Configure Traces

The NanoVNA-F V3 supports four independent traces (0 through 3), each capable of displaying a different measurement format on the same sweep. This guide covers activating, switching, and deactivating traces.

Activate a trace

Via menu

1. Tap DISPLAY → TRACE → TRACE n where n is 0, 1, 2, or 3.
2. The selected trace becomes active and appears on screen.

Via touch shortcut

Tap the trace status box at the top of the screen for the trace you want to activate. The status box shows the trace number, channel, and current format.

Via marker color

Tap a marker whose color matches the trace you want to activate. This selects both the marker and its associated trace.

Switch the channel (S11 / S21)

Each trace can display either the S11 (reflection) or S21 (transmission) channel.

1. Activate the trace you want to change.
2. Tap DISPLAY → CHANNEL.
3. Select S11 or S21.

Tip

You can also tap the channel indicator (S11 or S21) shown in the trace status box at the top of the screen to toggle channels quickly.

Deactivate a trace

To remove a trace from the display, activate it first, then tap DISPLAY → TRACE → TRACE n again for the same trace number. The trace toggles off.

Note

At least one trace must remain active at all times. The device will not allow you to deactivate the last visible trace.

Identify the active trace

The currently active trace has its status box highlighted at the top of the screen. All marker readings and scale adjustments apply to the active trace.

Common multi-trace setups

Setup	Trace 0	Trace 1	Trace 2	Trace 3
Antenna check	S11 LOGMAG	S11 SWR	S11 SMITH	—
Filter response	S21 LOGMAG	S21 PHASE	S11 LOGMAG	—
Full two-port	S11 LOGMAG	S21 LOGMAG	S11 SMITH	S21 PHASE