich tolles Projekt. Ich hätte sehr großes Interesse an der Firmware. wäre es möglich, diese per Mail zu bekommen?

mni tnx es

vy 73 es 55 de Andi DC3WX

Reply ↓
Daniel on 11. April 2016 at 22:09 said:

Hi
Nice work.
Can you please send me the schematic with TFT display?

73! de YO2MOP

Reply ↓
Eugen Grzondziel on 13. April 2016 at 20:26 said:

Gratuliere! Ich habe was Ähnliches gebaut und mit Resistoren getestet. Für R=0, 50 und >1000 Ohm bekomme ich akzeptable Ergebnisse. Im Bereich 50<R<500 hingegen sind die Ergebnise zu niedrig z.B. für R=75 Ohm SWR=1,2 und R=100 Ohm SWR=1,47. Ist Dein Gerät besser in diesem Bereich?
Vy73 Eugen DM5GE

Reply ↓
Daniel dwiyanto on 23. April 2016 at 08:22 said:

very nice project

can you share .ino file ?

best Regard

73
YG1AKI

Reply ↓
Bernardo Lucas on 26. April 2016 at 17:20 said:

Hi, congratulations for the project 🙂
I’m also trying to build something similar. I will could help me with a question …
The pins 9,10,11,12 of the arduino are used to control the AD9850 module while the 10, 11 are also used to control the TFT monitor?

73 de CR7AMX

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 26. April 2016 at 20:26 said:
  
  Yes, so the Author (DG7EAO) has designed the schematics.
  The TFT signal comes over D6, D10, D11.
  D10 and D11 are using by the AD9850 too.
  
  I wonder me by my self, but it works.
  
  You can find it in the INO File:
  // Pins for the AD9850 DDS
  const int FQ_UD = 9;
  const int SDAT = 11;
  const int SCLK = 10;
  const int RESET = 12;
  
  //Construktor for Display
  Ucglib_ILI9341_18x240x320_SWSPI ucg(/*sclk=*/ 10, /*data=*/ 11, /*cd=*/ 6 , /*cs=*/ 5, /*reset=*/ 4);
  
  The AD9850 uses DIGITALWRITE, the UCGLIB for the display use SERIAL with ANALOG. I think that is why it works and the display is so slow.
  If you like to know more, maybe Norbert DG7EAO can help.
  
  Reply ↓
Miguel on 28. April 2016 at 00:59 said:

Hi Donald, your project is very interesting and I will build it. Can you send me the firmware ?, thanks, 73.

Miguel
EA7IYD

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 1. May 2016 at 19:35 said:
  
  Hi Miguel
  Everything is on the side.
  
  73 de DC2WK
  
  Reply ↓
Andrew on 1. July 2016 at 17:19 said:

A stupid question…what does the RM mean? I know about tolerance and such but have never seen this notation.

2x 10 K RM 7,5 (2x10kohm resistors and?)
2x 100n RM 5 (2x100ufarad capacitor and?)

Thanks!

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 2. July 2016 at 00:37 said:
  
  Hi Andrew,
  that is no stupid question.
  
  That’s means a German Shorting RM for “Raster Mass”.
  Translation is something like “Grid measure”. So RM 7.5 means that this part fits in to a 7.5mm Hole distance on the PCB.
  
  73 de DC2WK
  
  Reply ↓
- Yuni on 29. May 2021 at 14:06 said:
  
  2x100nF ( nanoFarad bukan mikroFarad )
  
  Reply ↓
Corrado on 24. July 2016 at 11:37 said:

Hi Donald,
I’ve already built a DG7EAO vna analyzer and I’d like to upgrade it with your improvements.
For this reasons I’ve downloaded your files ( .ino) but
when I try to compile it , many errors are reported ( i.e.l “ibraries\Ucglib\Ucglib.cpp.o:(.bss.u8g_outData+0x0): multiple definition of `u8g_outData'”)
Any suggest are apreciated!
Thanks

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 24. July 2016 at 11:47 said:
  
  You can not use only the INO File, use the complete project folder. The ucglib_arduino_v1.01 is as a sub directory under this project folder.
  But You can’t use my firmware without the hardware mods !!!
  
  I tried the download file to compile, it work fine with my Arduino Version 1.6.4.
  You even must include a library in the arduino software. How you can read in the manual-
  
  Reply ↓
Corrado on 24. July 2016 at 12:16 said:

Many thanks for your quick reply Donald!

I’ve previously loaded the correct ucglib_arduino_v1.01 on my Arduino sw .
and I’we also implementend the hw modifications on my VNA board.
The only one difference, is that I use the 1-6-9 arduino sw….

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 24. July 2016 at 13:15 said:
  
  I wish I can try it out with the Version 1.6.9, but it was not able to start this version under Windows 10 for me. I deinstall the 1.6.4 and install a fresh copy of 1.6.9. Not possible to start !
  So it must be a very big different between the 1.6.4 and 1.6.9.
  I reinstall the old version 1.6.4 again, and everything is fine.
  
  Remember to use the add library function in the menu to add the ZIP from the ucglib !
  
  Sorry, more I can’t do for you!
  
  Reply ↓
  - DC2WK on 24. July 2016 at 13:31 said:
    
    Maybe you have not copied the Ucglib folder into your Arduino\libraries folder ?
    A lot of beginners forgot this.
    
    And I mean really only that folder, not the ucglib_arduino_v1.01 folder !!!
    
    Reply ↓
Corrado on 24. July 2016 at 16:04 said:

Hello Donald, many thanks for your help!
The library 1.01 is correctly installed on my arduino sw..
I will tray to install 1.6.4 arduino version on another pc in order to compile and load your modified VNA software!

Regards
Corrado

Reply ↓
angelo on 25. August 2016 at 15:27 said:

nice nice, I would also try it with AD9851. can you pass the firmweare?
regards
angelo

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 25. August 2016 at 18:39 said:
  
  Hi Angelo,
  please read the side. Its everything on the side.
  
  Reply ↓
Jeet on 21. September 2016 at 03:39 said:

Very nice! Inspired!

Reply ↓
Ambrogio on 21. September 2016 at 13:45 said:

Hi,
very good project: I will like to duplicate it soon.
Could please send to me the final software for both Arduino an d PC ?
What is the final schematics diagram please ?
I will appreciate very much if youcould send them to me.
Thanks for all.
best 73, iw2fvo

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 21. September 2016 at 18:55 said:
  
  Hi iw2fvo,
  you find everything on this side. Please read this side to all the end.
  The download links are on the side.
  
  Reply ↓
Zele on 14. December 2016 at 10:47 said:

I don’t understand why you call this SWR meter as vector antenna analyser, you can measure only SWR and nothing else.

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 14. December 2016 at 19:03 said:
  
  Please read exactly. I call it “Arduino Vector Graphic Antenna Analyser” because the Graphic at the Screen is Vector based code.
  This is not a Vector Analyzer. You are right!
  
  Reply ↓
N.H.C.J. Veth on 29. December 2016 at 20:47 said:

MNI TNX for nice project. At Eckhart i could not find the DDS CP13010 D54.
So at http://www.tynielectronics.nl/shop i purchased
1. a pro micro 5V (not much more expensive tham mini+cable) it has PTC and diode against current overload.
2. AD9851 DDS Signal Generator Module – 0-70MHz.
Both delivered next day,
Problem: interconnections. As the DDS differs much in layout and connectivity. I will study your papers and inform you about the progress. 73’s, Nico pa0nhc (77 years and still soldering).
REM: see my site for projects and articles.

Reply ↓
N.H.C.J. Veth on 29. December 2016 at 20:50 said:

Addres must be http://www.tynitronics.nl/shop
Sorry for failure.
Nico.

Reply ↓
Szoke Attila on 2. January 2017 at 11:46 said:

Hello dear friend, i have 2 questions about the project : Can i use as display a tablet via usb?(and of course for programming too? )
At one point you test the DDS signal. IF i have no instrumentation to test DDS signal… it is a vital problem for project? Many thanks, YO6OGY . 73.

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 2. January 2017 at 14:52 said:
  
  Hi Attila,
  as a display, directly connected to the Arduino, you can’t use a tablet screen. I think the protocol is too different. I never tied it!
  But you can write a complete new Android App to read out the Datas and show it on the display. You can control the the analyzer with this app. But this is a lot of work.
  
  Reply ↓
David on 26. February 2017 at 17:22 said:

Dear Donald,

great project and great videos.
I am not that skilled in electronics but I easily followed your project and build the circuit.
Looks like is working well except for the fact that vector are upside down 🙂 ha ha ha
I mean, when I have SWR the value is around 2.0 But when don’t have SWR, the graphics go up to 15 .
It works perfect, but inverse graphic.
I really can’t get were I made the error.
Anyway I would like to make two questions.

Is there a way to calibrate the circuit ?
What is the Volt value of the Capacitor 1uf ?
Thank you very much for sharing.
Greetings,
David

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 27. February 2017 at 09:19 said:
  
  Hi David,
  thanks for the nice words!. It have two ways to calibrate it. The simples way is in the Code.
  
  See:
  double SwrMax = 10; // max SWR, siehe auch unten “Feineinstellung SWR Kurve”
  double SwrMin = 100; // Variable für SWR Min Wert aus Sweep.
  
  and better in Feintuning (Feineinstellung)
  
  double swrPos = 230.0; //SWR Pos oben für maxSWR = 10 war 232
  double swrFaktor = 1.13; //SWR Zoom Faktor für maxSWR = 10 war 1.13
  
  The other way is, try different Resistor in R4 and R8.
  But you can’t get it 100%. But good enough for that price.
  
  Reply ↓
  - David on 27. February 2017 at 21:51 said:
    
    Hi Donald,
    thank you very much for the quick reply!
    
    Today a made the circuit again from the begin and it started working!
    
    I tested a calibrated antenna.
    SWR is fair on the low values, but too little on higher values.
    Or, with a load of 50ohm SWR is 1: 1
    With a load of 100ohm SWR it is 1: 1.23 (should be 1: 2.0)
    I will try first a software mod, then i will try with resistors.
    
    I will update the post as soon as I have some data.
    
    Thank again,
    David
    
    Reply ↓
    - DC2WK on 28. February 2017 at 19:04 said:
      
      Great Work David !!
      Take high precise resistors or a Spindle potentiometer.
      
      Reply ↓
Robert on 4. June 2017 at 20:34 said:

Hi, Thanks for the outline of your version of the project, please can you help with regard to the 3 buttons. Do you use Pull Up say 10 K ohms resistors too positive 5 Volts with the switches to safeguard the digital output pins of the Arduino being dead shorted.?

Reply ↓
Paul Collins on 3. October 2017 at 22:17 said:

This looks a really good project, and one I’m going to build.
73 Paul M0BSW

Reply ↓
paul jones on 11. December 2017 at 10:56 said:

vero board layout please 🙂
de 2e0pbp

Reply ↓
OM1ARH on 31. January 2018 at 12:47 said:

Complet powermanagement /chrage from micro USB, output DC DC converter 5V 1,2A/ module for 1pc, or paralel 2-4 18650 cell LiIon is here..
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10004229/1703600-sc-0241-1-3a-diy-single-usb-mobile-power-bank-pcb
This is simply powermanagement system.
sophisticated systems is here..
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10004229/1323310-hp-0120-1a-diy-single-usb-mobile-power-bank-pcb
Or other..
https://www.fasttech.com/search?power%20bank%20module

Reply ↓
Cor Struyk on 5. February 2018 at 14:34 said:

Hi Donald,
Thanks for this excelent project despription

I have a few questions

Schematic
Can you send me the schematic of this project please. The link i found earlyer on this page is not working anymore ?

SWR Calibration
My lowest SWR with 50 Ohm connected is still 1.45
how can i calibrate this ?

Latest Sketch of program
Can you send me the latests version of this sketch ( ..ino file) please

With Regards,

Cor, PA0GTB

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 5. February 2018 at 19:59 said:
  
  Hi
  everything is on this website. But here are the links.
  
  http://dc2wk.schwab-intra.net/Arduino Analyser Schematics.rar
  http://dc2wk.schwab-intra.net/Display Addon.rar
  
  Reply ↓
  - Harold on 3. August 2021 at 14:19 said:
    
    something is wrong with the links
    
    Reply ↓
Cor Struyk on 6. February 2018 at 15:37 said:

Donald,

i get only errors at these links ??
——
Error
This domain name has just been registered.
Why is this page displayed?
—–

something is wrong ??

Reply ↓
Cor Struyk on 6. February 2018 at 15:42 said:

Donald
i’ve found the right links in the article…
Thanks

Just one remark / question about the SWR Calibration
My lowest SWR with 50 Ohm connected is still 1.45
how can i calibrate this ?

Reply ↓
Nasos on 9. February 2018 at 13:03 said:

Hi Donald
excellent presentation
how can i change the scan?
to make it slower

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 9. February 2018 at 15:13 said:
  
  Hi Nasos,
  you can change the resolution and the begin and end range. But with the windows software. As stand alone you only can step up / down and from 1-30
  
  Reply ↓
  - Nasos on 13. February 2018 at 10:21 said:
    
    Thanks for your answer
    
    Reply ↓
Arif Set. on 1. May 2018 at 05:32 said:

Proyek ini sangat menarik untuk dibangun, bisakah saya mendapatkan skema dan firmwarenya. Terimakasih. Salam hangat dari Indonesia.

Reply ↓
- DC2WK on 1. May 2018 at 08:43 said:
  
  Terima kasih banyak atas komentar Anda. Semua informasi ada di samping. silakan gulir ke bawah.
  
  Reply ↓
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Harold on 3. August 2021 at 14:16 said:

Very interesting project and I really need an antenna analyzer.
can you tell me if a TEENSY 4.1 could be used (as I have one on hand) in place of the ARDUINO and if so, what changes to the sketch would be required?

Thanks in advance for any help on this.

Reply ↓
Deden on 10. February 2022 at 04:44 said:

proyek yang bagus pak.
apakah anda punya tutorial untuk membangun ini?
skema yang terlampir tampilannya buram pak.
apakah anda bisa membuat skema baru dengan detail/
terima kasih
73 YD1HDD

Reply ↓
Luthfi 91RDX707 on 24. May 2022 at 07:04 said:

hi DC2WK I’m Luthfi From Indonesia, I’m interested in this 3 button project, I’ve tried compiling it on my arduino ide, but I can’t find the schematic for this 3 button project.. can you give me the schematic at E-mail lutfipurba@gmail.com

Reply ↓

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Arduino Vector Graphic Antenna Analyser

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