Your viewers may be interested in my video on the RigExpert AA-55 Zoom: ruclips.net/video/Q2HDuv84mkw/видео.html I review the operation of nearly all of the features, which would also apply to the AA-230 Zoom.
I have two favorite features of the RigExpert. First, it displays the resonant frequency. I have no patience for analyzers that can sweep and plot a curve, but somehow cannot remember the frequency that yielded the lowest SWR. The second is how it can transmit audio to my HT, allowing me to leave the RigExpert in the shack to measure the full feedline while I make adjustments at the antenna. With other analyzers this is a two-person job.
Nice unboxing and review, I have the MFJ-266 which is similar to the RigExpert but only goes up to 230MHZ ($359.00) and I have the MiniVNA Tiny ($559.00) If I had to do it all over again I would only get the minivna, it does cost a couple hundered dollars more but it does more and it does it easier in my opinion (no deep cryptic menus to thumb through). It goes up to 3Ghz, allows 2 port measurement (S1,1 and S2,1) and I think it is much more flexible. For what it is worth, thanks for sharing !
Be sure and download the AntScope software and add that to your review. The 2 work together very well and really open up the usability of the Antenna analyzer. Especially when working with multi band antennas. I have the AA-600 and the AA-30.zero. Antscope really makes those shine. 73 Dave and great first look.
Good job Dave. Excellent tool to have. The coverage is continuous, right? If before a trip I might double check a CB antenna, the unit covers continuously?
Nice video. Two questions: 1) what is the "zoom" part of the title? and 2) can you compare and contrast the AA-230 with the AA-600? Other than the obvious difference in frequency range covered, is there any other differences in display and other capabilities? I am considering the AA-600 to cover the 440 band, but it looks to be older and with less options? I am not sure. Thanks. 73. de Dave, AE7TD
@@DaveWickertAE7TD / David Casler , The Zoom are re-designed versions of the older models who existed for years (AA-30, AA-54). For example the AA-55 ZOOM is a total re-design of the AA-54. The AA-55 ZOOM now has a color display instead of the monochrome one on the AA-54 and has new functions added to it like the return loss chart and the smith chart which where standard in the AA-600-AA-1400 models. The AA-600 - AA-1400 indeed look older, but are the high end line of RigExpert and are used a lot in the field by telecom professionals. They are also equipped with a color display which you can read pretty good in the bright sunlight. I own a AA-600 my self and use it on a daily basis. I owned a AA-54 before I stepped over to a AA-600, and sold it to a OM friend of my which is still using it.
I am a big fan of yours and you are my Go To Guy for the real skinny but I will turn the tables and suggest something. "If all else fails, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS". ha ha ha ha ha I saw somewhere on YT that on some MFJ Analyzers if you use a certain function and do not have an antenna attached you could "fry" the analyzer. This if true is a case in point and makes my point. Keep up the good work. All that you do is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your review Dave. Your feedback on the following please: I want to test my feed lines - including fittings - that go out of my portable / go box station for irregularities. I am more concerned about fittings than the line itself (which is Messi & Paoloni "M&P"). Given that it is easier to connect the analyzer on the antenna end of the line (as opposed to the station end), will I damage my station if I run the analyzer on the antenna end of the line whilst the line is connected to my station? Some context: Reason I am considering to do this is because the transceiver is fitted inside a go box, so I would have to take everything out to run the analyzer on the end of the line out of the transceiver. More context on how my Yaesu FT-857D is connected to a number of lines: V / UHF jack: T-fitting, splitting the exit in two. One goes into a Diamond Antenna duplexer (*) specific to the Yaesu FT-857, the other one goes in a 30cm M&P line that connects onto a panel PL259 fitting. The latter connects onto the line reaching the V / UHF antenna(s). HF / 50 MHz jack: T-fitting, splitting the exit in two. One goes into a Diamond Antenna duplexer (*) specific to the Yaesu FT-857, the other one goes in a 30cm M&P line that connects onto a panel PL259 fitting. The latter connects onto the line reaching the HF / 50MHz antenna(s). (*) Duplexer: This is used to combine the V / UHF and HF / 50 MHz output jacks out of the radio onto a single jack that feeds a Yaesu ATAS-120A multi-band screw antenna. The setup above delivers at the back plate of my go box 3 antenna jacks: One for V / UHF, one for HF / 50 MHz, and one for the ATAS-120A (that combines the V / U and the HF / 50 MHz). With my analyzer I would like to test all lines incl. fittings for irregularities. Comments welcome!
One way to test your fittings beyond the usual ohmmeter checks. Connect the far end of the cable to a dummy load, then check the SWR on each band you use. It should be 1:1.
How do I get service for my AA-230Zoom? I have emailed the US/Canada office several times and no answer. I have also emailed the Ukraine office and no answer. My RigExpert needs service and I can't get ant response from Rigexpert.
could you please explein how i have to interprets the parameters show in the the function "all params" for an antenna? i can read swr, Z, R and X also RL phase, L and C. So witches supposed to be the value into a correct tuned antenna?
The important value is the SWR. The other parameters are used in the calculation of SWR. For good performance, you would like an SWR of less than 2 to 1.
David Casler I found this. Listen what says about swr and resonant antenna. ruclips.net/video/0WtkZx3-0k4/видео.html Anyway thanks for your prompt replay, hope this link help us to use correctly this beautiful instruments.
My wife treated me to one of these last year as I like to build my own QRP antennas for portable work. These really are a great little analyser and the more you use it the easier it becomes. The multi SWR is an excellent tool as it the ability to check where on your coax you have an issue. Thank you for the review and I look forward to your next one showing in greater detail how this little bit of kit works. 73 M6KVK
Good reviews but you should consider reading the manual prior to a review. I have seen this before. Your call but it makes for a better review when one can get on with it.
I'm not familiar with all of their line. They will certainly try to differentiate the various models. Usually the higher-priced ones can be used on higher frequencies.
Good review except you don't watch the context menu at the bottom of the screen. When setting the frequency for the sweep all you need to do is press the F key and it will let you choose the band. The analyzer will then automatically pick the midpoint and offset to sweep the whole band.
I really like the content of your videos but you really need to keep your hands still when you show things that you are holding. I am extremely distracted from what you are trying to show me if I have to work on seeing things in constant motion. Oh, and I really like the quality you get from your camera setup. What video hardware do you use?
I just received a rig expert 500 yesterday and have an ungodly number of problems with it and no way to really contact anyone for help except an email in ukraine. When you finally locate the manual it's in a font size smaller than anything I've ever seen in my life when you print it out, the software doesn't work on any of the three computers that I have and it screwed up the booting on two of them. When you change velocity factor in the settings it's not reflected when you go to take the measurement. The manual does not include any instructions on the functions on the second screen. To top it all off there's really no f****** help at all from the rig expert company for any of these problems they sell it to you and then tell you to go to hell.
It seems like RUclips has a program to keep bad reviews for products from appearing here. The biggest problem I've had with my rig expert 500 is that their software will not go on to any one of my three laptops and it actually trashed one of them and it will no longer boot actually it caused that problem two of them but I've managed to get one of the damaged laptops to boot. There is absolutely no support for anything from rig expert other than an email in the Ukraine which they do not answer. Be very careful if you spend your money on this garbage I've never had such Poor support on any product that I've ever bought.
I bought one of these and am sadly disappointed. If you intend to use this thing to make precise harmonic attenuation stubs from high quality coax, good luck. The unit, even after calibration using the arcane manual, it is inaccurate. The stubs are way off and utterly useless. Many other highly irritating features cause me to return to my several years old MFJ-259B. Extra Class licensed 61 years in VA
Your viewers may be interested in my video on the RigExpert AA-55 Zoom:
ruclips.net/video/Q2HDuv84mkw/видео.html
I review the operation of nearly all of the features, which would also apply to the AA-230 Zoom.
I have two favorite features of the RigExpert. First, it displays the resonant frequency. I have no patience for analyzers that can sweep and plot a curve, but somehow cannot remember the frequency that yielded the lowest SWR. The second is how it can transmit audio to my HT, allowing me to leave the RigExpert in the shack to measure the full feedline while I make adjustments at the antenna. With other analyzers this is a two-person job.
Reading the manual and playing with the analyzer beforehand really helps.
But is far less fun.
They've come a long way! Glad to be a proud owner of the AA 600 unit.
Very impressive analyzer. I was wondering how they performed and you have proved to me they are worth having, Thanks Dave.
Nice unboxing and review, I have the MFJ-266 which is similar to the RigExpert but only goes up to 230MHZ ($359.00) and I have the MiniVNA Tiny ($559.00) If I had to do it all over again I would only get the minivna, it does cost a couple hundered dollars more but it does more and it does it easier in my opinion (no deep cryptic menus to thumb through). It goes up to 3Ghz, allows 2 port measurement (S1,1 and S2,1) and I think it is much more flexible. For what it is worth, thanks for sharing !
Be sure and download the AntScope software and add that to your review. The 2 work together very well and really open up the usability of the Antenna analyzer. Especially when working with multi band antennas. I have the AA-600 and the AA-30.zero. Antscope really makes those shine. 73 Dave and great first look.
Good job Dave. Excellent tool to have. The coverage is continuous, right? If before a trip I might double check a CB antenna, the unit covers continuously?
I love the way you open it up fire it off and try to use it without the help of the manual ( just like me ) . Great review David Byrd KN4BHS
100kHz to 230MHz nice range and good screen size. Smaller size than the clunky style of the MFJ. Thank you for the review Dave.
Mike N6IMY
Dave, thank you so much for this review. Am close to pulling the trigger on buying a good analyzer and the AA-230 Zoom is my current first choice.
Note the rubber seal on the battery box lid. I have the early non bluetooth unit, what a wonderful piece of test gear.
Nice video. Two questions: 1) what is the "zoom" part of the title? and 2) can you compare and contrast the AA-230 with the AA-600? Other than the obvious difference in frequency range covered, is there any other differences in display and other capabilities? I am considering the AA-600 to cover the 440 band, but it looks to be older and with less options? I am not sure. Thanks. 73. de Dave, AE7TD
Not sure at this point on any of your questions, but I'll try to cover them in an upcoming video.
i am replacing my MFJ 269 that had UHF coverage, but the AA-600 looks like an older style.
@@DaveWickertAE7TD / David Casler , The Zoom are re-designed versions of the older models who existed for years (AA-30, AA-54). For example the AA-55 ZOOM is a total re-design of the AA-54. The AA-55 ZOOM now has a color display instead of the monochrome one on the AA-54 and has new functions added to it like the return loss chart and the smith chart which where standard in the AA-600-AA-1400 models.
The AA-600 - AA-1400 indeed look older, but are the high end line of RigExpert and are used a lot in the field by telecom professionals. They are also equipped with a color display which you can read pretty good in the bright sunlight. I own a AA-600 my self and use it on a daily basis.
I owned a AA-54 before I stepped over to a AA-600, and sold it to a OM friend of my which is still using it.
@@davecasler check my comment on Dave AE7TD comment below.
There's a nice comparison chart on Rig Expert's web site: rigexpert.com/antenna-analyzers-comparison-table/
I am a big fan of yours and you are my Go To Guy for the real skinny but I will turn the tables and suggest something.
"If all else fails, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS". ha ha ha ha ha
I saw somewhere on YT that on some MFJ Analyzers if you use a certain function and do not have an antenna attached you could "fry" the analyzer. This if true is a case in point and makes my point.
Keep up the good work. All that you do is greatly appreciated.
thank you very much for this very nice demonstration 73
OG ..do you think any of the rig expert is capable trying measure A Duplexer.???
Thanks for your review Dave.
Your feedback on the following please: I want to test my feed lines - including fittings - that go out of my portable / go box station for irregularities. I am more concerned about fittings than the line itself (which is Messi & Paoloni "M&P").
Given that it is easier to connect the analyzer on the antenna end of the line (as opposed to the station end), will I damage my station if I run the analyzer on the antenna end of the line whilst the line is connected to my station?
Some context: Reason I am considering to do this is because the transceiver is fitted inside a go box, so I would have to take everything out to run the analyzer on the end of the line out of the transceiver.
More context on how my Yaesu FT-857D is connected to a number of lines:
V / UHF jack:
T-fitting, splitting the exit in two. One goes into a Diamond Antenna duplexer (*) specific to the Yaesu FT-857, the other one goes in a 30cm M&P line that connects onto a panel PL259 fitting. The latter connects onto the line reaching the V / UHF antenna(s).
HF / 50 MHz jack:
T-fitting, splitting the exit in two. One goes into a Diamond Antenna duplexer (*) specific to the Yaesu FT-857, the other one goes in a 30cm M&P line that connects onto a panel PL259 fitting. The latter connects onto the line reaching the HF / 50MHz antenna(s).
(*) Duplexer:
This is used to combine the V / UHF and HF / 50 MHz output jacks out of the radio onto a single jack that feeds a Yaesu ATAS-120A multi-band screw antenna.
The setup above delivers at the back plate of my go box 3 antenna jacks: One for V / UHF, one for HF / 50 MHz, and one for the ATAS-120A (that combines the V / U and the HF / 50 MHz).
With my analyzer I would like to test all lines incl. fittings for irregularities.
Comments welcome!
One way to test your fittings beyond the usual ohmmeter checks. Connect the far end of the cable to a dummy load, then check the SWR on each band you use. It should be 1:1.
Hi Dave, thanks for the video. How does the screen look on the AA when you’re outside on a Sunny day compared to the other analyzers.
73, Noel-W2MSA
It's good
Thank you.
I ordered the AA-55 yesterday but now I wish I'd have gotten the AA-230 instead, I don't know what I was thinking.
Nice review, thanks Dave. What's the bluetooth for, can you visualize the graphs on the computer? Thanks and 73
I haven't tried it yet. I will in an upcoming video.
How do I get service for my AA-230Zoom? I have emailed the US/Canada office several times and no answer. I have also emailed the Ukraine office and no answer. My RigExpert needs service and I can't get ant response from Rigexpert.
Good afternoon, Sir
I will set antenns in freq 155,280 SWR 1.0
return loss, x, and the phase value should be how.
Thank you from Darojat Indonesia
could you please explein how i have to interprets the parameters show in the the function "all params" for an antenna? i can read swr, Z, R and X also RL phase, L and C. So witches supposed to be the value into a correct tuned antenna?
The important value is the SWR. The other parameters are used in the calculation of SWR. For good performance, you would like an SWR of less than 2 to 1.
David Casler I found this. Listen what says about swr and resonant antenna.
ruclips.net/video/0WtkZx3-0k4/видео.html
Anyway thanks for your prompt replay, hope this link help us to use correctly this beautiful instruments.
Can you do a follow up review showing what graphs are given when connected to the computer?
I will.
Very good, looks a nice analyser...
My wife treated me to one of these last year as I like to build my own QRP antennas for portable work. These really are a great little analyser and the more you use it the easier it becomes. The multi SWR is an excellent tool as it the ability to check where on your coax you have an issue. Thank you for the review and I look forward to your next one showing in greater detail how this little bit of kit works. 73 M6KVK
shows me I need to read the instructions before trying it. Quite unlike the MFJ 259
Have one of these and works very well, great addition to ones radio shack! Thanks for the video Dave 73 ZL1MY
nice video
that would be perfect for my moonshine radio transmitter
Good reviews but you should consider reading the manual prior to a review. I have seen this before. Your call but it makes for a better review when one can get on with it.
By definition, it was an unboxing. I decided to see how far I could get without studying the manual. For the next video I'll go through the manual.
I like the way you pronounce the German word Funk :)
I took some German in college, but it didn't stick. :-(
Always why so many different models? This model is way out of my price range. What doesn't the low end model do that this one does.
Thanks!
I'm not familiar with all of their line. They will certainly try to differentiate the various models. Usually the higher-priced ones can be used on higher frequencies.
A simple swr mtr at 10 th the cost will do requires no battery something to think about kg6mn
That's what I used for years. Still have it.
Does RigExpert support Linux operating systems?
Mail RigExpert.
Good review except you don't watch the context menu at the bottom of the screen. When setting the frequency for the sweep all you need to do is press the F key and it will let you choose the band. The analyzer will then automatically pick the midpoint and offset to sweep the whole band.
Thanks for the tip.
I really like the content of your videos but you really need to keep your hands still when you show things that you are holding. I am extremely distracted from what you are trying to show me if I have to work on seeing things in constant motion. Oh, and I really like the quality you get from your camera setup. What video hardware do you use?
Sorry about the tremor. My main camera is a Panasonic G7.
I just received a rig expert 500 yesterday and have an ungodly number of problems with it and no way to really contact anyone for help except an email in ukraine. When you finally locate the manual it's in a font size smaller than anything I've ever seen in my life when you print it out, the software doesn't work on any of the three computers that I have and it screwed up the booting on two of them. When you change velocity factor in the settings it's not reflected when you go to take the measurement. The manual does not include any instructions on the functions on the second screen. To top it all off there's really no f****** help at all from the rig expert company for any of these problems they sell it to you and then tell you to go to hell.
It seems like RUclips has a program to keep bad reviews for products from appearing here. The biggest problem I've had with my rig expert 500 is that their software will not go on to any one of my three laptops and it actually trashed one of them and it will no longer boot actually it caused that problem two of them but I've managed to get one of the damaged laptops to boot. There is absolutely no support for anything from rig expert other than an email in the Ukraine which they do not answer. Be very careful if you spend your money on this garbage I've never had such Poor support on any product that I've ever bought.
I bought one of these and am sadly disappointed.
If you intend to use this thing to make precise harmonic attenuation stubs from high quality coax, good luck.
The unit, even after calibration using the arcane manual, it is inaccurate.
The stubs are way off and utterly useless.
Many other highly irritating features cause me to return to my several years old MFJ-259B.
Extra Class licensed 61 years in VA