Antenna Analyzers: RigExpert AA-230ZOOMBT vs Comet CAA-500MARKII

[63Sprint]

Looking into getting an Antenna Analyzer.

I’m looking at:
Comet CAA-500MARKII
RigExpert AA-230ZOOMBT

I like the idea that RigExpert can also test coax cable. It seems like it can make coax tuning easier. And it can test for faults. It seems like it’s an easy analyzer to use. Has more functions than some others.

The Comet seems like a nice analyzer also. It seems very well built. Analog meters are easy to read, but, the Comet seems like it can’t do as much as the RigExpert.

Anybody have experience either the two?


Added:
Service and Tech Support is a must.

My FLUKE 87 lll goes in every year for its required annual calibration. Never had a problem.

 

[PreferredCustomer]

Looking into getting an Antenna Analyzer.

I’m looking at:
Comet CAA-500MARKII
RigExpert AA-230ZOOMBT

I like the idea that RigExpert can also test coax cable. It seems like it can make coax tuning easier. And it can test for faults. It seems like it’s an easy analyzer to use. Has more functions than some others.

The Comet seems like a nice analyzer also. It seems very well built. Analog meters are easy to read, but, the Comet seems like it can’t do as much as the RigExpert.

Anybody have experience either the two?


Added:
Service and Tech Support is a must.

My FLUKE 87 lll goes in every year for its required annual calibration. Never had a problem.

Yes, the rig experts can do more than the Comet. However, the AA230 only goes to 230 MHZ, and the Comet covers up to 500 MHZ.

I bought a Comet because of the frequency coverage, and price consideration. (You have to get the AA650 if you want 70cm band coverage, and the price is double the price of the Comet). And I only wanted it for tuning antennas, so I didn't really care about the extra functions of the AA zoom.

The Comet is a really nice high quality piece of equipment, but if you want the other functions and don't care about frequencies over 230 MHZ, get the AA230.

 

[slowmover]

For CB the usual recommendation is the RigExpert 55.

Or, a Nano-VNA.

 

[PreferredCustomer]

For CB the usual recommendation is the RigExpert 55.

Or, a Nano-VNA.

I didn't realize that this is the CB radio forum, hence my recommendation.

 

[ladn]

I bought a Comet because of the frequency coverage, and price consideration. (You have to get the AA650 if you want 70cm band coverage, and the price is double the price of the Comet). And I only wanted it for tuning antennas, so I didn't really care about the extra functions of the AA zoom.

I have the Comet as well and for pretty much the same reasons. Good piece of equipment and no regrets.

 

[KANE4109]

I didn't realize that this is the CB radio forum, hence my recommendation.

It is the CB topic but, my friend, many of us dabble on both sides and your mention might bump someone to think beyond the scope of their original question... and help them if they ever do move to other services/bands. It's a "win win".

 

[63Sprint]

My plan is getting my ham license.
The reason the thread is posted in the CB section is, A base CB setup is being put together. Might as well learn from the equipment I have before spending a fair amount on more equipment.

I figure that a good antenna analyzer is a good place to start. Please keep the recommendations coming.

Thanks,

 

[cavmedic]

I have the AA-1500. First one had to be sent back because the bluetooth wasn't functioning. While it seems trivial, it makes for saving sweeps much easier for documentation. The replacement came, three months later the #8 key ceases to work without double thumbing it and its been radio silence from rig expert relating to sending it back.
If I had to do it over, I wouldn't have spent the money on it and would have purchased a used Anritsu which I eventually did. I now have return loss , distance to fault , spectrum analyzer up to 3 ghz , internal power meter, and a T-1 tester in all one unit.

For the cost of the rig experts, they feel rather cheap as well. They ship with a huge label on the screen saying to remove before use, and when you remove it, it leaves residue behind, then when you attempt to clean the screen , it scratches. ( even used stuff I have for cleaning aircraft plexi windshields)