[TowerTalk] MFJ 259B vs Autek VA1

[Jerry Keller]

I recently called Autek to ask about extending the freq range of my old WM-1
SWR/PWR meters to 6M, like the newer ones. The reply was add an RF choke to
the remote head and for $4 they sent me the 2 chokes PPD.  The fellow I
spoke with seemed very busy, but was polite and helpful. The WM-1 is a
decent product that has served me well for many years. FWIW.  Your mileage
may vary.  73,  Jerry K3BZ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Pete Smith" <n4zr at contesting.com>
To: "GALE STEWARD" <k3nd at yahoo.com>; "towertalk reflector"
<towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 1:57 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] MFJ 259B vs Autek VA1


> At 09:03 AM 5/12/2004, GALE STEWARD wrote:
> >I'm looking at the Autek VA1 which DOES give the sign
> >of the X value. Any pros & cons of this unit? It looks
> >smaller and easier to handle up on a tower. Don't
> >think it needs 10 AA batteries either!
>
>
> I had an Autek RF-1 for years.  Other than the somewhat flimsy
> plastic-cased construction (which the VA-1 appears to share), it did fine
> for what it was.  I sold it at Dayton a couple years ago and bought the
> 259B, and have not regretted it for a second.  In antenna applications,
> watching the trend in the value of X as you change frequency will pretty
> quickly tell you the sign.  With rechargeable NiMH batteries, I leave it
on
> trickle charge all the time, and it's ready to go whenever I am.  I like
> the steel case, which gives me some hope that it might survive if dropped
> on a concrete walk.  No, I wouldn't particularly enjoy taking it up the
> tower with me.
>
> One thing about Autek that I think people should look hard at is their
> attitude toward customer service.  It has been several years since I last
> dipped a toe in that particular pond, but back then, the watchword was
> "expensive and surly about it."  I hope that has changed.  If not, I'd
> prefer the MFJ.
>
>
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> The World HF Contest Station Database
> was updated on April 26, 2004
> 2706 contest stations at
> www.pvrc.org/WCSD/WCSDsearch.htm
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>