Sdr-kits Dg8saq vnwa 3 Parts list manual

SDR-Kits ®

, Office 11, Hampton Park West, Melksham, Wilts, SN12 6LH, United Kingdom

DG8SAQ Vector Network Analyzer® - VNWA 3E & 3

"Getting Started Manual” for Windows 10 – Windows 8.1 & Windows 7

For VNWA

License Code

see page 2

VNWA

Hints

see page 10

SDR-Kits ®

, the SDR-Kits Logo & DG8SAQ Vector Network Analyzer ®

are registered Trademarks

1. Introduction:

Thank you for purchasing the DG8SAQ VNWA 3 or VNWA 3E Vector Network Analyzer from SDR-

Kits®. This manual is a concise “Getting Started” guide for release VNWA 36.7.0 onwards, showing

what steps are necessary to place the DG8SAQ VNWA in operation for the Microsoft Windows 10,

Vista, Windows 8, 8.1 or Windows 7 Operating Systems using VNWA Application 36.7.0 and later.

For Windows XP refer to: https://sdr-kits.net/index.php?route=web/pages&page_id=30_30

The DG8SAQ VNWA has many advanced features and options, therefore VNWA Users are strongly

urged to study the VNWA pdf helpfile: www.sdr-kits.net/documents/VNWA_HELP.pdf

1.1 Shipment Damage:

You should receive the VNWA in good order, however in event of visible damage of the parcel, please

notify in first instance your Carrier or the Postal Service who delivered the shipment to you.

2. Important Information Copyright and Registered Trademarks notice

SDR-Kits®, the SDR-Kits Logo and DG8SAQ Vector Network Analyzer® are Registered Trademarks.

2.1 Caution - Safety Information:

1. The VNWA 3 or 3E is powered and controlled through the USB-cable supplied. The USB-

cable should be connected to the USB port of a Personal Computer capable of supplying

+5V DC at 500mA maximum.

2. Do NOT apply any DC Voltages to the RF Ports. The maximum safe input voltage into

the TX-out and Rx-in ports is an RF Voltage of 0dBm (225mV RMS with a frequency

between 1 kHz up to 1300 MHz). Exceeding this value may cause damage to the VNWA

and may invalidate product warranty.

3. Always check the SDR-Kits Website for current Product information including Safety

Information and latest Product Updates.

https://sdr-kits.net/index.php?route=web/pages&page_id=30_30

2. 2 Accuracy of Measurements

This product is designed for Educational, Amateur Radio and Hobbyist use. No warranties are made

whatsoever as to the stability and suitability of the design in extended periods/continuous operation or

operation outside components’ specifications. No responsibility will be accepted for accuracy of

measurements or performance either short term or long term. It is recommended that VNWA users

check proper operation of VNWA at regular intervals by measuring parameters of known components

after performing VNWA calibration.

2.3 VNWA 3 and VNWA 3E - Product Documentation:

The documentation of the VNWA 3 is supplied as a VNWA Application Helpfile, which is available

when the VNWA Application is installed using the VNWA Installer. A PDF version of this help file

may be downloaded from the Internet from www.sdr-kits.net/documents/VNWA_HELP.pdf

Note: The VNWA 3E is a VNWA 3 with the optional VNWA Expansion board containing a second

Audio Codec fitted. This Booklet shows configuration of both VNWA 3E and VNWA 3. Note that a

few steps in the VNWA Application setup procedure are only required for VNWA 3E.

2.4 VNWA License code:

The VNWA License code for your VNWA is shown below:

The license code must be entered exactly as shown in step 3.2.6 (Win7 or Vista) or in step 3.4.6

(Windows 10 & Windows 8.1)

Axxxx:ABC-DE-FGH-IJK:

Note: Optionally the name of the VNWA user may be added after the VNWA license code within

double quotes:

for example: A1999:kzl-blt-qua-lzt:”DG8SAQ”

The VNWA application will now display the VNWA serial number (A1999) and the VNWA User name

Vector Network Analyzer Software - A1999 licensed to DG8SAQ

3. VNWA Driver - Software and Helpfile Installation

Caution: Although the installation package is provided for easy installation, it is recommended that

the appropriate installation procedure for your Operating System is reviewed before starting the

installer. The procedure below assumes that VNWA package has NOT been installed previously on the

Computer in question.

Prior to installing new Computer Software it is recommended to make suitable Backups of your

Computer files. Also ensure you have at least 50 MByte space for installation.

Please email: [email protected] to report any errors or improvements to this document.

3.1 Windows 7 & Vista 64 bit and 32 bit Installation

This section shows installation procedure for Windows 7 (64 or 32 bits) – Vista procedure is similar.

Note: For Installation on Windows 10, Windows 8 or 8.1 refer to Chapter 3.3

Windows 7 and Vista users:

3.1.1 Download and save the VNWA Installation Package from the following location to your

desktop or to a download folder from:

http://www.sdr-kits.net/DG8SAQ/vnwaupdate.php?path=installer&source=Sdr-kits

Make sure the VNWA is NOT connected to the Computer

3.1.2 Double-click on the VNWA-installer Icon to start the VNWA installation process.

Open File – Security Warning will be displayed: Publisher: dg8saq type: Application

Confirm that you want to run this software by pressing “RUN”

3.1.3 Next User Account Control Window is now shown for dg8saq setup

Confirm the VNWA-installer can make changes to your Computer - Press “Yes”

then screen below is shown. Next Press "Next >"

3.1.4 Press "Next >" – the VNWA License Agreement will be shown: Please read and tick the

correct box. Note: the VNWA Application is only licensed for VNWA hardware supplied by

SDR-Kits and our authorized Resellers.

Press "Next >" The default location where VNWA will be installed will be shown:

Note: Select a different Destination Location (ie C:\VNWA2) if you wish to install a second

VNWA application on the same PC. This will prevent overwriting the setup files of your first

VNWA application on the same PC.

3.1.5 Press "Next >" – This shows the default where program shortcuts will be installed. Press

“Next>” to continue

3.1.6 The screen below is now displayed to select the required additional tasks options required.

3.1.7 Press "Next >" and Ready to Install screen is displayed

3.1.8 Press "Install" – VNWA Application and helpfile are now installed

NOTE: At this point the Installer will automatically install the Digital signed Amateur Radio Root

Certificate (ARC). This Certificate is an essential requirement for Windows 10, Windows

8.1 & 8 and Windows 7 64 bits. Please see Section 3.6 for information on the Amateur Radio

Certificate installation.

3.1.9 Press "Next >" – Following screen may be displayed – Select “Install this driver software

anyway”

3.1.10 Press "Next >" – Driver installation will take from 10-30 seconds and screen below is displayed

upon completion.

3.1.11 Press "Finish" – to complete the Driver Installation.

3.1.12 VNWA Setup is now complete - Press “Finish” to complete VNWA Installation.

END of VNWA Application and Driver Installation for Windows 7 & Vista

3.2 Windows 7 & Vista VNWA Application Configuration

3.2.1 This section shows first-time installation of a VNWA - or when VNWA application is started

for the first time from a new Directory!

Plug in the VNWA USB cable into a USB Port of your Computer.

Note: It is recommended to connect the VNWA into the same USB Port next time you use the VNWA.

When connecting the VNWA for the first time after Driver installation, the VNWA will be

recognized and device driver installation should complete automatically.

3.2.2 Depending on the options specified during the installation, start the VNWA application from the

directory specified during Installation, use the Shortcut created on the Desktop or use the

“Start” and “VNWA“ launch button.

3.2.3 Overclocking Warning may be displayed when you run VNWA Application software for

the first time.

Select "OK" to allow overclocking of the DDS chips beyond 400 MHz. (As on 15/1/2018 no

issues or damage has been reported by overclocking the DDS chips during 8 years of use)

Note: VNWA performance over 500 MHz will be adversely affected if overclocking of the DDS is

not permitted.

3.2.4 The VNWA “Hint File” is now displayed. Please review this information carefully!

3.2.5 Press “OK” to continue. This will start the VNWA Application. Press “OK” again to enter

VNWA auto-setup information.

3.2.6 The tab "USB Setting" should now be displayed. If not, click on “Options” select “Settings”

A new screen appears, now select the tab “USB-Setting” and the screen below is displayed.

Check whether VNWA license code is shown. If this information is missing then enter the

VNWA license code. Now press “Rescan USB Bus” and “Test USB Interface” .

Check bottom line for message “Test passed without errors”.

Note: The VNWA License code is shown on page 2 of the “Getting Started” Manual shipped with

your VNWA – It is also shown in the VNWA_Delivered – shipping email.

3.2.7 Press the Tab “Audio Settings” to display the screen below.

From Release 36.3.0 onwards, the VNWA application has a new functionality for Auto-

detection and Auto- setup of Audio devices.

The Auto-detection and Auto-setup procedure is executed when the VNWA application is

started up for the first time – or whenever the VNWA Application (VNWA.exe) is run from an

empty directory.

To start this procedure manually press the Button “Auto-Setup Audio Devices”

Note: The above screen shows the previous older setting for an IF Bandwidth setting of 1.2 kHz.

3.2.8 Make sure that nothing (no cables or connectors) are connected to VNWA RF Ports -

Press “OK” to start the Audio Auto-detection -

3.2.9 Auto-detection and Auto-set-up steps through from phase 1 to 8.

The screen below is displayed once the process is completed.

Press “OK” to calibrate the Audio device sampling rate.

3.2.10 Press “OK” to calibrate the Audio device sampling rate. Calibration of Sample rate takes

approx 30 seconds.

Note: The screen below shows the later default settings for an IF Bandwidth of 12 kHz

3.2.11 Next the Audio Level Screen is displayed. Select “Reflect” (bottom RH softbutton) and two

sine-waves should be displayed. Top = Left = Reference and Right = Reflect

From 36.7.2 VNWA application, triangular waves will be shown with the default 12 kHz IF BW setting as

shown below. Changing the IF to 1.2 kHz will show sine-waves instead of triangular wave below.

3.2.12 Next connect the TX port to the RX Port with a short Coax cable. The wave on the Right

= Tru/Reflect should now disappear (because the TX port is now terminated with a 50 Ohm

load from the RX port).

3.2.13 This step is only for VNWA 3 (Expansion PCB not fitted) –

Select “Thru” (Softbutton in bottom RH corner) and Right = Thru/Reflect should now display

a Triangular wave (RX port is receiving TX output via Thru coax cable).

3.2.14 This step is only for VNWA 3E with fitted expansion board:

Select Tab “Aux Audio Level” and screen below should be displayed.

(RX port is receiving TX output via Thru coax cable)

This completes setup of Auto-detection and Auto-set-up of Audio devices.

Troubleshooting: Auto-detection and Auto-set-up of Audio devices

In case of audio set-up problems, please consult the VNWA helpfile - “Auto Set-up”

Automatic Configuration of the Software for Usage with a DG8SAQ VNWA (Auto-Setup)

Notes: Audio Capture Devices may either be shown as “Line” or “Microphone” depending on

type of USB-Codec chip fitted.

Troubleshooting: If "Auxiliary Audio Capture Device available" is NOT shown, then exit

VNWA application and add the line AuxAudio=1 to the file VNWA.ini with a text editor and

restart the VNWA Application. See also VNWA helpfile for further information.

Windows 7 configures a VNWA USB Audio Capture Device by default either as a

“Microphone” or as a “Line” depending on the type of USB Codec chip fitted.

If the USB Codec is shown as “Microphone” Windows 7 will configure this as a Mono input

with input levels set too high as shown below. This will prevent VNWA application from

functioning.

Later VNWAs are fitted with PCM2900C chip which Windows configures as a “Stereo Line

input” device but at the wrong sample rate – The correct sample rate is:

2 - channels Stereo 48000 Hz (DVD Quality)

3.2.15 Stop the Audio test by selecting Tab “Audio Level” (fig 3.2.13) and click on soft-button

“Stop“. Next click on Tab “Instrument Settings”. The screen below shows usual settings for

normal operation.

3.2.16 Click on Tab “Misc Settings”. The screen below shows usual settings for normal

operation. You can close this the Setup file by clicking the top right-hand button.

3.2.17 IMPORTANT: To save the VNWA configuration (after any changes are made) exit the

VNWA Application. This updates the VNWA configuration files for the next time the VNWA

application is started.

3.2.18 VNWA Helpfile Configuration for Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Refer to Chapter 3.5 for more information on enabling the VNWA Helpfile viewer.

End of VNWA Configuration for Windows 7 and Vista

3.3 Windows 10 & Windows 8.1 & 8 Installation

Note: For Installation on Windows 7 and Vista refer to Chapter 3.1

Caution: Although the installation package is provided for easy installation, it is recommended that

the appropriate installation procedure for your Operating System is reviewed before starting the

installer. The procedure below assumes that VNWA package has NOT been installed previously on the

Computer in question. A minimum of 50 MByte of free diskspace is required for installation.

Please email: Suppo[email protected] to report any errors or improvements to this document.

Windows 10, Windows 8.1 & 8 Installation

This section shows installation procedure for Windows 8.1 (Home – Professional or Enterprise)

Windows 10 installation is essentially similar.

3.3.1 Download and save the VNWA Installation Package from the following location to your

desktop or download folder:

http://www.sdr-kits.net/DG8SAQ/vnwaupdate.php?path=installer&source=Sdr-kits

3.3.2 Make sure the VNWA is NOT connected to the PC

Double Click on the VNWA-installer Icon to start the VNWA installation process.

If the VNWA installer is run for the first time the following warning is shown.

Press “More info”

3.3.3 Screen below with details may now be displayed, press “Run anyway” to proceed with the

VNWA software installation

3.3.4 Windows - User Account Control (UAC) Screen may be shown:

Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to the Computer?

Program name: VNWA Setup Verified Publisher: dg8saq Press “Yes” to continue

3.3.5 Welcome to VNWA Setup Wizard is now displayed. Press “Next>” to continue!

Note: that the VNWA version number will be different from the one displayed because the

VNWA.installer will always install the current General Release Software version!

3.3.6 Welcome to VNWA Setup Wizard (shown in 3.3.5) is shown. Press “Next>” to continue

Note: that the VNWA version number will be different from the one displayed because the

VNWA.installer will always install the current General Release Software version!

3.3.7 Press "Next >" – the VNWA License Agreement will be shown: Please read and tick the

correct box. Note: the VNWA Application is only licensed for VNWA hardware supplied by

SDR-Kits and our authorized Resellers.

Press "Next >" The default location where VNWA will be installed will be shown:

Note: Select a different Destination Location (ie C:\VNWA2) if you wish to install a second VNWA

application on the same PC. This will prevent overwriting the setup files of your first VNWA

application:

3.3.8 Press "Next >" – This shows the default where program shortcuts will be installed

A Screen is now displayed with option to create a Desktop Icon for:

a) For All users or b) For Current User only. Make your selection and press "Next >"

3.3.9 Press "Next >" and Ready to Install screen is displayed

3.3.10 Press "Install" – VNWA Application and helpfile are now installed

3.3.11 Next Installer will automatically install the Digital signed Amateur Radio Root Certificate

(ARC). This Certificate is an essential requirement for Windows 10 & 8.1 Operating Systems.

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