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Reviews For: iPortable iP-30

Category: Antenna Analyzers

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Review Summary For : iPortable iP-30
Reviews: 14MSRP: 199.99 plus shipping
Description:
Pocket size HF SWR Analyzer
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.iportableus.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00144.9
KE1B Rating: 2011-11-02
Good, but could be even better Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have an MFJ-259B, as well as a lab-grade network analyzer, but I wanted something small and light for "suitcase DXpeditions", using a Buddipole and IC-7000. The iPortable IP-30 is perfect for that application; it quickly finds the resonant frequency and indicates SWR, and shows you in an instant how the SWR varies with frequency. Just what you want to see when setting up antennas in the field.

A few nits, though:

(1) I compared the iPortable with both the MFJ and the network analyzer, and it consistently shows a lower SWR than is actually present. When the "true" SWR is 1.2 or so, the iPortable typically shows 1.0. It never indicates a higher SWR than is actually there, and is usually showing a lower value. This is not a "big deal", just something to keep in your back pocket. The resonant frequency indication is always "right on".

(2) It would be nice to have the unit display the battery voltage when it powers up, so you can get advance warning that the battery needs changing. I always carry a spare, but I hate to have something die right in the middle of use.

(3) For $200, Mark could have thrown in the 9V battery, along with a BNC-to-UHF connector adapter. It's all of a buck or two, and most people will need both. (Yes, the Buddipole has a BNC connector, but that's the exception for ham antennas. Most of us use UHF connectors.)

(4) It's a little annoying that the device doesn't remember the settings from the last use, e.g., band and frequency step. It always powers up on 20m with a 100 KHz step setting.

(5) The power switch should be recessed so that it can't be turned on by accident. I have a foam cutout for the unit in my Pelican "DXpedition" case, and have to be careful to slide it in top-first, because the other way would turn the unit on from friction with the foam. The same problem can occur if the unit is tossed in a backpack; it's easy for something to slide against the power switch.

All of these are minor nits. The unit works as described and is adequate for amateur measurement, and ideal for portable use.

-Rich KE1B
W6ZKH Rating: 2011-10-24
Great unit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Received this iP30 and put it right to use making tests on my dipoles and also a multi-band vertical. Really shows you what is needed to adjust the SWR and just how much my tuners are working to get the antenna into tune. Now to get with the antennas and start correcting them.
W7LRY Rating: 2011-10-15
Very good Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is a very useful instrument for all your HF antenna work. It is very well built. Nice neat ckt board with no jumper wires. Runs on low power. 9 volt battery. I use to use a different brand that required eight AA batteries. It is small light weight so easy to carry in the field. Not as expensive as most other analizers. With other models the band selector switch wore out this one uses a push button to change bands. I think it is a great product at a fair price. Service is good I received it in less than a week from ordering. Great for QRP portable but I use it for all my antenna work. I am very pleased with the quality.
N3LJS Rating: 2011-07-08
CORRECTION Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
10M - 160M ONLY, NO 6M. I USE IT ON A RECENT QRP TRIP, IT WORKS GREAT. JUST HAVE TO FIND A GOOD CASE FOR IT.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by N3LJS on 2011-05-25

So far so good. Small enough to put into your shirt pocket.
6m - 160 meters a must for your QRP adventures. I own a MFJ it works great but a little to heavy for my backpack. If it is good enough for a bunch of goats, I had to get one too.