[TowerTalk] MFJ 259 vs 259B ??

[Bill VanAlstyne]

CAUTION -- second-hand information! I have a 259B, and have never personally
seen or used an original 259. Having given that caveat --  a friend of mine has
one, and he told me that one principle difference is that the 259 doesn't show
reactance (X) and resistance (R) on the LCD panel. Just net Z and SWR. There are
probably other differences as well, but to me this one is key. Being able to see
the changing relationship between reactance and impedance is a terrific
advantage when tuning up an antenna and/or matching system. We're not talking
about a tremendous amount of money here, so IMO you should pay a little more and
get a 259B -- which probably means getting a new one. Can't imagine why anybody
would sell one unless they were a for-profit gear trader. Probably the one
indispensible piece of test gear for any ham. Sure wish we had had such an
instrument thirty years ago.

Bill / W5WVO


WA2BPE wrote:
> Gentlemen:
>
> Looking for a short answer as to the differences/advantages of the
> (older) MFJ259 vs the 259B.  What really is different and/or better,
> if
> anything?  This likely has been addressed in the archives but need the
> short answer fairly quickly.
>
> TIA & 73,
>
> Tom - WA2BPE
>
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