Posted: 4/11/2026 9:23:12 PM EDT
[Last Edit: nikdfish][Edited]
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Does anyone have a copy of the windows driver for the rigexpert aa-170 (or similar vintage). I'm having trouble finding one as the rigexpert site links point to dead locations. The latest version they listed was for W10, but no luck finding it. EDIT: I think I found the driver file, at least it matched the file name referenced in one of the dead links ... Unfortunately installing it did not change anything. No new devices appear in the device manager when the analyzer is connected & says it is in PC mode. No new comm port. |
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Is it an HID driver, or a serial/vcp driver? if it's HID, you already have the driver installed if you're typing on a keyboard or using a mouse. HID is easier to deal with in hostile IT environments (that won't let you install software/drivers). The API is a little more involved on the programming side though. If it's serial, it's probably either FTDI or SiLabs. FTDI stuff is usually auto-detected by windows and doesn't need a specific "install". SiLabs CP210x does need a driver, some machines/devices work better with the legacy 6.x driver vs. the newer universal one. Looks like it's an FTDI chip, try this: https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/ |
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I found a rigexpert repository on their site (via editing the URL for a locally downloaded item) that had files with the same names as those referenced on the dead links. I loaded the driver & it had no effect on the aa-170 being being recognized. I found & loaded the current VCP driver, and that also had no effect. Plugging in/ removing the USB cable to the aa-170 has no effect on the list of devices in device manager. I have also tried different cables and different USB ports with no effect. I never get the audible alert associated with adding a USB device. It still works fine as a standalone device, just cannot be seen on the W11 machine. ETA: per the schematics, it uses the FT232RL chip. I have the current FTDI drivers for that loaded. |
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Originally Posted By nikdfish: Does anyone have a copy of the windows driver for the rigexpert aa-170 (or similar vintage). I'm having trouble finding one as the rigexpert site links point to dead locations. The latest version they listed was for W10, but no luck finding it. EDIT: I think I found the driver file, at least it matched the file name referenced in one of the dead links ... Unfortunately installing it did not change anything. No new devices appear in the device manager when the analyzer is connected & says it is in PC mode. No new comm port. I have an AA-54 running on Windows 11 with AntScope. I just checked and the FTDI version I'm running is 2.12.36.20 Download here: https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/ I put the 54 in PC mode by pressing the UP button It is connected via COM port through USB. |
Funny how the stuck-up, hot, girls in high school all look like the lunch lady now...
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I have those drivers loaded (installed more than once to be sure). The PC just does not recognize the AA-170 as a USB device. There is no audible alert when plugged in or when unplugged. No new device appears in the device manager. I just tried on a different W11 machine & it was not recognized there either, no COM port added, no new device detected. That same machine had no trouble recognizing a different device (programming cable). It looks like there is a hardware issue with the analyzer. May use this as an excuse to upgrade to a new model... ETA: Dug out the NanoVNA-H4. Firmware was from back in 2020 so I brought it up to current DiSLord v1.2.46. At least that hardware connects OK. |