Your double-dip in SWR on 20m is a clear indication that you have got common mode current on the coaxial feedline. If you place a common mode choke (a.k.a. Line Isolator) between the coax and the analyzer, that should go away and just show a dingle dip. 73 - de DJ0IP
Been looking and this is the best full featured review of the rigexpert 230. You did a great job of explaining all of the menus and features. Thanks Josh.
Nice review, thanks for the info. I picked up the MFJ-223 for my use. I bought it about a month ago and enjoyed using it to help with my wolf river coil setup for parks on the air.
The e-ink screen is a game changer. At least 50% of my analyzer use is outdoors. The e-ink screen can be read indoors/outdoors and even in bright sunlight. Like the Nano VNA it is requires too many button navigation to get info you want (its easier with practice). The Stick 230 has many features the Nano VNA does not have, such as BT, linking to your phone, to saving screen shots. I like saving screen shots for comparing antenna modifications. For example, your hex beam; if you shorten the 20 meter elements, it improve SWR on 20 meters. But how does that change effect SWR on other bands (multi-band antennas, whether G5RV or Hex-Beam involve compromise decisions for where you operate most CW Digital, or SSB sub-bands)
Great review, I really like the analyzer. Plus with its connection to cell and PC. You can get so many details. Plus it's easier to see. It's still kinda high on the price, but looking at all the other swr meters, it's really not too high considering. Hopefully when the new wears off the price will go down. It's a perfect size to pack and go. I looked many features with this one, that the other meters don't have. It's gonna to be on my list of things to get. Thanks for the in-depth review. 73
The Ant Scope software will work with most versions of the Rig Expert line. And remember, the AA-30.zoom will work with the software. The Ant Scope software is why I buy Rig Expert Antenna Analyzers. It is a powerful tool for looking at Multiband antennas like the DX Commander, Hex Beam, or Delta loop.
I just ordered one to help me adjust my p-loop v2 quickly instead of running back and forth. It was between this and a VNA, and overall convenience and perceived durability won me over price and potential feature set..
Nice Vid Josh, Your timing of this is so coincidental, I was scouring the web yesterday (Cyber Monday) looking for one. Ended up getting big brother the AA-230 instead for good price.
Tnxs all the technology is going over my head. Been off ham radio going back to 1991. Just have to learn the new stuff. Wanting to do some digital stuff but I get lost. Just keep plugging away. Keep a eye on your page 👀
Nice review Josh, I thought you had mentioned you were going to do one. I'm not surprised you found 2m to have good SWR I made a portable 6m hexbeam and it has perfect SWR but I'm not sure the pointed direction is the same as 6m, but I have checked into thr Bozo 2m and 6m ssb net with it over 100 miles. 73's Chuck
Solid product review as always. I wish this had come out a few weeks earlier. My ancient MFJ-259 (no alpha variant) decided to give up the ghost last month. I couldn’t find any decent reviews on the Stick so I purchased a Comet CAA-500MkII. I am pleased with it but I could have saved about $100 with the Stick. Thanks Josh and Merry Christmas de NV9Z.
As an IPhone user, who is ready to purchase a NEW IPhone as soon as 5G is available, Android only drives me NUTS! I was also looking, just this morning, at the Walabot wall scanner. (Stud Finder) Also Android only. The solution is obvious....Yet I resist! Good video Josh...I like your work. Thank you!
This is basically a $50 Vector Analyzer, stuck in a $290 body!!! I really truly wish that some Baofang type company would come out with a cool antenna analyzer for under $150 !!!
Too expensive! Last week, I bought a RigExpert AA-230 ZOOM BLUETOOTH for 275.23US$ , from a European vendor. It has Bluetooth and a Time Domain Reflectometer, to check a fault in the coax and the length of the coax. The RigExpert Stick230 is 213.63US$. This was without tax but US customers don't pay tax in Europe. So which one is a better deal?
There is a few of these on RU-vid advertising and displaying the 230 rig stick analyser yours is by far the best. I am concerned with one of the Utubers mentioned there is a problem with the software for the android device have you found this?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse they're fragile, and have a quirky interface. But you can buy 5 of them for one of these things. That's worth a few extra minutes to learn how to run it...
That is pretty expensive. For the budget conscious, I've been very happy with my MicroVNA. They seem sketchy as all get out, but I can't complain about anything. I've used it for checking SWR, measuring filter response curves, and smith charts. And like $60. Hopefully the more expensive manufacturers will feel the competition and come out with some cheaper entry level gear.
Doug, the Ant Scope software will work with a Rig Expert AA-30.zoom. Available on Amazon for $89. You hook it to your computer. Forget the description of it needing a Arduino.
There is a few of these on RU-vid advertising and displaying the 230 rig stick analyser yours is by far the best. I am concerned with one of the Utubers mentioned there is a problem with the software for the android device have you found this?
