[Amps] MFJ products

[Carl]

With the cover off it might annoy bugs, birds, and 4 legged rodents. OTOH it 
might decide to self destruct on its own.

Carl
KM1H


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gene May" <gene-may at hotmail.com>
To: "Amplifier Mailing List" <amps at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 6:12 PM
Subject: [Amps] MFJ products


>
> 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 at rogerhalstead.com
>> To: amps at 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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