X accuracy is because
the R and X values to
rejection is important when
in my budget right
Seems like a nice antenna analyzer. Initial impression is that it is more accurate and does 360 degree phase stuff. Unfortunately the miniVNA is not listed in the comparison list at:
You realize it only has one port right? So it cannot do transmission analysis like measuring bandpass or crystal filters. Just reflection.
The following list is taken from the Yahoo group.
"Type","Manufacturer","Fmax (MHz)","Ports","Interface","Price (EUR)","EHAM-Review" ,,,,,, "miniVNA","miniRadio Solutions",180,2,"USB/RS232","260.-",4.8 "TZ900 ","Antenna Smith",55,1,"USB/RS232","800.-",4.2 "TAPR","TenTec ",100,2,"USB","500.-",5 "ZM30","Pal Star",30,1,"Portable","300.-",4.8 "AIM4170","Array Solution",170,1,"RS232","320.-",5 "N2PK","Homebrew","60 (500)",2,"Various",, "Bode100","Omnicron",40,2,"USB","3000.-", "SNA-2550","ELAD",2500,2,"USB","1600.-", "CIA-HF","AEA ",54,1,"Portable","320.-",4.7 "MFJ-259","MFJ Enterprise",170,1,"Portable","280.-",4 "RF1","Autek",35,1,"Portable","150.-",3.4 "Pls. take all figures as a guideline. I take no responsability for correctness. 73, GERD",,,,,,
I cannot compare R and X accuracy to the AIM4170. However it does seem to have lowest SWR / highest return loss with the best brand 50 ohm terminator/dummy I could find. So for practical purposes use I trust that. But building a compensation circuit in one go for an antenna that is not 50 ohm might not be feasible. I suspect it will be an iterative process if the bare readings are way off from a resistive 50 ohm.
If I find the time I might measure a few of the AIM4170 test devices. Some miniVNA users are pleased with the latest software that has more calibration features. Ultimately the quality of the directional coupler inside limits the range/accuracy.
Joop