[TowerTalk] MFJ 259B analyzer vs Autek?

[John Tait]

   Hi...
            Like N4OO, I also own both units..  I would agree completely
with his comments..
The MFJ for speed and ease of use...The Autek for accuracy.
           73
            John   EI7BA   http://www.iol.ie/~bravo/


----- Original Message -----
Subject: [TowerTalk] MFJ 259B analyzer vs Autek?



> >Anyone have experience with the Autek unit?
> >how does it compare to the MFJ analyzer?
> >Preferences?
> >suggestions?
> >Recommendations?
> =====================
> Like a lot of other things, it depends.
>
> MFJ has a wider frequency range. You can check out your 6M and 2M
antennas.
> The B model even gives you values of X, although they may not be really
> accurate. It is good enough if you are only interested in "ball park"
> values. The unit is quicker in that you can find the frequency of
resonance
> a lot faster. The measurement of the R component may or may not be all
that
> accurate. The analog meter on mine for example, does not agree with the
> digital readout. You have to use a resistor to resolve this if you need to
> be really accurate.
>
> Autek gives you slightly better resolution of values, especially R. It is
> debatable how accurate these values are, but you can always check things
> out with a resistor. Mine seems to be quite close. The values of X are
> probably not all that accurate, but hardly anything this side of a General
> Radio or Hewlett Packard is all that accurate.
>
> With the Autek, you can also measure values of C and L. That is worth
> something. The frequency range is limited to about 34 mhz. You can be a
> little more precise with finding the correct length of 1/4 and 1/2
> wavelength transmission lines. I use the MFJ to get in the ball park and
> the Autek to tweak to the final value.
>
> For designing matching networks for verticals, I use a small universal L
> network. I place it at the base, adjust for zero SWR using the MFJ and
then
> measure the values of L and C with the Autek. It works correctly every
time.
>
> The Autek is also useful for checking loss in coax.
>
> Obviously the solution is to own both, as I do. Each has it's own good
> features.
>
> If I could only own one, I suppose it would be the MFJ. I would hate
giving
> up the ability to measure L, C and coax loss, however.
>
> INK N4OO
>



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