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Reviews For: Palstar ZM30 Antenna Analyzer

Category: Antenna Analyzers

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Review Summary For : Palstar ZM30 Antenna Analyzer
Reviews: 56MSRP: 329.00
Description:
The Zm30 is an automated micro-controlled SWR antenna analyzer with a 8 bit micro-controller with a precision low power DDS signal generator. It also includes a self-calibrating reflectometer and displays SWR at selectable frequencies from 1 Mhz to 30 Mhz. It measures: SWR,impedance,reactance, and inductors and capacitors, transmission lines,stubs, and Q and resonant frequency. There is a serial port for field upgradable software. Battery operated.
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.palstar.com/palmain.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00564.1
N1SV Rating: 2005-08-14
The first antenna analyzer that plots measurement data on a pc Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have owned my ZM-30 for almost four months now and it’s been extremely handy. Its ability to sweep an antenna and provide a panoramic display of its performance using a pc and the ZM-LINK software is worth the purchase price alone. Here is a link to some plots of my antennas http://home.comcast.net/~lespeters/Palstar1.htm.

Things I like:

· First commercial analyzer to utilize DDS technology, providing a highly accurate and stable RF source.

· Measures R +/- J

· Automatic scanning feature

· Variable audible tone with minimum pitch indicating lowest SWR

· Field upgradeable firmware via 9-pin serial port (easy to use).

· Accessibility to battery compartment and ability to use rechargeable batteries.

· ZM-LINK software for plotting measurement data on pc. This is an invaluable tool for providing a panoramic view of your antennas performance.

Things that could be improved upon:

· RF input connector is BNC.

· 30 MHz upper frequency limit.

· Vertical scale resolution with ZM-LINK software. The maximum SWR value is 9:1 which makes it difficult to see changes in SWR that are less then 0.5. It would be more useful if the maximum SWR could be switched to 3:1 making it easier to make fine antenna adjustments.

· Analyzer crashes if configured to send data to com port but no com port connected. The only way I know of to clear this condition is to remove batteries from unit as on / off switch has no affect.
KY6R Rating: 2005-06-10
Wow! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have been using an MFJ SWR Analyzer for the past few years, and while it has served its purpose, this unit runs rings around it. It is more stable, easier to use, built like a tank, and is backed by a really great company.
KI6SZ Rating: 2005-05-02
Best Analyzer for the Money! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I picked up my ZM-30 about three weeks ago and was really impressed with the quality of manufacture and the ease of use. I have since upgraded the firmware to V2.5 and was again very impressed with the additional features.

This analyzer is hands down just about the handiest piece of test gear I have in the shack. It is great to be able to measure the exact reactive components and adjust an antenna accordingly. It stays exactly on frequency and the ability to automatically scan an antenna's swr over an intended amateur band and then display the swr and the frequency of the lowest swr point is first-rate! The ZM-30 also seems to work very well in the presence of rf fields (unlike the POS! "made from junk" 259 I had). They really did their homework when they designed the ZM-30! Thanks Palstar!! -- It is nice to find a top-notch made-in-America product line!!

The bottom line: I think this is the the best design, construction and performance.
AI8H Rating: 2005-04-07
Pristine! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just received it today, via a 'No Hassle' order with extra help to get it here in time for a weekend of Spring 2005 antenna work.

This device is likely the best built piece of amateur radio test equipment, ever. As an earlier reviewer mentioned, it is built like a tank. The quality of construction, support and documentation are second to none.

Peeking inside reveals a quality PC board without post-design patches. Pure simplicity of competent design abounds. No solder blobs, nor sandwich crumbs. These folks are pro's.

Just running some preliminary checks revealed the 'VFO' function to be extremely accurate, completely stable and strong. Betcha one could work QRP dx with the signal.

The 'Inductance' and 'Capacitance' functions are more accurate than needed and most pleasing.

The 'Impedance' function is simply amazing! Scanning any antenna with it is simple.

Measurements on antennas that took hours to take and document were verified with this instrument in seconds. And it reveals the 'sign' without doodling around.

Battery replacement? 4 screws hold a thick aluminum cover anchored to machined backplate (all finely finished).

Form and Fit - Painfully precise. Powder-coated finish with finely detailed, easy to read lettering. The LRF's (Little Rubber Feets) on the back are precisely positioned. Not one fingerprint on it as received.

The ZM-30 is extra-easy to use, with a brightly lit backlight display. Completely user programmable, friendy, and UPGRADABLE! It comes loaded with goodies not even mentioned in the Palstar ads, especially the ZM30-BT balanced transformer adapter for ladder line measurements.

Want a great, useful piece of equipment that is not a liability? Give it a try and distance yourself from the 'shabby'.













KB4QLZ Rating: 2005-03-30
Nice..... Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've been wanting one of these for a while. The ZM30 is built like a tank, and easy to use. I just finished up a loop for 40M, and the ZM30 came in very handy....


Mark - KB4QLZ
K9JP Rating: 2005-01-26
Outstanding Value and Accuracy Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just received my Palstar ZM-30 Digital Antenna Z Bridge Today. Packed very well. The instruction manual / user guide was very complete, easy to understand, and written in a way that will make operation easy to use and understand.

I just finished a comparison of the ZM-30 versus my calibrated IFR-1900 service monitor, and Eagle return loss bridge. I took measure measurements of my 80 meter loop, 20 meter dipole, and Gap Challenger 80 - 10 meter vertical. Then repeated the measurements with the ZM-30. All the readings from the ZM-30 were exactly the same as the IFR / Eagle combination. Yes, what this means is that using the ZM-30, you will receive accurate antenna analysis based on complex impedance measurements for a fraction of the cost of commercial test equipment.

Just some, of the many features I really liked about this analyzer are:

1) Automatic scanning results displayed as frequencies with the lowest SWR.
2) The DDS signal generator was within a cycle on every frequency measured.
3) Operating modes allow for measurement of overall network impedance and network components (inductors and capacitors).
4) Audible sidetone to indicate resonance.
5) Battery operation for field use, and battery voltage display at power up.
6) Serial port to PC for field - upgradable software.

Once again, Paul and the Palstar Team have done their BEST to give us American Made Exceptional Quality and Value. THANK YOU, de Jeff - K9JP