Overview
The Network Analyzer Terminal
(NAT) is a handheld graphic display terminal for controlling the
"Poor Ham's Scalar Network Analyzer" (PHSNA).
The NAT provides a convenient
alternative user interface for controlling the PHSNA and displaying its graphic
plots of Devices Under Test on a small graphic terminal,
instead of requiring connection to a PC for the user interface.
As the name
implies, the PHSNA is a tool for analyzing the frequency response
characteristics of hardware networks such as filters and
amplifiers. The NAT firmware has been developed to support and
enhance the PHSNA, as documented and discussed in the online Yahoo
Group found at:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PHSNA/info.
The NAT handheld terminal may be
used with the PHSNA instrument simply by connecting the NAT's
serial port into the digital "UART" lines (Rx and Tx signals) of
the PHSNA's internal Arduino controller. Commands may then be
issued to the PHSNA, and data may be collected from the
instrument for display and analysis, similar to the way in which
the PHSNA uses the PC for its user interface ... only smaller and
easier.
The NAT pcb assembly may also be
built into an enclosure containing the PHSNA electronics (Arduino,
shield, and power detector), thus creating a completely
standalone instrument for the lab bench top.
We hope you all enjoy using the
Network Analyzer Terminal! We usually hang out in the
PHSNA Yahoo Group and we'd be happy to answer any questions or
field ideas for additional capabilities.
73,
George N2APB & Dave AD7JT
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NOTE ... The
SNA Kit is
now available!
The NAT has evolved now
to become the SNA (Scalar Network Analyzer),
providing many
additional capabilities for approximately the same price (plus a
DDS-60 siggen card).
If you already have a NAT, you can still manually upgrade it to
SNA
by following the information on this NAT website.
New orders
should be done at the
SNA website.
Version
4:
Slide Deck and
v4
Extensions
See how version 4 adds SNA (Scalar
Network Analyzer) capability!
Version 3 is available
Adds DDS-60 siggen RF output & RF Input.
Read all about the new capabilities here
NEW White
Paper: SNA Calibration for
Use in Your Shack
... Demystifying
the approach and benefits of the NAT-SNA Calibration process.
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Features
•
Handheld graphic terminal for display and control of the PHSNA
•
3.2 inch, 240 x 320, 16-bit color graphic LCD display w/touch
panel
•
User-friendly operator interface
•
Field upgradable firmware
•
Serial port connection to PHSNA (digital UART 3.3V)
•
Keyboard input for control of SSNA menu system
•
32KB EEPROM for persistent storage of settings and options
•
14 Macros (in EEPROM) for storing operating parameters
•
PLX-DAQ (Excel) mode for test automation and PHSNA compatibility
•
Compatible with standard and enhanced PHSNA firmware versions
•
Simplified calibration (no curve fitting required)
•
Measurement & Plot Capabilities (v1.0):
- Testing
and evaluating filters
- Measuring
crystal parameters
- Return
Loss Measurement
- VSWR and
antenna tuning
-
Continuous/repeated operation options
•
SD Card mass storage up to 1 GB provides:
- FAT16
file system compatibility
-
Subdirectory support for easy file management
- Data
spooling and playback
-
Calibration data storage and reloading
- Direct
data exchange with Windows and Linux apps
- Easy and
efficient firmware upgrades
- DOS–like
commands to manage and playback data files
Specifications
-
PCB: 4.47"
x 3.31"
-
Enclosure:
4.82" x 3.77" x 1.39"
-
Data rates:
1.2 to 19.2 kbaud
-
Power:
12V DC @ 120ma (typ)
(330ma for NACT with DDS-60)
-
Weight:
7
oz (approx)
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