VNA2180 error message

[g3txq]

I recently re-installed version 546B of the VNA2180 software on my Windows 7 laptop and now seem to have a problem.

Having re-installed 546B I carried out a couple of standard calibration runs which went as normal, and after which the analyser seemed to perform as expected. I then needed to re-calibrate for some S21 measurements I was doing, so I did a separate Port B cal. At then end of the calibration run I got the error message:

There is no reference signal from the VNA at 182.000 //error = 17833

I can still carry out a full Standard Cal including the Port B calibration element, but when I try to do a separate Port B cal I get that error message. I don't know if it's significant, but during the calibration run the "rolling frequency data" truns from black to red.

At one stage yesterday the problem seemed to disappear and I was able to complete the Port B cal, but then after I saved the new calibration file the software completely "froze".

The VNA2180 had been working OK with the same laptop until I re-installed 546B.

Any idea what the problem might be?

Steve G3TXQ

[Bob]

Hi Steve,
Make a note of the comm port you are using now so you can reload it later.
Then delete the init data file called: VNA_Init_Data.ini

Restart the VNA program.
Use the Setup menu to restore the comm port number.
Use the Files menu to restore the config file that you're using.
Close the VNA program and restart it.
It should be talking to the pc now.

Set the Start/Stop limits to 1MHz, 50MHz.
Do a Standard Calibration and see if this helps.

If there is still a problem, you can email me.

-73/Bob

[g3txq]

Bob,

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I've done what you suggested and have tried about 10 Port B cals - no problems so far. I'll continue trying and let you know how it goes.

I continue to see some strange behaviours even after a successful Port B cal. For example if I hit "cancel" when the "Save box" appears (or even if I do a save), many of the buttons are then inoperative - for example Port A/B, Scan A, Rescan A; I can usually get it to respond if I do a Point Data Single Shot operation. Before that both the Port A and Port B front panel lights remain on. Only when I do the Single Shot do they extinguish, and then the software responds normally ??

Steve G3TXQ

[g3txq]

Bob,

Same error message consistently this morning:
There is no reference signal from the VNA at 182.000 //error = 17833

Steve G3TXQ