#280

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for the detailed explanation of this device. I just ordered one yesterday to replace my MFJ-259. The Rig Expert appears much easier to use and gives more options than my old MFJ. 73 Steve AA4SH

[@dseyna]

I just ordered one as well to replace my MFJ for the very same reason.

[@dennisschultz1175]

This is probably the best ham radio equipment review I have ever watched. Great thorough review and not too tech for the beginners to understand. Great job.

[@dennisschultz1175]

BTW, due to this video, I just ordered the new bluetooth version of the AA-55

[@donh5794]

Any issues with the Bluetooth? I saw reviews on a few websites about connectivity problems with the Bluetooth version.

[@donaldwhitlock9961]

@@dennisschultz1175 I ord'd the AA-230ZOOMBT after watching this

[@MrTommy001]

@@donh5794I've read that too, so I may pass on the Bluetooth option.

[@rogerkkeifer6800]

This is not just a review, it's a complete operational tutorial. Nice work!

[@fbach2100]

Thank you very much for this straight forward, but yet in-dept review. It is so pleasant to listen to you. I've heard so many youtubers speaking 10 minutes to say something that could be said in 30 seconds. None of this bla bla in your videos ! So well structured, so informative ! Thanks again !

[@Nobody-ld7mk]

The ability to look at the feed-point impedance... at the feed-point without matching in place alone sells me. Sharing your lifetime of work to the Amateur community is a "Major Contribution" Thank You !

[@billkc3raa647]

I realize this is an older video review, but I just bought this exact analyzer and your review and instructions helped immensely! Thanks

[@seancauthen9165]

Hey, ya, what everyone else said! My friends were digging my 55 Zoom last week setting up for FD 2022 and we didn’t have the time to demo all the features. I wanted to find a decent video to share with them. This far exceeds what I was looking for and I actually understood some of it! Hi! Thanks again and 73, Sean KQ6FU

[@metalfabman5477]

Excellent Tutorial, I just picked up the AA-230 Zoom this week and am starting to use it and figure out all of the applications it will be so useful for. Thanks Again for posting this! :-)

[@vampolascott36]

I bought this model along with a Super Antenna and an Icom 7300 for an apartment station. I use the Rig Expert every day when I change bands. I've only experimented with it a little. You opened my eyes to all the things it can do. I will take good care of it for sure!

[@Willam_J]

I’ve been holding off on purchasing a better HF band analyzer because I couldn’t decide on which one to purchase. This review has sealed the deal for me. One of my greatest enjoyments of Ham Radio is building my own equipment and antennas. I also enjoy helping other people when they are having problems with antenna installations. This device just eliminated the need to drag out a case full of equipment when analyzing antenna systems. The multi-band SWR function is priceless! I really like trap dipoles for emergency and field day operations. This will make my designing, building and tuning far easier. The Smith Chart function is also amazing. I enjoy plotting them on paper, but having it generated automatically will be a huge time-saver. The only criticism I can make of this device is the USB port being on the bottom. Why do companies put power and USB ports on the bottom of equipment??? Arrrgh!!! I like the remote ‘sound’ feature, but I would really like to see them utilize Bluetooth or Wifi to transmit the information to a tablet or smartphone.That would push this unit over the top!!! Thanks for the excellent, in-depth review and demonstration of this analyzer. Just like all of your videos, this one was top notch and very enjoyable. Thanks!!!

[@donaldwhitlock9961]

This gentleman knows the product. Far different than some reviewers who know nothing and jus' push buttons to see what happens. You know the fellow I'm referring to.

[@w2aew]

I'm not sure I know who you're referring to, but I certainly appreciate your kind words.

[@BillyLapTop]

Excellent presentation. I checked some vendors for these devices and was surprised how reasonably priced they are. They really make the MFJ analyzer look like my 1940 Philco table top radio.

[@cwqrpportable]

Thank you very much for a fantastic tutorial on this antenna analyzer. Your knowledge and presentation style is amazing; you are an excellent instructor.

[@CosmicDigs]

I completely agree with the comment by Dennis below ..... ok, I am 2 years rusty. I had been considering an MFJ259 but was told to reconsider my options and look for a VA type of analyser. This review is not only totally impartial but gives a wealth of information. I now "MUST" subscribe and watch for additional reviews. Many thanks for your time putting this together, it truly is an exceptional review :)

[@raymondmartin6737]

I just bought the AA-55, because I use 6 M. Enjoyed your review very helpful, and I am downloading it for reference. I have numerous HF and 6 M antennas. Price was reasonable, comparable to MFJ ones, like on your counter at your left side, which I have owned in the past. Been licensed for 60 years, 73 de W2CH, Ray

[@512ethan]

This was a top notch review! I had no idea these analyzers did so much. Thanks a bunch.

[@gordonwedman3179]

November 2018 edition of QST has a review of the AA-35 and an accompanying advertisement indicates the AA-55 can now communicate via Bluetooth to an Android device running the Rig Expert Antscope software. I am sold.

[@mikeramsey9747]

Your video really makes me want to order one, your presentation really explained the features of the AA-55

[@jdmartin2778]

Fantastic review! I've been looking at various analyzers to purchase and thanks to this review, I'll be ordering this one! Thanks also for the time you spent explaining all the functions this analyzer is capable of performing! How nice it would be if all reviews were as thorough as this one!

[@voltman3176]

EXCELLENT

[@halkennedy6353]

Excellent! Well thought out, well "filmed." A pleasure to watch. N4GG

[@theAlphaAgency]

This is one of the BEST videos I have seen about a product! Wonderful job!

[@MyTube4Utoo]

HRO has this analyzer on a promotion for $278.95, and I was probably going to order it anyway, but you just helped me make my mind up. Thanks for the video.

[@marlomontanaro3233]

This review is EXCELLENT. Glad I found it. Most people only use a few functions of the RigExpert line and that's ashame... these things have many more capabilities than we're typically using them for. Thank you for pointing them out in a video! 73 DE KA2IRQ

[@AlHearn]

Great review. I just bought the AA-35 ZOOM which is the same as the AA-55 ZOOM except for lower frequency. You convinced me in this video that I made a good decision. What a great product for those of us who like experimenting with antennas. I had one of the big MFJ analyzers a few years ago and hated it. This new analyzer is the one I wish I had then. Thanks again for a thorough and top-quality review.

[@skoda8761]

AA35 no multiband future

[@paullin8618]

Great review. Replaced my lousy unreliable MFJ-226 with the AA_55 Zoom. What a NICE Antenna/Cable Analyzer and investment! My permanently retired inferior MFJ doesn't even come close to the RigExpert. The MFJ required re-calibrating after every use. Additonally the VSWR readings were inaccurate to boot. Don't waste your $$$ on the MFJ, trust me, the RigExpert ROCKS!!

[@ErikAtTheW]

Hands down, the best video on the AA-55 Zoom that is out there! Very comprehensive, obviously you know what you are doing!! Thank you!

[@philt2989]

Well...I guess I can finally scrap my 35 lb General Radio 916A. This AA-55 Zoom is incredible. W2AEW - thank you for a very well-presented tour of this analyzer. I have to get one.

[@wadepatton2433]

Best review EV AH. Thanks, sold. Rig Experts owe you commissions! Difficult to comprehend the gap between my old MFJ and this device. On my "next goodies" list for sure.

[@w2aew]

I'm glad you liked the video - it really is a nice analyzer!

[@kw5kw]

I ordered a 230 myself, should be here tomorrow.

[@garyoliver8183]

The best, “Get it going” video on KZbin. I have the 230 Zoom version and it works exactly the same. I appreciate your time and effort...sharing your insight. 73.... N5GDO

[@Sui778]

I picked up one of these and right off the bat it showed me how well matched one antenna was... and how bad another one is. That audio beacon this unit sends out on 2 meters will help a lot when I'm outside trying to get the bad antenna to behave again. Very nice review and very nice unit for HF troubleshooting.

[@johnkump4282]

I am so impressed at your in depth explanation of this important tool that I could never figure out how to use but I am not comfortable buying one and just ordered it! Thanks for the great video!!

[@j.t.johnston3048]

RigExpert is an MFJ killer in the antenna analyzer market. I bought one at my previous employer. It was very helpful in our state emergency communications unit exercises. The AA-55 looks like it has even more features than the model I had 4 years ago.

[@jamesleem.d.7442]

Agree 100 percent with your first sentence. The MFJ box is obviously now a museum piece at best --- along with photos of Lee Harvey Oswald being shot by Mr. Ruby, the 1937 Hindenburg disaster, and Liberace in his weird costume.

[@joseneves2822]

Very good video review Bought this analyzer recently and this video helps a lot to understand the various functions Thank you very much

[@peterk.824]

I really should stop watching your videos ;-)... Always when I am researching for a specific device... and you are doing a review, it is like a quality seal and the final step that seals my decision. Now I have a FX-4CR, a BaMaKeY TP-III, a Rigexpert AA35.... keep up the great work, the vidoes are really helpful for me, thank you, Peter, DK3RN

[@gsansoucie]

Reluctantly glad I didn’t see this video before buying my AA-30 last year. Had I seen this before I bought it, I would have gone with this one. It gets a lot of use, the addition of 6m would be helpful now, there are a handful of functions here that would make my life better, the faster scans are one of them.

[@Homer19521]

Great review, Alan. Impossible for me to understand how someone could thumbs down. No way those could do a better review. I ended up getting the AA-230 Zoom, but I am not sure it was a wise decision. The display screen is noticeably smaller than the 55. Anyone considering the 230, should know that.

[@phononify]

it is a nice device ... I have it and asked some month ago the support to add 11 m band ... two days later I had it ... great guys ...

[@yamakawa511]

Much more than just a review, this is a great help. The AA-55 has an excellent range of features yet is easy to use. The displays are clear and intuitive and the menus are well thought out. It's a fantastic piece of kit. Y

[@philippe5394]

Allan, your review rank the MJJ-2xx" series to the ice age!!!!! I Planned to buy this model, your video comes just at the right time!! Thanks....

[@Trapspecial]

Just bought this. After your video, I looked into this antenna analyzer. Wow, works great and easy to use. Thanks for the review! Love it. Keep up the good work.

[@brianwhelan5093]

Welcome back Alan. Terrific review of the analyzer. Fully detailed and so easy to listen to also (as mentioned previously!!) Many thanks, 73, Brian EI8EJB

[@w2aew]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@w8mpx667]

@@w2aew hi can you used that analyzer for 2 meter and 440

[@w2aew]

@@w8mpx667 No, this particular one only goes to 55MHz. RigExpert sells additional models that cover higher frequencies.

[@jackK5FIT]

Great video. One of the best reviews of ANY item I've seen. I have a AA-35 arriving tomorrow and this video gives me a head start on operations. I have a Nanovna I like but the RigExpert seemed like the next step since I like building my own antennas. Thanks and 73 K5FIT

[@watthairston1483]

Dang it Allen! The XYL is going to KILL me if the big brown truck shows up with another antenna analyzer. Excellent review... 73 de K4WRF

[@Conjugate-Match]

Yup .. more money I must spend .. LOL

[@1crazynordlander]

Thanks! I bought this and have been watching your video over and over again. A lot to learn here.

[@johncliff8164]

Thank you for a very clear and concise introduction to the use of the analyser

[@schoocg]

Very good job for sure. Now I have to figure out who I want to give all the other analyzers I have that are a pain to use and combined do have the amazing tool set for a very reasonable price for what it can do.

[@davidjeanpierre2358]

Very detailed and concise video! Picking up one of these next month.

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

Very nice demonstration, Alan. I considered buying a RigExpert on numerous occasions but wanted something that would go to 2.4 GHz so I settled on two separate instruments by AAI RF Vector Impedance Analyzer N1201SA and N2021BA. These two instruments give me a frequency range of 1 MHz to 2.7 GHz and they do a pretty good job. No Smith Chart or 1/4, 1/2 lambda stubs or some of the other nice features of the RigExpert but both for about the cost of one RigExpert. In the HF range, I actually compared the low frequency unit to my vintage GR bridges to see if I trust the new instruments. I suppose many people would do it the other way around. Thanks for the video. Had I seen this a year or so ago, I probably would have gotten the AA-50 for my HF use.

[@michaelosborn1793]

Great review I'm sold, finally took the plunge and have no regrets! Thanks for the great review!

[@Organplayer1947]

I always like antenna systems experimentation. This analyzer has introduced me to FUTURE SCIENCE in a sense! I NEVER have been able to make these kinds of measurements...and at the very most I'd do the 259B which was a big improvement. But this unit RigExpert is MORE than a quantum jump!!! Simply amazing what is being done these days ...and at a decent price!!!

[@philt2989]

It would be interesting to run a comparison between the AA-55 and your Tek VNA to see how close the numbers are.

[@G7LJL-Steve_Murton]

Alan thanks for the valuable review and detailed analysis of the rig expert. Your account of use and detailed review has convinced me this is the one for me. Regards Steve G7LJL

[@JackSquat54]

I have been using the MFJ 259 for several years until i caused a short due to a sloppy coax connector i made. I almost bought the MFJ 226, but it was out of stock but just as well as it did not operate up to 6 meter. This Rig EXpert AA 55 video makes the 259 seem primitive and outdated. Good for a new ham maybe. But the AA 55 looks like it will satisfy my needs for many years to come. It packs a good punch of sophisticated software for the price. I'm sold. I will order mine right away.

[@cbradiomizfit7562]

I purchased this one a few months ago. Thanks for this complete video tutorial walkthrough. Very helpful

[@AxisTarGit]

I have the AA-600 and I would not want to set up an antenna system without it. Saves so much time and messing around.

[@kbruci]

One of the best reviews on KZbin EVER. This video was a decision maker for me to order AA-55. Thank you!

[@w2aew]

Thanks! I hope you love yours as much as I do mine!

[@kbruci]

w2aew I don’t know yet, it’s being shipped. :) I’ll leave some feedback, but I found zero negative reviews on this device.

[@thequarantinecatholic]

I purchased this after watching your video! Thank you for your video!

[@carldavis8228]

Awesome coverage of a fantastic piece of equipment. Better than your coverage of the Smithchart, and that was great. I really like your demos with an explanation. Keep up the good work and glad to hear from you again.

[@joerogers4227]

Just use my RigExpert aa-35 zoom to check out my endfed 1/2 wave 135 foot antenna. got readings of less then 1.5 to one on 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 20, 15 and 10 meters. You helped me a great deal knowing how to use it. Thanks

[@jwrtiger]

Very informative and well produced, good video and audio. I just ordered the AA-230 today. Thank you for posting.

[@edwarddoyle5585]

Nice review. This plus the well written manual made understanding how to get what get what I wanted out of the meter very easy. I'm very happy with my AA-55zoom and would highly recommend adding one to your shack.

[@norbertstepien9185]

Just received my AA 55 Zoom analyzer. Your video was excellent overview, thank you.

[@stevemetts6206]

Thanks for the review, now I know how to properly use the CALIBRATE function

[@dbailey3024]

Thankyou I appreciate your vid very helpful

[@twwtb]

Just bought an AA-35 from an estate. Unless I am missing a setting somewhere, it doesn't do Smith charts. Something to check if want that feature. Otherwise, very impressed. Thanks for the very detailed, informative video.

[@mikeburch2998]

That was an excellent review! RigExpert couldn't ask for a better one.

[@michaelmurray3422]

I Liked your presentation, and liked what I saw! I Just sent for one!!!! Thank You!!!!

[@presidentspilot]

WOW!! No stumbling, no 'hem-and-haws' with your information!! You FLAT know what you are speaking about!! Question: Does the calibration 'Tee' come with the RigExpert, or is that an extra expense? I have learned WELL that that particular 'Calibration' step is VERY important in adjustment of your antenna or networks!! GREAT JOB!! you sold me on the unit!!

[@w2aew]

The cal set that I used was something that I had. I don't know if RigExpert offers one. So, you'll have to obtain or build your own.

[@bobkozlarekwa2sqq59]

I just purchased the AA-230 zoom. Both are great products, and your video makes it so much better! De WA2SQQ

[@STxFisherman]

Excellent presentation on the AA-55. Thanks for the video.

[@clems6989]

I thought my mfj was sweet,, but this takes analyzers to a whole new level

[@rfc1180]

I know right! I would like the VHF/UHF, so the AA-600 looks like to be the best option, but..... for the same price, I can get the MiniVNA Tiny which can go up to 3Ghz and does more, just do not like not having a monitor/meter; I would have to drag a laptop/tablet along for the ride!

[@vonzigle]

LITTLE CLEM'S I agree! This video persuaded me to buy the AA-55! 😀

[@Radiowild]

I really like my MFJ analyzer, but this puts it to shame. Thanks for another terrific video! 73's KC2RDU

[@MBJanus]

Hi, I got the 230 and it is really very handy and is worth the price. Thx for this video, many OM will now know this item..

[@ernieschatz3783]

Great review, thanks. One can always count on w2aew to be thorough, yet not dive into rabbit holes. I just watched another reviewer cover one of the higher bandwidth Rig Expert models, but he skipped over too many functions. Very handy to have a TDR function included. The prices on these are very reasonable considering their functionality.

[@w2aew]

Glad you liked the review - I really like the instrument.

[@bobbryce8674]

Fantastic review. Many thanks for taking the time to do this and for sharing with the community. I found the comments objective and constructive. Maybe some comments on battery life might have been helpful but that's just being picky. Thanks again.

[@ve6kk]

Kudos again for another superb instructional video. The AA-55 is amazing but $$. An Oops at 24:40... Vf of 0.66 is solid PE not foam which could be 0.82 but I know you know that. Cheers.

[@spatin51]

Just bought the AA-55. Thanks for your presentation! I wish I understood what I was looking at when it was on the Smith Chart. Guess I have some homework to do!

[@w2aew]

Here is my tutorial on the Smith Chart: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqS7lWl9oNmfj7M

[@craig_sez8534]

Dont know if i have responded to this vid yet or not but its a good good vid..Opened my eyes to what it can do..I have seen this vid a # of times and i swear im still learning stuff..

[@tonyfremont]

That's pretty nice. I have an mfj259b. It has served me very well with homemade hf and vhf antennas, but this device has a lot of useful features.

[@jamesleem.d.7442]

The 259b can now be put into service as a decoration on the mantel of your fireplace there in the shack.

[@percih70]

An excellent review, I have the AA230 zoom, it's my goto meter for all antenna and RF cable testing, the high contrast display is best in bright sun light, the AA230 has slightly earlier firmware (ver 1.91) and is missing a few of the options shown here, both models are missing a Bluetooth connection which would have been a useful addition. 73 MM0MHP

[@chichimus]

Thanks for the review. I have an older AA-54 but might just have to upgrade. The AA-54 works great but the newer unit has a few more features I would find useful.

[@mikerosenberg7726]

Thank you for the informative video. It is both informative and has both excellent audio and video quality,

[@mikerosenberg7726]

Where did you get the open/short/load tool?

[@w2aew]

I picked it up at a hamfest years ago - was made as a cal standard for a single-port VNA. Made by Rosenberger.

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

Got a great deal on the AA-230 from eBay, wonderful line of gear.

[@digbyroberts4248]

Excellent thorough and perfectly paced review. I want one.

[@marilyn9501]

EXCELLENT! Thanks! I learned so much.

[@mikekoffler7312]

Excellent and very thorough review! You've convinced me that this is what I need to calibrate my antennas.

[@paulturkk6837]

Great video and very helpful, many thanks. Will be watching it again when my unit comes in. It looks like the bluetooth model is not available any more; according to HRO salesman.

[@frankbringhurst9490]

Awesome review. You explained a lot of what I wasn’t sure about.

[@wk2w]

Excellent review. Thanks for taking the time to go through all the functionality.

[@harryhing5981]

A really superb and very easily understood presentation Alan. I am sold on it as it wins hands down on anything else. There's no point in looking elsewhere.

[@TechViewOpinions]

Excellent and detailed presentation!

[@AirWavZKG4VDZ]

As always 5 star review !!!!

[@ricktafied]

Great review. Thank you! 73, WB4MRW

[@redstickham6394]

Great video! This is a versatile piece of equipment for the antenna builder and experimenter!

[@gw8dx]

Incredibly good review. Thanks. G8DX

[@dougtaylor7724]

I don’t do Ham but want one. Great presentation.

[@1crazynordlander]

Thanks! This is the one I am going to purchase. Subbed! Thumbs up!

[@malaykhare245]

I always wondered why smith charts were important , finally i have answers XD thanks man

[@dougn7bfs]

Excellent review on an interesting product, and glad to hear it can be connected to a PC for greater resolution, like the membrane keyboard too as it will be resistant to dust/dirt/rain :)

[@texasvarmint9542]

Thanks again, Alan. I've been looking at one of these.

[@kylezeringue5673]

Excellent review. Thanks much!