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antenna analyzers
- Thread starter MARK HAMMOND
- Start date
I've always used a MFJ-259xx series analyzer. All I was interested in (at the time) was setting up antenna's, and once that was done I would usually sell it. However, I've owned the Comet Caa-500 for almost a year and it's very nice as well. It covers up to 500 MHz. Depending on which version of 259 you're looking at, it's coverage will vary.
I'll admit that I was hasty in my decision to buy the Comet, and had I thought about it longer I may have bought either a used MFJ-259, or the RigExpert model that let's you store results on your computer.
I used the Comet a couple times to setup mobile antennas, but I use it daily to tune my Magnetic loop (and that makes for a very expensive MLA SWR readout)
If you're in a hurry I guess *NEW* is the fastest option, however I've seen various used MFJ-259's (over the past 10 months) go for $125-$200, and the Comet for about $275. Whichever one you pick will probably do exactly what you want it to.
I don't know if you saw it, but there's another post that has some legs on it about what antenna analyzer to buy -
https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/recommend-an-antenna-analyzer.250957/page-1#post-700695
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I've always used a MFJ-259xx series analyzer. All I was interested in (at the time) was setting up antenna's, and once that was done I would usually sell it. However, I've owned the Comet Caa-500 for almost a year and it's very nice as well. It covers up to 500 MHz. Depending on which version of 259 you're looking at, it's coverage will vary.
I'll admit that I was hasty in my decision to buy the Comet, and had I thought about it longer I may have bought either a used MFJ-259, or the RigExpert model that let's you store results on your computer.
I used the Comet a couple times to setup mobile antennas, but I use it daily to tune my Magnetic loop (and that makes for a very expensive MLA SWR readout)
If you're in a hurry I guess *NEW* is the fastest option, however I've seen various used MFJ-259's (over the past 10 months) go for $125-$200, and the Comet for about $275. Whichever one you pick will probably do exactly what you want it to.
I don't know if you saw it, but there's another post that has some legs on it about what antenna analyzer to buy -
https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/recommend-an-antenna-analyzer.250957/page-1#post-700695
Thanks for the reply.I've always used a MFJ-259xx series analyzer. All I was interested in (at the time) was setting up antenna's, and once that was done I would usually sell it. However, I've owned the Comet Caa-500 for almost a year and it's very nice as well. It covers up to 500 MHz. Depending on which version of 259 you're looking at, it's coverage will vary.
I'll admit that I was hasty in my decision to buy the Comet, and had I thought about it longer I may have bought either a used MFJ-259, or the RigExpert model that let's you store results on your computer.
I used the Comet a couple times to setup mobile antennas, but I use it daily to tune my Magnetic loop (and that makes for a very expensive MLA SWR readout)
If you're in a hurry I guess *NEW* is the fastest option, however I've seen various used MFJ-259's (over the past 10 months) go for $125-$200, and the Comet for about $275. Whichever one you pick will probably do exactly what you want it to.
I don't know if you saw it, but there's another post that has some legs on it about what antenna analyzer to buy -
https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/recommend-an-antenna-analyzer.250957/page-1#post-700695
Look into Rig Expert brand. Well made, easy & intuitive to use. Better IMO than any MFJ, costs less than a Comet, comes with a protective weather case for use outdoor. Will give measurement length of coax, length, Smith chart & way more. Nice large color display that is easy to see even in daylight.
Friend of mine let me borrow his, and already was able to fix another friends CB station, and tune my dipole a good bit better than what it was. I like it!
MFJ 259B I've had about 20 years, and for VHF/UHF (UHF ham and GMRS, primarily) a RigExpert AA-650 Zoom. Spend more on antennas, coax, connectors, adapters, ferrites, antenna tuners, and antenna analyzers than on the radios. Thought I had a radio hobby, turns out I have an antenna hobby.
I have a MFJ259. It's an early version, no letter designation, but it does what I need it to do. I don't use it too much, but it's nice to be able to test and adjust SWR without having to attach a radio and keying up. It gives a nice quick test. Of course it does a lot more, but I haven't found myself using it for much other than playing around finding coax length without measuring...another toy to play with.
I checked a neighbors truck antenna as the radio he had blew the finals. It gave me a quick test to see if it had a bad SWR or open or whatever, without having to attach a radio and key up possibly harming the radio again. Turned out it was OK.
MFJ products have a mixed bag of reviews, but I think in this instance, at least for my purposes, the MFJ works just fine.
I checked a neighbors truck antenna as the radio he had blew the finals. It gave me a quick test to see if it had a bad SWR or open or whatever, without having to attach a radio and key up possibly harming the radio again. Turned out it was OK.
MFJ products have a mixed bag of reviews, but I think in this instance, at least for my purposes, the MFJ works just fine.
I also second the Nano VNA; small in size(portable), works good and cheap(can’t bit the price).
73
Well, I agree on the Rigexpert being the best (it was my first choice)
however, at the moment I couldn't justify the expense, so second choice was the NanoVNA!
I like my vna for the $ you can't beat it. My 259 is still a good stand by to have on hand. It's more user friendly for the basic stuff.
Old topic but must reply.
I Have owned several different antenna analyzers.
First was MFJ 259 and 269.
Then Comet Caa-500 and i liked a lot.
Comet was better then MFJ.
But then i started to build 4G yagis and need high freq.
I bought AAI N1201SA 34-2700MHz and AAI N2021BA 1-200MHz vector antenna analyzers.
Battery last very long time and accuracy is duperb.
After few years of use both works fine.
Few month ago i bought LiteVNA 64.
50kHz - 6.3GHz.
LiteVNA is not easiest to use.
Some reason battery wont last at all.
I Have owned several different antenna analyzers.
First was MFJ 259 and 269.
Then Comet Caa-500 and i liked a lot.
Comet was better then MFJ.
But then i started to build 4G yagis and need high freq.
I bought AAI N1201SA 34-2700MHz and AAI N2021BA 1-200MHz vector antenna analyzers.
Battery last very long time and accuracy is duperb.
After few years of use both works fine.
Few month ago i bought LiteVNA 64.
50kHz - 6.3GHz.
LiteVNA is not easiest to use.
Some reason battery wont last at all.