[TowerTalk] Antenna Analyzer Question

[Jeff Blaine]

I have an AA-55 as well as the 230 Mhz version and I prefer the AA-55.  
It's bigger and is rugged as hell.  I would much recommend that to a guy 
wanting something he could use for most applications out in the field.  
Would not recommend a classic VNA simply due to all the setup nonsense.  
The AA-55 has "the right number of knobs" - where these nano VNA have a 
thousand settings.  Given you can do an OSL on the end of the Rig 
Expert, it's my go-to unit for antenna work.

73/jeff/ac0c
alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
www.ac0c.com

On 2/11/2026 7:23 PM, vk3od--- via TowerTalk wrote:
> The older Rig Expert AA-55 is good HF unit that has SOL calibration at the end of the cable. Most of the Rig Expert analyzers have this option. The AA-55 has a higher output power and can help fight interference when making measurements. HF and 6 meters only.
>
> I own one and it has been reliable. The only complaint is that the screen is hard to read outdoors in bright sunlight. They do have small units with screens that you can read in direct sunlight. I prefer something with a larger screen. If they release a unit with a large screen that can be read in direct sunlight with high output power I would get one.
>
> The only feature that it does not have is the ability to save multiple calibrations for different cables in the standalone unit. I generally do this with my VNWA where I can save different calibration profiles thats easy to understand and recall.
>
> I also have a FA-VA4 and it is great general purpose unit with a wider frequency range. It can also be used the VNWA software for control. I dont own a FA-VA6.
>
> As for the NanoVna, the recommneded store to buy from is the Zeenko store on Aliexpress. There may be others that sell the genuine item that is not a crap clone.
>
> https://www.zeenko.tech/
>
> Good luck with your acquisition.
>
> 73
> VK3OD
>
>
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