The Bootloader
The Bootloader
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How to make custom RF shields + can we fix the bad NanoVNA clone?
Do you know how to make custom RF shields? In this video, I will show you how you can make some using very common materials, and we will use this new skill to see if we can fix a bad NanoVNA clone.
Making custom shields: (00:00)
Measurement and results: (03:02)
Переглядів: 1 645

Відео

NanoVNA vs Siglent SVA1032X: Comparing VNAs
Переглядів 18 тис.Рік тому
Please read below for updated information What do you do when you have 3 VNAs on the workbench? You compare them of course! Are NanoVNAs useable for typical hobbyist use, which is what they are intended for? Spoiler, it depends which one you get! This is not intended to be a metrology-grade, quantitative video - but we still see some interesting and significant differences between the instrumen...
Reverse engineering the interconnection protocol of smoke and CO alarms
Переглядів 4703 роки тому
Ever wondered what type of signalling smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) alarms were using ? I got you covered with this video !
How to lubricate a furnace blower motor
Переглядів 50 тис.3 роки тому
Did you know your furnace might be due for an oil change ? In this video, we will go through the process of lubricating a blower fan motor. This should be part of regular furnace maintenance, before the 10 years mark, or more frequently if your furnace is heavily used. Here is the oil I used : www.amazon.com/Supco-CE441-Zoom-Spout-Oiler/dp/B00DM8JK2G/
PM6665/PM6669 OCXO upgrade : final and improved version (part 3)
Переглядів 1,8 тис.3 роки тому
In this video, I show you the latest version of my OCXO upgrade board for the PM6665/PM6669 frequency counters, with a deeper look at the design, explaining some of the design choices and contemplating the final result. I do have a few extra boards, so contact me if you have such a counter and would like one !
How to power a USB camera from a doorbell transformer (Wyze Cam)
Переглядів 4,5 тис.3 роки тому
In this detailed video, I show you how I powered a Wyze Cam using my house's doorbell transformer. Power supply used : www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RE6QN4U/
Keithley DMM6500 : Dual measurement capability (demonstration)
Переглядів 9 тис.3 роки тому
In this video, we explore a super useful feature of the DMM6500 which allows the multimeter to perform two measurements at the same time. After a bit of theory, we will try it out in practice, and look at some of the limitations of this feature. With the DMM6500, do you get two multimeters for the price of one ? Let's answer this question !
PM6665/PM6669 OCXO upgrade : test and calibration (part 2)
Переглядів 1,1 тис.3 роки тому
Today, you will see the first test of the OCXO upgrade board, and I will walk you through the calibration process. Be sure to watch part 1 first !
PM6665/PM6669 OCXO upgrade : concept and design process (part 1)
Переглядів 2,4 тис.3 роки тому
Today, I guide you through some of the design process of a more accurate replacement timebase board for Philips PM6665 and PM6669 counters. Related work cited : - github.com/LieBtrau/pm6665-reference-upgrade/ - www.jackenhack.com/philips-fluke-pm6665-pm6669-ocxo-pcb/ OCXO source : - www.ebay.com/itm/1-CETC-CTI-OSC5A2B02-10MHz-5V-26-26-13-Square-Wave-OCXO-Crystal-Oscillator-/332389156868
Chamberlain myQ IoT Garage Door Control : Demo and Teardown
Переглядів 8243 роки тому
Ever wondered what's inside a myQ IoT garage door opened ? Look no further !
Keithley 2280S-60-3 Precision Power Supply : Unboxing and First Impressions
Переглядів 2,7 тис.3 роки тому
Let's take a first look at a unique power supply, the Keithley 2280S, which features 6.5 digits precision load measurement capabilities out of the box. This is not a paid review, I have purchased this instrument myself. www.tek.com/tektronix-and-keithley-dc-power-supplies/keithley-2280s-series
Keithley DMM6500 : Unboxing and first impressions of this gorgeous instrument
Переглядів 7 тис.3 роки тому
On today's episode, I am sharing my first impressions about a Keithley DMM6500 multimeter. In short: it's gorgeous ! But why, and how ? Let's see ! This is not a paid product review and I have purchased this instrument. www.tek.com/tektronix-and-keithley-digital-multimeter/dmm6500

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @paps.bricole
    @paps.bricole 18 днів тому

    Merci pour ce comparatif, hyper intéressant ! ;)

  • @yTb2801082331
    @yTb2801082331 2 місяці тому

    Very interesting and clear! Thank you very much (for the utility gnuplot too !!! )

  • @electronics.unmessed
    @electronics.unmessed 2 місяці тому

    Very comprehensive and interesting. Thx for sharing!

  • @stevenwilliams6258
    @stevenwilliams6258 3 місяці тому

    Interesting and informative review! I don't do RF work but find this equipment interesting. I studied books in the 70's to get a first class FCC license but haven't ever used that in work. This review and that on the TinySA show that this technology can be obtained for a reasonable cost for schools and hobbyists. I got the TinySA just for kicks but not sure what I would do with the VNA. Thanks for two well done videos. I know it takes lots of time and effort.

  • @showmytime9177
    @showmytime9177 4 місяці тому

    one of the "pussyble" ... LMAO =)

  • @ruwan23boy
    @ruwan23boy 4 місяці тому

    What type of oil should I use?

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader 4 місяці тому

      It really depends what's available to you. Regular 3-in-1 motor oil is fine. Or light machine oil (same as in sewing machines). 20w or 30w oil can work too. It's not really critical as long as it's oil and that it's low viscosity.

    • @ruwan23boy
      @ruwan23boy 4 місяці тому

      @@the_bootloader thank you so much

  • @Wil_Bloodworth
    @Wil_Bloodworth 4 місяці тому

    This is a great tip! It does not work for measuring DC and AC at the same time though... as far as I can tell.

  • @deanriver9388
    @deanriver9388 5 місяців тому

    Just put a new motor in.

  • @sankarmajhi8276
    @sankarmajhi8276 5 місяців тому

    Can I measure temperature and dc voltage at the same time ?

  • @KonstantinosKalleris
    @KonstantinosKalleris 5 місяців тому

    Thank you for the range tip. I hadn't realized that. A tip from me is that you can meassure the current on the low side of the load. By this way you will able to measure the voltage correctly on the high side. Thank you for the video. Kostas

  • @FinepixF30
    @FinepixF30 6 місяців тому

    8:01 As far as i know induction motors speed can change based on the alternating current frequency or the number of poles, with the windings you might be changing the number of poles, the draw back is it lowers the torque and cause over heating of the motor. is better to leave the wiring to what the manufacturers set it to.

  • @nancyzehr3679
    @nancyzehr3679 6 місяців тому

    you didnt turn the gas back on!

  • @rilosvideos877
    @rilosvideos877 7 місяців тому

    Good review and very important points! The problem is you never know what you get when you buy cheap of of china/ebay/aliexpress... Even when one version was tested good, they build new fakes and it gets worse - but you don't know unless you have the capability to really test your device properly. Thanks a lot!

  • @sidlinger
    @sidlinger 7 місяців тому

    Very helpful! Thank you!

  • @SQ5DBF
    @SQ5DBF 7 місяців тому

    Hello. I'v also designed time base for counter JDS6600.

  • @ernestb.2377
    @ernestb.2377 7 місяців тому

    Nice to see the comparison. I have nanoVNA-H4 from a reputable seller in The Netherlands and i suppose it is not a clone. The enclosure is a 'snap-on' type, so not easy to open up and look inside and say something about the shielding. I also don't have another instrument at home to compare, but could ask my colleague at work to do a quick compare. I have done some basic measurement filter measurements and on my EFHW 10m long antenna and could fine tune it with this nanoVNA. It all seems right, but once again not much to compare yet. About the port 21 isolation graph, that could be calibrated away? Or not?

    • @ernestb.2377
      @ernestb.2377 4 місяці тому

      Edit: nonsense what I said about the enclosure 🙈 it has 4 screws.

  • @michaelmdy
    @michaelmdy 8 місяців тому

    Have you or anyone else taken the next step to hack and integrate with an ESP8266 to allow for Alexa control?

  • @tcarney57
    @tcarney57 8 місяців тому

    Many thanks. This was a very interesting set of tests. Based on my own needs, my take away is that all three VNAs are very close to each other up to 400 or 500MHz and then they diverge, the "H" clone sharply so. Everything I do, though, is below 148MHz, and within that larger range usually test in much smaller spans of 10KHz or so and once in a while 200 or 300KHz. All below 148MHz. Any of these--the two nanoVNAs or the Siglent--would be adequate for my purposes. The 10 and 20dB offsets produced by the H-clone is weird. I wonder if the very-wide bandwidth scanned in these tests has anything to do with that

  • @JohnUsp
    @JohnUsp 8 місяців тому

    Not ceramic fuse?! argh...

  • @firasgh871
    @firasgh871 8 місяців тому

    شكرا على الفيديو.سؤالي ما مدى اختلاف القياسات أن وضعنا أكثر من مقياس من نفس النوع بقراءة الجهد والتيار !

  • @robertmckay8467
    @robertmckay8467 9 місяців тому

    I wonder if the low battery alarm also goes out over the network?

  • @dalesmith8666
    @dalesmith8666 9 місяців тому

    The best is...., a HP8753E, ya it cost money, then again, if you want to go down the 1/4 mile track in 7 seconds, your not going to do it with a 4 banger, Datsun! LOL!@

  • @davidmotley4207
    @davidmotley4207 10 місяців тому

    You mentioned bearing. Your motor is not a bearing type, it is a bushing and it needs oiling.

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader 10 місяців тому

      This is correct - oiling this bushing is what this video is all about. English not being my native language, I may very well have used the wrong word. I hope that you have still found the video helpful.

  • @firasgh871
    @firasgh871 10 місяців тому

    اتمنى الحصول ببلدي على اجهزة قياس حديثة سوأ حظي بلدنا انهكته الحروب بسوريا . لكن بما انه مضى 2 سنة على نشرك الفيديو هل مازلت تستخدمه بشكل جيد

  • @tommoran2113
    @tommoran2113 11 місяців тому

    Thank You, I had a noisy motor, it got hot and I followed your instructions and reoiled!!! Back up and running, smooth and quiet now.

  • @WillBeHere2013
    @WillBeHere2013 11 місяців тому

    I too am in the middle of my replacement cycle. Thanks for making the video. Great use for your old detectors.

  • @danielrioux54
    @danielrioux54 Рік тому

    Why not try the LibreVNA ?

  • @uni-byte
    @uni-byte Рік тому

    Nice upgrade!

  • @aymanjundi7540
    @aymanjundi7540 Рік тому

    Hi there, i discovered your channel by mere coincidence, great content...keep up the good work👍 but i was wondering about your shielding, the 1st one in particular, aren't you changing the microstrip impedance by adding an extra layer of ground above it? try to change the height of the shield to see if it affects the readings to confirm this theory, maybe you can try not to ground the shields 😶‍🌫? i also suspect that the usb connection might affect things here( grounding issues?) i would really like to see the results, it would be fun and educational to find the culprit or to confirm that it's a bad PCB layout issue. Merci beaucoup et bon courage pour la suite😉

  • @JAKOB1977
    @JAKOB1977 Рік тому

    stay under 300MHz, its a 30 buck clone product, tripping on harmonics in the GHz range, and expecting reference values. use it in its range to a frew hundred MHz and here it would have been relevant to see how it performed vs its price.

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      When evaluating a product, it is always useful to evaluate it beyond its capabilities, to know up to where they may extend. There are many products that can do better than they should - and as a matter of fact, it is still a useful product beyond 300MHz. We just have to manage expectations. I hope that this video helped do that. Thank you for watching and commenting!

  • @Erik.Henneberg
    @Erik.Henneberg Рік тому

    I like the design for the PM6666 ocxo and would like to ask if you have a PCB leftover ( if gerber files are available I would very much appreciate it !) ? br Erik from Denmark

  • @hugopristauz3620
    @hugopristauz3620 Рік тому

    very helpful 🙂

  • @brucetouzel6484
    @brucetouzel6484 Рік тому

    can you mirror the DMM6500 display onto a monitor by simply using a USB to HDMI adaptor ?

  • @ЖивойАнеСуществующий

    Does this multimeter reset calibration if the battery runs out? (CR 2032?) Is this really true??? And will it need to be carried to a special laboratory for accurate calibration? Is it somehow possible to calibrate this device without a lab? Is it possible to somehow enter data (calibrate) the wires (probes)? (Let's say I bought other wires and want to account for the capacitance/resistance etc of the new wires)

  • @whatthe2458
    @whatthe2458 Рік тому

    Is there such a thing as a 5V transformer? In other words, can you downgrade the transformer you have to something smaller like a 5v ?

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      Yes, you need a DC/DC converter (or AC/DC if you have alternative current, such as in my case in this video) of the suitable specifications (input voltage range, desired output voltage, and with sufficient of output current capability)

  • @superalpha
    @superalpha Рік тому

    Although it is doubtful that shielding is the solution for the problem, you should try with a shield tape that has high permeability. I used to have an RF shielding tape kit that had all kinds of options, but you can't get that kit anymore.

  • @digitalradiohacker
    @digitalradiohacker Рік тому

    When you take measurements from duplexers, put a dummy load on the unused port. Leaving the unused port floating ussually results in phantom troughs all over the place.

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      I had to recheck the video and you're right, I totally forgot to do it. I believe the impact shouldn't be very significant due to the attenuation between the channels, but you're absolutely correct, this is an oversight on my part during this test. Thanks for pointing it out!

    • @digitalradiohacker
      @digitalradiohacker Рік тому

      @@the_bootloader For what you were doing, I guess you could choose to deliberately ignore wierd responses outside of the band of interest. The only reason I noticed was because I have to tune commercial duplexers at work, and the phantom troughs can cause serious issues with figuring out what is going on.

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      @@digitalradiohacker yes you're absolutely right. As you point out, for my purpose it didn't really matter but generally it's good practice and the way to do it. Thanks again for participating and sharing your knowledge, it's great that we can all learn together from our respective experiences

    • @digitalradiohacker
      @digitalradiohacker Рік тому

      @@the_bootloader Absolutely. I bought one of these as a potential alternative to the 10KG Aeroflex 3500 that I have in my van. I know that a new instrument of this class costs the same as a house, so they're not the same, but there is also 20 years of development between them as well. In reality, I'm finding the noise floor on mine to be quite pathetic (around 50dB?). This is no good for tuning commercial duplexers which are capable of -80dB rejection. Mine is marked as NanoVNA-H The search for firmware that won't make a brick is ongoing.....

  • @ezyjack826
    @ezyjack826 Рік тому

    replacing blower motor on my furnace. problem is it's an old unit (pre 1988) and they have updated the motor. the new motor has 4 wires plus the 2 capacitor wires and the original motor had 5 wires plus the 2 capacitor wires. the difference according to the motor tag is the original motor had two med speeds and the new motor only has one med speed. can I wire it up with one med speed? do I use med lo wire, med hi wire or both med to the new motor? ty for any assistance you can provide. 🙂

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      Hi! Unfortunately it is very hard for me to give you a precise answer without seeing the motor and the furnace. That said, I can give general tips. First, you need to go not by the name of the speed (lo/med/high) but by the actual RPM speed written on the motor. For instance if you were using the med low speed before, and that speed was 1500 RPM, you need to check which speed on the new motor is 1500 RPM. It could be the med speed but could also be the low or high speed. You also need to understand what triggered the speed change on the previous motor, if anything. Sometimes, furnaces use different speeds. Sometimes they use just one. You need to restore this behavior. For many single-stage and heat-only furnaces, only one speed is used. If you have both cooling and heating, different speeds may be used. If unsure, you should call a pro because you risk burning your motor or causing other dangerous conditions. Stay safe and I hope this is helpful!

  • @stargazer7644
    @stargazer7644 Рік тому

    Just plug a GPSDO into the external ref jack. Far easier and more accurate.

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      Depends of the situation. Right now, in my lab, I can't have satellite reception, and I can't install an antenna on the roof either. Having the capability to have an OCXO in my instruments, that I can calibrate once a year or so, is perfect. It gives me more precision than I realistically need. Of course, everyone's situation and needs are different. Thanks for watching!

    • @stargazer7644
      @stargazer7644 Рік тому

      @@the_bootloader While an outside antenna is always best, once a GPSDO's location is set, it only needs one satellite to stay phase locked. GPS receivers are very sensitive now, and some will track multiple GNSS constellations. Mine works just fine inside the house through the floor above and the roof. It looks like your lab has a window. As long as there isn't metal film on the glass, a GPS receiver will usually work fine looking out the window. If you're in a multi-story concrete building with tinted windows and no balcony, you may have a problem. Good luck!

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      @@stargazer7644 Thanks! All good points. Unfortunately I am in a multistory townhome, and the lab is on the ground floor

  • @blueduck9409
    @blueduck9409 Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing this video.

  • @DarkoObretan
    @DarkoObretan Рік тому

    As Andy mentioned DDS are different in you VNAs. That is very important, because RF generator output power is much lower when using 2nd harmonic and even lower when using 3rd harmonic, and if we say RX sensitivity and noise stays the same, you get much worse S/N ratio (you get more noise compared to the signal) on higher frequencies. Shielding would help, but just to a point. When you calibrate VNA it offsets that very low (2nd or up to 5th harmonic) signal level with big gain to get 0dB trace at all frequencies, so it is mostly RF generator output level problem. RX sensitivity is also getting worse at higher frequencies, because of higher mixer conversion losses, which is another 'RF signal level' problem. Inconsistencies between measurements are also due to cable bending (since those cables are not phase stable), SMA tightening and some common mode current outside the coax. It would be interesting to take one measurement with Siglent, then disconnect cable, connect it again to Siglent and taking second measurement. I suspect you would get almost the same difference as you did with comparison to SAA2. That would show cable bending and SMA tightening contributions plus other measurement uncertainties.

  • @davidaz4933
    @davidaz4933 Рік тому

    good job . I recommend you add to the v reg circuit add a bypass diode between the VIN and VOUT terminals of the reg (reverse-current bypass diode) This is standard in Liner Voltage Regulators design

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      Thanks for the suggestion. The main power supply uses a switching regulator module. The other "power supply" is a voltage reference, and as such it should not see any reverse current. Which regulator were you thinking about? But you are right, when dealing with LDOs, adding a reverse-current bypass diode is good practice!

    • @davidaz4933
      @davidaz4933 Рік тому

      @@the_bootloader I usually use LDO of Linar Technology current source based example LT3083 LT3042 But this method is most useful for Basic V REG 78XX I use low noise LDOs Because I build a lot of V REF circuits Linar Technology makes the best regulator there is

  • @AKkarol7
    @AKkarol7 Рік тому

    Great video. Can you make a video on upgrading the SSA3021x to SVA1032x ?

  • @blackarrow8683
    @blackarrow8683 Рік тому

    Thank you for uploading more often! Really loving your videos. Maybe a suggestion for the future: The graph colors in the legends looks all black. It is impossible to read which graph should be which color in the legend. Maybe make the legend graph lines a bit bigger, so you can see which color is which. Thanks 🥰

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      Thanks! I apologize for that, I noticed it too. They were fine in the video before I uploaded it, I guess the colors went *poof* when UA-cam recompressed the video.

  • @andymouse
    @andymouse Рік тому

    Fascinating...cheers.

  • @rjordans
    @rjordans Рік тому

    For the data processing I found exporting the s1p or s2p files and using Python with scikit-rf a nice tool too

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      Good suggestion, thanks for sharing! I may give it a try

  • @andylawton2638
    @andylawton2638 Рік тому

    The SAA2 VNA uses a different DDS to the NanoVNA. The NanoVNA uses a SI5351 which can only generate frequencies up to 300MHz and uses harmonics to get above it. This reduced dynamic range significantly. The SAA2 uses an ADF4351 which can generate RF up to 4.4GHz without resorting to using harmonics, resulting in a better dynamic range across the board. Newer SAA2 revisions use the MAX2871 which is very similar to the ADF4351 but can sweep up to 6GHz. As you say, the shielding will also help with the SAA2. I also own a NanoVNA, one of the original SAA2 VNAs and a Siglent VNA :-)

  • @galileo_rs
    @galileo_rs Рік тому

    The white Nano is a clone and the results you are getting are probably due to that fact. I have a modified clone H and an original H4 and those do not exhibit that kind of behaviour. Try NanoVNA Saver software and do not calibrate on device. Saver will offer much higher number of calibration points and a correction for the trough measurement. Makes sure that you get the latest firmware. DisLord firmware is recommended.

  • @hinz1
    @hinz1 Рік тому

    NanoVNA-H is the old V1 version, Si5335 based, that works on harmonics above something like 300MHz, so no wonder it has much worse specs. Si5335 synthesizer chip official spec: fmax 200MHz NanoVNA V2 is new version based on 2x ADF4350 with official fmax of 4400Mhz, so no harmonics needed. NanoVNA-F V2 clone version with somewhat better/nicer mechanical design, aluminum case instead of plastics, for a bit more money

  • @germanjohn5626
    @germanjohn5626 Рік тому

    I wonder why people always insist to compare a basic toy like tool to a semi professional one. It is like comparing a Cozy Coupe to a mid size Chevy or Volkswagen.

    • @the_bootloader
      @the_bootloader Рік тому

      The SAA2 performing on par with the Siglent, at least on a noise level perspective up to 1.5GHz, was unexpected. There are other valuable pieces of information shared, such as a methodology to graph data from multiple brands of VNAs. Thank you for watching and for your feedback

    • @galileo_rs
      @galileo_rs Рік тому

      Nano is not (especialy the official versions) a toy up to 250MHz.

    • @solarflare4259
      @solarflare4259 Рік тому

      Most of the people will use the nanoVNA way below GHz frequency so it performs great!My '97 Golf still runs like a swiss watch and takes me to places while seeing many luxury cars biting the dust...:) It gets the job done...:)

    • @galileo_rs
      @galileo_rs Рік тому

      @@solarflare4259 True. There are other version of Nano that are fine in the GHz range, LiteVNA for example (same manufacturer as for H4), and pretty affordable. Golf bit reminds me of the Balkans 😁

    • @solarflare4259
      @solarflare4259 Рік тому

      @@galileo_rs Indeed. I've got a H4 and it works great. I find myself using it up to 60 MHz, mostly for HAM shortwave...Currently waiting to receive the 4401 ... Just wanted a larger display. As for the Golf, I grabbed it back in '99 and I've taken good care of it.It comes really handy now with rising of fuel prices (2L) engine MT... I barely see some like these on the road; even hard to find parts at salvage yards...:)