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Re: [Amps] MFJ products

To: David Kirkby <david.kirkby@onetel.net>
Subject: Re: [Amps] MFJ products
From: Robert Logan <bob.logan47@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2012 19:47:02 -0500
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
I've had good luck with MFJ products (keyers and tuners.) as long as I open the 
unit up and correct a few things here and there once in awhile.  Shouldn't have 
but to me it's not a show stopper given price and general quality of 
components.  It's just the workmanship lack of quality, which I have come to 
expect and accept most of the time from every current manufacturer.  I like it 
when they fix the bugs from the first production run, relabel it the "A" or "B" 
model, and up the price.  They have a less than complimentary view of us but 
maybe that's because so many fall for it.

I've been working on my Drake line and what a quality piece of workmanship the 
originals were/are.  Bob, NZ5A

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 10, 2012, at 5:52 PM, David Kirkby <david.kirkby@onetel.net> wrote:

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
> 
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