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Reviews For: RigExpert AA-54

Category: Antenna Analyzers

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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
AB4O Rating: 2012-04-09
A breath of fresh air Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Finally, a product that is reasonably priced for what it does( saves so much time). Product was well packaged, exudes build quality, and is very simple to use. Was measuring antennas as soon as I put the 2AAs in. Rigexpert has set the standard with these...
KE4WSH Rating: 2012-03-11
Easy to use Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Great little instrument well made does what it says it will do!Use it with my buddistick alot
VE3IAE Rating: 2012-01-20
A great product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Certainly I can clearly endorse all previous comments describing the unit and features. Basically everything has been already said here well in details. But still, I'll try to add my own impressions.
When I opened the package of an ANTENNA ANALYZER, I expected quite a serious book-size extended manual provided. But to my surprise I could only find just an a few pages' small booklet with very basic information. Everything turned to be clear when I turned the unit on. The matter is, the unit basically does not require any instruction. The operation is extremely simple and intuitive. If you know what to expect from an antenna analyzer, you just have to turn it on and press a couple of clearly marked buttons. The unit will do the rest.

It took just a few minutes to check 4 different antennas and get a clear picture what is going on with each of them. Immediately I have found a cause of a problem with my 6 m antenna. As it is mid winter right now, I can't wait for snow to melt so that I would spend some time to re-adjust my 5-band vertical using the 5-frequency feature.

The following is obvious, but still. The SWR-meter is much more accurate than rigs' built-in ones. My IC-775DSP or IC-756Pro3 may clearly show dead 1:1, but the AA54 clearly feels and displays some smaller reactance or so, if any, still unsettled.

The unit is well worth the money and highly recommended.
K4PP Rating: 2011-12-04
Handy for lots of use Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I had the MFJ which a great analyzer but I wanted something that could scan and provide an output curve. I used this analyzer to build a small portable transmitting loop antenna with a gamma matched feed point. During antenna construction of the gamma match, the analyzer quickly and conveniently allowed me to do a wide frequency scan to find the initial resonant point and then allowed me to adjust the feedpoint impedance to match around 50 ohms where I then silver soldered everything together. Now, I use the analyzer to manually set the capacitor in a band before use (antenna has a capacitor motor drive) and as a starting reference for tuning the radio and antenna while operating. The analyzer scan function is also great for displaying the swr bandwidth showing the limits of the antenna. This is a great analyzer if you are looking for something that will get lots of use.
VR2YQK Rating: 2011-11-22
A must have. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought the AA54 after reading the reviews which were really helpful. I was supposed to buy an antenna tuner but I decided to get this AA54. Now, I don't need the tuner.

The AA54 is very handy, well constructed, light weight and easy to use. Just plug your antenna to the unit, switch it on, press the buttons, you get the readings. Just that simple. Two AA size batteries can run the unit for over a month.

I used the AA54 everytime when I used my rig for DXing (cos you know the environment, weather, rain,moisture etc affects the SWR). I used to check the best range of band and operated within the range. AA54 diagnosed the best range for me in just a few seconds. Then, I can just sit there and tune my radio. If you operate at different bands and have to change band frequently, this is a MUST for you.

It's money worth. It saves you a lot of time. If you go out DXing with it, you can set up your antenna DXing in just a few minutes whilst others are still listening to the noise.

With this analyzer, you dont need a tuner any more. Aboslute "MUST HAVE" for DX'er.
KL7JC Rating: 2011-10-17
An awesome value Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It started here and I found the previous reviews very helpful in my selection of an analyzer. Next stop was to call Array Solutions where I spoke to Bob. It was a toss up between the AA 230 and the AA54. Bob asked me a few questions an suggested I save the extra cash and go with the AA54. Some of the rational was AA batteries vs proprietary rechargeable. Another factor was "how often was I really going to analyze UHF/VHF? The answer is every time I buy a new car. For this I will hit up my buddy and his MFJ.
The shipping took two days from Texas to Alaska.
The quality is awesome, features are more than adequate. Software included, updates free, a set of AA batteries. It DID NOT come with a USB cable, but that is a plus because like everyone I have a growing pile of them. I kind of wish it had a case, but I will hit up the Pelican Case site and see what they have.
I'll run this puppy through the paces and add more later, but for now I just can't see any other better valued in a quality antenna analyzers.

PA3HHO Rating: 2011-09-11
Best HF/6m analyzer on the market Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I considered buying an MFJ, but luckily I ran into the RigExpert analysers which offer much more functionality, looks much better, is lighter and is using only 2 AA batteries. All that, for almost the same price.

The AA-54 display is bright and very good to read. If you want to save batteries, the backlight can be switched off. I suspect the housing is reasonably waterproof (rain drops) for a while which is handy as well. The menu is very intuitive, I learned to use it in less than 10 minutes. I'm very impressed with what the A-54 can do and I haven't even connected it to my computer yet: you can download SWR scans to the computer to get better graphics.

For the little extra money, I would recommend the AA-54 over the AA-30 because the AA-30 doesn't have the "multi SRW measurement" feature which is VERY handy when tuning an multiband antenna. You can measure SWR on 5 different frequencies at a time so when you're tuning on 10m, you immediately see the effect on the other bands as well. Pretty cool!

I'm *VERY* impressed with this analyzer and I'm convinced that you will not find a better analyzer in this price range. If you have used this analyzer, you wonder how it's possible MFJ is still selling theirs, seriously.Here's a short demo including the multi SWR measurement:
http://youtu.be/c6czywnMf60.
WY7CDL Rating: 2011-08-21
Great! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I am not sure where to start. Its great. Wonderful tool to have in the kit. I use mine mostly for tuning a buddipole. As well as all my antenna tweaking needs.

Very powerful tool. Little pricey but very useful. The Sales staff is great answering my questions and being very helpful.

Battery life is good. In 2 months only had to change them once with fairly steady use on weekends.

So if your looking to get one... Its well worth it!

WV6U Rating: 2011-07-17
Great functionality and form Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had the miniVNA and still have a MFJ-259. Functionally, the miniVNA is similar but you have to drag a computer everywhere with it so not very practical for outdoors. MFJ-259 is big, bulky, a battery hog and doesn't allow computer control. The AA-54 is perfect is both respects. It's housed in a durable plastic case that can take mild abuse, shows all advanced measurements on the screen, takes only two AA batteries, connects to a computer when required, shows graphs on LCD. Another thing with the MFJ units is that touching the frequency knob changes capacitance and can greatly impact measurements. No such hassle with the AA-54. Only two cribs - won't make coffee and it is not the AA-230Pro :)

Rigexpert has a winner here. It is a bit pricey but a bargain compared to other analyzers out there and worth every penny.
G4HZV Rating: 2011-06-30
Superb Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Started out intending to buy an AA-30, but the UK agent was doing a deal at a local rally, so got the AA-54, which has the additional frequency coverage, the ability to store plots and the multi- SWR feature that is great for tuning multiband antennas.
I've checked it against some loads with known VSWR up to about 5:1 and it's as accurate as my homemade loads!
I've used it on my antennas and friends' antennas and it does the job, very well indeed.

Recommended.