subs,
As a newbie the first thing you want to do is check out the "Files" and "Wiki" sub-sections of this group. The icons to access either sub-section is located in the left margin of the page. There is a lot of info that has taken time and effort to assemble. If you don't find the info you are looking for in either of those subsections then try the "Search" button at the top of the page. This group is closing in on 6000 messages and odds are someone else has already "been there, done that".
There should probably be a hash tag "Newbie" topic as a lot of users are experienced with antenna analyzers but initially get lost when first trying to use the NanoVNA. A vector network analyzer can be used as an antenna analyzer but because it has so much more capability it has to be set-up correctly to give you the information you want to measure.
With an antenna analyzer you turn it on, tune to the frequency of interest and read the results off the display. There is usually only one connector on the antenna analyzer so it pretty obvious where you hook the antenna two. The NanoVNA has two connectors, Ch0 and Ch1. Complex impedance measurements, from which typical antenna measurements are made, are done at Ch0. Transmission measurements are done at Ch1. In order to make accurate complex impedance or transmission measurements you have to ensure the NanoVNA is properly calibrated. There is a ton of information in the Wiki sub-section on performing a calibration. There is also User guides and Menu quick operating guides to show you how to select only the displayed information you want. At first the displayed information is daunting, but with use you learn to get only what you need displayed.
As far as your specific questions:
1. A search through the messages for "switch" will show you that the multifunction switch is the least liked feature of the NanoVNA. The primary problem is that is polled rather than interrupt driven. That means the microprocessor doesn't respond as soon as you operate the switch. It may be performing other operations and gets around to checking if there is input from the switch when there is a break in those operations. This causes the operation of the switch to appear "laggy". For menu selection and numerical input, the touchscreen is more of a pleasure to use. The only time I use the switch is for marker movement, as trying to "drag" the markers using the touchscreen can be a chore. Having said all that, if the rocker switch is physically stuck to the left of right when you release it then that is a mechanical problem and I would see to exchange it.
2. You should thoroughly read the user manual on the Wiki subsection on saving and recalling configurations. "Save 0" always holds the configuration information that is displayed when the NanoVNA is powered on. If you changes are not specifically made using "Save 0" then they will not show at power on.
3. I am sure you've heard the term "hand effect". If the antenna is not in close proximity to the NanoVNA and the cable connecting the antenna and the NanoVNA is properly shielded then you shouldn't observe any noticeable "hand effect". If either of those conditions is not true then you will observe the effects of your body detuning the antenna as your hand approaches the NanoVNA.
4. Some of the NanoVNA's are sold without cables or OSL standards to lower their selling price. Is you already have those items then you can cut your cost that way. If you don't have those items then you generally pay more in purchasing them after the fact.
Hope you don't get discouraged. Like any other piece of test equipment, the NanoVNA takes time to learn to operate properly. If you have some past measurements on any antennas or other devices, compare that data with the NanoVNA . That is a good check of whether the NanoVNA is operating as it should.
- Herb
