I was so apprehensive seeing the protective film on the screen and then you delivered a well timed and skillful removal........I can now continue with the review. 😂🤣😂
Just got this as an early Xmas present from my Son! Moved up from an AA-230 Zoom to this model.... what an excellent tool. And it DOES come with an SO-238 Adapter. The display is awesome. Love this tool. The Multi SWR and Multi' features are super for multi-band antenna work!
AA-35 Zoom here. I'm excited to see your video on the "All Params". I get lost there. I can hack my way around the meaning of RL, Z, X, C with a Google search...however, the numbers... what exactly am I looking at? What are "good" numbers and what are "bad" numbers. Maybe I'm too dumb for that menu choice. LOL The manual is just the starting point or highlight of the meters. I would love a deep dive into these devices and that doesn't seem to be around. I believe I just need to wait for your follow up videos for the answers! Can't wait to see your coming videos. POTA on! 73.
Anything beyond a cursory review of those numbers and features would results in a deep dive into antenna theory. Not being an engineer, some of this stuff is way beyond me too. I'll see if I can work on something that distills things down to the basics.
Generally, the good numbers that you're looking for to satisfy the engineers at Icom are, for example: SWR better than 1.5:1 Return Loss better than 15 Impedance of 50 ohms Hypothetically, that mathematical scenario would indicate 96.84% of your power inserted is emitted into space. Those are "good numbers." Other numbers will work, but that is a good reference point. You're not too dumb. The fact that you've expressed an interest means that you'll soon achieve competency.
Thx Michael, I recently obtained a Zoom 35, was impressed on the ease of use. They have really created a very nice series of analyzers. I have the MFJ 259C, and was looking forward to purchasing the comet caa500mkii, hard to justify. , but think thats another great bit of kit. My 35 Zoom now my carry along n go to unit,.. cheers n 73
Great review. That's the big daddy that I'd love to have. I do use my AA-35 and wish I had bought the AA-50 to have 6 meters available. The rig expert is invaluable when using the Wolf River Coil. Thanks Michael.
RigExpert antenna analyzers are 100% worth the price. Once you use one, you’ll never go back to your old analyzer. Fast, easy to use, consistent readings, and good ergonomics. While the AA-2000 is very expensive, most amateurs will only need the AA-55 which is very reasonably priced.
This is a really great review. I have the AA-35 Zoom and its been a very invaluable tool. The only issue I have is that it is very difficult to see in sunlight, and still difficult outdoors under cover. I like being able to change frequencies while using the SWR meter. One thing I have noticed is that if an antenna has a very narrow bandwidth. the indication of resonance on the band it was designed for can be missed if the screen is zoomed out too much. I have an 80 meter inverted v with a very narrow bandwidth, and zoomed out the meter shows that the lowest SWR is about 9 to 1, but zoomed in it shows to be about 1.5 to 1. That may be due to the resolution of the frequencies analyzed when zoomed out and is not a complaint of mine. 73 KD5YOU
One thing I didn't mention with these meters is that they take the same number of samples across a frequency range. So if you are zoomed out, your resolution will be coarser then when you select a smaller range. Hence missing a very narrow band dip in an antenna. I think you can adjust the resolution in the settings, I'll have to check.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I’ve learned the step resolution for the AA-35 may be adjusted while using their AntScope. I assume that capability holds true for any of their other models that are capable of using AntScope. What I did notice is a difference between the SWR readings on the handheld versus their AntScope software. For example, a SWR of 2:1 on the handheld may read 2.5 on their AntScope software. Thanks again, Michael, for engaging the ham community with great content.
My question is: How is the accuracy of the AA-600 verses the AA-2090? I know, in general, the wider the range of something, the less accurate, competent, and so forth, it is. But, I do not know if the AA-2000 suffers from the same issue when compared to the AA-600. Any insights would be greatly appreciated - thank you.
That's a good question, my gut says the meter is most likely quite accurate across the entire range. I think to test that hypothesis it would have to be compared to high precision commercial grade analyzer.
I like my Stick Pro. I didn't know RigExpert put out the AA-2000. I like that screen! Check your email too. You had an error from our P2P QSO this past weekend.
I have the AA-55 Zoom and Stick Pro - between them they do all, but miss out on 23cm which I've just started on, both are less than 2 years old. What would be genius of the Rig Expert marketing department would be to offer some form of trade in, espeically on these more expensive analyzers. I dont want to have 3 analyzers when I have one which will do it all - they should incentivize the purchase, knowing I'd get something for two very good condition analyzers to get one better one would do it for me.
A trade in program would be nice, especially if you owned a higher end meter and wanted to step up a level. I don't know how that would fit into their business model, though.
That was a great review. Unfortunately I do not have the rig expert. The AA 2000 it’s priced way out of my league, But the AAA 600 with me quite well. I just wish I knew about it before about the one I have. But thanks for the review it was a very good one. WD5ENH Steve
@@KB9VBRAntennas I know, I was mentioning that you can unsolder the N connector and remove the 4 screws to replace it with a UHF connector for your cables, if you wanted to.
@@furonwarrior because: 1) all Rigexpert`s AA calibrated with native connectors. 2) its quite hard to put away N-connector there, mechanically. 3) you really need UHF on 2 Ghz? )
Difficult to grasp, but that specific antenna analyzer is almost the equivalent cost of a Yaesu FT991A or Icom 7300. My opinion, the price is more than absurd. I recently purchased the AA-35 with the hope of utilizing its built-in polar functions-a Smith chart. Apparently, the AA-35 and AA-55 use the same keypad, but only the 55 contains the useful tool. My Comet and Nano, in some contexts, preform better. Great review, Michael. Nice product. Absurd price.
I get what you are saying. This meter is priced like a piece of commercial test equipment. For the average ham, it would be out of their league. But for the person that spent 5,000 on a rig and 15,000 on an antenna system, its price feels more reasonable.
I would consider the NanoVNA and it's offshoots a good value rather than this. They would be smart to compete in that market instead of relying on a few sales of this product to make their fortunes.
I would prefer quality over value. And to not support the CCP... Just my opinion. If we keep living by "it's good enough for the price" then that's all we'll have left.
@@twohandsandaradio If you knew what you we're talking about instead of vomiting opinions you would know there is great quality as well as value with many CCP products. In fact I bet you are an Apple customer and every bit of those things are a Chinese product. Everything is made in China and if you buy anything, anywhere, you support the CCP right along with everyone else you do business with as they buy, operate, and service you, with products from China or Asian countries controlled under the umbrella of China. Even The Ford or Dodge you drive has a lot of Chinese made electronics and other products. And you have all those greedy and corrupt unions in the 70's and 80's who drove manufacturing companies to move to Asia so they could make their money just like every other American company with more and more of our businesses going over seas. The damage has been done and there is nothing we are going to be able to do about it in our lifetimes. Furthermore Rigexpert is made in Ukraine formerly a part of Russia and is under imminent attack from Russia as they want them back for the strategic military port, industry making over priced analyzers, and a source of Russia supporting taxes. And you can thank the republicans for their goal to hold power but never legislate and be engaged on the world stage trying to conduct real government work for our country instead of tearing it all down further than they already have. I don't know about you but I don't feel like we have much left, and even that is being priced out of reach of many of us. That's why I have a good quality NanoVNA to optimize my antennas and help others who can't even afford that who want to get on the air as best they can with meager budget constraints to buy used or Chinese gear to talk to someone who can't even tell where the radio components inside came from originally. If you don't support the CCP, then you have basically nothing at all, even house construction products are made in China. We just don't have much choice, and we made it that way, don't forget that. I don't support and endorse communist government, but I do support and endorse every effort of getting the most out of the few dollars I do have, through the ways and means available for me to work with.
@@JohnSmith-bb2np I think the general point that Mr. Smith was attempting to make, insofar as the USA is concerned -- a commie is a commie, no matter where their geographical location. We all benefit as a Americans when everyone in the USA is gainfully employed, self-sufficient, and independent. In an effort to remain on topic, I too wish more of our ham radio interests were manufactured in the USA. I wish that someone such as Michael, could develop and sell an American antenna analyzer -- similar to the AA-2000. Someone here locally has one of Michaels J-poles and loves it.
Really nice review Michael, after having watched it I broke the bank and replaced my good old AA-520 with a AA-1500-ZOOM. I am really happy with it and totally worth the upgrade. It is pricey but this RigExpert and you know what you are paying for: quality and reliability. However I do not see the Multé option under the Tools menu. Is it a feature only seen on the AA-2000 ZOOM? Latest firmware (1.7) has been installed. 73, de VE2AKS.
I think Multé first appeared on the Stick line of analyzers. My Stick 230 has it and I was a little surprised to see it on the AA-2000. But I suppose that meter was released after the Sticks, so they carried over the feature. My older AA-600, and I'm sure the AA-1500, has the multi-swr feature, which is probably the closest you'll get to multé.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I wrote to RigExpert and their support engineers answered that Multé is specific to the AA-2000-ZOOM model which is a different beast (more than a frequency limit difference). The AA-1500-ZOOM has the multi-SWR feature but no Multé. Perhaps in a future firmware release, who knows?
I was so apprehensive seeing the protective film on the screen and then you delivered a well timed and skillful removal........I can now continue with the review. 😂🤣😂
Just got this as an early Xmas present from my Son! Moved up from an AA-230 Zoom to this model.... what an excellent tool. And it DOES come with an SO-238 Adapter. The display is awesome. Love this tool. The Multi SWR and Multi' features are super for multi-band antenna work!
AA-35 Zoom here. I'm excited to see your video on the "All Params". I get lost there. I can hack my way around the meaning of RL, Z, X, C with a Google search...however, the numbers... what exactly am I looking at? What are "good" numbers and what are "bad" numbers. Maybe I'm too dumb for that menu choice. LOL The manual is just the starting point or highlight of the meters. I would love a deep dive into these devices and that doesn't seem to be around. I believe I just need to wait for your follow up videos for the answers! Can't wait to see your coming videos. POTA on! 73.
Anything beyond a cursory review of those numbers and features would results in a deep dive into antenna theory. Not being an engineer, some of this stuff is way beyond me too. I'll see if I can work on something that distills things down to the basics.
@@KB9VBRAntennas if it's above you then I shall not sweat the numbers. I honestly thought it was just me. This is deep stuff. 73
Generally, the good numbers that you're looking for to satisfy the engineers at Icom are, for example:
SWR better than 1.5:1
Return Loss better than 15
Impedance of 50 ohms
Hypothetically, that mathematical scenario would indicate 96.84% of your power inserted is emitted into space. Those are "good numbers." Other numbers will work, but that is a good reference point.
You're not too dumb. The fact that you've expressed an interest means that you'll soon achieve competency.
Thx Michael, I recently obtained a Zoom 35, was impressed on the ease of use. They have really created a very nice series of analyzers. I have the MFJ 259C, and was looking forward to purchasing the comet caa500mkii, hard to justify. , but think thats another great bit of kit. My 35 Zoom now my carry along n go to unit,.. cheers n 73
Great review. That's the big daddy that I'd love to have. I do use my AA-35 and wish I had bought the AA-50 to have 6 meters available. The rig expert is invaluable when using the Wolf River Coil. Thanks Michael.
I like the little Rigexpert Stick for adjusting antennas in the field. Then I can leave the 'big meter' at home.
RigExpert antenna analyzers are 100% worth the price. Once you use one, you’ll never go back to your old analyzer. Fast, easy to use, consistent readings, and good ergonomics. While the AA-2000 is very expensive, most amateurs will only need the AA-55 which is very reasonably priced.
a really, really good intro review & tnx! 73 de WA4ELW in TN 🇺🇸 dit dit 😃
This is a really great review. I have the AA-35 Zoom and its been a very invaluable tool. The only issue I have is that it is very difficult to see in sunlight, and still difficult outdoors under cover. I like being able to change frequencies while using the SWR meter. One thing I have noticed is that if an antenna has a very narrow bandwidth. the indication of resonance on the band it was designed for can be missed if the screen is zoomed out too much. I have an 80 meter inverted v with a very narrow bandwidth, and zoomed out the meter shows that the lowest SWR is about 9 to 1, but zoomed in it shows to be about 1.5 to 1. That may be due to the resolution of the frequencies analyzed when zoomed out and is not a complaint of mine. 73 KD5YOU
One thing I didn't mention with these meters is that they take the same number of samples across a frequency range. So if you are zoomed out, your resolution will be coarser then when you select a smaller range. Hence missing a very narrow band dip in an antenna. I think you can adjust the resolution in the settings, I'll have to check.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I’ve learned the step resolution for the AA-35 may be adjusted while using their AntScope. I assume that capability holds true for any of their other models that are capable of using AntScope.
What I did notice is a difference between the SWR readings on the handheld versus their AntScope software. For example, a SWR of 2:1 on the handheld may read 2.5 on their AntScope software. Thanks again, Michael, for engaging the ham community with great content.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Ok thank you! These are really great meters and I would recommend them to every ham.
Good review for you.....price way out of line for Rig Expert
My question is: How is the accuracy of the AA-600 verses the AA-2090? I know, in general, the wider the range of something, the less accurate, competent, and so forth, it is. But, I do not know if the AA-2000 suffers from the same issue when compared to the AA-600. Any insights would be greatly appreciated - thank you.
That's a good question, my gut says the meter is most likely quite accurate across the entire range. I think to test that hypothesis it would have to be compared to high precision commercial grade analyzer.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you for your acknowledgement (and answer) to my question. I appreciate it.
I like my Stick Pro. I didn't know RigExpert put out the AA-2000. I like that screen! Check your email too. You had an error from our P2P QSO this past weekend.
Excellent video review!
I have the AA-55 Zoom and Stick Pro - between them they do all, but miss out on 23cm which I've just started on, both are less than 2 years old. What would be genius of the Rig Expert marketing department would be to offer some form of trade in, espeically on these more expensive analyzers. I dont want to have 3 analyzers when I have one which will do it all - they should incentivize the purchase, knowing I'd get something for two very good condition analyzers to get one better one would do it for me.
A trade in program would be nice, especially if you owned a higher end meter and wanted to step up a level. I don't know how that would fit into their business model, though.
That was a great review. Unfortunately I do not have the rig expert. The AA 2000 it’s priced way out of my league, But the AAA 600 with me quite well. I just wish I knew about it before about the one I have. But thanks for the review it was a very good one.
WD5ENH
Steve
How is this compared to the NanoVNA? They have a new one that can do up to 4GHz, I think.
Pcs electronics has 3 year waranty 😉
How would I get another manual. Set it down at a park and went back it was gone.
Content is very good. Learn alot about proable
Rigexpert has a downloadable copy of the user manual on their website: rigexpert.com/products/antenna-analyzers/aa-2000-zoom/downloads/
3:32 It looks like you can easily swap out the N connector with UHF.
All my cables are UHF, so I put an adapter on the meter.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I know, I was mentioning that you can unsolder the N connector and remove the 4 screws to replace it with a UHF connector for your cables, if you wanted to.
@@furonwarrior its strongly unrecommend to do so...
@@lemmbitkuzin Why?
@@furonwarrior because:
1) all Rigexpert`s AA calibrated with native connectors.
2) its quite hard to put away N-connector there, mechanically.
3) you really need UHF on 2 Ghz? )
Difficult to grasp, but that specific antenna analyzer is almost the equivalent cost of a Yaesu FT991A or Icom 7300. My opinion, the price is more than absurd. I recently purchased the AA-35 with the hope of utilizing its built-in polar functions-a Smith chart. Apparently, the AA-35 and AA-55 use the same keypad, but only the 55 contains the useful tool.
My Comet and Nano, in some contexts, preform better. Great review, Michael. Nice product. Absurd price.
I get what you are saying. This meter is priced like a piece of commercial test equipment. For the average ham, it would be out of their league. But for the person that spent 5,000 on a rig and 15,000 on an antenna system, its price feels more reasonable.
I would consider the NanoVNA and it's offshoots a good value rather than this. They would be smart to compete in that market instead of relying on a few sales of this product to make their fortunes.
I would prefer quality over value. And to not support the CCP... Just my opinion. If we keep living by "it's good enough for the price" then that's all we'll have left.
@@twohandsandaradio If you knew what you we're talking about instead of vomiting opinions you would know there is great quality as well as value with many CCP products. In fact I bet you are an Apple customer and every bit of those things are a Chinese product. Everything is made in China and if you buy anything, anywhere, you support the CCP right along with everyone else you do business with as they buy, operate, and service you, with products from China or Asian countries controlled under the umbrella of China. Even The Ford or Dodge you drive has a lot of Chinese made electronics and other products. And you have all those greedy and corrupt unions in the 70's and 80's who drove manufacturing companies to move to Asia so they could make their money just like every other American company with more and more of our businesses going over seas. The damage has been done and there is nothing we are going to be able to do about it in our lifetimes. Furthermore Rigexpert is made in Ukraine formerly a part of Russia and is under imminent attack from Russia as they want them back for the strategic military port, industry making over priced analyzers, and a source of Russia supporting taxes. And you can thank the republicans for their goal to hold power but never legislate and be engaged on the world stage trying to conduct real government work for our country instead of tearing it all down further than they already have. I don't know about you but I don't feel like we have much left, and even that is being priced out of reach of many of us. That's why I have a good quality NanoVNA to optimize my antennas and help others who can't even afford that who want to get on the air as best they can with meager budget constraints to buy used or Chinese gear to talk to someone who can't even tell where the radio components inside came from originally. If you don't support the CCP, then you have basically nothing at all, even house construction products are made in China. We just don't have much choice, and we made it that way, don't forget that. I don't support and endorse communist government, but I do support and endorse every effort of getting the most out of the few dollars I do have, through the ways and means available for me to work with.
@@twohandsandaradio Bravo!
@@JohnSmith-bb2np I think the general point that Mr. Smith was attempting to make, insofar as the USA is concerned -- a commie is a commie, no matter where their geographical location. We all benefit as a Americans when everyone in the USA is gainfully employed, self-sufficient, and independent. In an effort to remain on topic, I too wish more of our ham radio interests were manufactured in the USA. I wish that someone such as Michael, could develop and sell an American antenna analyzer -- similar to the AA-2000.
Someone here locally has one of Michaels J-poles and loves it.
Waiting on an affordable antenna analyzer that can do 5cm. lol
A good value? Give me a break! That thing costs more than I paid for my Icom7300!!
Apples/Oranges comparison. The AA-2000 is as feature packed and much cheaper than a commercial grade analyzer.
TOO BAD IT DOESNT COVER THE THREE CITIZENS BANDS MURS, FRS and CB27MHZ.
It does cover those bands (I've used the meter to test a GMRS antenna), it just doesn't have the onscreen guides that show the edges of those bands.
Stupidly overpriced products, features are nice, overall idea is nice, but the juice is just not worth the squeeze.
Really nice review Michael, after having watched it I broke the bank and replaced my good old AA-520 with a AA-1500-ZOOM. I am really happy with it and totally worth the upgrade. It is pricey but this RigExpert and you know what you are paying for: quality and reliability. However I do not see the Multé option under the Tools menu. Is it a feature only seen on the AA-2000 ZOOM? Latest firmware (1.7) has been installed. 73, de VE2AKS.
I think Multé first appeared on the Stick line of analyzers. My Stick 230 has it and I was a little surprised to see it on the AA-2000. But I suppose that meter was released after the Sticks, so they carried over the feature. My older AA-600, and I'm sure the AA-1500, has the multi-swr feature, which is probably the closest you'll get to multé.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I wrote to RigExpert and their support engineers answered that Multé is specific to the AA-2000-ZOOM model which is a different beast (more than a frequency limit difference). The AA-1500-ZOOM has the multi-SWR feature but no Multé. Perhaps in a future firmware release, who knows?
Well done review. I am shopping for a RigExpert and was pleased to watch your explanation of the multi-band capabilities. 73 KI4ZKE