RigExpert AA-200 / AA-500 Antenna Analyzer

AA-200 Antenna Analyzer eHam Product Review

AA-500 Antenna Analyzer eHam Product Review

RigExpert AA-200 (AA-500) is a powerful antenna analyzer designed for testing, checking, tuning or repairing antennas and antenna-feeder paths in 0.1 to 200 MHz (for AA-200) and 5 to 500 MHz (for AA-500) range.

Graphical SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) and impedance display is a key feature of this analyzer which significantly reduces time required to put an antenna to rights.

Easy-to use measurement modes, as well as additional features such as memory storage and connection to a personal computer, make it attractive for professionals and hobbyists.

The new MultiSWR≥ and SWR2Air≥ modes are unique for this antenna analyzer.

The following tasks are well-accomplished by using RigExpert AA-200 (AA-500):

  • Rapid check-out of an antenna
  • Tuning an antenna to resonance
  • Comparing characteristics of an antenna before and after specific event (rain, hurricane, etc.)
  • Making coaxial lines or measuring their length
  • Cable fault location
  • Measuring capacitance or inductance of reactive loads

Screenshots

Single-point SWR measurement

Multi-point SWR measurement

SWR graph

R,X graph

RigExpert AA-200 (AA-500) connected to the PC

Specifications

Frequency range: 0.1┘200 MHz

Display modes:
-═══ SWR at single frequency
-═══ SWR, R, X, Z, L, C at single frequency
-═══ SWR graph
-═══ R, X graph

Single- and multi-frequency measurement:
-═══ Frequency resolution: 1 kHz
-═══ SWR only mode: easily-readable bar
-═══ SWR range: 1┘10s
-═══ SWR display for 50 and 75 Ohm systems
-═══ R, X range: 0┘1000, -1000┘1000 Ohm

SWR and R, X graphs:
-═══ 100 points plot
-═══ Sweep width: 0.001┘200 MHz
-═══ Frequency resolution: 1 kHz
-═══ SWR range: 1┘10
-═══ SWR display for 50 and 75 Ohm systems
-═══ R, X range: 0┘200, -200┘200 Ohm
-═══ 100 memories to store and recall graphs
-═══ Presets for radio amateur bands

RF output:
-═══ Connector type: UHF
-═══ Power: typ. 10 dBm

Power:
-═══ 4.8V, 1800 mA∙h, Ni-MH accumulator
-═══ Max. 2 hours of continuous measurement
-═══ Max. 2 days in stand-by mode
-═══ External 9┘14V, 200 mA charger
-═══ Full charge time: 10┘12 hours

Interface:
-═══ 128x64 graphical LCD with backlit
-═══ 6x3 keys on the water-proof keypad
-═══ Multilingual menus and help screens
-═══ USB connection to the personal computer

Dimensions: 23x10x5.5 cm (9x4x2■)

Operating temperature: 0┘40 ╟C (32┘104 ╟F)

Weight: 650g (23 Oz)

In the package:

  • RigExpert AA-200 (or AA-500)
  • Battery
  • Soft case with straps
  • Charger
  • USB cable
  • User's manual
  • CD with drivers and software

    • RigExpert AA-200 and AA-500 were tested to comply with F.C.C. part 15(a) requirements.

    RigExpert Standard USB Interface

    RigExpert Standard is a device for operating phone, CW and digital modes using personal computer with USB port. It provides:

    - Transceiver audio interface
    Analog audio interface is a connection to transceiver audio output (external speaker connector or line output) and transceiver audio input (microphone connector or line input). Audio interface enables operating digital modes, recording and playing voice, as well as other useful functions (such as measuring levels of a signal from the air) by using a computer. Input (two channels) and output volume levels are adjusted by potentiometers on the front panel of the device.

    - CAT interface for various transceiver models
    CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) system provides control of transceiver frequency, operating mode and other functions by computer software. Normally, modern transceivers have serial (with various signal levels) link providing CAT interface.

    In RigExpert Standard, CAT interface port is seen as a COM port by computer software.

    - FSK output
    FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) is a popular method of transmitting digital messages over radio primarily used in radioteletype (RTTY) mode. Most transceivers provide FSK modulator feature to make the RTTY signal stable and clear.

    A separate COM port is assigned for the FSK output when using RigExpert Standard. The FSK baudrate and polarity are═ fixed and may be reconfigured by jumpers.

    - PTT and CW output functions
    Transceivers provide PTT (Push To Talk) and CW (Continuous Wave) keyer inputs to allow setting the transmitter on or off and operating CW using external device (PTT pedal, CW bug or paddle, terminal node controller, or personal computer).

    In RigExpert Standard, PTT and CW outputs are assigned to the RTS and DTR lines of a separate COM port.

    - Squelch input
    Some software, such as EchoLink, requires the interface to provide a squelch input to detect if the radio channel is busy.

    In RigExpert Standard, the squelch input is assigned to the DCD line of the COM port used for PTT and CW outputs.

    - Additional serial port
    Connecting TNCs or antenna rotors still require legacy COM ports which are unavailable on modern PCs. Having a 9-pin SERIAL connector (TXD/RXD/RTS/CTS lines) will resolve this problem.

    In RigExpert Standard, a separate COM port is assigned to the SERIAL input/output.

    - RigExpert Standard was successfully tested with following programs (to name a few):
    DX4WIN, DigiPan, Echolink, MixW2, Ham Radio Deluxe, MMTTY, MMSSTV, MMVARI, TrueTTY, Logger32, N1MM Logger, CTWin, WriteLOG, WSJT, HamScope, MultiPSK, CQLog, etc...

    RigExpert Standard is FCC C.F.R. 47 (part 15:2005) and ICES-003 certified.

    RigExpert Standard eHam Product Review

    RigExpert Plus USB Interface

    RigExpert Plus is a device for operating phone, CW and digital modes using personal computer with USB port. It provides:

    - Transceiver audio interface:
    Analog audio interface is a connection to transceiver audio output (external speaker connector or line output) and transceiver audio input (microphone connector or line input). Audio interface enables operating digital modes, recording and playing voice, as well as other useful functions (such as measuring levels of a signal from the air) by using a computer. Input (two channels) and output volume levels are adjusted by potentiometers on the front panel of the device.

    - Optical S/PDIF in/out:
    In addition to the analog audio interface, RigExpert Plus provides optical S/PDIF input and output for modern transceivers such as IC-7800. The optical cables are widely available in HI-FI stores.

    - CAT interface for various transceiver models:
    CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) system provides control of transceiver frequency, operating mode and other functions by computer software. Normally, modern transceivers have serial (with various signal levels) link providing CAT interface. In RigExpert Plus, CAT interface port is seen as a COM port by computer software.

    - FSK output:
    FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) is a popular method of transmitting digital messages over radio primarily used in radioteletype (RTTY) mode. Most transceivers provide FSK modulator feature to make the RTTY signal stable and clear. A separate COM port is assigned for the FSK output when using RigExpert Plus. The FSK baudrate and polarity are fixed and may be reconfigured by jumpers.

    - PTT and CW output functions:
    Transceivers provide PTT (Push To Talk) and CW (Continuous Wave) keyer inputs to allow setting the transmitter on or off and operating CW using external device (PTT pedal, CW bug or paddle, terminal node controller, or personal computer). In RigExpert Plus, PTT and CW outputs are assigned to the RTS and DTR lines of a separate COM port.

    - Squelch input:
    Some software, such as EchoLink, requires the interface to provide a squelch input to detect if the radio channel is busy. In RigExpert Plus, the squelch input is assigned to the DCD line of the COM port used for PTT and CW outputs.

    - Built-in electronic CW keyer for single or double paddle:
    The keyer produces dots or dashes depending on the direction a paddle is pushed to. If using double paddle, squeezing both paddles gives alternating dots and dashes. The speed a CW message comes out with is set by computer software or a built-in potentiometer. A famous WINKEY micro controller (version 10) was chosen as a CW keyer in RigExpert Plus. In RigExpert Plus, a separate COM port is assigned to the WINKEY controller.

    RigExpert Plus eHam Product Review

    RigExpert Tiny USB Interface

    CAT+PTT/CW Version 1.3

    Developed by the MixW team, the RigExpert Tiny is a revolutionary new sound card to transceiver interface. Combining complete functionality, simplicity of use, excellent design and low price, the RigExpert Tiny is perfect for all digital modes and CW/Phone. Models built for different transceivers like the Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood and Ten-Tec are now available.

    The RigExpert Tiny interface provides a CAT port (transceiver frequency and mode control using a computer), a second serial port (PTT push-to-talk and/or CW output), as well as the soundcard-to-transceiver audio interface. The transceiver and computer connections are made using pre-wired cables for your specific rig. The computer connection uses the USB port, freeing up your serial (COM) ports for other needs. A separate power supply for the RigExpert Tiny interface is not needed as it is powered by your USB port. Five LEDs on the top panel display the device status, helping set up the computer software and monitor functions during on-air operation.

    The RigExpert Tiny interface is fully compatible with all amateur radio software running under Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003. Also supported are the Linux and MAC OS 8/9X operating systems. Software programs like DigiPan, MixW, MMTTY, MMSSTV, EchoLink, Ham Radio Deluxe, DXBase and CQ-Log just to name a few are fully supported.

    Please Click Here to find out if RigExpert Tiny may be wired for your specific radio model.

    Note: The RigExpert Tiny is being sold as a kit. Pease specify your radio model when ordering and we will wire it for you at no extra charge.

    RigExpert Tiny eHam Product Review