I have a couple similar clones from Banggood from several years back. I've upgraded to a LiteVNA64 now which is of course much more sophisticated. The biggest issues I've seen with these SARK100 types are: 1) built with cloned or fake chips so not always able to manage higher frequencies. 2) The socket for the antenna was soldered directly to the PCB so if you aren't VERY careful when you screw the antenna connector on it can twist and pull off the PCB track inside - giving and open circuit... 3) Make sure you short any antennas connections before connecting in case of built up static or it will blow the front end! Some clones have a Lipo battery as you mentioned, and some also have a bluetooth module to use instead of the USB.
I have one for about a year. It does work. I am near a FM station which can cause measurement errors. I use a FM brand reject filter when I suspect an error. The filter does help. The mode button does bring one to a display with the RF source off and one can see if there is interference. I do like it.
I payed £45 for mine about two years ago from AliExpress, they are twice the price now or more.. never had an issue with it and is comparable to my Zoom, for the price it's an excellent bit of kit.
There was some made about 5 years ago, and guess who purchased one? That the frequency was a third out, so 30mHz was actually 20mHz. Confused or what, I did my calculations time and time again, asked a friend to check them for me, eventually checked my measurements with an SWR meter and they were correct, it was then I did some research and found out about the dodgy batch ! good informative video, thanks for making it M0IUQ
Screws on the bottom of mine appear to be just spinning freely . They are loose although they must be stripped or they used the wrong size screw . They won’t tighten . Back will not come off with the rear screws . There are other screws elsewhere but that won’t let me into what could be a battery area as first presented here or will they ? Just bought this from eBay .
Thanks so much for this Sark100 video. I just received mine and want to use the molex connector for batteries. Have you set up yours in this fashion and did it work satisfactorily?
I purchased one of these a few years ago off eBay. It was fine for a few months till one day switching it on it wouldn't boot up, it's been bricked ever since. At the time I spoke to the designer/manufacturer in China and he told me I needed to flash the device etc. at which point I lost interest. Won't be buying any more SARK products, that's for sure. After that experience I wish I'd never sold my old MFJ antenna analyser, crude but at least it always worked...
I have a couple similar clones from Banggood from several years back. I've upgraded to a LiteVNA64 now which is of course much more sophisticated. The biggest issues I've seen with these SARK100 types are:
1) built with cloned or fake chips so not always able to manage higher frequencies.
2) The socket for the antenna was soldered directly to the PCB so if you aren't VERY careful when you screw the antenna connector on it can twist and pull off the PCB track inside - giving and open circuit...
3) Make sure you short any antennas connections before connecting in case of built up static or it will blow the front end!
Some clones have a Lipo battery as you mentioned, and some also have a bluetooth module to use instead of the USB.
I have one for about a year. It does work. I am near a FM station which can cause measurement errors. I use a FM brand reject filter when I suspect an error. The filter does help. The mode button does bring one to a display with the RF source off and one can see if there is interference. I do like it.
Hi,I've used the sark 100 for couple of years now and works great 👍
I payed £45 for mine about two years ago from AliExpress, they are twice the price now or more.. never had an issue with it and is comparable to my Zoom, for the price it's an excellent bit of kit.
There was some made about 5 years ago, and guess who purchased one? That the frequency was a third out, so 30mHz was actually 20mHz. Confused or what, I did my calculations time and time again, asked a friend to check them for me, eventually checked my measurements with an SWR meter and they were correct, it was then I did some research and found out about the dodgy batch ! good informative video, thanks for making it M0IUQ
Had one of these for years, have found it to be accurate and easy to use, especially with my HF mobile antennae. John M0 WJH
I need to find a battery as mind arrived with out it
Screws on the bottom of mine appear to be just spinning freely . They are loose although they must be stripped or they used the wrong size screw . They won’t tighten . Back will not come off with the rear screws . There are other screws elsewhere but that won’t let me into what could be a battery area as first presented here or will they ? Just bought this from eBay .
Hi , can this be used as a battery operated hand held frequency that uses an antenna?.
Cheers.😊
Best demo there is
At the moment it is not available on the site, but what battery can be used for the device?
Thanks so much for this Sark100 video. I just received mine and want to use the molex connector for batteries. Have you set up yours in this fashion and did it work satisfactorily?
As of 8-7-22 it was sold out on Bangood
Can you get a battery
When you use use this box in lieu of a VNA ?
I purchased one of these a few years ago off eBay. It was fine for a few months till one day switching it on it wouldn't boot up, it's been bricked ever since. At the time I spoke to the designer/manufacturer in China and he told me I needed to flash the device etc. at which point I lost interest. Won't be buying any more SARK products, that's for sure.
After that experience I wish I'd never sold my old MFJ antenna analyser, crude but at least it always worked...
Pay cheap, pay twice sometimes.