Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: RigExpert AA-54

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-54
Reviews: 71MSRP:
Description:
RigExpert AA-54 is powerful antenna analyzer designed for testing, checking, tuning or repairing antennas and antenna feedlines in the range of 0.1 to 54 MHz. USB connection to computer.
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
00714.9
WA8JXM Rating: 2021-01-07
Beware of firmware updates! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had the AA-54 for six years and it performed okay. I noticed a firmware update and downloaded it.

When I went to install the update, it failed and left the AA-54 scrambled (screen full of gibberish).

No help on RigExpert's web other than contact your national reseller. Emailed DXEngineering and their response was that it would have to be sent back to the Ukraine and it is probably better to just replace it.

Well, if that's what happens with a software update and there is no way to fix it, I'm done with RigExpert. I'm not risking aother $300 with them.
VK3LZ Rating: 2020-09-09
Simply the best Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The RigExpert AA-54 is easy to use and the color screen is clear and bright unlike some other analyzers. The case is is well built but the supplied cover is tight and doesn't offer much protection. For building and tuning HF antennas an analyzer makes life much easier and this is simply the best HF Antenna Analyzer in it's price range .

Highly Recommended.
M0TXP Rating: 2020-09-08
Essential Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought the AA54 to help retuning a Butternut HF9V vertical antenna afer taking down for a clean, this helped me save time and frustration, no swr meters and trips up and down the stairs to the shack upstairs
The AA54 is a brilliant analyser and regret not buying one earlier.
Just buy one it, will save you time and frustration
VE4AMN Rating: 2020-09-08
Sweet Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My MFJ-249B gave up the ghost after 15+ year of decent service. After reviewing options I decided that the AA-54 offered the best combination of price and features. What sold me was the ability to view bands simultanously which is very useful for adjusting trap antennas and the 2 AA batteries in an easily accessed compartment. (The MFJ units are a real pain when it comes to batteries)

This unit is easy to operate. It is very cool to see the graphical trace of your system. You get a ton of information and it is easy to adjust the antenna while viewing the results of the changes. Highly recommended.

Updated 2020-09-07

My venerable laptop balked at installing latest version of Antscope and could not "see" the analyzer. Alex from Rigexpert worked with me to unravel the mystery and I am back in business. The actual unit is very robust and besides my VOM is the most used tool in my shack. The software is very helpful and now allows me to plot antenna characteristics of multiple antennas at the same frequency. Both the actual unit and service are top rate and highly recommended.
W4UOA Rating: 2020-09-03
Excellent Analyzer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used the AA-54 with AntScope to work on 4 wire antennas and their feed lines over the past four years. The AA-54 has allowed be to confirm the proper characteristics and operation of the antennas and feed line and balun issues. I strongly recommend this analyzer.
K1VCT Rating: 2019-01-24
Tune your amp to! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is my second, and 'add-on' review for the fantastic AA-54.

Was strugglin' to tune the input slugs on my Ameritron amp. It suddenly occurred to me that the AA-54 could help with that.

Amp output into a dummy load, no drive. AA-54 on amp's input. Manually key the amp and make a whole band's analysis. Adjust slugs as needed.

You don't hear about that application too often, so I thought I'd add the additional review.

The AA-54 is worth every penny paid!
N1DG Rating: 2018-08-26
Don't leave home without it Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was one of the organizers for the recently concluded KH1/KH7Z Baker Island DXpedition. On June 25 we landed on Baker and immediately started building antennas consisting of 3 small SteppIR IRs, 3 big IRs, 3 two element arrays for 20 and 15, verticals for 80 and 160, 2 DHDL receive antennas and a 3 element 6 mtr vertical beam. All had to be tuned due to proximity to the ocean and tides.
Imagine doing this without a reliable and accurate antenna tuner? We took the best, two AA-54s that were used on EVERY antenna we erected. No guesswork, no worries about inaccurate readings. The range display, the quick swr readings. There is no way we would build the camp and make 70,000 QSOs without these valuable tools. Thank you RigExpert!
Don N1DG



Sorry, forgot to give credit where credit is due:
The antenna analyzer was made possible through the generosity of Yuri and Rig Expert. Thanks guys.

Don
N1DG
KF2T Rating: 2018-08-15
Solid Tool! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After owning an AA-54 for the last few years, I wouldn't want to construct or install an antenna without it.

It. Just. Works. Really. Well.

Well built, intuitive operation, easy to read display, good battery life. One of the best decisions I've made in ham radio. If you're an antenna nut like me, get one today!

LB0NH Rating: 2018-04-17
worth every $ Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
it is a extremely handy tool very easy to use. For hams doing qrp and portable radio it is an absolutely essential tool. I use it to tune my buddystick antenna and the rigexpert greatly improves tuning time for this antenna.
WA2SI Rating: 2017-11-10
Great Product! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The AA-54 is a very powerful tool that's quite simple to use. It's worth every penny and can be purchased directly from RigExpert USA. (They offer a better warranty when purchased directly through them.)The build quality is solid and its operation intuitive. This unit is highly recommended.

RigExpert USA's customer service is A1 and e-mails are answered very promptly. The level of customer service and the willingness to "go the extra mile" to ensure you're completely satisfied by Lynette and the entire RigExpert USA staff is second to none and equaled only by Elecraft. (Fine company indeed!)