[600MRG] impedance analyzers

[Edward R Cole]

AIM4170 at $475 is only hundred dollars more than the MFJ269 but does 
not cover UHF.  But I would opt for one if starting over.  I bought 
my MFJ off ebay used for about $300 (and paid too much).  It stopped 
working a month later and cost $70 for MFJ to repair.  Its now broken 
"again" and I have to decide whether to buy parts and repair myself 
or send it back for repair (accidently applied 26v to the 
antenna).  It is handy for quick tests.  The AIM might not be as 
handy standing on the tower at 50-feet!

Be real nice to have a genuine Wiltron analyzer ($3K) ;-)

73, Ed

At 09:03 AM 6/2/2015, Rudy Severns wrote:
>Being able to measure your antenna feedpoint impedance (R and jX) is crucial
>for optimizing antennas and evaluating additions/changes.
>
>
>
>The art of the antenna analyzer is advancing rapidly with a host of new
>choices available.  The MFJ 2*** series of analyzers are totally out of date
>and marginal performers at best.   I think if you don't already have one
>these are a total waste of $.  For only a little more you can buy the Array
>Solutions AIM4170 which is a serious instrument.  I've used one for years
>and it works great.  It requires a laptop which makes it bulky but you can
>easily calibrate a long cable and make all the measurements from the shack.
>I do this all the time.  If you don't want to use a laptop there are still
>many choices.  Recently I've had a chance to play with the SteppIR SARK-110
>analyzer ($389) which is about the size of a pack of cards.  It can be used
>independent of a laptop or with one.  I haven't fully exercised it yet but
>it looks very good and is an example of the rapid progress in these devices.
>There are also the Rig-Expert products.  I haven't tried one but they look
>interesting, some cost less than the MFJ.
>
>
>
>73, Rudy N6LF WD2XSH/20
>
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73, Ed - KL7UW
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