[Towertalk] Antenna Analyzer Suggestions?

[Pete Smith]

At 09:45 PM 5/2/02 -0400, Bob Thacker wrote:
>... unfortunately I'm a neophyte compared to W8JI, N4ZR and many others.

Tom must've croaked when he saw that.  I just retain the good advice I've 
gotten and pass it along when I can.

Seriously, I have no engineering qualifications, but I've owned the Autek 
RF-1 for years and have used the MFJ-259B.  I wouldn't buy an RF-1 again 
because it does not read X separate from Z, which makes it harder for me to 
use than the MFJ.  The Autek VA-1 does that and more, but at a cost almost 
the same as the MFJ-259B.  It appears to be somewhat bigger, and one of the 
RF-1's strong points is that it slips easily into a pocket for use on the 
tower, though with its plastic case I'd hate to drop it.  Finally, I have 
found the RF-1's battery use to be very good, while the MFJ is relatively 
big and heavy, has a steel case, and eats batteries by the 10-pack.

Ultimately, though, I'm planning to buy a 259B, unless MFJ comes out with 
something better for my HF needs before I get done procrastinating.  One 
reason I wouldn't go the Autek route again is what appears to be a lousy 
attitude toward customer service -- they have a very high minimum shop 
charge for non-warranty repairs and an evident disdain for customers asking 
questions.

73, Pete N4ZR

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