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Re: [CQ-Contest] Antenna Analyzer Expert

To: Barry Jacobson <bdj@alum.mit.edu>, CQ Contest <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Antenna Analyzer Expert
From: Zack Widup <w9sz.zack@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2023 07:39:42 -0600
List-post: <mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>
I highly recommend the RigExpert analyzers. I got an AA-600, which may be
more than you need but I do a lot of work on VHF. If you're mainly
interested in HF, the AA-35 ZOOM should fill your needs. I got the unit
with the Smith chart option. I believe you have to order these directly
from the RigExpert site, not from a dealer.

73, Zack W9SZ

On Mon, Feb 6, 2023 at 2:41 AM Barry Jacobson <bdj@alum.mit.edu> wrote:

> Hi, I need advice on getting one of the antenna analyzers on the market. I
> have an 80 meter dipole fed with ladder line from an MFJ 989D tuner. I
> seldom use 10 meters, but tried to go on the 10-10 phone contest today.
> Would not tune in that segment of band. Tuner instructions say most
> commonly need to shorten feedline by 1/8 wavelength at band that won't
> tune. Before cutting line and possibly messing up other bands that work
> fine, I would like to know exactly where I stand on each band. I could use
> a device that will tell me exact length of line currently, and what effect
> shortening will have on all other bands, and whether the new impedances
> will be within range of capability of tuner. I don't mind learning complex
> impedances and Smith charts if necessary, but want to do it systematically.
> Don't know if devices out there do this for you. Some possibilities I have
> heard of are NanoVNA, Rigexpert, MFJ antenna analyzer. I don't know if I
> should go on EZNEC. The last 15 feet of each end of dipole droop
> vertically, but don't think that's the main problem.
>
> There is a whole page of devices. Don't know where to begin.
>
> https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-category?id=31
>
> Any advice from an expert greatly appreciated.
>
> 73,
>
> Barry
>
> --
> Barry Jacobson
> WA2VIU
> bdj@alum.mit.edu
> @bdj_phd
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