[CQ-Contest] MFJ/Hygain RBD 5

[Mike Brown]

When they first came out with that new analyzer that would work on UHF (plus 
it had other features over the previous model), our club bought one and it 
didn't take long before it broke. A phone call, he said he knew what it was, 
they changed out a part or two, and it was back within a couple of weeks. 
Whatever happened to that "no matter what" guarantee? I'd stay on them Mark.

Mike, K9MI


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Steven Williams" <k9gx at n4gn.com>
To: "Contest Reflector" <CQ-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 04 47
Subject: [CQ-Contest] MFJ/Hygain RBD 5


> Contesters,
>
> At Dayton I purchased the MFJ/Hygain RBD 5 Rotator Brake Delay kit. The 
> week prior to IARU I installed it in my T2X controller. On the bench not 
> connected to the rotator it performed per the instructions and spec sheet. 
> That is, the delay circuit held a relay which released about 6 seconds 
> after letting go of the direction control and brake release front panel 
> switches. All seemed ok on the workbench.
>
> Once the rotator was connected it was quite a different story. At first I 
> thought the delay circuit was not disengaging. While getting the shack 
> ready for IARU I played around with the rotator a bit and determined that 
> the relay was disengaging...but about 7 MINUTES after letting go of the 
> front panel switches. So currently I have an F12 C4EXL, 25 foot mast and 7 
> element F12 6 meter yagi free wheeling for 6 or 7 minutes after releasing 
> the rotor control switches.
>
> MFJ has been unresponsive. Their first response was "jeez we've never had 
> that happen before"
>
> I've asked them to replace the kit. No response. I've asked them for 
> engineering help with a solution. No response.
> So, I have a couple of questions for you.
>
> Has anyone else purchased and installed one of these? If so, how is it 
> working for you?
>
> Anybody have a contact at MFJ who understands customer service?
>
> Yes, the kit is installed and wired correctly. I have approximately 240 
> feet of rotator cable between the shack and rotator shelf.
>
> This kit came with hardware which did not match the parts list, the 
> spacers don't match so one of the 3 "legs" the board is mounted on is 
> short. In other words, Mighty Fine Junk. Caveat Emptor.
>
> Any wisdom or insight you can provide is appreciated.
>
> 73, Mark, K9GX
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