Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: RigExpert AA-230 ZOOM

Category: Antenna Analyzers

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : RigExpert AA-230 ZOOM
Reviews: 25MSRP: 430
Description:
The analyzer is designed for measuring SWR (standing wave ratio), return loss, cable loss, as well as other parameters of cable and antenna systems in the range of 100 kHz to 230 MHz. A built-in ZOOM capability makes graphical measurements especially effective. An integrated Time Domain Reflectometer mode can be used to locate a fault within the feedline system.
Product is in production
More Info: https://rigexpert.com/products/antenna-analyzers/aa-230-zoom/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00255
G4AON Rating: 2016-05-18
Easy to use, works well Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had concerns about being able to view the colour screen in sunlight, having been assured by a user that it wasn't a problem, I replaced my MFJ-259B with one.

Another Rigexpert review complained about the N socket centre connector and battery cover. I have no such issues with my AA-230.

There wasn't a CD of software supplied in the box, however it's a free download from their site. The upgrade tool and Windows software work well, although tying the analyser to a PC seems a bit pointless to me, it's an antenna measuring tool and is easy to use "stand alone" either outdoors or in the shack.

While the illustrations show an orange colour scheme, in bright light I find the blue scheme seems easier to see.

Battery life is excellent, setting a frequency and span only takes a moment and you can view 5 bands at once.

I've yet to use the SWR2Air tone transmission in anger, but it might be handy for remote antenna matching. You select the SWR meter display and select a frequency to listen on (eg 145.4). You listen to the tone on a hand held, while adjusting the antenna/matching. The tone transmission is independent of the frequency you are using to test the antenna. The better the SWR the higher the pitch and more rapid the pulsing.

All the measurements and checks I've done seem easy and accurate.
K7RTM Rating: 2016-03-24
Worth every penny Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was going to get the RigExpert AA-54 until I discovered this newer model which has a color display and tests 2m. Can't say enough good about it, if you build/tweak or check antennas you must have an analyzer. The MFJ units will get the job done but nothing like the RigExperts. I would get a AA-54 (less expensive than the 230) in a heartbeat over a MFJ, only my opinion. The unit fits well enough sitting diagonal in a 5.11 6 X 6 Padded Pouch still with room for other items.

I hope my 230 holds over the test of time! I LOVE it! Buy it!!
VE3XKD Rating: 2016-03-23
Very well made and intuitive to use Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently received this unit to replace a MFJ 269. I wanted a hand held unit with color graphing capabilities for HF thru VHF antenna adjustment. The RigExpert delivered and was a pleasure to use. The display is nice nd bright and operation is fairly simple. I really like how the RigExpert helped me to test my HF delta loop and see antenna characteristics plotted for all ham bands. Adjusting the loop for best compromise SWR across three ham bands was simple once I saw the SWR across all ham bands at once.

Similarly I was able to adjust a 160 meter Inverted L with ease.

Im still exploring all of the capabilities of this analyzer and I feel that it is like a well designed and high quality lab instrument.
SV1IYF Rating: 2016-02-21
Nice piece of equipment Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I own it almost 3 months now. I must have been an early adopter as mine bears SN 19. It came loaded with firmware 1.1. Upon starting using it seriously the firmware was v.1.5. Since then, I reported 3 bugs that triggered the publishing of firmwares v.1.6, 1.7, 1.8. The maker, RigExpert has been exceptionally responsive and ultra-fast in dealing with my technical queries and feedback.

Regarding the analyzer itself now:
I second VK4SX's expressed opinion. In brief, a very nice and useful measuring instrument. Basic measurements are self intuitive. Diving deeper and especially using it in conjunction with the PC software AntScope involves some learning curve and inherent limitations. For example, one can't share Open-Short-Load calibration data between analyzer and AntScope. The two are incompatible, as the analyzer is more advanced regarding this.

Bottom line:
Despite the above-mentioned shortcomings, I rate it 5/5 as I like it very much and have received very nice technical service from RigExpert.

Nikos sv1iyf
VK4SX Rating: 2016-01-05
great screen resolution Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
have just received the NEW AA 230 ZOOM, wonderful analyser, crisp clear screen resolution, fast crisp action when swapping screens etc, easy to use, printed media is first class, excellent clarity, over all a terrific addition to the shack, have used other REX products, the ZOOM takes it a step further,
great service and price from RFS QLD AU, Tnxs Carsten
Cheers
Dennis vk4sx