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
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73, Chas, W1CG
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