Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
It would be nice if Elecraft had their own branded analyzer. It could be a semi kit like the graphing one being sold from Germany. 73 Mike KF6KXG __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] antenna analyzers
Steve, are you an AA junkie? Hi..I'm Bill and I'm a Elecraftholic. I think there would be a good demand for an Elecraft antenna analyzer kit, an AA-1. There are a lot of AA's out there, but I bet Elecraft could cut one heck of a notch for themselves in the that market. Could be the building block for a Network Analyzer kit. That would really get my juices flowing. Later BillH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna analyzers
Toby: The Garant-Funk site has lots of information, but it does not look like they sell over the Web. The AEA site has the CIA-HF, but also does not sell over the Web. Their Web site suggests contacting their sales rep which further suggests to me that they sell in bulk to retailers. I might give them a call on Monday. 73, Steve AA4AK At 07:56 AM 4/17/2005 +0200, you wrote: Yes, I'd like to have a CIA-HF. However, the company that made them got bought out. As far as I know, they are no longer being manufactured. I don't know wether the CIA-HF has been discontinued, but similar units are still being built: http://www.garant-funk.com/frames.html http://www.aeatechnology.com/html/product.htm An Elecraft kit would almost always be better... ;-) 73 de toby ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna analyzers
Toby: Actually, your suggestion that Elecraft develop an antenna analyzer as a kit sounds like a good idea. The AA-908 apparently sold 500 copies on a subscription basis; my naive impression (I'm an engineer and not an expert in assessing markets) suggests to me that there is a ham market for such a kit. 73, Steve AA4AK At 07:56 AM 4/17/2005 +0200, you wrote: Yes, I'd like to have a CIA-HF. However, the company that made them got bought out. As far as I know, they are no longer being manufactured. I don't know wether the CIA-HF has been discontinued, but similar units are still being built: http://www.garant-funk.com/frames.html http://www.aeatechnology.com/html/product.htm An Elecraft kit would almost always be better... ;-) 73 de toby ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna analyzers
On Sun, 17 Apr 2005 09:29:47 -0400, Stephen W. Kercel wrote: The Garant-Funk site has lots of information, but it does not look like they sell over the Web. The AEA site has the CIA-HF, but also does not sell over the Web. Their Web site suggests contacting their sales rep which further suggests to me that they sell in bulk to retailers. I might give them a call on Monday. Burghardt is a dealer for current AEA analyzer products, and you can see them listed, with prices on their website. My experience, and that of my friends, with Burghardt is that they are a very good citizen in the ham world. Jim Brown K9YC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna analyzers
Jim: Thanks. I've never dealt with Burghardt, but I've heard many good things about them. 73, Steve At 09:16 AM 4/17/2005 -0500, you wrote: On Sun, 17 Apr 2005 09:29:47 -0400, Stephen W. Kercel wrote: The Garant-Funk site has lots of information, but it does not look like they sell over the Web. The AEA site has the CIA-HF, but also does not sell over the Web. Their Web site suggests contacting their sales rep which further suggests to me that they sell in bulk to retailers. I might give them a call on Monday. Burghardt is a dealer for current AEA analyzer products, and you can see them listed, with prices on their website. My experience, and that of my friends, with Burghardt is that they are a very good citizen in the ham world. Jim Brown K9YC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna analyzers
Yes, I'd like to have a CIA-HF. However, the company that made them got bought out. As far as I know, they are no longer being manufactured. I don't know wether the CIA-HF has been discontinued, but similar units are still being built: http://www.garant-funk.com/frames.html http://www.aeatechnology.com/html/product.htm An Elecraft kit would almost always be better... ;-) 73 de toby ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
Hi Steve, I personally have no bad experiences with MFJ antenna analysers at all. On the contrary! In our city-club Leiden we have a MFJ-259B that goes from station to station and is highly appreciated by all of us. And believe me, there are some around here (excluding me of course hihi...) that really know what they are doing! Wishing you all succesfull antenna measurements. Meanwhile I will play around with my new KX1, which just arrived last wedenesday from N7BNT. Maybe some remembered my plea for a deal with a FT817? Well this list made two people happy again; Doug's son and me ;) Best 73, Dick PA2DW K2 # 3892 KX1 # 731 -Oorspronkelijk bericht- Van: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Stephen W. Kercel Verzonden: vrijdag 15 april 2005 6:31 Aan: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Onderwerp: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews on four different antenna analyzers. Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control, virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are mentioned in the QST product review. There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the Palstar ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, despite being favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I can trust the product review on the Palstar. Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good? 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
Steve, I take issue with your statement that both the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA1 are apparently junk. I have the Autek and the MFJ-259B, the model without UHF, and both are quality although inexpensive instruments. I have used the VA1 for approximately 3 years and the MFJ for 2 years and I have never had any problem with either. I have found the MFJ to be good on battery usage, as is the Autek. I recommend both to an average ham who doesn't need laboratory precision and has the need for the occasional use of an antenna analyzer. In fact the readings obtained by the ARRL Lab show amazing accuracy for such relatively inexpensive units. If you don't need the sign of the complex impedance, the less expensive Autek RF1 is fine. I had one of those too, but I needed the functions of the more expensive VA1. I have no knowledge o the Palstar. This is not a flame, but an attempt to set the record straight. At 12:31 AM 4/15/2005, Stephen W. Kercel wrote: There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews on four different antenna analyzers. Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control, virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are mentioned in the QST product review. There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the Palstar ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, despite being favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I can trust the product review on the Palstar. Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good? 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com 73, Chas, W1CG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
Charles: Thanks for your message. I did not take it as a flame. However, speaking of fire, before I lay out hundreds of dollars for such a widget, I'd like to make a prudent effort not to get burned. The record with both MFJ and Autek appears to be a mixed bag. I've heard both good stories and bad. However, as some of the other posts to this thread indicate, even among Elecrafters, not everybody seems to have had as good luck as you have had with these two manufacturers. 73, Steve At 08:09 AM 4/15/2005 -0400, you wrote: Steve, I take issue with your statement that both the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA1 are apparently junk. I have the Autek and the MFJ-259B, the model without UHF, and both are quality although inexpensive instruments. I have used the VA1 for approximately 3 years and the MFJ for 2 years and I have never had any problem with either. I have found the MFJ to be good on battery usage, as is the Autek. I recommend both to an average ham who doesn't need laboratory precision and has the need for the occasional use of an antenna analyzer. In fact the readings obtained by the ARRL Lab show amazing accuracy for such relatively inexpensive units. If you don't need the sign of the complex impedance, the less expensive Autek RF1 is fine. I had one of those too, but I needed the functions of the more expensive VA1. I have no knowledge o the Palstar. This is not a flame, but an attempt to set the record straight. At 12:31 AM 4/15/2005, Stephen W. Kercel wrote: There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews on four different antenna analyzers. Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control, virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are mentioned in the QST product review. There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the Palstar ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, despite being favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I can trust the product review on the Palstar. Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good? 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com 73, Chas, W1CG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
The Palstar unit is based on a design developed by AmQrp, its AA-908 based on the Micro 908 platform. The Micro908 is more flexible than the Palstar, but the antenna analyzer circuitry is similar. There is a substantial reflector community for the Micro908 and the designers monitor the reflector and are quick to respond. The reflector archives also have some discussion of the Palstar unit since it is a derivative of the Micro908. AmQrp releases the Micro908 as a kit as soon as they can put together enough to issue. I believe there are about 300 micro908 units in existence. I have a later micro908 and it functions quite well. I also use it as a DSP with my KX-1 (It uses the same dsp board as in the K2 dsp filter.) It is a scanning antenna analyzer and there is free software that allows you to control the unit from a computer or a Palm PDA. In both cases, the scans are plotted on the computer or the PDA. You can get more details on the Micro908 at the www.amqrp.org. I think they are currently sold out, but an email would get you a reply as to when they could be available. Note: the kit is virtually all surface mount components, many very, very small. So if you don't like handling surface mount, then you should pass or have someone build it for you. Howard Ashcraft, W1WF -Original Message- From: Larry Phipps [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 9:51 PM Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers In addition to my professional bench gear, I have an MFJ, Autek and AEA CIA Analyst. I use all but the Autek and AEA regularly and find they each have a purpose. When I want a to do a quick check of resistance, reactance, SWR or return loss on the bench I grab the AEA... especially if I want a quick plot to go with it (using the included software and serial connection). It is a bit too slow and definitely too heavy to carry up the tower though. The Autek is the one I always grab when going up the tower because it is fast and small. It is also quite accurate. The tuning is a bit touchy as mentioned in the article, but I find it a quite useful tool. I don't hate the MFJ, I just like the others better. I have heard a lot of horror stories about MFJ, but the few things I have work as advertised. My units may just be good ones, while others may not be as good. For better or worse, QST tends to rate the products by the performance of the tested unit, not anecdotal evidence or feedback from the field. Larry N8LP Stephen W. Kercel wrote: There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews on four different antenna analyzers. Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control, virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are mentioned in the QST product review. There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the Palstar ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, despite being favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I can trust the product review on the Palstar. Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good? 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
Hi Joe: I do not own a MFJ-269. I lusted after one for a while, but there are so many bad stories posted on so many different ham Web sites that I decided not to buy one. Now, I'll admit that you do hear the occasional good story about MFJ, but the reported experiences (even on this thread) constitute a mixed bag. Having come to the conclusion that if I did buy a 269 I might get lucky and I might not, I decided to do without the MFJ-269. Instead I bought a MFJ-207 on eBay. It was cheap, and had it not lived up to the task, I would not have lost much. It turns out that I got a good specimen. I only use it to adjust my antenna tuner without the need to put a transmitted signal on the air. The 207 is up to that task. The possible availability of a genuinely reliable and not too expensive device for measuring R+JX impedances at HF has rekindled my interest in a fancier instrument. In the case of the MFJ-269 versus the Palstar I note the following points. The list price of the Palstar is ten dollars cheaper than the MFJ. Reported experience with the MFJ is unmistakably a mixed bag; some hams love it and some hate it. The reports on the Palstar constitute a much smaller sample, but those reports thus far are uniformly positive. The fact that the Palstar is a reboxed AA-908 seems to be a decided positive; I've never heard a bad story about the 908. Thanks and 73, Steve AA4AK Howdy Steve: Not sure if you own an MFJ analyzer...I have owned the model 269 for several years now without problem. It is an excellent tool for antenna measurements. I am fully aware that MFJ quality leaves something to be desired (Mighty Fine Junk:-) but the 269 has been a reliable performer for meso I wouldn't discard it out of hand..perhaps you can pick up a used one to play with and see if it meets your standardsthey usually re-sell quickly so you wouldn't lose much. 73, Joe W2KJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
Weymouth: Actually, the Kuranishi is included in the review, and quite favorably rated. Steve ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna analyzers
On Fri, 15 Apr 2005 07:20:03 -0700, Dave G. wrote: I have no problems with the MFJ unit I used to borrow!. When getting back into ham radio several years ago and stocking up on RF test gear, I was quite reluctant to buy mighty fine junk in the form of an antenna analyzer. However, one of my 2-way radio buddies owns one and loves it, there are several in my ham club, and so last summer I bought a 259B used, but like new, at a hamfest. I downloaded and used Tom Rauch's (W8JI) alignment procedure. I also have access to a friend's CIA-HF, which I have used extensively. Its graphical display is QUITE helpful, and is worth the extra money over the MFJ. If your interest is building, tuning, and tweaking antennas, the MFJ is a lot of tool for the money. And none of those friends I've mentioned have had problems with them, nor have I. Jim Brown K9YC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
Stephen W. Kercel wrote: There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews on four different antenna analyzers. Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control, virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are mentioned in the QST product review. You hear the horror stories, not the ones in which people successfully use these products. I have an MFJ-259B and an Autek VA-1. They have their weaknesses, but compared to the higher-quality AEA unit, for example, they are very inexpensive. This is a tradeoff many hams are willing to make, given the fact that they don't earn their livings using these tools every day. I know that they have enabled me to do all kinds of jobs that would have been much more difficult without them. Maybe I've been lucky. I do want to say that I've also heard 'horror stories' and some (OK, not all) have been from people who don't have a clue how the tool works and what its limitations are, while others are the guys who have a permanent 'attitude' (just read some of the postings on eHam.net if you want to see what I mean). -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna analyzers
Jim: Yes, I'd like to have a CIA-HF. However, the company that made them got bought out. As far as I know, they are no longer being manufactured. Once in a very rare while you can find one on eBay, but they are very difficult to find. 73, Steve AA4AK I also have access to a friend's CIA-HF, which I have used extensively. Its graphical display is QUITE helpful, and is worth the extra money over the MFJ. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
I had the analog MFJ-209 for a number of years without any problems and bought the later MFJ-259B with digital readout two years back. Also have the AEA SWR-121VU for VHF/UHF antenna tests. No complaints with any of these analyzers as they have worked faultlessly since purchase. The surplus MFJ-209 was sold the same evening it was advertised at the local radio club. A point to remember with antenna analyzers built for the ham market, is mostly that they will not work in areas of high RF field strength such as at communications sites. Have to resort to the old faithful Bird Thruline or other professional test equipment to get anywhere in these cases. Can also occur at contest sites where multiple stations are in use. Like a lot of ham gear these antenna analyzers are built to a price otherwise they would not sell. I doubt very much if more than a few affluent hams would be willing to pay the price demanded for new professional test equipment. Prices in the USA for ready built ham gear are low in any case compared what we have to pay in the UK. The Robber Barrons here have an exclusive grip on our market which appears to be in some cases supported by the manufacturers. The normal ploy seems to be to rub out the $ sign and replace it with the £ sign, a 155% mark up at present exchange rates when local taxes are removed. Have even seen some cheaper items of MFJ that cost more numerically in £ than in US$ on the market here. Importing the items from the USA seems to be hindered by inflated shipping charges. Thankfully, Elecraft at least leave it open to the buyer which shipping method is used, so allowing costs to be minimised. Bob, G3VVT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
I also have the Autek VA-1. For the average ham who enjoys building his own antennas or adjusts and maintains his commercially available antennas, the VA-1 is accurate and has enough features to get the job done. The signed reactance really saves a lot of time. DO NOT LISTEN to the VA-1 signal on a receiver. It will scare you away. It is very raspy and it drifts...but it isn't intended to be a preceision signal source. It does the job it was intended for, and does it very well. Like Steve, I write only to set the record straight with one more example. I can't speak for the MFJ, nor have I read the QST article. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Charles Greene Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 5:09 AM To: Stephen W. Kercel; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers Steve, I take issue with your statement that both the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA1 are apparently junk. I have the Autek and the MFJ-259B, the model without UHF, and both are quality although inexpensive instruments. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
Vic: Your point is well taken. 73, Steve AA4AK while others are the guys who have a permanent 'attitude' (just read some of the postings on eHam.net if you want to see what I mean) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
My clubs, (two) have had 3 MFJ's. The only reason we had 3, was we replaced a 259 with the 259 B for added features, and gave the still working one away as a door prize. I have the Autek RF 1, and then later got the MFJ 269 to gain 440 band. All have worked well. There was an intermittent display problem in earlier RF 1's that was a connector pin length issue. I did the suggested mod myself, and no longer have any intermittent. The MFJ's have a lot of computing and active devices so do use batteries pretty hard. I think the same of the Autek, but then found that its on off switch was easily tripped on in transporting the analyzer in its box. Thus, I added an adhesive ring around the push button to make it harder to hit accidentally and since no more run down battery. Just glue an o ring of enough thickness to protect the button from bumping into padding of the box. Also, all the club analyzers, and my two agree in readings very closely. And compare well to a Bird SWR/Power meter we checked. -Stuart K5KVH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
Ten Tec has a great T kit for adjusting Antenna Tuners with out a signal on the air, save the built in noise bridge. And it costs a LOT less than an Antenna Analyzer from the commercial sources. The kit is one board, handful of components and maybe one hour or less assembly. You listen for a null in noise bridge signal as you tune your antnena tuner connected to your receiver. Works great. -Stuart K5KVH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
Many pieces of equipment never get a comment from hams when they work as advertised, or have so many advanced features that most hams never learn to use them. Thus, it is likely you hear the war stories of the problem equipment; rather than of the successes. In addition to my own MFJ 269, which has been perfect; our clubs locally have had 3 good 259's, and at work we bought about 3 259B's for various projects. All worked and even are useable with eye ball averaging in the locally high RF field during days from an AM station one mile down the road, (25 kW). You can buy an add on series trap kit to bypass RF such as this from the MFJ's if it is a problem in your application. The MFJ's have quietly found a place in the tool boxes of many Broadcast operations, and I would bet they might be made in the numbers that only VOMs held before. With so many out in the field, you are likely to get the occasional failure. The quality control seems to have improved on the MFJ products as evidenced by visual inspection of the insides of the analyzers I have had around, and also those at work. -Stuart K5KVH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
In addition to my professional bench gear, I have an MFJ, Autek and AEA CIA Analyst. I use all but the Autek and AEA regularly and find they each have a purpose. When I want a to do a quick check of resistance, reactance, SWR or return loss on the bench I grab the AEA... especially if I want a quick plot to go with it (using the included software and serial connection). It is a bit too slow and definitely too heavy to carry up the tower though. The Autek is the one I always grab when going up the tower because it is fast and small. It is also quite accurate. The tuning is a bit touchy as mentioned in the article, but I find it a quite useful tool. I don't hate the MFJ, I just like the others better. I have heard a lot of horror stories about MFJ, but the few things I have work as advertised. My units may just be good ones, while others may not be as good. For better or worse, QST tends to rate the products by the performance of the tested unit, not anecdotal evidence or feedback from the field. Larry N8LP Stephen W. Kercel wrote: There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews on four different antenna analyzers. Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control, virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are mentioned in the QST product review. There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the Palstar ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, despite being favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I can trust the product review on the Palstar. Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good? 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
