[Elecraft] OT: For Sale - Array Solutions AIM 4170 Antenna Analyzer plus extras

[Craig Smith]

I have for sale my AIM4170 antenna analyzer SN 3049.  I purchased this new in 2007 and it is in perfect working condition.  This has been one of my best ever purchases and has been invaluable for both antenna and lab measurements.  Am cleaning out the lab and shack in preparation for a move, so time to let this one go.

This is perhaps the best antenna analyzer on the market, especially for use in the shack.  It does require connection to a computer for control and display, but gives awesome results including ability to save and print analysis results in graphical form.  The software allows for easy calibration at the far end of your coax run, and this capability permits you to see exactly what the antenna itself is doing without the effects of the transmission line - this feature alone makes this analyzer worthwhile.  This has been a terrific asset here for designing and building many homebrew antennas.  But I have actually used it much more often as a piece of lab gear.  It provides a very useful signal generator with a range of 5 KHz to 180 MHz.  The analyzer is quite handy for measuring the characteristics of filters and chokes as well as accurately measuring components at any frequency of your choice.  Makes for a better L and C meter than anything available for less than $1000.  Excellent impedance measurements showing both series and parallel R, L and C components as well as phase angle.  Very accurate for impedances up to 10 Kohms.   Can also do TDR measurements.  Too many features and functions to list here, but see the information available on the website - www.arraysolutions.com  -  for more detail.  Look for model  AIM4170C.  The latest manual, etc., can also be downloaded here.

This unit is the original version rather than the C version, but was upgraded last year by Array Solutions to be equivalent to the 4170C.  Upgrade included installing the version 5.8 firmware and larger coupling caps for the extended low frequency response.  Fully functionally equivalent to the 4170C.  Only difference is that this unit still has the BNC output connector rather than the UHF connector shipped on newer units.  I actually much prefer the BNC for lab work and for ease of connecting antennas.

I'm also including the optional serial to USB converter.  I have used this with my Dell computer and it has functioned perfectly with the AIM4170.  This converter works with Windows XP or earlier.   Converters for use with Vista or Windows 7 are readily available from Array Solutions as well as many other sources.  Or, the 4170 can be used with any RS232 serial interface directly.

I am also including a test jig I built for component characterization.  This is a small box that plugs into the AIM output connector and offers several options for connecting components for easy and convenient measurement.  There are Grayhill component clips for axial components, 0.1 inch headers for capacitors and radial leads, and a clip arrangement for attaching components in SMT packages.  The AIM software allows for easy calibration for any of these attachment points to eliminate the strays of the test fixture.  The jig also has a momentary switch to provide a short during the calibration process.

Also included are some additional resistive standards I've used at the far end of coax runs as well as a Pomona BNC to banana plug adapter and 50 ohm termination.

Your purchase also includes the AC wall adapter, all the original documentation as well as a collection of product reviews and application notes that I have found useful.

Price is $440.  PayPal only, please.  Shipping via UPS insured ground in the lower 48 should be from $17 to $22 depending on your distance from Colorado.  Please provide your zip and I can give you an exact quote on the shipping.

If interested, please contact me directly via email:  craig at powersmith.net

73  Craig  AC0DS