NanoVNA TestBoard Kit

Had ordered a few end-of-year test equipment items that have now arrived. First up is a simple NanoVNA test board that provides pin-socket (wires & components) breakout from SMA jacks. When assembled, this test fixture supports quick RF test access to leaded parts supporting S11 (reflected) and S21 (through) measurements on a NanoVNA or other coaxial connected instrument.

I ordered this simple test board from R & L Electronics as part of a larger order.

There are many web sites providing documentation on these simple test fixtures. Recommend taking photos of your specific PCB and ohm-ing it out to be sure you know how it connects to the various pins (as after assembly you'll only see a large socket field on the top side to insert wires and components into).

Pre-assembly, it is not too much to look at (just some parts in bags):

Removing contents from the outer bag:

Finally, here are all the parts out on the desk:

The two SMT components are 49.9 Ohm resistors, intended to be soldered as needed onto the board's pads at the outer upper/lower edges of the board.

Found a reasonably quick video review of the test board, including images of the assembled unit. YMMV working with these, especially if you're trying to use it at higher frequencies (where parasitics rule).

Given that this is a kit and that at 0 Deg F, it is way too cold to be soldering out in the garage for the foreseeable future, I'll set this aside and hope for warmer WX soon. Looking forward to having another easy to goof around with test fixture in the lab!

More test equipment fun ahead!