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Reviews For: RigExpert AA-30 Antenna Analyzer

Category: Antenna Analyzers

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Review Summary For : RigExpert AA-30 Antenna Analyzer
Reviews: 39MSRP:
Description:
The RigExpert AA-30 is a powerful antenna analyzer designed for testing, checking, tuning or repairing antennas and antenna feedlines. It provides a graphical display of SWR and impedance (magnitude and phase) over a user-defined frequency range which significantly reduces the time required to adjust an antenna. Easy-to use measurement modes, as well as additional features such as connection to a personal computer (to plot Smith diagrams, etc.), makes the RigExpert AA-30 attractive for professionals and hobbyists.

The following tasks are easily accomplished with the RigExpert AA-30:

Tuning an antenna to resonance
Antenna SWR and impedance measurements
Measuring the parameters of coaxial lines
Cable testing and fault location
Measuring capacitance or inductance of reactive loads
Use as a signal source for testing receivers, filters, etc.
Product is not in production
More Info: https://rigexpert.com/discontinued-products/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00394.6
WA3ETD Rating: 2014-02-17
Lost Without It Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've had the AA-30 for nine months, and is without a doubt the best money spent in ham radio for the value. I operate a Part 5 experimental station in the MF at 470 kHz, with an antenna system requiring daily retuning. With the analyzer, I instantly know how far off resonance I am, as well as the current complex impedance. The graphical display is outstanding. It's now also a breeze to identify those mystery toroids, etc. If you hombrew antennas and matching networks, you need this analyzer.
KB1HYR Rating: 2014-01-11
Excellent piece of gear Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Though one should always read manuals, this thing is designed intuitively enough that I used it for a long time before bothering with the manual. I've never tried to hook it to a PC as I only run Linux and their software is Windows. But as a standalone unit it is just fine. This thing provides a plethora of information and works beautifully out of the box. I can't ask for anything more!
ZL1BJQ Rating: 2013-10-13
Simply brilliant. Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Easy to use with or without a computer. It does a lot more than I have needed but it sure makes adjusting tank ccts a breeze. Anyone building linear amps let alone antennas might wonder how they did it without an analyser. I am very happy with the AA30 but with hindsight would pay the extra for the AA54. Size and portability, ease of use, battery life are all good. USB connection saves battery.
N6HE Rating: 2013-07-15
PERFECT for me! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It's always Field Day at my house - I'm always wondering, "Hmmmm, I wonder how this new antenna concept would work out?" - about 6 times a year! Plus FD every year. So........ this gizmo is excellent and I swapped out my MFJ-269 for the RigExpert AA-30. GREAT move for me!

Jeez, I LOVE the graphical display! With all these newly-erected things, the graphically-displayed SWR-vs-Frequency charts are very intuitive and clearly show me what's going on with my latest Antenna-of-the-Day. Using it with a multi-band OCF dipole was a kick - all the dips were exactly where thy were supposed to be - and determined with just a few button pushes.

I don't need computer hook-up, just a lightweight PORTABLE (and not having 10 batteries!) antenna analyzer. It's perfect for me, and I love it. we used it at our club's 2013 FD to re-tune a mis-tuned tribander and it was a snap compared to last year's MFJ exercise - everyone was impressed.

Bought my AA-30 at Dayton 2013. As with all equipment shipped with lightweight (literally!) batteries, I replaced them with DuraCell batteries; no knock against RigExpert from me at all.


Bottom line, it's great, I love it!

73
Ray N6HE
W4TTZ Rating: 2013-06-23
Not the best quality Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Used it once and then it refused to shut off or do anything else. Customer service sucks, said just open it and clean the contacts it must have gotten water in it. How I don't know it was never out of the house. Opening it up did nothing except violate the warranty, so now the trash men will have fun figuring out what it is.

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I have been pressured by two individuals from Array Solutions to alter my review and at least say they were not the dealers that I purchased it from Originally. So here it is, they did not sell it to me, and now they say they would have fixed it under warranty, all this information only comes forward after I wrote the initial review. Again really poor customer support.
2E0UDX Rating: 2012-12-30
It's brilliant! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is my first analyizer as i have always borrowed an MFJ in the past. I went for the rig expert because i have watched a few reviews on Youtube and thought it looked simple to use and was very accurate .All i can say is get one you won't be dissapointed .
WK3J Rating: 2012-04-28
Excellant piece of test gear Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is my first antenna analyzer, so I can't make a comparison to others. However, I'm an electrical engineer with over 25 years of hardware and software product development so I know and appreciate a good piece of test gear when I get my hands on it. The AA-30 is very portable and intuitive to use. Plus being able to make prints or PDFs of the SWR or Z scans using the USB interface is really great. Makes tuning an almost fun experience. Ordering was easy and the unit arrived within 2 days.
N4EEB Rating: 2012-04-15
Great Tool Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Been using mine on and off for about a year. I have used it on my home station antennas, while getting mobile ready for QSO Party and while in Puerto Rico on a trip. It has been a great, dependable tool.
AE2K Rating: 2012-01-24
Quality Analyzer Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was in the market for a quality antenna analyzer and read many of the reviews on this site. I chose this over the MFJ-259 because of the craftsmanship.

I bought this analyzer to add to my ham radio collection. At the moment, I used it to tune 10 Meters to 20 Meters on the Buddistick antenna with a steady whip length and various radial lengths. After several tests, I was able to resonant the antenna with various coil tap settings.

I am looking forward to using this for many years to come on various antennas. It is a must have instead of just a SWR meter and saves you much wasted time on resonating your antenna.

I purchased the analyzer from Array Solutions. The only negative thing was that it took 6 days UPS shipping from Texas to New York for $16 for the 1 pound box?
KJ4VTH Rating: 2011-12-21
love it Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Graphic and numerical displays permits quick and easy adjustment of Buddistick antenna which means I can make more DX contacts with less power and no external tuner/match unit.
Also look at the AA-54 for simultaneous multi-band display and AA-230 for VHF coverage.