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You can
write your own review of the AEA CIA-HF.
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K6USN
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 4, 2003 20:58
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A professional grade tool!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have used an MFJ Analyzer for 4 years and never trusted it much. Great concept but less than stellar workmanship. Trade off of quality for pricing. Can't really blame MFJ to read the ham market (price conscious)and adjust accordingly.
I purchased an AEA CIA-HF analyzer recently and
have to say that it is a very sophisticated and professional grade antenna measurement tool.
Well built, very accurate, and with a host of sophisticated measurement options that I feel compelled to build new antennas just to exercise its capabilities.
This is a 'high end' antenna tool but one that you can TRUST.
Improvements? Only thing I can suggest would be slightly bigger printing on the readouts for my over-40 eyes.
This is a 'keeper' in my shack.
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N8LP
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 27, 2002 19:20
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Great tool -
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I was a bit apprehensive about getting this tool as it is a bit pricey, but it is a unique piece of gear that can't be duplicated anywhere at the price.
I don't use it for all my antenna related testing...it has limited ability to measure L & C, doesn't show the sign of reactance, is a little slow to refresh and has marginal battery life. But it is an awesome tool for seeing the full bandpass characteristics of an antenna...especially when using the included software.
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W3FRG
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 25, 2002 16:03
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Excellent tool
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The CIA-HF analyzer is an excellent measurement tool and performs very well in either the manual, direct hands on button approach or the optional computer software package, which is excellent and can store all data for later analysis.
Using the analyzer in the sweep mode you can characterize the RF performance of RF filters, amplifier gain (small signal), couplers, baluns and antenna parameters.
I use it in conjunction with a spectrum analyzer, in sweep mode, to measure additional antenna parameters such as gain and front to back, to name a few. Excellent for adjusting phased or parasitic arrays.
It’s not an HP ANA, but it's the closest available analyzer for amateur and professional use at an affordable price.
You won't be disapointed.
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SM0FLY
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 13, 2002 10:45
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Innovative !
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is probably one of the most innovative tools for the serious ham. Great features that makes antenna tuning or simple network analysis a straight forward job.
Superb AEA!
/Bram
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W6IVW
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Rating: 5/5
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May 29, 2002 01:32
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Check other AEA analyzers, too
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Time owned: months
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Checking the Web, I noticed two other AEA analyzers, the VIA and SWR-121HF. The SWR-121HF was listed as a ham version covering 1-32 MHz, and, per a phone call to AEA, is no longer in production. The VIA is an upgraded CIA, covering 100 kHz - 54 MHz, and contains 4 memories, which means the computer can be connected at a later time to get the enhanced plots provided by the software. The VIA also has accuracy specifications, and higher speeds. Per a technical type at AEA , the VIA has 1.2 scans/second, while the CIA has a scan every two seconds. He may be wrong, as the manual lists 1.2 scan's/second for both. Costs are 395/450 and 595/650, with the higher cost including the software and carrying case. Be sure to check specs in both manuals ( http://www.aea-wireless.com/via.htm and look for manuals), even if you are purchasing the CIA, as it gives you an idea where measurements vs "indication only" data is displayed.
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W4QA
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 8, 2002 10:41
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Super!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have owned a number of SWR analyzers / meters over the years -- and this, by far, tops the list in usefullness. I think the reviews below cover most of the features well.
If I could add anything to what has been said, it is that "a picture is worth a thousand words." There is just nothing like being able to hook this up to any HF antenna and almost immediately "see" the SWR curve, the Z curve, and the R curve, not to mention a bunch of other useful measurements. I have not built a matching network based on the data that is provided by the unit, but I can see how that would be quite easy to do for a given mismatch.
One feature that is particularly useful is the one that "finds" the lowest SWR (generally the resonant frequency) of your antenna for a given range of frequencies. You can very quickly tell if you need to tune the antenna up or down the band -- you receive an easy to read graph and a numerical value for the center frequency and the lowest SWR.
I only wish that AEA would write a lengthy "Application Note" that would describe the myriad of ways in which this device could be used around the shack. (hint, hint, AEA) The manual covers the fundamental operation, but I think a rather large volume could be written on this. This is the "grid dipper" of the 21st century in my humble opinion -- and many of us know how useful one of those little buggers can be in the shack!
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WA6DHJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 19, 2002 21:07
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Neat Toy
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've been in the market for some time for an analyzer. Just couldn't bring myself to buy an MFJ after reading all the bad press about them. They apparantly work very well . . . when they are working, but my policy has always been to buy the best quality possible when buying tools . . . and I've never been sorry.
Anyway, the actual model I bought was the VIA-HF. I thought I was getting what everyone else here had when I ordered it . . . and must say I was surprised when AEA quoted me $600 [figured it was just inflation]. Then after I had placed the order, and checked around, I realized I was getting the VIA version/not the CIA. Added the padded Cordura case for $36.
Even though I haven't had a chance to try all the features, there is no question that this is a quality tool. Excellent keypad feel [positive 'click/bump" when a button is pressed], nice display, and simple menus. Admittedly, there will be a learning curve with this tool. Plan to sit down with the VIA-HF and the ARRL Antenna Handbook tonight to try to figure out all the neat stuff this tool can do.
Uses 8 AA batteries. The factory claims approxmately 8 hours continuous use from a set. Time will tell! The battery compartment opens with two screws. The battery 'holder' [which stays in the tester] is well made and appears very durable.
The only bummer with it [and it is no big deal] is that it is equipped with an "N" type connector for the antenna. I immediately called AEA about this and they stated there was supposed to be an "N" to PL-259 adaptor included . . . there wasn't!
They apologized and said they'd get one to me right away. Meanwhile, I went to Radio Shack and picked one up so I could continue to experiment tonight.
DON
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N4SL
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 18, 2002 17:10
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High Quality
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've owned an MFJ259B for three years but it's poorly built and so unreliable that I searched for a better unit.
I've had the CIA-HF for a month and it's a great tool and is very professionally manufactured.
While I gave this unit a '5', my actual rating is 4.5 for these reasons:
1) The display update is slow. This is OK and understandable when sweeping over a range of frequencies, but when not sweeping and trying to tune a transmatch or gamma match, the update delay is annoyingly slow.
2) When on a single frequency, this very annoying beep-beep occurs to audibly tell you what the VSWR is... and gets old fast. I can't see that you can turn it off.
Really, it's great but I thought I'd play devil's advocate. If you want this primarily to tune your manual transmatch or tune gamma matches or something, get something else. Otherwise, it's amazing.
73, Steve N4SL Machias, WA CN88xa
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KI6YN
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 17, 2001 07:54
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Outstanding Unit and A Real Timesaver!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Using this analyzer, I have cut antenna installation time by 80%. I can also see how honest the antenna specs were! I love the audio beep when tuning for minimum SWR. The graph is terrific for high Q antennas. I was able to setup the antenna to my band preference in a few minutes. The carrying case is a must for tower or even mobile work. I made a power cord with alligator clips for mobile installation and in shack use. It is easy on batteries but why not use what is available and spare the batteries? Highly recommended. Read the instruction manual carefully, a lot of great features you might otherwise overlook.
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WZ5PM
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 12, 2001 21:00
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Buy One!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased the VIA-HF. If your interested in really understanding antennas or if making your own antenna (rather then a "store bought" model), then you owe it to yourself to buy one of these. Even with a simple dipole, you can quickly "learn by doing" and really understand how the antenna and the earth interact.
I also liked the "snuggy pack" a $40 option. It not only protects the unit, but makes it much more usable in the field.
The instruction manual will get you going, but it is on the light side. It would be great if they came out with a BOOK to go with it.
Actually seeing a plot of the SWR and the Q of the antenna is amazingly fun. Let me put it this way: If you have the choice between buying a antenna rotor or buying the CIA-HF or VIA-HF, buy the analyzer! My only other ham experience that has given me this much joy was in getting an Icom 756 pro and SEEING the spectrum around the neighborhood.
Pete
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