BACK TO THE TRUBBELED MFJ 828

[Sonar]

I'm sure that most of you or at least some of you have read the post about my 828. I I sent it to mfj under warranty repair I received it back with the letter saying it was working 100%. I tried it on several different transceivers and two different dummy loads including trying it on my IMAX which is where I noticed the initial issue. After the letter stating it works it worked the same as before I sent it which is it didn't work properly. I put It put it up for sale but there's one thing I did not try and and thinking that is something that might be viable. Just looking for your advice. The only thing I did not try while using the 828 was a different length of Jumper. I tried it with the several radios two different dummy loads and my Max I never changed the jumper. When I say I didn't change the jumper I actually did use different jumpers one LMR 240 and 400 but all the same length which I believe are 4- 5 feet. Is it worth a shot to unbox the 828 and try a different length of Jumper and if so what length do you suggest. I myself don't think it's going to make any difference but that's coming from me someone with absolutely no knowledge Beyond keying the mic and changing the channels LOL. I'm just being honest. What do you think the length of coax is used at mfj when testing a meter. Maybe a better question would be is there a length of coax that's best to be used between a transmitter and meter? I've two autek wm1's and even if the 828 works with a different length of coax I'm still going to sell it. At least I can sell it as a working unit. And as far as the wm1 I think it's the best hobbyist meter I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Why Pat $150-$200 for a Dosey, workman etc etc when one could purchase a wm1 for $70-$100. IMO those other meters are junk. The autek wm1 can be checked out on eham reviews and compaie those reviewsto a Dosey, workman and even the quality dawia. Cross needle meters just don't compare to two large meters. One power and the other see. No calibration nessesry with the autek. If you're looking for a meter do yourself a big favor check eBay and when you say aw and one for the right price buy it you won't be sorry Thanks. 73

 

[fourstringburn]

Jumper length isn't critical but obviously 50 ft would be ridiculous, typically 3ft is common.

I would get rid of the MFJ but you may just push the problem to someone else and that wouldn't be cool unless you advertise as such. Didn't you buy it new where you can return it?

I like that Autek because it has a remote sensor. All my meters in the shack or mobile have remote sensors. This means you can place the meter anywhere you like and don't have to run the coax up to it, just a single sensor wire so the remote sensor with coax connections will be hidden out of the way.

I use the Palstar PM2000AM mobile cross needle and also the Ameritron AWM 35 BH. Both of these have remote sensors and work well.

I wasn't keen on cross needles at first but after awhile I come to like them better. Cross needles are great because they are auto SWR calibrating and give you SWR and POWER, both forward (typically selectable peak/average )and Reverse (reflected loss) in one look with larger viewing compared to most dual meter types.

If you can pickup that Autek in good working order, I'd say go that route and be done with the MFJ.

 

[Sonar]

Jumper length isn't critical but obviously 50 ft would be ridiculous, typically 3ft is common.

I would get rid of the MFJ but you may just push the problem to someone else and that wouldn't be cool unless you advertise as such. Didn't you buy it new where you can return it?

I like that Autek because it has a remote sensor. All my meters in the shack or mobile have remote sensors. This means you can place the meter anywhere you like and don't have to run the coax up to it, just a single sensor wire so the remote sensor with coax connections will be hidden out of the way.

I use the Palstar PM2000AM mobile cross needle and also the Ameritron AWM 35 BH. Both of these have remote sensors and work well.

I wasn't keen on cross needles at first but after awhile I come to like them better. Cross needles are great because they are auto SWR calibrating and give you SWR and POWER, both forward (typically selectable peak/average )and Reverse (reflected loss) in one look with larger viewing compared to most dual meter types.

If you can pickup that Autek in good working order, I'd say go that route and be done with the MFJ.

Even I know a 50' jumper would be an odd legith and might cause faulty readings. The jumpers I used and stated are 4-5 ft. I thought something at 2 or 3 ft might make a difference.
I own and use the wm1. I use the later illuminated model and kepp the unilluminated one for backup.
I advertised it on wwdx FS swap fourm as not working properly. I have no use for it kd any other brand of meter besides my autek wm 1.
If by the smallest of chance both stop working then being unrepairable I'll purchase another wm1. They've won me over and I couldn't ask for more in a meter. My reason for the post was because I'm baffled at the fact that MFJ checked it under warranty and sent it back with a clean bill of health and working 100%. Yet it works as it did before I sent it to MFJ. It's leeding me to believe there' ssmething with my station that's causing it not to work properly. If anyone is interested it's listed on the swap sale section on this fourm. $140 shipped and insured. 73