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: [email protected] 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
