antenna analyser?

[bob85]

what do you guys think of this analyser vs the mfj or palstar?

i am thinking of buying the new 180mhz version which has better specs and looks better constructed,
they are much less expensive than the mfj or palstar over here and to me look much more usefull but less convenient in some situations,

http://www.qsl.net/iw3hev/Antenna Analyzer 1.8-60 MHz-Eng.htm

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/analyzer_iw3hev/

http://www.miniradiosolutions.com/

https://sourceforge.net/project/screenshots.php?group_id=133875&ssid=18012

https://sourceforge.net/project/screenshots.php?group_id=133875&ssid=36230

 

[W5LZ]

bob85,
I think I would rather use the MFJ. My reason for that is that it would be a little more convenient, wouldn't require a lap-top, and doesn't present more information that is typically needed for amateur antennas. (I've used the MFJ so am familiar with it. I have no experience with the one in question and not sure I would want to climb the learning curve. Lazy can be expensive - lol)
The MFJ is a 'stand alone' type of thingy, and can be carried without hauling around some extra stuff (lap-top). Not really all that much of a hassle unless you don't happen to have a lap-top. Also not too sure I'd want to take a lap-top to some of the places I've hauled the MFJ. As in sometimes I drop things.
That thing does present more information than the MFJ and if that would be useful to you then it would certainly seem like the best bargain.
This is all just my opinion so don't put a lot of faith in it. I'd certainly keep the 'new' analyzer on the options list!
- 'Doc

PS - The MFJ does have it's own particular set of 'problems', please don't think that I think it's a miracle doo-hicky! It doesn't survive being dropped any better than anything else does, the batteries are a pain to change, and it is fairly 'twitchy' with readings, sort of.

 

[bob85]

i know just where your comming from doc and thats what i am wrestling with,
convenient is nice but on the other hand i am more likely to just use it while playing with my own antennas and amp components,
i dont expect it to be anywhere near as accurate as a propper vna but if it is at least as accuate as the mfj and not too difficult to understand then i would like it,

if its one of those things you buy because it looks great but find its a pos or just too much confusing info displayed then i would go with the mfj or maybe palstar,

i have an old laptop i never use and mini vna is much cheaper over here than i can buy a mfj for,

so here i am asking you guys for your thoughts then if i make the wrong choice i can blame you lmao.
thanks

 

[DXman]

the batteries are a pain to change.

Doc,
I haven't found the batteries to be hard to change in mine...remove cover, replace batteries, replace cover in, oh, say about 3 minutes.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

I just coughed up the $$ for Energizer 2500mA NiMH rechargables for my MFJ-269.I had a wall wart that was the proper voltage to charge them with.

 

[W5LZ]

For what it's worth, I have to admit that my analizer is one of the older ones. Something like ten screws to take out to remove the cover, a 9 volt battery that doesn't last a terrible long time, and it's been banged around enough by now that I would guess the accuracy isn't exactly close to what it used to be. Sort of. I don't regret buying it. Sort of wish I'd gotten some other doo-dad that I've seen since, but must not be too disapointed, I don't have the other 'doo-dad' and I've still got the analyzer. (Also don't worry near as much about antennas as I used to either. Don't know if that's cuz I'm just lazy, or what.)
Oh well...
- 'Doc

 

[KingCobra_CDX882]

get the MFJ

still not the best..
but actually rather good

Later

 

[Dealer]

For what it's worth, I have to admit that my analizer is one of the older ones. Something like ten screws to take out to remove the cover, a 9 volt battery that doesn't last a terrible long time, and it's been banged around enough by now that I would guess the accuracy isn't exactly close to what it used to be. Sort of. I don't regret buying it. Sort of wish I'd gotten some other doo-dad that I've seen since, but must not be too disapointed, I don't have the other 'doo-dad' and I've still got the analyzer. (Also don't worry near as much about antennas as I used to either. Don't know if that's cuz I'm just lazy, or what.)
Oh well...
- 'Doc

Doc, could the "Or What" be a age thing :shock:

Thats what I seem to blame everthing on these days

BTW,not trying to steal the thread from anyone!

I like the 269 MFJ as well and it seems to be more accurate
when I have 110 volts handy for the wall wart or I am able
to use the 12 volt adapter in my truck.
I find this to be the case, even with new cells and a fresh charge.

Regards, John L.
aka. The Dealer

 

[psycho]

what do you guys think of this analyser vs the mfj or palstar?

i am thinking of buying the new 180mhz version which has better specs and looks better constructed,
they are much less expensive than the mfj or palstar over here and to me look much more usefull but less convenient in some situations,

http://www.qsl.net/iw3hev/Antenna Analyzer 1.8-60 MHz-Eng.htm

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/analyzer_iw3hev/

http://www.miniradiosolutions.com/

https://sourceforge.net/project/screenshots.php?group_id=133875&ssid=18012

https://sourceforge.net/project/screenshots.php?group_id=133875&ssid=36230

MFJ-269

 

[K8PG]

Antenna Analyzer-MFJ 259-269

I recomend the MFJ-259B its not diffacult to operate and very versatil as a portable unit,you can take it up the tower with you or in the mobile or at the QTH.iVE HAD MINE GOING ON 10 YRS AND A GREAT UNIT.Were not rocket scientists so we dont need a labratory type(or are we ?)Mine has been in the rain ,mud a snow blizzards and still works fine.GL es 73

DE-K8PG Paul CW LIVES
:usa

 

[C2]

I thought I put in a good word for the N2PK before. That is the one I'd go for. You can build it and it is much better than the MFJ.

There is another one, not on the list, but one that Marconi uses. I can't recall it's name now. It seemed promising.