Choice of antenna analyser

[VK5PJ]

Hi,
after many years of not having one, it would seem it is time to buy a bit of test gear to help me with antenna feed point testing but what to buy? primarily looking for VHF-UHF coverage as my main interests span from 50 to 1296 MHz but the later one is a bit tough to do in a single box.

So which one to buy or which ones to avoid? or do I need two one for VHF and another for HF antennas? there seems to be plenty of choices for HF but the higher bands is my main interest.

Stability, battery life, display of plus and minus reactance and other key points are all on the menu

Interested to hear opinions in here or directly on email. (vk8zlx @ gmail com)

Regards,
Peter, vk5pj

[VK2AOH]

The only antenna analyser I have used is the MFJ 259B which is the H.F version. A most handy self contained unit which runs of internal batteries and can be easily used outdoors.

Really made checking out and adjusting aerials a breeze. Saved me a lot of time.

There is a whole range of similar MFJ analysers and there are VHF/UHF models which may be more suited to your needs.

There are some computer based dongle thingies about, sorry no experience with those.

My preference was for an analyser that did not need a computer and could be taken outside. One other comment the MFJ's are a bit greedy of batteries so for long term usage a gel or similar external battery is handy.

[VK3RX]

I used to have an MFJ-259B, sold it for a Comet CAA-500 because it went to 500MHz, and a year or so ago settled on a Rig Expert AA-600 for it's PC interface facility to control sweeps and graph results etc. It's a great little unit. As the model number suggests, it goes to 600MHz.

I considered the AA-1000 but recall it seemed to be almost twice the price of the AA-600 and didn't go to 1.2GHz anyway, although I see now they have a AA-1400.

[VK5PJ]

thanks for the ideas,

not sure I want to spend nearly $1K on one of them just yet... might dip a toe with one of the cheap imports and see if they realy are of value, there is a few out of hong Kong that go to 500MHz with small graphics displays and a USB port.

still deciding...

Peter, vk5pj

[VK5ZRL]

Hi Peter,

I purchased a RigExpert analyser some years ago and it's been a great addition. For playing with antennas, you can't go wrong.
I was so impressed that I told several people about it, they got one as well. Two of the people use it in commercial two-way
radio operations. The other is an amateur radio operator who has built many antennas, they are all very happy with the results.
It has other uses as well, testing baluns, fault finding cables, I'm sure you can read about the analyser on the net.

Just thought I would add my experience with this amazing bit of test equipment.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
Cheers.

[VK5PJ]

Thanks Rob
might treat myself to a better on for a birthday in July but till then see if a cheapie is any use or a door stop

Hi Peter,

I purchased a RigExpert analyser some years ago and it's been a great addition. For playing with antennas, you can't go wrong.
I was so impressed that I told several people about it, they got one as well.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
Cheers.

will post my thoughts an info on the cheapy if it works LOL
Peter

[VK2CU]

How about a used Anritsu Sitemaster?

The older ones like the S331 can be had for a reasonable sum. They are very accurate, pretty tough and easy to use. Heaps out there in the radio industry.


Justin

[VK2ZIW]

The PocketVNA

A wonderful gadget BUT, if you are close to cell-phone towers or WiFi, all sorts
of false readings happen, most notably with 70cm, 23cm and WiFi antenna and because
their transmissions are in bursts, very annoying. In short, useless.

A quiet RF location is mandatory.

Alan VK2ZIW

[VK5PJ]

Okay,
the cheapy has arrived, it is a SureCom SA-250 and find it very frustrating to use.

http://surecom.v1.way.hk/surecom01_produ...?id=114913 is where you will find out a bit about it. Menu system is 'odd' which is being kind.

The screen looks pretty when inside but totally wiped out in any degree of sunlight, even if you try to shield it from light.

back to the selection process / saving up for one that works out doors.

Regards,
Peter, vk5pj

[VK4ADC]

Okay,
the cheapy has arrived, it is a SureCom SA-250 and find it very frustrating to use.

http://surecom.v1.way.hk/surecom01_produ...?id=114913 is where you will find out a bit about it. Menu system is 'odd' which is being kind.

The screen looks pretty when inside but totally wiped out in any degree of sunlight, even if you try to shield it from light.

back to the selection process / saving up for one that works out doors.

Regards,
Peter, vk5pj

The frequency limitations wouldn't suit me : 132-173Mhz / 200-260Mhz / 400-519MHz
I would want something that would at least do 50-54 and preferably HF too. (without buying their SA-160 as well)
The price of it is reasonable at $AUD275-300 though.

The main problem might be as listed under the Main Features - the Built-in rechargertable battery - if you ever needed to replace the original one. I guess they lied about " 2.2 ” precision LCD screen,High-lumen LCD brightness, easy to read in direct sunlight"" based on your experiences.

Maybe a COMET CAA-500 Mark II 1.8-500 MHZ Graphic and Analog Antenna Analyzer

[VK5PJ]

okay,
first real life for real test of the SA-250 where I had no idea what the outcome would be, had recently built a small DL6WU style yagi for the club AIS receiver and this was my first go at a split dipole on a yagi.

As I do not have an exciter for 162 MHz to use a traditional SWR bridge so the SA-250 had to be relied on to tell me whether it was going to be or :oops:

whether by good luck or subconsious planning the final assembly happened just on dusk and when I used the SA-250 to do the readings, the display was quite pleasant to read (sun was no where to be seen) and the reported VSWR was 1.13 to 1 on the desired freq and it reported it was 52 ohms (dropped to 50 ohms about 2 MHz down from there)

While it is all but useless in bright light, when the sun is gone it is quite easy to read (glasses required at my age).

still saving for a 'better unit'

Regards,
Peter Sumner