Albert, I've had friends joke about MFJ standing for "mighty fine junk," but I have nothing but good things to say about my MFJ 259 antenna analyzer.
If you're building antennas, the MFJ 259 (HF/VHF) or 269 (HF/VHF/UHF) are really handy. If you're trying to find the resonant frequency or set up a gamma match, they'll save a ton of time compared to an SWR bridge/transmitter combination, and give you more information, such as resistance and reactance displayed separately on the LCD. It also serves as a counter and, in a pinch, as a (not-very-stable and somewhat microphonic) signal generator. But remember the limitations. You can't transmit through them, so they can't be used to monitor the behavior of an antenna under operating conditions. They can't be used to measure a transmitter's output power like most SWR bridges. They're also prone to error in any environment where strong external signals from nearby transmitters overwhelm the test signal internally generated by the analyzer, which results in a false reading of reflected power. I would recommend these little boxes to anyone, but do have one major complaint - the internal battery scheme. The thing takes 10 AA cells, they don't last long, and you have to remove several screws and the case to change them. You have to be really careful how you transport the 259, because the power button sticks out where any bump will turn it on, and run your batteries down. After having the power bumped on during storage and a resulting leak of the alkalines after they ran down, I cleaned it up (no permanent damage) and just don't put batteries in mine any more. I use it on the AC adapter, a cigarette lighter cord, or an external battery pack, all plugged into the 15V input. But I won't be without one! 73, Paul, AE4KR ----- Original Message ----- From: Albert To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2008 10:59 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Need SWR meter recomendation Hey Everyone, I know there is a mix of Hams and commercial guys here so I want to ask all of you about SWR meters. I am a beginning ham and would like to build some VHF and UHF antennas. I am also on a budget. (Isn't everyone these days) I need a decent SWR meter for VHF and UHF use. I don't want a cheap piece of crap, and I can't afford top of the line either. What do you all think of the MFJ products? Other suggestions? Thanks
