Re: [Drakelist] MN-2000

[W4AWM]

Hi Don,

The MN-2000, while a really fine piece of equipment, is a bit of overkill for your B Line station unless you plan to add an amplifier sometime in the future.  As it's nomenclature indicates, it will handle 2KW and you are not currently running anywhere near that.  The MN-4 matching network would be a much better choice for your current station.  Also, the MN-2000 case is quite deep, nearly 15 inches, compared to the other station components at 12 inches of depth, something to take into consideration. Width and height wise, it is a match.

Price is something to think about also.  Currenty, a mint MN-2000 can bring up to $200.00, while the MN-4s run in the $100-125 range for a pristine unit.

What to watch out for:

Outward physical appearance, while a plus, can hide serious, expensive interior damage. The most common problem found inside is burned components, especially switch contacts. This usually results from the previous owner switching bands with power applied. It tends to fry the switch contacts which may or may not be repairable. Running the unit under full power may or may not expose the problem without interior inspection.  While under power, the unit should be checked for proper operation of the metering circuits.

If you intend to purchase the unit, ask the owner if he will allow you to look inside.  This is relatively easy, but there is an inner cover which must be removed after the unit is taken out of the cabinet. Look carefully for the obvious burned spots especially around switches.  Sometimes they are hard to see, so look long and slow with a good light.  Check switch wafers for cracks as well as trace burns.
It is not impossible to find repair parts for the Drake matching systems, but the search can be long and the parts expensive, so consider that if you find a damaged unit.

As far as the MN-2000 is concerned, it is a fine tuner.  If you can get it for a good price, considering the above caveats, go for it. Otherwise, be on the lookout for an MN-4.

I am sending you an attachment under separate cover.

73,

John, W4AWM