Just a quick word regarding Matlab costs -- I have their "Home Use License" which, compared to their commercial pricing, is a pretty good deal (in my opinion). Last I looked, the Home Use license for Matlab was $149, and various add-ons (e.g. Simulink, RF Tool Box, Instrument Control Toolbox, etc.) were around $45 each.
The tools allow you to do a lot. Earlier in this thread I pointed to files on Matlab Central that allow one to capture and analyze data from various HP instruments via GPIB. And here's an example of an FPGA-base HF Transceiver designed using Simulink:
And, for those unfamiliar with the Matlab language, there are on-line courses (should be able to find free ones). Check out Vince's message, or google Coursera or EdX.
- Jeff, k6jca
P.S. I've been considering creating a Matlab GUI front-end for driving the NanoVNA -- I've verified that I can capture the NanoVNA's serial data with a Matlab script. I just need to first finish the project that is currently on my workbench (a solid-state HF PA).
