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MFJ259B (don't do this)

C

Crusher

Well-Known Member
May 12, 2007
841
392
73
Louisville, KY
I did a really stupid thing today. I was playing with my analyzer using some dip coils today. Well after I was done with it I set it next to dummy load ( I had left it on with dip coil still attached). Then was playing with about 1000 Bird watts. Well as of right now it no longer reads reactance. Also with nothing inline,I now have a SWR of 1.9 even when nothing is connected to it. I am guessing I shorted out a sensing diode or something. Good thing it is under warranty yet. I only bought it about 2 months ago.

I hate when this happens.

Crusher
 

That's why they say NOT to inject ANY RF into the unit.You had enough induced RF to damage it. Don't tell MFJ what you did and MAYBE they will still cover it under warrenty. :?
 
Crusher said:
Induce rf across coil? No mister MFJ rep. the analyzer was just sitting there and then I went to use it and it ain't workin' now.
Click to expand...

What do you mean "mister MFJ rep."? :evil: I told you the truth what happened,the coil attached acted as a pickup loop and the RF radiated from the dummy load induced enough RF into the '259 to toast it. MFJ may cover it under warrenty but in all likleyhood not. If you do not want to hear the answers then do not ask the questions. :roll:

Copied straight from the manual:

3.0 MAIN MENU AND DISPLAY
WARNING: NEVER APPLY RF OR ANY OTHER EXTERNAL VOLTAGES TO THE ANTENNA
PORT OF THIS UNIT. THIS UNIT USES ZERO BIAS DETECTOR DIODES
THAT MAY BE DAMAGED BY EXTERNAL VOLTAGES. READ SECTION 2.0
BEFORE APPLYING POWER TO THIS UNIT! INCORRECT SUPPLY
VOLTAGES CAN ALSO DAMAGE THIS UNIT.
 
QRN, I think he was refering to the conversation that one would have with the guy on the phone at MFJ if the question was asked.....not directed at you....


Crusher, I would send it in anyway, MFJ is very good at just fixing things, I think they call it " MFJ's No Matter What Warranty ". They "May" just fix it, in any case I can`t see it costing more that a new one to get it repaired.
Just my 2 cents worth....

73
Jeff
 
Crusher said:
I did a really stupid thing today. I was playing with my analyzer using some dip coils today. Well after I was done with it I set it next to dummy load ( I had left it on with dip coil still attached). Then was playing with about 1000 Bird watts. Well as of right now it no longer reads reactance. Also with nothing inline,I now have a SWR of 1.9 even when nothing is connected to it. I am guessing I shorted out a sensing diode or something. Good thing it is under warranty yet. I only bought it about 2 months ago.

I hate when this happens.

Crusher
Click to expand...

damm that Sux's...So what your saying is you had it sitting next to the dummy load as you were keying up 1000 bird watts?
 
Lords,Yeah, it was actually sitting on top of load. It is flat on top. It is a dry dummy load. QRN, I was being sarcastic when I said that. I did what I did. Stuff happens, no big deal. You play,you pay. Meaning "I" should have been more careful. Hopefully someone else will learn from MY mistake and not do the same thing.

Crusher
 
In that case Crusher please accept my apologies. :oops: I guess I am a bit touchy today. I just spent a 12 hour shift yesterday listening to all kinds of bitching and moaning and I guess it got to me. On top of that I go in tonight after having almost no sleep last night. The guy up the road had a party with music blasting until at least 1:00am and then there was a bad car accident in the bridge in front of the house last night. I was awakened by flashing lights and sirens at 3:10am and that lasted about two hours. :evil: Should be an interesting night tonight in the heat at work. :roll: Again sorry about that.
 
well crusher I hope all works out...I know my 259 is like gold to me
almost dropped it once going up on the roof..my heart jumped :P
that is like gold to me it sits next to my dummy load but not inline (the dummy load)
this is why i was asking :)


QRN you need a Oozy? :P

WARNING: NEVER APPLY RF OR ANY OTHER EXTERNAL VOLTAGES TO THE ANTENNA
PORT OF THIS UNIT. THIS UNIT USES ZERO BIAS DETECTOR DIODES
THAT MAY BE DAMAGED BY EXTERNAL VOLTAGES

Was the first thing i seen :)
and not even a 100 Ohm 3 watt resistor.
 
1 way or the other, it will work out. I sent them an Email and told them what happened. I'll see what they say tomorrow hopefully. I'll keep you all posted.

Crusher
 
Yeah they told me to check a few of the components and gave me part numbers. So I opened it up and guess what. It is all SMD technology. Meaning yes I have solder equipment but I don't have a heck of a magnifing glass to read parts and then have to go thru Mouser or Newark electronics and hope they have it. So I sent it out this morning.
 

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