Mfj 259b issue.

[SMILEX2692002]

My 2-1/2 month old Mfj 259b acting up.
The digital readings still work right.
The problem is the analog Swr meter doesn't read anything over a 2.0 swr.
I believe it has been like this since I bought it and never realized it.
I have only used the analyzer a few times to tune a dipole and a Vhf yagi antenna.
Both antennas were pretty close so the reading never went over 2.0.
Today I hooked up the 259b to my Vhf yagi to see where the swr is at due to the antenna being covered in ice from a earlier ice storm I had here this week.
I forgot to move the frequency selector to the correct setting for checking a 2 meter antenna.
Before I realized this the swr reading on the digital display was 22.1. The selector was still in the lower HF portion.
This is when I noticed the analog meter was just sitting at 2.0 when the digital display is 22.1.
The analog display does work correctly for a swr under 2.0.

I bought the item from DX Engeneering in early Oct 2013. I wonder if they would exchange the item?
Otherwise I guess it has to go back to MFJ for a fix or replace since its still under warranty.

 

[Moleculo]

I'll bet that DX Engineering will do an exchange for you - it's at least worth a phone call. It does sound like something is wrong with the unit.

 

[Road Squawker]

I'll bet that DX Engineering will do an exchange for you - it's at least worth a phone call. It does sound like something is wrong with the unit.

agreed about DX Eng, I have never had any issues with them not standing behind the products they sell.

something you may want to ask them about,......

there are 2 different software Vers for the 259-b. see if yours is the "latest & greatest". a new software install may fix the issue , but, it sounds like it is the actual meter movement that has gone south.

are you near a commercial AM radio station?

also, there is an analog meter calibration procedure available, but,.... unless you have the proper equip/capabilities, it is pretty in-depth.

the first thing I would do, is to just open the case and look for the "famous MFJ cold solder connection" on the meter leads.

if it is still in warranty, I wouldn't do anything except to look for cold solder joints before sending it to DX Eng/MFJ.

good luck

 

[midnight special]

famous MFJ cold solder connection" or loose screws on board that was what was wrong with mine tightened screws worked again ....but since you just got it a few months ago iwould call dx e or mfj ,,,, i called mfj after having my 259 about 10 years about the battery holder breaking they replaced them for me at a discount price....

 

[SMILEX2692002]

Dx eng told me to contact MFJ for warranty repair. I said most other companies will replace a defective item in the first 90 days. They had to check with a supervisor on replacing it. Called me back and arranged for a replacement to be sent out at no cost to me. The return of the defective item is also at no cost to me.
I will inspect the replacement 259b for any defects. If any are found I will be calling Dx eng again.

 

[Mudfoot]

I like DXengineering.

 

[SMILEX2692002]

Got the replacement model. All is working as it should.