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.
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
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.
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
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.
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..
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 👀
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 $100 with the Stick. Thanks Josh and Merry Christmas de NV9Z.
As an IPhone user, who is ready to purchase a NEW IPhone as soon as 5G is available, Android only drives me NUTS! I was also looking, just this morning, at the Walabot wall scanner. (Stud Finder) Also Android only. The solution is obvious....Yet I resist! Good video Josh...I like your work. Thank you!
Too expensive! Last week, I bought a RigExpert AA-230 ZOOM BLUETOOTH for 275.23US$ , 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 UA-cam 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?
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 !!!
@@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 UA-cam 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?
Great review ... I wish analyzers(ant) weren’t so pricey as someone mentioned .. nice item for the “tool box”.
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.
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
Already is one 🤷🏼♀️
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.
Love that device manufacturers are finally catching on to recharging with USB-C instead of microUSB.
Wish I had known. I just bought a RigExpert analyzer a couple of months ago. The story of my life.
Very nice! I don't care for the price tag but, that seems to be a pretty sweet analyzer.
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
Fantastic review and elmering, i bought one based on this and love it.
Great video, that is seriously slick....and now I know what my OM is getting for his birthday in a few months!
Thanks Katie!
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.
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
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.
Thank you for the video, just sealed the deal and ordered one.
This is a neat device, just got one myself.
I’m interested to hear what you think of it.
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..
Very sweet device. Compact and powerful. When would I have this stick with me but not my phone? How about never!
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 👀
I feel like a "Pacled" around you dude! "He is smart! He is on our side now" LOL
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 $100 with the Stick. Thanks Josh and Merry Christmas de NV9Z.
Picked one of these up based on this and the HamRadioConcepts vids. Love to see some follow up with the desktop version of Antscope 2. Great video!
I bought this based on your demo and video here..Thanks de WO8USA🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
As an IPhone user, who is ready to purchase a NEW IPhone as soon as 5G is available, Android only drives me NUTS! I was also looking, just this morning, at the Walabot wall scanner. (Stud Finder) Also Android only. The solution is obvious....Yet I resist! Good video Josh...I like your work. Thank you!
Iwould have already ordered one IF it covered 440. Now I have to think about it over a bigger one that does. Still pretty pricey.
Bluetooth is nice. Would be a good tablet combo.
Great vid. That blanking of the display could get annoying I think.
Use mine in the field all the time. They now have a "pro stick" which goes to 600MHZ.
Too expensive! Last week, I bought a RigExpert AA-230 ZOOM BLUETOOTH for 275.23US$ , 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?
Nice review Josh. Maybe iPhone app in time? Love the product but might wait a bit to see if price drops in 2020.
I should have mentioned it. RigExpert is a Ukrainian company. A lot of their development is in android not a lot on iPhone.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Ahhh....
If you haven’t followed up on this, AntScope is available on iOS now.
There is a few of these on UA-cam 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?
I bought one today for $259. from DX Engineering. I just found out there's an app for IOS on the app store for apple.
I need one hopefully they will come down in price a bit ? Who knows ? Take care! 73 de ve3hip in welland Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
Hehe *first* sry had to, looks cool! Can't wait to finish this vid!
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 !!!
Look up the NanoVNA.
Can you test coax with this?
They need to make a stick 600.
Maybe even a stick 1200.
Looks like an interesting analyzer. Do you think this is a good buy for a first antenna analyzer? Something that's a bit "better" than a Nano VNA?
I think so. I’d recommend the aa-35 if you want something very easy to use for antenna building.
Good news, for me, after some research they also do iOS. . . Ordering tomorrow. . .
Love the review! Any word on an iOS app?
Word
I see it doesn’t work on iOS will that be a future development do you know? Cheers mate
Looks interesting, but to exclude IOS????
iOS will be released soon as I know
i wonder how e-ink does at freezing temperatures.
Good question!
What about iPhone?
Not sure there is a real market for these much longer with the Nano VNA coming on strong in both hardware and software support.....
Have you used a nanovna? They’re much hard to use than the stick. But much less expensive.
@@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...
It def more than a few minutes. Just depends on what your time is worth.
Yeah...No Spend November is over!!!
Its over!
I see Ant Scoope works on IOS.
Only $300 ?
My comments are I do like it very much if it was not for the Bluetooth I wouldn’t consider it but it would be nice if it also worked on iOS Apple
Can u smoke it
239 likes no dislikes
Why are antenna analyzers so expensive? I'll pass
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.
@@don_n5skt If only they made a similar cheap kit for 144, 220, and 440 bands.
@@don_n5skt Thanks I'll check in to that
If it connected to IOS, I'm in. Until then, I'm out.
Lee Harrell [W5GCF] now available on IOS
As always, great video! Thank you! de K9EZ
There is a few of these on UA-cam 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?
I had no issue with the Android sw in my testing.