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| Reviews Summary for Array Solutions AIM 4170 by W5BIG |
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Reviews: 45
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $520
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Description: Antenna analyzer measures the complex impedance (magnitude and phase) at each frequency of interest in the range of 0.1 to 170 MHz. An advanced program running on your PC is used to calculate several parameters, including WR, R+X, Mag, RL, Angle, and plot the results vs Freq or on a Smith Chart.
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More info: http://www.arraysolutions.com/Products/AIM4170B.htm
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write your own review of the Array Solutions AIM 4170 by W5BIG.
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K2UM
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 9, 2010 08:42
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Simply great !
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The AIM 4170C is absolutely, one of the best purchases I have ever made in this hobby. The capability of this unit is nothing short of superb.
I won't rehash all of its capabilities since those can be read in other reviews or by going to the Array Solutions web site. But, I know I couldn't live without it after using it constantly for over six months. The unit works as advertised and so does the software which is extremely well supported. You don't need to design and build antennas to appreciate what it can do and how it does it. It is superb for monitoring your antenna "health" and gives detailed information on how you can improve your antenna.
Of course, it does more then just an antenna SWR analyzer. This is a "lab" in a small box. The ability to save image files, print, modify settings and so forth is invaluable if you are serious about using an instrument like this.
My review comments are based upon having owned a couple of MFJ analyzers, an Autek and a Palstar. All four are now gone. The MFJs simply died and I gave up on constantly fixing them. But, then those units are not really competitors for the AIM 4170 and it would be foolish to compare such elementary and imprecise equipment to something in the class of the AIM 4170C.
I still own a TimeWave TZ-900 (AntennaSmith) which I have had for about two years and reviewed here, on eHam. I thought it was great at the time I did my review. And, then I got the AIM 4170C .. game over.
I also own a RigExpert AA-200 which is very nice and handy for a quick, lower precision antenna analysis without all the capabilities of the AIM which, again, does so much more, as well it should given what it is. I use the 4170C with a small netbook computer. Works like a charm.
The perfect combination for me is having the AIM 4170C and the RigExpert AA-200 -- they do some of the same things but the AIM is higher precision and does so much more. They both serve a purpose and I am lucky to have both.
Like the poster below, if somehow I lost my AIM 4170 due to fire, theft, stupidity or whatever, it would be replaced immediately with another AIM 4170C. This is one fine piece of equipment and the support, should you need it (I had one minor question along the way) is handled immediately by W5BIG or Array Solutions. Bravo! Job well done, guys.. first rate.
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G3ISB
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 6, 2010 02:47
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It's not just for antennas!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I'm not about to re-iterate all the lavish praises that have been lavished on this instrument. All I want to emphasise is , that this marvelous instrument belongs in every home-brew workshop as well as in quite a few professional establishments. If it went kaput tomorow, I would immediately replace it! 73 Colin (g3isb/dj0ok)
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W5RDW
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 2, 2010 08:22
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Excellent impedance analyzer!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is probably the quickest to get started and easiest to use piece of complex test equipment one could purchase for measuring the complex impedance of devices, especially antennas (which is why I purchased it).
A few years ago, I retired from a career of Microwave Engineering, spanning over 40 years and using this analyzer just one day (I received it yesterday, 2/1/10, from Array Solutions) reminded me of the ultra expensive analyzers I use to use on a daily basis for microwave testing, etc. I felt like I was at the work bench again!
I really can’t add any better descriptive words that have already been said in this forum, but this little box really lives up to its reputation. It is the real thing!
A definite 5 out of 5!
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AC5N
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 15, 2010 06:49
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Great Analyzer
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Been using now for over 6 months, the only way to go. My MFJ 269 is basically brand new and not getting used since I received the 4170C. I won't reiterate everything that has been said, just that this unit is exceptional, an exceptional piece of equipment that should be part of everyones shack.
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KU5Q
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 24, 2009 15:28
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Great for the price.
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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It's good to see the happy responses from satisfied 4170 users, and owners please add one more. The custom altering of the controlling software is the most important to me. I believe the owners of this unit are a unique group as are the designers of it. It would be great to incorporate the electronics into a display and control package like that of perhaps the AEA Bravo devices. That would be killer. I hope there is a enough future demand for such a thing to make it a reality.
Jay and group are fine people. I'm surprised someone hasn't come by and posted a 0/5 spoof review in the same manner as has been done with other equipment in these reviews. Sure it will happen sooner or late. Reasonable people can see through the silliness. Good thing.
KU5Q
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K3LLH
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 24, 2009 11:25
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Outstanding equipment
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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.. this is one of those pieces of equipment that makes you wonder how how got along without it in the past.
It solved an antenna problem I'd been working on for hours in about 30 seconds. My only complaint is that I now have to find more problems to solve .
Support is excellent; the manual/help files are well done. In short, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys understanding, designing and solving antenna problems.
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KD0FES
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 1, 2009 10:41
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Exceptional
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The AIM4170C is proving to be a very valuable tool. My goal was to get something that I could use to log and document various antenna configurations or designs. The graphical format allows great comparisons as changes are made. I really like the re-scan feature which allows me to make changes and see the difference in real time.
This is a great learning tool for me and I would highly recommend it. I liked the idea that software updates could be downloaded and new features added. Coincidently, a software update was posted right after I purchased my unit.
I had it running about 10 minutes out of the box. I find it easy to use and haven’t really explored all of the other things it can do yet.
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EI4GXB
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 7, 2009 03:10
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Top Class Product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased the AIM4170C at the Friedrichhafen Hamfest recently from Array Solutions booth. I looked at the MFJ, Mini VNA also but having got a personal demo from Jay WX0B I was convinced this was the way to go if you're serious about antenna building. Can't recommend this product highly enough.
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W3VR
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 12, 2009 16:50
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Fine VIA
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Just purchased today from Bob at the Array Solutions Table/Display at Ham Com in Plano Centre in Plano, TX. After talking to people I know that have the 4170, and having a chance to use one for some antenna projects, I had to have one. I'm very pleased with the functionality and features of the 4170 for the price compared to the MFJ269 it will be replacing. The MFJ was okay, but the 269 was broke when I received it. Sent it back, HRO sent me another one, also broke. I just decided to fix the 269 myself and keep it. It will be a backup.
Of course the 4170 requires a PC, but that's fine for me as the superior feature set, accuracy, and functionality make it well worth the purchase price.
Very pleased.
W3VR
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K2PO
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 29, 2009 22:07
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Excellent!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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My AIM4170C was a birthday present to myself.
Actually – I bought it a month *after* my birthday. For more than a month before, and for a full month after, I studied specs and reviews of all the competing units. I dithered and dithered – not able to finally decide. The AIM unit kept coming out on top, but I kept hesitating at the price. Sure, it does everything imaginable, but would the cost differential over other analyzers be justified? Eventually, after spending *way* more in time than the '4170 cost, I ordered the unit.
I couldn’t be more pleased.
The other reviews give the technical highlights. The real delight, however, is absolutely dispelling all mystery about what’s going on at the other end of the coax. Want to know if another radial under a vertical is warranted? Add one and see if the feed point impedance changes. Want to know if grounding a nearby antenna affects the resonant frequency of an antenna under test? Try it and see what happens. Want to know if an antenna’s SWR changes with wet soil below? Get out the hose and give it a spray.
Antennas are complex in the sense that their impedances, resonances, bandwidths, etc. are functions of myriad unknown – and often unknowable – environmental factors; modeling is an exercise in optimism. The AIM4170 lets you pierce that intractable shroud of obscurity and see what’s actually going on. Repeatably. Accurately.
And, as others have noted, the customer service is excellent as well.
/Bill, K2PO, Portland, Oregon
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