Additions:
Mini-VNA
AEA Via Bravo
AEA Analyst
Deletions:
Mini-VNA
Via Bravo
Analyst
Additions:
Mini-VNA
USB interface
Open software
Requires PC
Deletions:
Italian Unit
Additions:
www.mixw.co.uk/product/productAA.htm
Deletions:
Additions:
Mixw RigExpert AA 200
Deletions:
Additions:
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.
Analyst
small, lightweight, fragile
Deletions:
fragile
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.
Mixw RigExpert AA 200
http://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
Italian Unit
Via Bravo
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
fragile
user interface not good
some customer service problems (see eHam)