[RFI] Review of MFJ-856

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

Thanks Dave for the info on the MFJ unit.  Years ago I tested their 
predecessor, which had just a dipole, and a sper-reger receiver - not 
very useful!

As long as you don't need calibrated steps and you're not much worried 
about impedance matching, a simple variable attenuator is very easy to 
build - even I did it.  You're right, it makes a big difference in 
getting down to the last pole.  I also built myself a 136-MHz Moxon from 
a QST article, because it has a semi-cardioid pattern off the back, for 
narrower direction finding.  And finally, I bought an Icom shirt-pocket 
144/420 handi-talkie with 136-MHz aircraft band AM receive for ~$100 at 
Dayton a few years back.  I wouldn't be surprised if even that price is 
high now, with the influx of Chinese handi-talkies.

73, Pete N4ZR
The World Contest Station Database, at www.conteststations.com
The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com,
spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 and
arcluster.reversebeacon.net, port 7000

On 9/15/2012 9:48 AM, Dave Cole wrote:
> Howdy,
>
> Just uploaded my review of the MFJ-856 hand held yagi RFI locating
> Antenna to: http://www.nk7z.net if anyone is interested...