RigExpert AA-600 User manual

RigExpert®
AA-600
Antenna Analyzer
0.1 to 600 MHz
AA-1000
Antenna Analyzer
0.1 to 1000 MHz
AA-1400
Antenna Analyzer
0.1 to 1400 MHz
User’s manual

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Table of contents
1. Description........................................................................................................... 4
2. Specifications....................................................................................................... 5
3. Precautions........................................................................................................... 6
4. Operation.............................................................................................................. 7
4.1. Preparation for use ......................................................................................... 7
4.2. Turning the analyzer on or off........................................................................ 7
4.3. Main menu ..................................................................................................... 8
4.4. Single- and multi-point measurement modes.................................................. 9
4.4.1. SWR mode............................................................................................... 9
4.4.2. SWR2Air mode ..................................................................................... 10
4.4.3. MultiSWR mode.................................................................................... 11
4.4.4. Show all mode ....................................................................................... 12
4.5. Graph modes................................................................................................ 13
4.5.1. SWR graph ............................................................................................ 13
4.5.2. R,X graph .............................................................................................. 14
4.5.3. Smith/polar chart.................................................................................... 15
4.5.4. Data screen ............................................................................................ 15
4.5.5. Memory operation.................................................................................. 16
4.5.6. Calibration ............................................................................................. 17
4.6. TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) mode ................................................... 20
4.6.1. Theory ................................................................................................... 20
4.6.2. Practice .................................................................................................. 23
4.7. Settings menu............................................................................................... 24
4.8. Computer connection ................................................................................... 28
5. Applications ....................................................................................................... 29
5.1. Antennas ...................................................................................................... 29
5.1.1. Checking the antenna............................................................................. 29
5.1.2. Adjusting the antenna ............................................................................ 30
5.2. Coaxial lines ................................................................................................ 30
5.2.1. Open- and short-circuited cables............................................................ 30
5.2.2. Cable length measurement ..................................................................... 31
5.2.3. Velocity factor measurement ................................................................. 32
5.2.4. Cable fault location................................................................................ 33
5.2.5. Making 1/4-λ, 1/2-λand other coaxial stubs........................................... 34
5.2.6. Measuring the characteristic impedance................................................. 35
5.3. Measurement of other elements.................................................................... 36
5.3.1. Capacitors and inductors........................................................................ 36
5.3.2. Transformers.......................................................................................... 38
5.3.3. Traps...................................................................................................... 38
5.4. RF signal generator ...................................................................................... 39
6. Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 39

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1. Description
RigExpert AA-600, A-1000 and AA-1400
are powerful antenna analyzers designed
for testing, checking, tuning or repairing
antennas and antenna feedlines.
Graphical SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)
and impedance, as well as Smith/polar
chart displays are key features of these
analyzers which significantly reduce the
time required to adjust an antenna.
Easy-to use measurement modes, as well
as additional features such as connection
to a personal computer make RigExpert
AA-600, AA-1000 and AA-1400
attractive for professionals and hobbyists.
The MultiSWR™ and SWR2Air™ modes
are unique for RigExpert antenna
analyzers.
The built-in TDR (Time Domain
Reflectometer) mode is ideal for locating
cable faults.
The following tasks are easily
accomplished by using these analyzers:
•Rapid check-out of an antenna
•Tuning an antenna to resonance
•Comparing characteristics of an
antenna before and after specific
event (rain, hurricane, etc.)
•Making coaxial stubs or measuring
their parameters
•Cable fault location
•Measuring capacitance or
inductance of reactive loads
1. Antenna connector
2. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
3. Keypad
4. Ok button (start/stop
measurement, enter)
5. Cancel
button (exit to main
menu, cancel)
6. Function button
(hold for a
combination, such as +
)
7. Power on/off button
8. USB connector

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2. Specifications
Frequency range: 0.1 to 600 MHz – AA-600
0.1 to 1000 MHz – AA-1000
0.1 to 1400 MHz – AA-1400
Frequency entry: 1 kHz resolution
Measurement for 25, 50, 75 and 100-Ohm systems
SWR measurement range: 1 to 100 in numerical mode,
1 to 10 in graph mode
SWR display: numerical or easily-readable bar
R and X range: 0…10000, -10000…10000 in numerical mode,
0…1000, -1000…1000 in graph mode
Display modes:
-SWR at single or multiple frequencies
-SWR, return loss, R, X, Z, L, C at single frequency
-SWR graph, 80 points
-R, X graph, 80 points
-Smith/polar chart, 80 points
-TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) graph
Optional open-short-load calibration in SWR, R,X or Smith/polar chart graph
modes.
RF output:
-Connector type: N
-Output signal shape: rectangular, 0.1 to 200 MHz. For higher
frequencies, harmonics of the main signal are used.
-Output power: -10 dBm (at 50 Ohm load)
Power:
-Three 1.5V, alcaline batteries, type AA
-Three 1.2V, 1800…3000 mA·h, Ni-MH batteries, type AA
-Max. 3 hours of continuous measurement, max. 2 days in stand-by
mode when fully charged batteries are used
-When the analyzer is connected to a PC or a DC adapter with USB
socket, it takes power from these sources
Interface:
-320x240 color TFT displaty
-6x3 keys on the water-proof keypad
-Multilingual menus and help screens
-USB connection to a personal computer
Dimensions: 23·10·5.5 cm (9·4·2”)
Operating temperature: 0…40 °C (32…104 °F)
Weight: 650g (23 Oz)

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3. Precautions
Never connect the analyzer to your antenna in thunderstorms.
Lightning strikes as well as static discharge may kill the
operator.
Never leave the analyzer connected to your antenna after you
finished operating it. Occasional lightning strikes or nearby
transmitters may permanently damage it.
Never inject RF signal or DC voltage into the antenna
connector of the analyzer. Do not connect it to your antenna
if you have active transmitters nearby.
Avoid static discharge while connecting a cable to the
analyzer. It is recommended to ground the cable before
connecting it.
Do not leave the analyzer in active measurement mode when
you are not actually using it. This may cause interference to
nearby receivers.
If using a personal computer, first connect the cable to the
antenna connector of the analyzer. Then plug the analyzer to
the computer USB port. This will protect the analyzer from
static discharges.

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4. Operation
4.1. Preparation for use
Open the cover on the bottom panel of the analyzer. Install three fully charged 1.2V
Ni-MH (or three 1.5V alkaline) batteries, watching the polarity.
Important: do not use excess force inserting batteries in the analyzer. Remove
batteries from the analyzer carefully: do not use instruments, such as a screwdriver,
to prevent damage to the battery compartment.
Do not: mix new and old batteries; use batteries of different types at the same time;
overheat or disassemble batteries; short-circuit batteries; try to re-charge alkaline
batteries.
To charge Ni-MH batteries, use charging adapters for this type of batteries. For
longer battery life, it is recommended to use an adapter which charges each battery
separately.
Any leaks of electrolyte from the batteries may seriously damage the analyzer.
Remove batteries if the analyzer is not being used for a long period of time. Store
batteries in a dry cool place.
4.2. Turning the analyzer on or off
To turn the analyzer on or off, use the (power) button located in the bottom right
corner of the keypad. When this button is pressed, firmware version number as well
as battery voltage are displayed on the LCD.
The on-screen menu system of RigExpert antenna analyzers provides a simple but
effective way to control the entire device.
The analyzer may stay turned on when you connect a cable to its antenna connector (or
when you disconnect a cable). Plug the cable into the antenna connector, and then
tighten the rotating sleeve. The rest of the connector, as well as the cable, should
remain stationary.
Important: If you twist other parts of the connector when tightening or loosening,
damage may easily occur. Twisting is not allowed by design of the N-connector.

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4.3. Main menu
Once the analyzer is turned on, the Main menu appears on the LCD:
The Main menu contains a brief list of available commands. By pressing keys on the
keypad, you may enter corresponding measurement modes, set up additional
parameters, etc.
Pressing the (function) key will immediately list additional commands:
There is a power indicator in the top-right corner of the Main menu screen:
•The battery indicator shows battery discharge level. When the battery voltage is
too low, this indicator starts flashing.
•The USB icon is displayed when the analyzer is plugged to a personal computer
or to a DC adapter with USB socket.
Important: RigExpert antenna analyzers are self-documenting. Pressing the (help)
key will open a help screen with a list of available hot keys for the current mode.

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4.4. Single- and multi-point measurement modes
In single-point measurement modes, various parameters of antenna or other load are
measured at a given frequency. In multi-point modes, several different frequencies are
used.
4.4.1. SWR mode
The SWR mode (press the key in the Main menu) displays the SWR bar as well as
the numerical value of this parameter:
Set the desired frequency (the key) or change it with left or right arrow keys.
Do not forget to press the (ok) key to start or stop measurement. The flashing
antenna icon in the top-right corner indicates when the measurement is started.
Pressing the (help) key will show a list of all available commands for this mode:

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4.4.2. SWR2Air mode
RigExpert AA-600, AA-1000 and AA-1400 present a new SWR2Air mode which is
designed to help in adjusting antennas connected via long cables.
This task usually involves two persons; one adjusting the antenna and the other
shouting out the SWR value as it changes at the far end of the feedline.
There is an easier way to do the same job by using the SWR2Air mode. The result of
SWR measurement is transmitted on a user specified frequency where it can be heard
with a portable HF or VHF FM radio. The length of audio signal coming from the
loudspeaker of the portable radio depends on the value of measured SWR.
The SWR2Air mode is activated by pressing +key combination in the SWR
measurement screen. +allows setting the frequency to tune the receiver to.

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4.4.3. MultiSWR mode
RigExpert AA-600, AA-1000 and AA-1400 have an ability to display SWR for up to
five different frequencies at a time. This mode is activated by pressing +key
combination in the Main menu:
You may use this feature to tune multi-band antennas. Use (up) and (down)
cursor keys to select a frequency to be set or changed. Press the key to switch
between SWR bars and numerical representation of this parameter:
Do not forget to press the (ok) key to start or stop measurement. Pressing the
(help) key will show a list of other commands.

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4.4.4. Show all mode
The Show all mode (the key) will show various parameters of a load on a single
screen. Particularly, SWR, return loss (RL), |Z| (magnitude of impedance) as well as its
active (R) and reactive (X) components are shown. Additionally, corresponding values
of inductance (L) or capacitance (C) are displayed.
Do not forget to press the (ok) key to start or stop measurement.
This screen displays values for series as well as parallel models of impedance of a
load:
•In the series model, impedance is expressed as resistance and reactance
connected in series:
•In the parallel model, impedance is expressed as resistance and reactance
connected in parallel:

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4.5. Graph modes
A key feature of RigExpert antenna analyzers is ability to display various parameters of
a load graphically. Graphs are especially useful to view the behavior of these
parameters over the specified frequency range.
4.5.1. SWR graph
In the SWR graph mode (press the key in the Main menu), values of the Standing
Wave Ratio are plotted over the specified frequency range:
You may set the center frequency (the key) or scanning range (the key). By
using arrow keys ( ), these parameters may be increased or decreased.
Watch the triangle cursor below the graph.
Do not forget to press the (ok) key to start measurement or refresh the graph.
The key opens a list of radio amateur bands to set the required center frequency and
scanning range quickly. Also, you may use this function to set the whole frequency
range supported by the analyzer.
Press the key to access a list of additional commands for this mode.

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4.5.2. R,X graph
In the R,X graph mode (press the key in the Main menu), values or R (active part of
the impedance) and X (reactive part) are plotted in different colors.
In these graphs, positive values of reactance (X) correspond to inductive load, while
negative values correspond to capacitive load. Please notice the difference in the plots
when series or parallel model of impedance is selected through the Settings menu:

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4.5.3. Smith/polar chart
The Smith/polar chart (press the +key combination in the Main menu) is a
good way to display reflection coefficient over the specified frequency range:
Do not forget to press the (ok) key to start measurement or refresh the graph.
As usual, press the key for a help screen.
Please notice: Non-US version of analyzers will display Smith chart; a polar chart is
displayed instead on US version.
4.5.4. Data screen
In all graph modes, press + key combination to display various parameters at
cursor:

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4.5.5. Memory operation
In all graph modes, press the key, and you will be given a choice of 90 memory
slots. Using arrow up or arrow down ( ) keys, select the desired slot number:
Press . You will be prompted to edit the selected memory slot name. Follow
instructions on the display. A new scan will be performed and the data will be saved in
the selected memory slot.
To retrieve your readings from the memory, press then key, select necessary
memory slot number and press .
To edit names of existing memory slots, press +and then select the slot number
to edit:

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4.5.6. Calibration
Although RigExpert AA-600, AA-1000 and AA-1400 are designed for high
performance without any calibration, an open-short-load calibration may be applied for
better precision.
The standards used for calibration should be of high quality. This requirement is
especially important for high frequencies (100 MHz and upper). Three different
calibration standards should be used: an “open”, a “short” and a “load” (usually, a 50-
Ohm resistor). A place where these standards are connected during calibration is called
a reference plane. If the calibration is done at the far end of a transmission line,
parameters of this line will be subtracted from measurement results and the analyzer
will display “true” parameters of a load.
To perform calibration,
1. Enter the SWR graph (the key), the R,X graph (the key) or the Smith/polar
chart (the +key combination) mode.
2. Select the desired center frequency and the sweep range.

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3. By pressing the +key combination, open the Calibration screen:
4. Connect an “open” to the analyzer and press the key. The analyzer will rescan
the specified frequency range and save calibration data to its memory.
5. Connect a “short” and press the key.
6. Connect a “load” and press the key. Please notice that for displaying the SWR
graph and the Smith/polar chart correctly, the System impedance parameter in the
Settings menu (see page 24) should be same as the actual resistance of the “load”.
After the parameters of all three loads are measures, a “cal” indicator appears at the
bottom of the display:

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Changing the center frequency or the sweep range will invalidate calibration.
Additionally, pressing the key in the Calibration screen will invalidate the
current calibration, and pressing the key will return the analyzer to the center
frequency and the sweep range used during the last calibration:

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4.6. TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) mode
4.6.1. Theory
Time domain reflectometers are electronic instruments used for locating faults in
transmission lines.
A short electrical pulse is sent over the line, and then a reflected pulse is observed. By
knowing the delay between two pulses, the speed of light and the cable velocity factor,
the DTF (distance-to-fault) is calculated. The amplitude and the shape of the reflected
pulse give the operator idea about the nature of the fault.
Impulse response:
Instead of a short pulse, a “step” function may be sent over the cable.
Step response: