Antenna Analyzers

also see NetworkAnalyzers

Antenna Analyzers are simplified network analyzers for measuring the complex impedance of antennas at the operating and other frequencies. Here I will try to list some of the available units and some of the differences. This is an informal collection of information, refer any comments to the author.

Buddipole Antenna users often want an analyzer to tune up the antenna. Which one to get? Something small, light, and simple. The Tenna Dipper is not really an analyzer, but a crystal oscillator and SWR bridge. This is very popular at the low end. Lots of folks use the MFJ's and some use the Autek or Palstar.


Mixw RigExpert AA 200
www.mixw.co.uk/product/productAA.htm
23oz
$500

AIM 4170
Array Solutions
serial interface to required PC
measures phase with FFT using patented techniques
$500

Timewave
color display
Smith charts
estimates sign of phase angle

Mini-VNA
USB interface
Open software
Requires PC

AEA Via Bravo

AEA Analyst

Palstar ZM30
SWR bridge type
with microprocessor, numerical readout
DDS oscillator
smaller than MFJ 259B, but the size they publish has been rounded down to the integer inch
8 AA batteries
Not lightweight
field upgradeable firmware

MFJ 259B
bandswitched analog oscillator, frequency counter, swr bridge, micro reads numerical and bargraph outputs
PLUS analog meters
10 AA cells, consumes quite a lot of power, 12V input option
power switch easy to bump on
popular unit

MFJ 269
similar to 259 but adds UHF
UHF system can be easily damaged, readings suspect
advise caution

Australian?

Autek VA1
Autek Research
Vector phase detector
small, light, 9V battery, low power consumption
LCD display poor, switches not robust, easy to break
user interface not good
some customer service problems (see eHam)

Autek RF1
Autek Research
Non-vector detector
simplified version compared to VA1
small, lightweight, fragile
user interface not good
some customer service problems (see eHam)