#160 - Doing My Part To Help Ukraine
I decided to order a new antenna analyzer that was smaller and more convenient to use out in the field for portable setups. I was stuck trying to decide between a couple different options, but then I found out that the Stick Pro from RigExpert is made in Ukraine, so the decision was made. I just received my Stick Pro today.
By adding the Stick Pro to my kit, not only would I get one of the most comprehensive antenna analyzers available for testing antennas and coax, but I would also be financially helping a business in a country threatened with war by Russia. Even though I doubt I would ever use it, once I found out the optional nylon belt holder for the Stick Pro was also made in Ukraine, I also added one to my order. That's the least that I can do to help a business that is under such threat.
The RigExpert Stick Pro covers frequencies from 100kHz to 600 MHz, so it will work on HF, VHF, and UHF bands including 2.2 km, 630 m, 160 m, 80 m, 60 m, 40 m, 30 m, 20 m, 17 m, 15 m, 12 m, 11 m, 10 m, 6 m, 2 m, 1.25 m, and 70 cm. It will work on ham radio bands as well as those bands outside of ham radio like GMRS, Business Band, Land Mobile, Maritime, Aircraft Band, etc.
The Stick Pro contains a Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) which is used for locating faults in transmission lines.
It has an internal 2800 mAh Lithium Ion 18650 battery so it can be charged up and used out in the field without needing a power source. It also comes with a USB type C cable which allows it to be connected to a computer for charging.
Connecting it to a computer is also where the real magic of the Stick Pro shines. Instead of just seeing a simple SWR chart across a band, you are able to use the Smith Chart and so much more that is built into the free Antscope2 software available for download from RigExpert.
The Stick Pro also has built in Bluetooth that can be used for connecting to my iPhone and the free Antscope software that I installed on it. With that I can monitor the phone screen to see continuous real-time SWR measurements as I trim antenna wire lengths and make other adjustments without having to walk back over to the Stick Pro screen. This will save a lot of time when tuning antennas.
My first impressions of the RigExpert Stick Pro are wonderful. The Stick Pro is a very well made diagnostic tool that should be considered by any ham radio operator for adding to their kit. I plan on using this analyzer quite a bit out in the field as I set up my portable communications stations.
And no, this was not given to me or discounted in price so that I would give a good review. I paid full price for the Stick Pro, as I do with all of the products I use and review. I do not accept free or discounted items with the condition of a review. I simply purchase an item I am interested in, and if it deserves a review, either good or bad, I will give my review.
In my opinion, the RegExpert Stick Pro is a winner.
Until Next Time,
Aloha & 73
