Amps
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [Amps] MFJ products

To: Gene May <gene-may@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Amps] MFJ products
From: David Kirkby <david.kirkby@onetel.net>
Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:52:59 +0100
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
A friend of mine calls MFJ:

More f***ing Junk.

I have never bought any of their stuff, and don't feel a desire to.

Dave, G8WRB

On 10 September 2012 23:12, Gene May <gene-may@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> I've had experience similar to that described below with their products, of 
> which I have a number, some active, some passive.  I've learned the following:
>
>      (a)  don't believe their CCS and max ratings; IMHO they've been somewhat 
> optimistic.
>      (b)  the same sentiments re QC that are expressed below.  I open and 
> examine them the same way I would examine an early HeathKit or DynaKit that I 
> was resurrecting, one which I made before I had much experience in assembly 
> and soldering,.
>
> Along these lines:  I just got an MFJ 998RT, the 1.5 KW, 1.8 - 30.0 MHz, 
> remote antenna tuner.  I found one of the bolts that is supposed to hold the 
> cover to its base with its head stripped off.  I also found that they used 
> wire at least two gauges smaller than I would have used to wind the coils.
>
> QUESTION:  I plan to use the 998RT in my attic right now, not outside, and am 
> thinking of running it with its cover off so that it runs cooler.  Their 
> instructions say not to do this, although this seems to relate to safety 
> issues (high RF voltages) rather than function.  The cover is made of 
> plastic, not metal, and therefore not a shield against harmonics radiating.  
> Does anyone else have any experience with running this or any other of their 
> remote tuners without covers (indoors, obviously)?  Comments or suggestions?
>
> I do like their value, and as below, will probably continue to buy their 
> stuff, with the cautions above.  I also particularly like their not 
> cancelling the warranty if you open the device, since I always do.
>
> Ref SWR meters:  I like the "computing" type of SWR meter, like first 
> described in QST by Fayman W0GI about 30 years ago.  This displays SWR 
> directly, computing it from forward and reflected power and not requiring one 
> to either read some obscure needle intersection, or switch back and forth 
> between forward and reflected power.  I still have one of his design I made 
> back then.  Grebencamper has described an updated version (in the ARRL 
> Antenna Book - haven't tried it, but the circuit is similar), and Autek 
> Research in FL makes and sells them.  I have one of these also and like it.  
> These are VERY handy instruments for Field Day, or for people who have to 
> squeeze their antennae into small attics.
>
> Tnx es 73,
>
> Gene May
> WB8WKU
>
>
> RECENT RELATED POSTINGS:
>
>> Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:00:26 -0400
>> From: k8ri@rogerhalstead.com
>> To: amps@contesting.com
>> Subject: Re: [Amps] SS Amp questions
>>
>> On 9/10/2012 12:53 AM, Jerry Kaidor wrote:
>  *** My impression of MFJ is that they do have some pretty decent engineering 
> in their stuff, but their quality control is strictly to meet
> a price.
>>
>  They do make some handy equipment that works fairly well, they make some to 
> a price and stretch the power out beyond reliability limits, but you only 
> need to look at the QC on the same items built under their control and 
> without to see what building to a price can do.
> I still use their products, but pay attention to what I get.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Roger (K8RI)
> open the> >
>> > - Jerry Kaidor, KF6VB
>
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>