IVMan Lite for N2PK VNA

A Windows GUI to view VNA DOS data files

There is a variety of software that work with N2PK VNA, written by the author, Paul N2PK, and other gentlemen. It includes both DOS and Windows-based applications. If you like accuracy and detailization provided by the DOS-based programs from Paul, N2PK, but feel more comfortable working in Windows GUI, here is a cure that will make you happy. This bonanza is called IVMan Lite, a Windows-based viewer. You can now have accuracy of the original VNA software coupled with an ability to manipulate the data easily.

IVMan Lite is a reduced version of my another program, which purpose was to visualize the data files created by the antenna modeling and analysis software MMANA and EZNec. Now IVMan Lite opens the data files created with the N2PK DOS-based set of the VNA software. In the viewer window you can review results of multiple DUT testing sessions, save and print charts, copy and paste them into other applications for documenting purposes or create presentations for your local radio club. The viewer can save graphs to files in PNG,JPEG,BMP and EMF format, which is enough for most applications. As a bonus, IVMan Lite can save pictures in 320x240 pixel resolution with preserved quality, and such files can later be downloaded to your PDA, so that you could carry the results of your work with you for your reference, analysis, to share with colleagues at work or with fellow hams at a hamfest.

Shown below are several screenshots of IVMan Lite displaying data from different DUT test files captured with N2PK DOS-based programs.

Fig 1. Reflection mode. VNA v4.1 board detector return loss. The X scale is in logarithmic mode.

Fig 2. Transmission mode. Typical VNA v4.1 dual detector board noise floor.

Fig 3. Simultaneous reflection/transmission mode. A two-pole crystal ladder filter.

Fig 4. Transmission mode, markers turned on. A P-Network tuner. You can read the values at each marker A/B and difference A-B for both X and Y axis.

Fig 5. Reflection mode in Smith Chart view. A length of RG-58 coax terminated to 25 Ohm.

Download IVManLite setup package, installation instructions, and the latest executable file. First run the setup programs. Once finished, unzip and drop in your IVManLite folder the executable update, replacing the old exe. If a new executable becomes available later, just download it alone - no need to re-run the setup.

The latest executable date is: Jan-28-2008.

Please feel free to direct your questions or comments to the email address below.

Contact: miv@makarov.ca