Antenna analyzer dnes patrí do výbavy takmer každého rádioamatéra. Kto raz ladil dipól na streche len podľa PSV metra v transceiveri, vie, koľko behania po rebríku to stojí. Kyjevská firma RigExpert prišla s modelom MATCH, which is based on a simple idea: you buy a shortwave analyzer and if you need more later, you unlock the frequency range with a license. Without a new device and without a soldering iron.
Is it a reasonable compromise or a marketing move? Let's see what MATCH has to offer and what early adopters are saying about it.
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One platform, three licenses
RigExpert MATCH is an antenna and cable analyzer that came to the market in early 2025. Its biggest feature is upgradeability. The hardware is the same for all versions, and the scope and functions are decided by the license:
- Base – a basic model with a range of 0.1 to 75 MHz, which covers all KV bands as well as the 6 m band,
- Advanced – extension to 230 MHz, Smith diagram, cable measurement tools, OSL calibration and Bluetooth 5.0,
- RFE - extension to 500 MHz, TDR graph and 10 user profiles of OSL calibration.
A minor discrepancy should be noted in the basic range. The American distributor RigExpert, WiMo and the description on eHam state 0.1 to 70 MHz, but the technical parameters on the manufacturer's website and the user manual say 75 MHz. For KV operation and the 6 m band, this difference is insignificant.
Video: unboxing MATCH
A video directly from the manufacturer shows what MATCH looks like out of the box.
According to the manual, the package contains the analyzer itself, a USB cable, a portable case and a RigExpert Club card. The description on eHam makes it clear: the cable is USB-A to USB-C and the case is leatherette, with a transparent window and a string for hanging. Via USB-C, the analyzer is charged and connected to the computer at the same time.
One handy note from eHam: the analyzer has an N connector. If you have antennas with a PL-259 connector, you will need an N to SO-239 reduction. It is not in the package.
RigExpert MATCH main features overview
The front is dominated by a large 4-inch color TFT LCD display with a resolution of 480 × 480 pixels. The square surface has dimensions of approximately 70 × 70 mm. User W1SWL on eHam raves that the display is bright even in sunlight. Below the display is a waterproof keyboard with multifunctional buttons and a built-in helper. According to eHam, the HELP button offers informative help for each function.
Power is provided by one Li-Ion cell ICR18650 with a capacity of 2600 mAh. The manufacturer indicates a duration of 2 hours 40 minutes with continuous measurement. The analyzer has three power modes and will turn itself off if you do not use it for a long time. It is charged by the charger or from the USB port of the computer when it is turned off.
Measurement modes
PSV graph
The PSV Quick Chart is the main working tool. You start a single measurement or a continuous sweep, set the band, and the values at the marker location are displayed below the graph. The graph can be enlarged and set to a specific band.
Graph R, X
A graph of resistance and reactance is useful in finding the actual resonance of the antenna. Positive reactance means inductive load, negative capacitive. The marker shows the resonance frequency closest to the center of the sweep.
MultiSWR
MultiSWR mode displays PSV on up to five frequencies at once. The manual recommends it especially when tuning multiband antennas. When fine-tuning the trimmer, the coil or the length of the element, you can immediately see how the change will affect all monitored bands.
There is also a graph of return loss and measurement of PSV, return loss, R, X, Z, L and C at one frequency. The basic version also has a self-test and factory OSL calibration.
What the Advanced license adds
In addition to the range up to 230 MHz, the Advanced license adds:
- Smith diagram for clear display of impedance,
- Stub Tuner for designing and tuning stubs,
- the length and shortening factor of the cable, which is useful, for example, when cutting phase lines,
- attenuation and characteristic impedance of the cable, which you can use to verify the condition of the old coax,
- OSL calibration (Open, Short, Load) for accurate measurement even via a power supply,
- Multiband and Quick Band tabular modes, with MultiBand rating bands with PSV below 3.0 from one to five stars,
- SWR2Air, which sends readings over the speaker or over the air, and setting telegraph speed (WPM),
- Bluetooth 5.0 connection.
What the RFE license adds
The RFE license includes everything from the Advanced version and adds a Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR). With its help, you can find the location of the fault or bad connector on the cable. Another novelty is 10 user profiles of OSL calibration. You can save your own calibration for each power supply.
Settings according to your needs
The menu of settings is surprisingly rich. According to the manual, you can choose:
- language (seven languages including German and Ukrainian),
- display color palette for better readability,
- sound volume,
- power mode depending on whether you prefer endurance or performance,
- system impedance from 25 to 600 Ω,
- metric or imperial units,
- regional standard according to which amateur radio bands are highlighted.
The license comparison table in the manual also lists display brightness settings and ITU region selection. For a European radio amateur, choosing a region is practical, because the analyzer then highlights exactly those bands that apply here.
Upgrade via license and AntScope2
The most interesting part of the whole concept is the expansion method. You can purchase the license together with the analyzer or at any time later. Activation takes place in the AntScope2 program, which is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, and requires an Internet connection. Procedure according to the manual:
- install AntScope2 and register the application (Settings → Register Application),
- connect the analyzer with a USB Type-C cable and select Settings → Connect Analyzer,
- open Settings → Update license and register the device (Register Device),
- enter the 12-digit license key from the license package and confirm
- reconnect the analyzer and check the license in the Info menu directly in the device.
If you started with an Advanced license and later need an RFE, you do not need to purchase a full license. RigExpert offers an "Advanced to RFE" package where you only pay the difference in price. The second video from the manufacturer shows the entire step-by-step process.
Technical parameters
- Frequency range: 0.1-75 MHz (Base), up to 230 MHz (Advanced), up to 500 MHz (RFE)
- Display: color TFT LCD 4.0″, 480 × 480 points
- Output power: −10 dBm into a 50 Ω load
- Connectors: N, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.0 (Advanced and RFE)
- Battery: Li-Ion ICR18650, 2600 mAh
- Duration: 2 h 40 min of continuous measurement
- Operating temperature: −10 to 60 °C
- Dimensions: 93 × 207 × 37 mm
- Weight: 341 g (rigexpert.net, WiMo), or 350 ± 5 g (rigexpert.com)
Who is MATCH for?
The basic version will cover the tuning of KV antennas and PSV control on the 6 m band. Those who work at 2 m also reach for the Advanced license. The RFE license is intended for those who want to measure even at 70 cm and diagnose feeders via TDR. The advantage is that you don't have to decide right away and you can top up the license when you need it.
User experience on eHam
On the eHam portal, MATCH has so far two reviews with an average rating of 3.5. Both are from owners who have had the analyzer for less than three months.
W1SWL received MATCH in January 2025. It praises the nice design and bright display even in the sun. He upgraded his license from Basic to Advanced and his analyzer works well with AntScope2 software on Windows.
More critical is W2OSR from September 2026. He rates the basic version as "OK" and likes the range up to 75 MHz. However, he was looking forward to upgrading to 500 MHz with RFE capabilities. Tried two different upgrades and neither worked. DX Engineering allegedly told him that they had received many similar complaints and referred him to RigExpert. He has not yet received a satisfactory answer and recommends waiting to buy until the problem is resolved.
Two reviews is not a statistic. But if you're buying MATCH just to upgrade later, it's worth watching other user experiences.
Where to buy
In Europe, MATCH is sold, for example, by a German company WiMo. Základná verzia s rozsahom do 70 MHz tam stojí 348 € including German VAT, Advanced license €74 and RFE license €184. Among the European sellers, the manufacturer also lists DD AMTEK from Prague and PCS Elektronik from the Slovenian Kranj. American distributor RigExpert USA and Canada is offering the analyzer for 9.95 instead of the original 9.95. Prices are subject to change, so check with the seller before purchasing. The analyzer firmware is updated with FlashTool from the manufacturer.
Summary
The RigExpert MATCH is a well-thought-out analyzer for the radio amateur who is starting out in HF and doesn't want to pay right away for a range that he may never use. A large square display, an N, USB-C connector and fast PSV and R, X graphs will cover common antenna tuning. MultiSWR mode will be appreciated by owners of multiband antennas. The licensing model is its biggest advantage: when you later start to VHF or you want to measure cables in the time domain, just buy a license and enter the key. However, W2OSR's experience with eHam shows that the upgrade may not always go smoothly. If you count on it, buy from a seller who will help you in case of problems. An analyzer that grows with you makes sense in hamshack, as long as the growth works as the manufacturer promises.