Topband: AA-55Zoom Review

[Dennis W0JX]

All:
I have been working on installing a tower detuning circuit on my 80 foot shunt fed tower. Of course I found had that the MFJ 259B to be totally inadequate for adjusting the detuning circuit because of nearby BC RF on 1520 Khz. Results did improve with the insertion of a 1510 Khz trap built for me by KD9SV but results were still inconsistent.

I finally decided to buy a Rig Expert but had trouble deciding between the AA-55 and the AA-230. The AA-230 covers 2 meters but that is not of great interest to me. Another nice feature is the TDR graph function. However, I discovered that the AA-55Zoom also has a TDR function but it does require a connection to a laptop to use it effectively.

The deciding factor for me was the AA-55 performance on 160 meters. I found a review by W9AC who said that the AA-55Zoom is basically bullet-proof on 160 meters.

I ordered my AA-55 from DX Engineering and had it delivered in one day. I am thrilled with the performance. I find that the most useful screen is the one called "All Parameters" which shows all important factors. This is extremely useful for putting the antenna or circuit right where you want it. There is also a set of cable tools which make it very easy to cut quarter-wave or half-wave stubs.

One thing - make sure that you use the "battery saver" function or the batteries won't last more than 4 hours.

73, Dennis W0JX
Milan, OH