NanoVNASharp

NanoVNASharp is a Windows application for controlling the NanoVNA-H from a PC. It provides a larger display, data export, and advanced features not available on the device screen.

Download and Install

NanoVNASharp is included in the NanoVNA-H firmware repository:

1. Go to the NanoVNA-H GitHub releases page
2. Download the NanoVNASharp zip file
3. Extract to a folder on your computer
4. Run nanoVNAsharp.exe (no installation required)

Note

NanoVNASharp is a Windows application. Linux and macOS users can run it with Wine or use NanoVNASaver as an alternative.

Connect to NanoVNA-H

1. Connect NanoVNA-H via USB
2. Launch NanoVNASharp
3. Select the COM port from the dropdown
4. Click Connect
5. The connection status shows “Connected”

If the connection fails:

• Verify the COM port is correct
• Close any other software using the port
• Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB

Main Features

Frequency Control

Set the sweep range using the frequency panel:

• Start/Stop: Define sweep range
• Center/Span: Alternative range definition
• Points: Number of sweep points (up to device maximum)

Trace Display

The main window shows:

• Smith chart
• Rectangular plots (LogMag, Phase, SWR, etc.)
• Marker readouts

Markers

1. Enable markers using the marker panel
2. Click on the trace to position
3. Read values from the marker display

Calibration

Perform calibration from the PC:

1. Go to Calibration menu
2. Connect calibration standards as prompted
3. Click each standard button (Open, Short, Load, Thru)
4. Click “Calculate” when complete
5. Save calibration to device or file

Data Export

Touchstone Files

1. Complete your measurement
2. Go to File > Save Touchstone
3. Choose S1P (one-port) or S2P (two-port)
4. Select save location

CSV Export

1. Go to File > Export CSV
2. Choose data format (frequency, S-parameters)
3. Save the file

Screenshots

1. Arrange display as desired
2. Go to File > Save Screenshot
3. Save as PNG or BMP

Advanced Features

Time Domain

Enable time domain analysis:

1. Go to Transform menu
2. Enable Time Domain transform
3. Select mode (Bandpass, Low Pass Impulse/Step)
4. Set velocity factor

Reference Lines

Add reference lines to plots:

• Horizontal lines at specific values
• Useful for specifications (e.g., -10 dB return loss)

Electrical Delay

Compensate for cable length:

1. Go to Cal menu
2. Enter electrical delay in seconds
3. Apply to remove cable phase shift

Tips for Best Results

Tip

• Keep firmware updated: NanoVNASharp is updated to match firmware versions
• Use wired connection: USB connection is more reliable than serial adapters
• Close other apps: Only one application can use the COM port
• Calibrate through software: PC calibration can be more convenient

Keyboard Shortcuts

Key	Function
F1	Help
Ctrl+S	Save data
Ctrl+C	Copy to clipboard
Space	Single sweep

Comparison with NanoVNASaver

Feature	NanoVNASharp	NanoVNASaver
Platform	Windows only	Cross-platform
UI Style	Windows native	Qt-based
S-parameter export	Yes	Yes
Time domain	Yes	Yes
Marker math	Limited	Advanced
Open source	Included with firmware	Community project

Note

For cross-platform support or more advanced analysis features, consider NanoVNASaver. For a straightforward Windows interface matched to the firmware, use NanoVNASharp.

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

• Verify COM port in Device Manager
• Try a different USB cable
• Restart NanoVNASharp
• Restart the NanoVNA-H

Display Not Updating

• Check connection status
• Click “Read” or “Sweep” to refresh
• Verify sweep is not paused

Calibration Not Applied

• Ensure calibration covers your frequency range
• Click “Cal On” to enable
• Check calibration status indicator

Data Export Errors

• Verify you have write permission to the folder
• Check disk space
• Try a different filename/location