Zplots Changelog

What's new in Zplots 2.5

Apr 12, 2018
  • In regions where a comma is used as the decimal point, the "Frequency - Velocity Factor - Length - Wavelength Conversions" dialog would fail or would show incorrect results.

New in Zplots 2.4 (May 5, 2016)

  • When loading data files, saving in *.s1p format, creating GIF files, and saving or recalling snapshot traces, in some cases with newer operating systems the selected folder was not retained for use as the default path for subsequent actions.
  • Delete invalid first frequency point in certain ill-formed data files.

New in Zplots 2.3 (Aug 10, 2015)

  • When using the "Measure Transmission Line Parameters" feature, an option is now available to terminate the line with high and low resistance values in place of open and short circuits. This may lead to more accurate results since calculations with almost-infinite and almost-zero impedances will be avoided
  • Accommodate AIM csv files with either negative or positive Return Loss values
  • Cosmetic change when a legend is added to a chart

New in Zplots 2.2 (May 27, 2014)

  • Add ManualEntrySampleUS-UK.csv and ManualEntrySampleIntl.csv to the download package.
  • Recognize either commas or semi-colons as field separators in "Zplots Generic" csv files.
  • Add RemoteAIM.xls and RemoteVNWA.xls to the download package.

New in Zplots 2.1 (May 27, 2014)

  • Do not allow "smoothed" AIM data to be used with the "Measure Transmission Line Parameters" function.
  • Refinement of VF calculations over a wide frequency range as part of the "Measure Transmission Line Parameters" function.
  • Support for DL1SNG FA-VA format csv files.

New in Zplots 2.0 (May 27, 2014)

  • New feature "Measure Transmission Line Parameters" added to measure and plot various items related to transmission lines.
  • New "TL Parms" tab under "Generate Data" added to generate transmission line (TL) parameter data based on mathematical models. May be used stand-alone or as a way to compare with measured data.
  • New "TL FF" tab under "Generate Data" added to show various items associated with transmission lines along the length of the line at a fixed frequency.
  • Extensive examples added to the web page to cover the above items.
  • When adding or subtracting a transmission line, the time delay and loss (at the mid-point of the frequency range) are automatically computed and shown. This may be of interest to users of other software when dealing with transmission lines.
  • "Save as S1P" button added.
  • "Line Weight" button added.
  • "Freq KHz/Hz" button added.
  • Show Min, Max, or Average of plotted values on the Custom XY chart. (Click to cycle through the three options.)
  • Show R±jX values on the large Smith chart by hovering over any plot point. (Note: Chart must be activated first.)
  • Avoid file conflicts when polling rapidly-changing data files.
  • Avoid Excel 2007 bug (and subsequent crash) when attempting to set markers under certain conditions.
  • Support for myVNA standard (not extended) format csv files.
  • Add ability to set 'Gridline Spacing' in the "Set/Lock Scales" dialog.

New in Zplots 1.6 (Oct 22, 2010)

  • "Refresh" button and "Enable Polling" check box added.
  • "Change S2P Subset(s)" button added, replacing the previous method of being asked on each file load which subset(s) of s2p data are to be displayed.
  • "Modified" date/time is shown in the information text box which shows the name of the currently loaded file.
  • "Set Scale(s)" button changed to "Set/Lock Scales".
  • Fixed bug introduced in v1.5 related to transmission line calculations.
  • Separate workbook "ZplotsLink" is now included in the download package.

New in Zplots 1.5 (Oct 22, 2010)

  • Support for general purpose Touchstone s1p/s2p format files.
  • Support for the miniVNA PRO device, where the phase data already has the correct sign. (Phase data from the original miniVNA device remains unsigned.)
  • On the Custom XY chart, snapshots 1 and 2 (only) are associated with the primary (left scale) axis; snapshots 3 and 4 are now associated with the secondary (right scale) axis.
  • Changed the default trace color for the Custom XY chart secondary (right scale) axis from gray to blue. (All trace colors continue to be under user control.)

New in Zplots 1.4 (Oct 22, 2010)

  • Support for the Port A (not Port B) format files produced by the W5BIG VNA2180 software.

New in Zplots 1.3 (Oct 22, 2010)

  • Support for Excel 2007.

New in Zplots 1.2 (Oct 22, 2010)

  • Support for the s2p format files produced by the TAPR VNA software.
  • Fixed bug related to saving Snapshot data in an external file.

New in Zplots 1.1 (Oct 22, 2010)

  • Version number shown on the Data sheet along with web page and email links.
  • Phase (reflection coefficient angle) and Q (quality factor) added to list of available XY plot items.
  • For the "Add or Subtract Transmission Line" feature: The dialog window is initially positioned to the right of the chart, if possible. The spinner can now change the line length by +/- 1 or +/- 0.1 in the current units. Less screen flashing when using the spinner. The amount of line added or subtracted (if any) is shown below the "Add or Subtract" button.
  • File name shown on print preview and on printed charts.
  • "Color Dot" buttons added for convenient color changes.
  • Two frequency markers. Marker1 is controlled by the left mouse button, Marker2 is controlled by the right mouse button.
  • "Zoom M1 to M2" and "Full Freq Range" buttons added as a convenient way to zoom in on a frequency range of interest.
  • Units (MHz, dB, deg, etc.) automatically removed from the default title on the XY chart.
  • "Generate Data" button added.
  • Support for the csv files produced by the VNA1 and miniVNA software.