SDR-Kits, 14 Ragleth Grove, Trowbridge Wilts, BA14-7LE, United Kingdom sdrkits@gmail.

com

DG8SAQ Vector Network Analyser - USB-VNWA v2.6

Introduction:

Thank you for purchasing the assembled version of the DG8SAQ USB-VNWA v2.6 (Vector Network Analyser)
The assembled VNWA is primarily designed for use by Educational, Radio Amateur and Hobbyist users..
This document is a quick “getting starting” guide to place the DG8SAQ VNWA in operation.

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 Postal Service who delivered the shipment to you.

Important Information:
This product is designed for Educational, Amateur Radio and Hobbyist use. No warranties are made whatsoever
as to the stability and suitability of the design in extended periods/continuous operation or operation outside
components’ specifications. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of measurements or performance either
short term or long term.

Safety Information:
Power Supply and operation is through the USB-cable supplied connected to a Personal Computer capable of
supplying +5V DC at 500mA maximum. The maximum safe input voltage into the TX-out and Rx-in connectors is
an AC Voltage of 0dBm (225mV RMS with a frequency between 1 kHz up to 1300 MHz).

Product Documentation:
The documentation of this product is supplied as a Acrobat PDF Helpfile which is downloaded from the Internet
from the following location. http://sdr-kits.net/DG8SAQ/VNWA/VNWA_HELP.pdf

Driver installation:
A driver needs to be installed on your Personal Computer. Only Microsoft Windows 64 bit and 32 bits Operating
Systems are supported.

Digitally Certified LibUSB Driver for Windows 7, Vista, (64 bit or 32 bit) and Windows XP, Win 2000,
Windows ME and Windows 98

A digitally certified LibUSB driver suitable for all Windows 64 bit and 32 bit Operating Systems is available since
October 1st 2010. Please use the certified Driver for all new VNWA installations. (The older WinUSB driver
which is described in older documentation is now withdrawn and should not be used for new installations.
Note, you must use VNWA Application V33.0 or newer and firmware v4.6 or newer after installing the
signed driver. For earlier firmware versions use the unsigned LibUSB driver (only installable on 32 bit
systems).

Important for Vista / Windows 7 64 bit users: Only VNWA firmware v4.6 or newer and VNWA software
v33.0 or newer are supported.

Download the Product Documentation from http://sdr-kits.net/DG8SAQ/VNWA/VNWA_HELP.pdf

Alternative Location:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VNWA/files/A1 DG8SAQ/
Note: You need to be a member of the VNWA Yahoo group to access this folder.
Make sure you select the "CURRENT" production Software for installation.

Carefully review the Digitally Certified LibUSB Driver installation procedure in the section "Getting Started"
An index of the topics covered is shown in fig 1 below:

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 fig 1: VNWA Helpfile - Index of "Getting Started" Topics

Select and perform the Driver installation procedure from the following options described in the VNWA Product
Help file:

Example 1: Installing the LibUSB driver on Windows XP (English screenshots)

Example 2: Installing the LibUSB driver on Windows 7 (mostly English screenshots)
Example 3: Installing the LibUSB driver on Windows XP (German screenshots)
Example 4: Installing the LibUSB driver on Windows 7 (German screenshots)

The Digitally Signed LibUSB Driver can be downloaded from:

http://sdr-kits.net/DG8SAQ/VNWA/SignedLibUSBDriver.zip

The Driver must be "unzipped" first after downloading - make note of the location where you store this driver and
follow the relevant installation procedure in the Product documentation.
Alternative Location:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VNWA/files/A1 DG8SAQ/

Note: You need to be a member of the VNWA Yahoo group to access this folder.
Make sure you select the "CURRENT" production Software for installation.

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VNWA-USB APPLICATION INSTALLATION

Now the VNWA Application and the VNWA Helpfile are installed.
again follow the specific instructions shown in the Product Documentation

Download and unpack (unzip) the current USB-VNWA Application Software in a new empty directory called
VNWA from:
http://sdr-kits.net/DG8SAQ/VNWA/VNWA_USB_Application.zip
Alternative Location:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VNWA/files/A1 DG8SAQ/
Note: You need to be a member of the VNWA Yahoo group to access this folder.
Make sure you select the "CURRENT" production Software for installation.

VNWA HELPFILE INSTALLATION

Download the helpfile from: http://sdr-kits.net/DG8SAQ/VNWA/VNWA_Hlp.zip
Unpack (Unzip) the VNWA Helpfile in the same directory as in previous step
Once this step is complete the files shown in fig 2 below should be present.

Note for Vista 32 users!! To display the Helpfile you may need to load an additional file
WinHlp32.exe from Microsoft See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917607 for details.

fig 2: VNWA Application and VNWA Help files after downloading

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Configuring VNWA Application and VNWA License Code (Password)

Run USB-VNWA Software by clicking on VNWA Application icon.

Select “Options” and “Setup” and “Interface Type” and click “USB Mode” The following screen in fig 3
should be displayed

fig 3: USB Mode Selected

Next select “USB Setting”

Press “Rescan USB Bus” and check whether the USB bus drivers are detected as shown in
fig 4. “DG8SAQ VNWA USB Controller found”

Now enter the VNWA License code, EXACTLY as shown below in the Licence Key Field shown in Fig 4.

After entering license code, press "Rescan USB Bus"

Next press "Test USB Interface" and check whether the license code has accepted.

Close down (Exit) the Setup Screen. This saves the license code on your computer.

Note 1: Current VNWA License codes are in format Username:Axxxx example Joe.Brown:Axxxx:
or Amateur Radio callsign.Axxxx: example: G0BBL:A9999:

Note 3: There are 2 colons, the first colon is after the VNWA User’s name and or Callsign, whilst the
second colon terminates the License code. These colons must be entered as part of the License code.
Note 2: Axxxx is the Serial Number of an Assembled VNWA.
Kxxxx or Uxxxx indicates the serial number of VNWA kit or USB-VNWA Kit.
Note 3: Your License key is also sent to you by in the VNWA Shipment advice email.

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 fig 4: Entering License Key – Rescan USB Bus and Test USB Interface for Firmware 4.10

Now select the tab “Audio Settings” and verify whether “USB Audio Codec” has been selected as shown in
fig 5. Also make sure “Reference = RIGHT Channel” is selected otherwise Reference will NOT be detected.
Note: Older VNWA built from a kit may use LEFT Channel as reference.

The "Audio Buffer length in Samples" default is “3000”. If your computer performs background tasks like Virus
checking etc causing the progress of the VNWA Scan to be irregular, you may increase the Audio Buffer Length
to "10000" or even "30000".

Close down (Exit) the Setup Screen and Close down (Exit) the VNWA Application. This saves the settings
on your computer. A warning will be displayed asking to accept responsibility for operating the VNWA DDS in
excess of the Manufacturers specification. This is required to operate the VNWA above 500 MHz.

Start up VNWA Application and open the VNWA Setup screen once again. Select "Options" and "Setup"

Fig 5: USB Settings Screen (VNWA Release 33.Q and Firmware 4.10)

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Next select tab “Audio Level" press on “TEST AUDIO“ and select “Reflect”
With VNWA TX Port not terminated typical Audio Levels as shown in fig 6 should be displayed.

Next Connect TX and RX port with a short SMA to SMA cable. The Left Channel Signal should now be zero

Next press "THU". A similar waveform as shown in fig 6 before should now again be shown.

Fig 6: Audio Settings Screen

IMPORTANT NOTE: Windows Vista / Windows 7: IF you do not see both sine-waves in Fig 6. then consult
the VNWA PDF Helpfile section "Configuring and running the VNWA application under Windows Vista or
Windows7" for information on Vista / Windows 7 issues.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 require that you set the VNWA audio device inside Windows to stereo
operation and that you manually adjust the recording level as shown below.

Fig 6a: Windows Vista / Windows 7 USB Codec settings

VNWA Help file

Check you can open and read the VNWA HELPFILE. Open the VNWA Helpfile and take out time to familiarize
yourself with the VNWA application: particularly with sections shown in Fig 7.
- Installation & Configuration
- Calibration
- Known Issues
- Verification of Proper Operation (Troubleshooting section)

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 Fig 7: Helpfile - Important information

VNWA User Support

It is recommended you become a member of the DG8SAQ VNWA Forum on Yahoo where Announcements, Kit
assembly and VNWA user experiences are shared. You will have the benefit of useful information including
advice when new software updates are available for download.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VNWA/
Please use the DG8SAQ VNWA Forum to check for important announcements, documentation updates and to
share your experiences building and using the DG8SAQ Vector Network Analyser kit.

DG8sAQ VNWA 2.6 Specification

• Coverage from 1 kHz to 500 MHz with dynamic range of up to 90dB – Useful performance up to 1.3
GHz with reduced dynamic range and accuracy.
• S-Parameter S11, S12, S21 & S22, VSWR
• Component Measurements – Resistance, Admittance Capacitance, Inductance & Quality Factor (Q)
• Time domain & Gating in Time domain - Distance to Fault measurement.
• Logarithmic and Listed sweep: up to 8192 points with sampling time adjustable from 0.2mS to 100mS
• Matching Tool and Complex Calculator, Crystal Parameter tool
• User defined S-parameter calculator
• Basic Spectrum Analyzer useful up to 100 MHz
• Dimensions: Width 10.4 cm, Depth 8.0 cm, Height 4.6 cm, Weight 0.2 Kg
• Power requirement - USB 1.1 interface 5V DC max 500mA

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 • TX-Out max RF Output as signal generator -12dBm
• Max permissable external RF Input Level TX-Out and RX-In ports: 0 dBm (0.225V RMS)
• Connectors: SMA x 2, USB-B and USB-A

• RoHS Compliant

• Supported Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows 32 bits Only, Windows 7, Vista, XP, ME, 2000

Warranty,

A 90-Day return to base Warranty from date of Shipment date is applicable to the Assembled VNWA provided
the VNWA was not modified or misused and the maximum Voltage ratings are not exceeded. 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 shipping to SDR-Kits. SDR-Kits is responsible for return of the repaired or equivalent
product and for outbound shipping costs.

WEEE, Disposal of Waste Electrical Equipment

This symbol on the product indicates that this product should not be treated as
household waste.
Instead it should be handed over to a suitable collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment. Users of this product in the European Community
should contact SDR-Kits to specific arrangements for the disposal and recycling of this
product in accordance with the relevant EEC Directives.

CE Certification,

This product is CE certified according to the provisions of 2004/108/EC and is in

compliance with the essential requirements of this directive.

FCC & IC Statement

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for ANY interference, for example RADIO or TV interference, caused
by unauthorized modifications to this equipment.
Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Contact adress

SDR-Kits
14 Ragleth Grove
Trowbridge, Wilts BA14-7LE
United Kingdom
[email protected]

20/10/2010

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DG8SAQ VNWA Notes

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SDR-Kits, 14 Ragleth Grove, Trowbridge Wilts, BA14-7LE, United Kingdom
[email protected]

Ordering Terms and Conditions

1. All products supplied by SDR-Kits are subject to these Ordering Terms and Conditions.
2. You should ascertain for yourself whether a product meets your specific requirements, prior to placing on order.
You should decide whether you have the appropriate knowledge and skills to assemble and operate the product
concerned.
3. Orders and Payment submitted by email or letter should include a confirmation of your acceptance of these
Ordering Terms and Condition. Payment shall be made in advance via Paypal or via another agreed method.
4. SDR-Kits will respond within 5 working days with an email with information on acceptance of your order and
expected shipping date.
5. SDR-Kits reserves the right to modify or withdraw any product including pricing without giving prior notice.
6. SDR-Kits warrants that unless stated otherwise, all products are new and sourced from reputable Suppliers. SDR-
Kits should be notified of any defective or missing Parts within 90 days from date of shipment. Assembled
products carry a 90 days return to base warranty which excludes damage, misuse or modifications.
7. SDR-Kits accepts no responsibility for kit assembly errors, for repairs due to non-operation, misuse, inadequate
kit-building skills, unauthorised product modification or lack of performance.
8. Reasonable efforts will be made to investigate and resolve systematic products issues reported by multiple users,
SDR-Kits shall support an appropriate Internet email user forum(s) where individual questions regarding SDR-Kit
products or product issues may be posted. No obligation shall exist to support products, product modifications,
firmware or software not supplied by SDR-kits.
9. Software or firmware is provided “as is” and no warranties or indemnities are made. Reasonable endeavours shall
be made to fix reported systematic product issues using unmodified hardware supplied by SDR-Kits.
10. Liability of SDR-Kits shall be strictly limited to the amount paid for the product. No liability is accepted for
indirect or consequential damages, which may be attributed to any product supplied by SDR-Kits.
11. Products supplied by SDR-Kits are designed for and supplied for Educational, Amateur Radio and Hobbyist use.
Products should not be used for Commercial, Professional, Airborne, Medical or Mission Critical applications. No
warranties are made whatsoever as to the stability and suitability of the design in extended period or continuous
operation or operation outside components’ specifications. No liability is accepted for accuracy of measurements
or performance either short term or long term.
12. The design of the DG8SAQ VNWA is property of Thomas Baier DG8SAQ. The design of the VNWA 2.x kit may
be adapted or modified for own use or for a small group of friends, students or by an Educational Establishment for
education and training. Where profit or commercial gain exists, prior express written permission must be obtained
from Thomas Baier. The circuit diagram supplied with the VNWA kit is for personal use of the buyer for the
purpose of assembling, fault diagnosis and (self) education and should not be put in the public domain. Information
on the DG8SAQ VNWA reflector and an Educational Establishment’s Intranet will not considered to be in the
public domain.
13. Intellectual property of products supplied by SDR-Kits including printed circuit boards, product and kit assembly
manuals do not transfer to the buyer through the sale of the product. Software and firmware written by Thomas
Baier DG8SAQ shall remain his property.
14. For orders placed via Paypal, the Paypal Buyer and Seller Protection rules shall be applicable. English Law shall
be applicable to the Terms and Conditions to orders not placed via Paypal. Any dispute arising shall be under the
sole jurisdiction of English Courts.
15. SDR-Kits may change these Ordering Terms and Conditions without giving notice. Changes to Terms and
Conditions will only be applicable to new business. Terms and Conditions shall not affect your statutory rights
under UK Law.

SDR-Kits – Ordering Terms and Conditions updated 8th January 2010

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