Calibration Wizard
Not sure which calibration procedure to use? The wizard below walks you through three quick questions to recommend the right approach based on what you are measuring and what calibration standards you have available.
Why Calibration Matters
Section titled “Why Calibration Matters”Every VNA measurement includes systematic errors from cables, connectors, and the instrument itself. Calibration mathematically removes these errors by measuring known standards first. The right calibration procedure depends on:
- What you are measuring — reflection only (S11), transmission only (S21), or both
- What standards you have — the basic SOL kit that ships with NanoVNA-H, a through cable, or a full SOLT set
- How much accuracy you need — a quick check versus a publication-quality measurement
Calibration Types at a Glance
Section titled “Calibration Types at a Glance”| Type | Standards Needed | Corrects For | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full 2-Port SOLT | Short, Open, Load, Through | All 12 systematic errors | Highest accuracy, both ports |
| SOL (S11 only) | Short, Open, Load | Directivity, source match, reflection tracking | Antenna measurements, impedance |
| Enhanced Response | Through + Isolation | Transmission tracking, crosstalk | Quick S21 with good accuracy |
| Response (S21 only) | Through only | Transmission frequency response | Fast filter/cable checks |
| None (uncalibrated) | — | Nothing | Relative comparisons only |
After the Wizard
Section titled “After the Wizard”Once you know which calibration type to use, follow the detailed procedure in the appropriate tutorial:
- Full 2-Port Calibration — complete SOLT procedure with tips
- Enhanced Response Calibration — faster S21 calibration
- Saving and Recalling Calibration — store calibrations for reuse
Common Questions
Section titled “Common Questions”Can I skip calibration?
Section titled “Can I skip calibration?”For relative measurements (comparing two devices, watching a parameter change while tuning), uncalibrated data is often sufficient. The NanoVNA-H frequency response is reasonably flat without calibration. But for absolute measurements (this antenna has 1.5:1 SWR, this filter has 0.8 dB insertion loss), calibration is essential.
How often should I recalibrate?
Section titled “How often should I recalibrate?”Recalibrate when:
- You change cables or adapters
- You change the frequency range or number of sweep points
- The device has been powered off for a while (thermal drift)
- You need the best possible accuracy
A saved calibration recalled from flash is usually fine for day-to-day use at the same frequency range.
What if I only have the basic kit?
Section titled “What if I only have the basic kit?”The NanoVNA-H ships with a Short, Open, and Load standard plus a through adapter. This is enough for full SOLT calibration. The wizard will guide you through using what you have.
Related Guides
Section titled “Related Guides”- Troubleshooting — calibration problems and fixes
- SOLT Standards — what makes a good calibration standard
- Error Model — understanding the 12-term error model