---
title: mcnanovna
description: MCP servers for NanoVNA control and antenna positioner automation
template: splash
hero:
  tagline: Give your AI direct control of RF test equipment
  image:
    file: ../../assets/hero.svg
  actions:
    - text: Get Started
      link: /getting-started/quickstart/
      icon: right-arrow
    - text: View on Gitea
      link: https://git.supported.systems/rf/mcnanovna
      icon: external
      variant: minimal
---

import { Card, CardGrid, Tabs, TabItem } from '@astrojs/starlight/components';
import { Image } from 'astro:assets';
import smithChart from '../../assets/screenshots/smith-chart.png';
import swrTrace from '../../assets/screenshots/swr-trace.png';
import lcMatch from '../../assets/screenshots/measure-lc-match.png';
import multiTrace from '../../assets/screenshots/multi-trace.png';
import nanoVNA from '../../assets/hardware/NanoVNA-H-2.jpg';

## What is this?

Two MCP servers that let AI assistants control RF test equipment:

<CardGrid stagger>
  <Card title="mcnanovna" icon="document">
    Controls NanoVNA-H vector network analyzers over USB serial.
    78 tools for sweeps, calibration, analysis, and 3D radiation patterns.
  </Card>
  <Card title="mcpositioner" icon="setting">
    Controls ESP32 dual-axis antenna positioners over WiFi.
    5 tools for stepper motor positioning and automated measurement grids.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Cross-Server Workflows" icon="rocket">
    Both servers work together for automated 3D antenna pattern measurement.
    The AI orchestrates positioning and VNA measurements across the grid.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Web UI" icon="laptop">
    Optional Three.js 3D viewer for radiation patterns.
    Real-time visualization as measurements are taken.
  </Card>
</CardGrid>

## What Can It Do?

Your AI assistant gains direct access to professional RF measurement capabilities:

<div class="screenshot-gallery">
  <figure>
    <Image src={smithChart} alt="Smith chart display showing impedance plot" width={320} />
    <figcaption>Impedance analysis on Smith chart</figcaption>
  </figure>
  <figure>
    <Image src={swrTrace} alt="SWR measurement trace" width={320} />
    <figcaption>SWR sweep across frequency</figcaption>
  </figure>
  <figure>
    <Image src={lcMatch} alt="LC matching network calculation" width={320} />
    <figcaption>Automatic LC match calculation</figcaption>
  </figure>
  <figure>
    <Image src={multiTrace} alt="Multiple trace display" width={320} />
    <figcaption>Multi-trace S-parameter display</figcaption>
  </figure>
</div>

## Quick Install

```bash
# Add both servers to Claude Code
claude mcp add mcnanovna -- uvx mcnanovna
claude mcp add mcpositioner -- uvx mcpositioner
```

Then ask Claude to analyze your antenna, measure a filter, or run a 3D pattern sweep.

## Hardware

<div class="hardware-section">
  <div class="hardware-text">
    <h3>NanoVNA-H</h3>
    <p>The NanoVNA-H (or H4) connects via USB serial and is auto-detected. No drivers needed on Linux — just plug in and go.</p>

    <h3>ESP32 Positioner</h3>
    <p>Optional dual-axis antenna positioner for automated 3D pattern measurement:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>2x NEMA 17 steppers + TMC2209 drivers</li>
      <li>StallGuard sensorless homing</li>
      <li>WiFi HTTP API for remote control</li>
      <li>Firmware and KiCad schematics included</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
  <figure class="hardware-image">
    <Image src={nanoVNA} alt="NanoVNA-H vector network analyzer" width={400} />
    <figcaption>NanoVNA-H — 50kHz to 1.5GHz VNA</figcaption>
  </figure>
</div>

## Example Prompts

Once installed, try asking your AI:

- *"Connect to my NanoVNA and sweep 7.0-7.3 MHz to check my 40m dipole"*
- *"Measure the insertion loss of this BPF from 144-148 MHz"*
- *"What's the impedance at the resonant frequency? Suggest an LC match."*
- *"Run a 3D radiation pattern sweep at 15° resolution"*
- *"Export the S11 data as a Touchstone file"*

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