NEW July 2, '08 -- Version: AIM_660.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New features in version 660:

• Band skipping greatly speeds up analysis of multiband antennas.
• Audible output for SWR reading. Listen to the AIM at a remote location.
• SWR can be plotted on log scales. Greater dynamic range for SWR display.
• Graph legend only shows the traces that are enabled.
• The manual has been updated.

A new feature has been added to version 564 to help in setting up the USB adapter. Click Setup -> Find Comm Port and the program will scan all the ports to find where the USB adapter has been assigned.

There are a large number of USB/RS232 converters available. One that has been found to be very good is by Keyspan. Their on-line price is relatively high but you can find it on Ebay for much less.

Another converter that has also been used successfully is by Byterunner. Their on-line price is comparable to the prices found on Ebay. This optional converter is also available from Array Solutions at the time you order the AIM4170.

The driver for the Byterunner USB adapter type Y-105 is supplied on a small CD in the package, or you can download it here.

The Byterunner adapter works with many computers. However, one AIM4170 user has found that it didn't work with his computer but this one does: HVWTech

For more information on the communications link, refer to the FAQ Page.

The FORUM can be used to keep up with latest application news and to ask questions of other users.

Apr 4, '08 -- Version: AIM_655.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New features in version 655:

• A line extension function can be used to compensate for adapters and jumper cables.
• A legend showing the graph styles can be displayed to include in documentation.
• Smith Chart is updated dynamically while in recycle mode.

Feb 2, '08 -- Version: AIM_650.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

This update has several significant new features:

• A custom calibration procedure is available for special applications. This allows the user to specify the frequency range over which the calibration is done and also the spacing of the calibration points. This optimizes the calibration for situations involving filters and complex transmission lines. This procedure takes the place of 'ref to antenna method A'. Method B is still available to use when it is not practical to calibrate at the far end of a cable.

  A new section in the manual covers the custom calibration procedure in detail.

  (The original calibration procedure still works the same and files with the extension *.acal are still valid.)

• The AIM can now be controlled easily by an external program. This makes it possible to integrate the AIM with another program so it can be used as part of a test system.

• The last two scans are saved so you can flip back and forth between them with the up/down arrow keys.

• The crystal measurement routine has been improved and the data can be saved in an Excel file. This makes it easier to match crystals that are used in filters.

• Each trace on the graph can highlighted with special marks. This is especially handy when graphs are printed in black and white. These marks are specified under the Setup->Graph_Styles menu.

• A comment can be entered when cal data or scan data are saved.

• A status window (under the Help tab) displays file comments and pathnames.

• The manual has been updated with information about these new features.

Jan 10,'08 -- The Quick Start Guide has been updated.

Dec 1,'07 -- Version: AIM_628.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

• There can be separate folders for the cal, scan, config, and bmp files. The last folder used is remembered, making it easier to organize these files.
• The cursor is disabled/enabled by the left mouse button. The action can be reversed by changing the "cursor enable" flag in the config file.

Nov 9,'07 -- Version: AIM_626

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

• Q measurement function.
• Antenna Bandwidth function.
• Zmag scales for 50, 20, 10 ohms full scale.
• Save graph as bitmap.
• Accept entry of complex numbers for Zo.
• Use complex value of Zo to calculate SWR.
• Freq scan limits can be entered in KHz.
• Config file editor under the Help menu.

Sept 13,'07 -- Version: AIM_623.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

• Don't move cursor if the control key is pressed. This makes it easier to position the cursor and then select something from the menu.
• If theta goes to zero during cal with open circuit, issue a warning. This applies when a long stub is attached to the RF connector for calibration. This warning can be disabled with a flag in the configuration (*.cfg) file.
• Distance to Fault also displays Zo.
• Changed date format on graph to MM DD, YY (instead of all numbers). This avoids the problem of ambiguous dates.
• Fixed several problems in tuning stub trim routine.

July 27,'07 -- Version: AIM_622D.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

The earlier version 622 did not work with some computers due to a communication problem with the USB/RS232 interface. Hopefully, this update will take care of that problem.

Program download: AIM_622D.zip
(This includes the latest manual dated June 5,'07.)

All the files should be placed together in a new folder. When the program is unzipped, it will automatically create a new sub-folder called "Applications-Help".

After downloading the new program, recalibrate your AIM.
Click: Calibrate -- > Analyzer.

July 10,'07 -- Version: AIM_622.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

• The Help File has been updated, an index has been added and pictures illustrate the command menus.
• A new applications file has been added. Click the "Help" menu -> "Applications".

June 8,'07 -- Version: AIM_620.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

May 17,'07 -- Version: AIM_614.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

Mar 30,'07 -- Version: AIM_610.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

This version of the program will sense the computer's screen size and adjust the display. There are several parameters in the configuration file (*.cfg) that can be customized by the user. The earlier version (565) was optimized for 1024x768. This new version has all the same features and is intended to work with 1024x768, 800x600, and 640x480. This will make it useable with small PC's for increased portability. The screen size can also be increased for use with larger monitors. You can use the same program and files on all your computers by just changing the config file.

This has a lot of cosmetic changes. If you see something that needs attention, please send me a screen shot illustrating the problem.

The operating features are the same as version 565.

Program download: AIM_610.zip
(This includes the latest manual dated Mar 6,'07.)

All the files should be placed together in a new folder.

After downloading the new program, recalibrate your AIM.
Click: Calibrate -- > Analyzer.

Mar 27,'07 -- Version: AIM_601m.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

This is a preliminary version of a new program that will sense the computer's screen size and adjust the display. There are several parameters in the configuration file (*.cfg) that can be customized by the user. The earlier version (565) was optimized for 1024x768. This new version has all the same features and is intended to work with 1024x768, 800x600, and 640x480. This will make it useable with small PC's for increased portability. You can use the same program and files on all your computers by just changing the config file.

This has a lot of cosmetic changes. If you see something that needs attention, please send me a screen shot illustrating the problem.

The operating features are the same as version 565.

Program download: AIM_601m.zip
All the files should be placed together in a new folder.

After downloading the new program, recalibrate your AIM.
Click: Calibrate -- > Analyzer.

Mar 20,'07 -- Version: AIM_565.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

• Fixed communication routine so it will correctly handle port numbers larger than 9.
• Close Smith chart when Scan/Rescan/Recycle buttons are clicked. This avoids confusion between the new scan data and the previous Smith chart plot.
• Added a wait-timer in communication routine to allows external devices, like Bluetooth, to sync up. This value can be specified in the config file.
• The manual is the same as version 564.

Mar 17,'07 -- Version: AIM_564.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

• A function to find the active comm port has been added to the Setup menu. This is handy when using a USB adapter. Set up the hardware, then click "Find Comm Port".
• Any comm port up to 65000 can be specified.
• A smoothing function has been added to the Setup menu. This does a running avg of each scan.
• The default unit for length can be feet or meters. This is specified by a flag in the configuration (.cfg) file.
• The start and stop scan limits can be set using the cursor. (see manual for details)
• When the plot parameters are changed, the graph is redrawn using the last scan data.
• The manual has been updated and new information is highlighted in red.

Feb 7,'07 -- Version: AIM_562.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

• RS232 comm ports 1 to 8 can be used.
• Smith chart shows electrical length of cable.
• Point Data displays inductance instead of negative capacitance.
• Averaging value is saved in the scan graph file (.scn).
• Zplots (by AC6LA) can control the AIM program externally.
• Links to Utility Files are on the main menu.

Dec 3, '06 -- Version: AIM_560D.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

New Features:

• Option to scan full width of graph or between limits.
• While recycling in the Point Data mode, the test freq can be incremented/decremented with the mouse.
• A new method of refering data to the antenna" can be selected for easier set-up.

Nov 22, '06 -- Version: AIM_560A.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

This version features a new method of setting the horizontal frequency scale for the plot which improves the resolution of the graph and the visual appearance.

Program download: AIM_560A.zip
(This includes the manual dated Nov 17, '06.)

All the files should be placed together in a new folder.

After downloading the new program, recalibrate your AIM.
Click: Calibrate -- > Analyzer.

Nov 17, '06 -- Version: AIM_551E.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

Some of the newest features are:

• Maximum frequency for the AIM4170 has been increased to 180MHz.
• Max number of data points up to 1000 can be specified in the config file.
• Changed format of "Save Graph" data so it doesn't depend on cal data.
• Reading averaging options: 2,4,8,12,16
• 1/4 Wave tuning stub adjustment routine in "Functions" menu.
• Improved calibration in the VHF range.

  Program download: AIM_551E.zip
  (This includes the manual dated Nov 17, '06.)

  All the files should be placed together in a new folder.

  After downloading the new program, recalibrate your AIM.
  Click: Calibrate -- > Analyzer.

Nov 14, '06 -- Version: AIM_551C.

This version can be used with the AIM4170, AIM4160 or the AIM430.

Some of the new features are:

• Max number of data points up to 1000 can be specified in config file .
• Changed format of "Save Graph" data so it doesn't depend on cal data.
• Reading averaging options: 2,4,8,12,16
• 1/4 Wave tuning stub adjustment routine in "Functions" menu.
• Improved calibration in the VHF range.

  Program download: AIM_551C.zip
  (This includes the manual dated 110306.)

  All the files should be placed together in a new folder.

  After downloading the new program, recalibrate your AIM.
  Click: Calibrate -- > Analyzer.

  The manual can be downloaded by itself:
  Operator's manual: AIM 430/4160/4170 Manual.
  (Updated Feb 7,'07)