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Hello,
I have a AA230 zoom analyzer with problems.? It now shows infinite swr on all bands with a small 50 ohm dummy load.? Have tried firmware update, calibration, and self test, all to no avail.? It's about 3-4 years old.? Is it worth fixing it?? Should I sell it as-is?? Any tips appreciated.
tnx/73
Carl KP2L
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There was a place here in the US that was factory service. ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Carl Juvrud KP2L via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, March 6, 2025 4:52 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [RigExpert Family] AA-230 Zoom trouble? I have a AA230 zoom analyzer with problems.? It now shows infinite swr on all bands with a small 50 ohm dummy load.? Have tried firmware update, calibration, and self test, all to no avail.? It's about 3-4 years old.? Is it worth fixing it?? Should I sell it as-is?? Any tips appreciated.
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There are self tests in the menu.
If you have all 3 of them failed, most likely the front end of
your AA-230 Zoom is damaged by the RF or Lightning strike.
Under $80 fix.
73, Yuri VE3DZ
On 3/6/2025 4:52 PM, Carl Juvrud KP2L
via groups.io wrote:
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Hello,
I have a AA230 zoom analyzer with problems.? It now shows
infinite swr on all bands with a small 50 ohm dummy load.? Have
tried firmware update, calibration, and self test, all to no
avail.? It's about 3-4 years old.? Is it worth fixing it??
Should I sell it as-is?? Any tips appreciated.
tnx/73
Carl KP2L
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Hi Carl, ? If you haven’t already tried this, test it with another load.
It’s a long shot but maybe the dummy or the connection to the dummy is bad.
Are you using the original “N to SO-239 adaptor” that came with the analyzer?
I have seen this problem twice and both times the cause was a cheap 3rd-party adaptor.? ?
You can use a simple 47 Ohm Resistor, or even a 100 Ohm (etc.) resistor for this test.?
Just push a folded end into the “N to So-239 adaptor” and hold the other end of the resistor against the outside of the connector.
Or, try measuring any antenna to see if it shows the same results.
If it is broken, it certainly is worth repairing. ? 73 - Rick, DJ0IP (Nr. Frankfurt Germany) ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Carl Juvrud KP2L via groups.io
Sent: 06 March 2025 22:52
To: [email protected]
Subject: [RigExpert Family] AA-230 Zoom trouble? I have a AA230 zoom analyzer with problems.? It now shows infinite swr on all bands with a small 50 ohm dummy load.? Have tried firmware update, calibration, and self test, all to no avail.? It's about 3-4 years old.? Is it worth fixing it?? Should I sell it as-is?? Any tips appreciated.
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Another thing, Carl. If it is a 3rd-Party adaptor, loosen the adapter a little.
Rotate the barrel ? to 1 turn (counter-clockwise) and pull it out just a little.
I have seen this too in my 13 years of working with my 4 RigExpert analyzers. ? 73 - Rick, DJ0IP (Nr. Frankfurt Germany) ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Carl Juvrud KP2L via groups.io
Sent: 06 March 2025 22:52
To: [email protected]
Subject: [RigExpert Family] AA-230 Zoom trouble? I have a AA230 zoom analyzer with problems.? It now shows infinite swr on all bands with a small 50 ohm dummy load.? Have tried firmware update, calibration, and self test, all to no avail.? It's about 3-4 years old.? Is it worth fixing it?? Should I sell it as-is?? Any tips appreciated.
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? Cal,
After a year of use with my Stik Pro I had the same issues.?
I have a RE Stik Pro and it has an N connector on the end and came with 2 adaptors, one for BNC and one for PL 259. ?I don’t know how it happened but I think I tried to screw an antenna with a PL 259 DIRECTLY to the N connector WITHOUT the adaptor. From what I could see I may have separated the four fins of the N connector brass center pin. The issue was that the N connecter center pin no longer would make contact with the BNC or PL 259 adaptor when used correctly. ?After much agony disassembling my Stik Pro and seeing that replacing the end connector would be difficult I just went with my thin soldering pen and added a small ball of solder to one of the four sides of the brass center pin of the ?N connector on the Stik Pro. ?Now when I install the BNC or PL 259 adaptor there is contact with the center pin of the Stik N connector. I wish I had pictures to show you. If you want to contact me directly I can try to take pictures. ?From what I can understand your issue is the fins of the center pin of the N connector are separated just slightly and do not contact the center pin of the adaptors. ?My fix worked.?
The other option would be to send your unit to RE US repair shop to replace the installed N connector.
Anyone else that has an opinion about my fix and some other fix I would be happy to hear about it.
Dave K8WPE Djwilcox01 at gmail dot com
PS I teach younger hams and I honestly tell them that much of what I am teaching was learned by mistakes. I never forget a mistake. ?I think that I somehow screwed or tried to screw an antenna PL 259 directly to the Stik Pro. ?I have had a RE 600 and currently have a RE 35 Zoom and can see how I could have in haste done that.?
If we believe what we believe Why do we do what we do? ? ?Adrian Rogers
Dave K8WPE
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On Mar 6, 2025, at 4:52?PM, Carl Juvrud KP2L via groups.io <cjuvrud@...> wrote:
? Hello,
I have a AA230 zoom analyzer with problems.? It now shows infinite swr on all bands with a small 50 ohm dummy load.? Have tried firmware update, calibration, and self test, all to no avail.? It's about 3-4 years old.? Is it worth fixing it?? Should I sell it as-is?? Any tips appreciated.
tnx/73
Carl KP2L
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Thanks for all the kind help.? I am still messing with it. I did manage to break one of the center prongs on the N connector. (UGH) I thought they looked loose.? It is the original adapter.? Have tried different loads and antennas with the same results.? Anyone have any experience with a Rigexpert repair depot in the USA? Left a message with Gigaparts, but no answer.
?
Thanks again
Carl KP2L
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I have a RE Stik Pro and it has an N connector on the end and came with 2 adaptors, one for BNC and one for PL 259. ?I don’t know how it happened but I think I tried to screw an antenna with a PL 259 DIRECTLY to the N connector WITHOUT the adaptor. From what I could see I may have separated the four fins of the N connector brass center pin. The issue was that the N connecter center pin no longer would make contact with the BNC or PL 259 adaptor when used correctly. ?After much agony disassembling my Stik Pro and seeing that replacing the end connector would be difficult I just went with my thin soldering pen and added a small ball of solder to one of the four sides of the brass center pin of the ?N connector on the Stik Pro. ?Now when I install the BNC or PL 259 adaptor there is contact with the center pin of the Stik N connector. I wish I had pictures to show you. If you want to contact me directly I can try to take pictures. ?From what I can understand your issue is the fins of the center pin of the N connector are separated just slightly and do not contact the center pin of the adaptors. ?My fix worked.? To save those original connectors from wear and damage, it's a good idea to use a N Female to N Male adapter permanently attached to the device. It's much easier to replace the adapter. I do this on all my NanoVNA devices to protect the SMA connectors.
-ken-
Sent From My Desktop Via EMClient.
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Regarding damage to N connectors:
It's not known very well that there are two different sizes of N and BNC connectors to be used with 50 Ohm or 75 Ohm cables. The center pin of the 75 Ohm connectors is larger than for the 50 Ohm connectors. Mating a 75 Ohm connector to a 50 Ohm Female N will result in damage to the Female. This is more common with BNC connectors.
Also, a poorly made N cable connector can have the center pin protruding too far. This can also damage the N Female. In my tool box, I have a guage to measure the center pin depth of N male connectors. This failure is not so common today with crimped connectors, but it's worth checking older cables for fit.
-ken-
Sent From My Desktop Via EMClient.
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I almost never measure VHF or UHF; only HF antennas.
I just leave my N to PL adapter permanently attached.? Avoids this type of problem!
In the meantime, I have a ZERO II, with an SMA to BNC adapter and I will use it for my VHF/UHF measurements. ? 73 - Rick, DJ0IP (Nr. Frankfurt Germany) ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Ken via groups.io
Sent: 07 March 2025 20:26
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [RigExpert Family] AA-230 Zoom trouble? ? I have a RE Stik Pro and it has an N connector on the end and came with 2 adaptors, one for BNC and one for PL 259. ?I don’t know how it happened but I think I tried to screw an antenna with a PL 259 DIRECTLY to the N connector WITHOUT the adaptor. From what I could see I may have separated the four fins of the N connector brass center pin. The issue was that the N connecter center pin no longer would make contact with the BNC or PL 259 adaptor when used correctly. ?After much agony disassembling my Stik Pro and seeing that replacing the end connector would be difficult I just went with my thin soldering pen and added a small ball of solder to one of the four sides of the brass center pin of the ?N connector on the Stik Pro. ?Now when I install the BNC or PL 259 adaptor there is contact with the center pin of the Stik N connector. I wish I had pictures to show you. If you want to contact me directly I can try to take pictures. ?From what I can understand your issue is the fins of the center pin of the N connector are separated just slightly and do not contact the center pin of the adaptors. ?My fix worked.? To save those original connectors from wear and damage, it's a good idea to use a N Female to N Male adapter permanently attached to the device. It's much easier to replace the adapter. I do this on all my NanoVNA devices to protect the SMA connectors. Sent From My Desktop Via EMClient.
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FWIW, given the iffy nature of using N connectors ( and potentially
expensive issues ) I keep the adapter installed all the time to
avoid issues.
On a non-related story, back in the day I sold one of these 20 ft
fiberglass "station master" antennas to a local business who wanted
to install it himself.? Instead of using the jumper he tried to
connect a PL-259 right to the antenna base that used a N female
connector.? Guess what, I sold him a second antenna .. good business
at the time.? Read alot of $$$$$
73? Andy? K9ATX
On 3/7/2025 3:03 PM, Rick, DJ0IP via
groups.io wrote:
I
almost never measure VHF or UHF; only HF antennas.
I just leave my N to PL adapter permanently attached.?
Avoids this type of problem!
In the meantime, I have a ZERO II, with an SMA to BNC
adapter and I will use it for my VHF/UHF measurements.
?
73 - Rick, DJ0IP
(Nr. Frankfurt Germany)
?
?
?
I have a RE Stik Pro and it has
an N connector on the end and came with 2 adaptors,
one for BNC and one for PL 259. ?I don’t know how it
happened but I think I tried to screw an antenna with
a PL 259 DIRECTLY to the N connector WITHOUT the
adaptor. From what I could see I may have separated
the four fins of the N connector brass center pin. The
issue was that the N connecter center pin no longer
would make contact with the BNC or PL 259 adaptor when
used correctly. ?After much agony disassembling my
Stik Pro and seeing that replacing the end connector
would be difficult I just went with my thin soldering
pen and added a small ball of solder to one of the
four sides of the brass center pin of the ?N connector
on the Stik Pro. ?Now when I install the BNC or PL 259
adaptor there is contact with the center pin of the
Stik N connector. I wish I had pictures to show you.
If you want to contact me directly I can try to take
pictures. ?From what I can understand your issue is
the fins of the center pin of the N connector are
separated just slightly and do not contact the center
pin of the adaptors. ?My fix worked.?
To save those original connectors
from wear and damage, it's a good idea to use a N Female
to N Male adapter permanently attached to the device.
It's much easier to replace the adapter. I do this on
all my NanoVNA devices to protect the SMA connectors.
Sent From My Desktop Via EMClient.
--
"Where the Old Soo crossed the New Soo"
Duplainville, Wisconsin
Broadcastify Train Scanner:
Youtube Channel:
|
Ken, a great idea for those that see problems in advance and think about it first. It was just that the N connector on the outside looks just like an SO 239 and the immediate thought at first (in haste) would be to connect an antenna coax PL 259 to it and screw it down. I had always used the adapters on the previous two rig expert devices I have had but if my memory is correct I tried to screw a PL 259 down on the Stik Pro without the adaptor. I discovered my error early as it wouldn’t screw down normally but had screwed it down a turn or two causing my issue. ?
We live and learn. Even at 80.
Thanks for the idea and response. If we believe what we believe Why do we do what we do? ? ?Adrian Rogers
Dave K8WPE
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On Mar 7, 2025, at 2:25?PM, Ken via groups.io <ko6no@...> wrote:
?
I have a RE Stik Pro and it has an N connector on the end and came with 2 adaptors, one for BNC and one for PL 259. ?I don’t know how it happened but I think I tried to screw an antenna with a PL 259 DIRECTLY to the N connector WITHOUT the adaptor. From what I could see I may have separated the four fins of the N connector brass center pin. The issue was that the N connecter center pin no longer would make contact with the BNC or PL 259 adaptor when used correctly. ?After much agony disassembling my Stik Pro and seeing that replacing the end connector would be difficult I just went with my thin soldering pen and added a small ball of solder to one of the four sides of the brass center pin of the ?N connector on the Stik Pro. ?Now when I install the BNC or PL 259 adaptor there is contact with the center pin of the Stik N connector. I wish I had pictures to show you. If you want to contact me directly I can try to take pictures. ?From what I can understand your issue is the fins of the center pin of the N connector are separated just slightly and do not contact the center pin of the adaptors. ?My fix worked.? To save those original connectors from wear and damage, it's a good idea to use a N Female to N Male adapter permanently attached to the device. It's much easier to replace the adapter. I do this on all my NanoVNA devices to protect the SMA connectors.
-ken-
Sent From My Desktop Via EMClient.
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Rick,
A great idea but my Stik Pro won’t fit in the protective case I use for it with an adaptor attached. ?And I test antennas with both BNC and PL 259 end connectors as I help others with their antennas and home testing. ?I might look for a longer protective case but the one I use was recommended in this site a year or more ago. Fits well ?but without the adaptor attached.?
If we believe what we believe Why do we do what we do? ? ?Adrian Rogers
Dave K8WPE
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On Mar 7, 2025, at 4:03?PM, Rick, DJ0IP <Rick@...> wrote:
? I almost never measure VHF or UHF; only HF antennas.
I just leave my N to PL adapter permanently attached.? Avoids this type of problem!
In the meantime, I have a ZERO II, with an SMA to BNC adapter and I will use it for my VHF/UHF measurements. ? 73 - Rick, DJ0IP (Nr. Frankfurt Germany) ? ? ? I have a RE Stik Pro and it has an N connector on the end and came with 2 adaptors, one for BNC and one for PL 259. ?I don’t know how it happened but I think I tried to screw an antenna with a PL 259 DIRECTLY to the N connector WITHOUT the adaptor. From what I could see I may have separated the four fins of the N connector brass center pin. The issue was that the N connecter center pin no longer would make contact with the BNC or PL 259 adaptor when used correctly. ?After much agony disassembling my Stik Pro and seeing that replacing the end connector would be difficult I just went with my thin soldering pen and added a small ball of solder to one of the four sides of the brass center pin of the ?N connector on the Stik Pro. ?Now when I install the BNC or PL 259 adaptor there is contact with the center pin of the Stik N connector. I wish I had pictures to show you. If you want to contact me directly I can try to take pictures. ?From what I can understand your issue is the fins of the center pin of the N connector are separated just slightly and do not contact the center pin of the adaptors. ?My fix worked.? To save those original connectors from wear and damage, it's a good idea to use a N Female to N Male adapter permanently attached to the device. It's much easier to replace the adapter. I do this on all my NanoVNA devices to protect the SMA connectors. Sent From My Desktop Via EMClient.
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Andy, a good story and most likely what I did (in haste)…… haste makes something….. I don’t remember what at the moment but you get my drift.?
If we believe what we believe Why do we do what we do? ? ?Adrian Rogers
Dave K8WPE
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On Mar 7, 2025, at 7:41?PM, DupyRail via groups.io <andytron434@...> wrote:
?
FWIW, given the iffy nature of using N connectors ( and potentially
expensive issues ) I keep the adapter installed all the time to
avoid issues.
On a non-related story, back in the day I sold one of these 20 ft
fiberglass "station master" antennas to a local business who wanted
to install it himself.? Instead of using the jumper he tried to
connect a PL-259 right to the antenna base that used a N female
connector.? Guess what, I sold him a second antenna .. good business
at the time.? Read alot of $$$$$
73? Andy? K9ATX
On 3/7/2025 3:03 PM, Rick, DJ0IP via
groups.io wrote:
I
almost never measure VHF or UHF; only HF antennas.
I just leave my N to PL adapter permanently attached.?
Avoids this type of problem!
In the meantime, I have a ZERO II, with an SMA to BNC
adapter and I will use it for my VHF/UHF measurements.
?
73 - Rick, DJ0IP
(Nr. Frankfurt Germany)
?
?
?
I have a RE Stik Pro and it has
an N connector on the end and came with 2 adaptors,
one for BNC and one for PL 259. ?I don’t know how it
happened but I think I tried to screw an antenna with
a PL 259 DIRECTLY to the N connector WITHOUT the
adaptor. From what I could see I may have separated
the four fins of the N connector brass center pin. The
issue was that the N connecter center pin no longer
would make contact with the BNC or PL 259 adaptor when
used correctly. ?After much agony disassembling my
Stik Pro and seeing that replacing the end connector
would be difficult I just went with my thin soldering
pen and added a small ball of solder to one of the
four sides of the brass center pin of the ?N connector
on the Stik Pro. ?Now when I install the BNC or PL 259
adaptor there is contact with the center pin of the
Stik N connector. I wish I had pictures to show you.
If you want to contact me directly I can try to take
pictures. ?From what I can understand your issue is
the fins of the center pin of the N connector are
separated just slightly and do not contact the center
pin of the adaptors. ?My fix worked.?
To save those original connectors
from wear and damage, it's a good idea to use a N Female
to N Male adapter permanently attached to the device.
It's much easier to replace the adapter. I do this on
all my NanoVNA devices to protect the SMA connectors.
Sent From My Desktop Via EMClient.
--
"Where the Old Soo crossed the New Soo"
Duplainville, Wisconsin
Broadcastify Train Scanner:
Youtube Channel:
|
Hi Dave,
I tried your "solder blob" fix on to the center pins of the N connector and it works now.? Thanks!! I have ordered this N connector from Digi Key and will try to replace the original.? Here is the link to the one I ordered (wow $27.00) and will try.? 73? Carl KP2L
?
?
?
?
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Thanks Carl. ?I still wonder why when I tried to squeeze the prongs in the center connector of a female N connector I couldn’t get a good contact. ?I may just order the replacement part and replace it when we get home from Florida. ?And I may just keep using mine as long as it works. I have another analyzer to use if I find the Stik becomes flaky. ?Depends on my extra time and the importance of the project in the list of things my XYL comes up with when we get home. Ha! ?
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On Mar 17, 2025, at 1:26?PM, Carl Juvrud KP2L via groups.io <cjuvrud@...> wrote:
? Hi Dave,
I tried your "solder blob" fix on to the center pins of the N connector and it works now.? Thanks!! I have ordered this N connector from Digi Key and will try to replace the original.? Here is the link to the one I ordered (wow $27.00) and will try.? 73? Carl KP2L
?
?
?
?
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Well, I finally got the N connector on my AA-230 zoom replaced.? Turns out the Digikey N connector was the wrong one (refunded).? I did email Yuri at RigExpert (below), and he sold me the correct one. He was very helpful.? ?It was not easy to remove the old one.? RoHS means no lead in the solder. After sucking out as much solder as I could, I used a small mini torch to heat the connector body (ground on top of the board), and with the help of a friend (more hands) we got it loose and out. New one installed and it works fine.? ?73 Carl KP2L?
Yuri Onipko N2WCQ / VE3DZ
RigExpert USA and Canada, Inc.
(716) 240-4597 – Niagara Falls, NY
(416) 988-3572 – Toronto, ON
info@...
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Rick, DJ0IP
David Wilcox K8WPE
Ken