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RF1 RF ANALYST vs. MFJ-259B ANALYZER

  • Thread starter Thread starter BOOTY MONSTER
  • Start date Start date
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BOOTY MONSTER

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the RF1 seems to be a pretty neat little box for half the cost of the mfj-259b . anyone know how it compares to the 259b as far as accuracy and ease of use ? is the 259b built better or more durable ? the 259b is a whole lot larger for sure . im sure theres probally a few 259b users here and hopefully a few RF1 users too , that can offer their experiences with them . opinions are also welcome :)

RF1 RF ANALYST. Autek Research
SOME ANALYST USES Autek Research

MFJ Enterprises Inc.
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/man/pdf/MFJ-259B.pdf
 

I've used 'Autek' watt/SWR meters before, they work. They are not fool proof, but neither is anything else. I think I'd 'tend' to think these gadgets will work since they come from the same company. But, they still aren't fool proof. That "VA-1" sounds like a niffty little thingy to have. BOOTY, buy one and tell us how it does!
- 'Doc
 
W5LZ said:
BOOTY, buy one and tell us how it does!
- 'Doc
Click to expand...

No !! He wants YOU to buy one and tell HIM how it works :thumbup:


I don't think it's a steal at their price. I like the MFJ with two analog meters and then with the freq. counter, you have 3 functions displayed simultaneously. You can find a good used one for $50-100 bucks under he new price just about anytime.

Good luck!
 
Wire Weasel said:
No !! He wants YOU to buy one and tell HIM how it works :thumbup:


I don't think it's a steal at their price. I like the MFJ with two analog meters and then with the freq. counter, you have 3 functions displayed simultaneously. You can find a good used one for $50-100 bucks under he new price just about anytime.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Convenient yes but at a cost, separate circuit in use simultaneously mean more parts/steps in manufacturing process.

Bird meters have several functions but you have to access them manually but people still love them so they still sell and hold resell value.

If it does the same thing for less money I would live with the minor inconvenience of pressing a couple buttons.
 
mackmobile43 said:
Convenient yes but at a cost, separate circuit in use simultaneously mean more parts/steps in manufacturing process.

Bird meters have several functions but you have to access them manually but people still love them so they still sell and hold resell value.

If it does the same thing for less money I would live with the minor inconvenience of pressing a couple buttons.
Click to expand...



Very well. So there ya go Booty. Mack is going to buy one and then review it for us. I'll still probably stick with the Mighty Fine Junk but will enjoy reading Mack's review nonetheless :thumbup1:
 
As much as I have cussed Mississippi's Finest Junk over the years (and they've deserved it, don't get me started), my 259B is a great piece of equipment for its intended use. Mine is still fairly new so I can't speak to it's durability over time, but it has greatly simplified the job of adjusting antennas. For years I used a Palomar noise bridge at home and a few times used Anritsu anlayzers from work with UHF/N adapters, but they didn't much like HF.

I got mine from DX Engineering, and I think they still have them new for under $240.

Never have had my hands on the Autek, though I did research that when I was shopping. I'm not sorry I got the 259B-- though I cannot say that about other things I've bought from MFJ over the years.


Rick
 
W5LZ said:
I've used 'Autek' watt/SWR meters before, they work. They are not fool proof, but neither is anything else. I think I'd 'tend' to think these gadgets will work since they come from the same company. But, they still aren't fool proof. That "VA-1" sounds like a niffty little thingy to have. BOOTY, buy one and tell us how it does!
- 'Doc
Click to expand...

Im going to buy one of those VA-1s for the beam project. Saw on Eham they work well but alot of folks saying they are prone to problems. If I can have it work long enough to tune that antenna I will be happy. Was going to get a MJF but this will not be somthing I would use often. Glad you put this up booty.
 
Mr Clean said:
Im going to buy one of those VA-1s for the beam project. Saw on Eham they work well but alot of folks saying they are prone to problems. If I can have it work long enough to tune that antenna I will be happy. Was going to get a MJF but this will not be somthing I would use often. Glad you put this up booty.
Click to expand...

BM, the VA1 is the one that is similar to the MFJ259, not the RF1. The RF1 is your basic remote SWR meter. Its use does not require a transmitter signal thus making it portable. This can be an advantage letting you get this SWR meter to the feed point, but that is about it. Among other things, the RF1 will not show you the resistance (Rs) and reactance (Xs) separately like the 259 or the VA1.

Mr. Clean has it right.
 
I chickened out on the VA-1 LOL. Looked like from the Eham reveiws that they are kind of hit and miss as far as quality goes. Getting a MJF259B tomorrow at the Ham Station in Evansville.
 
Mr Clean said:
I chickened out on the VA-1 LOL. Looked like from the Eham reveiws that they are kind of hit and miss as far as quality goes. Getting a MJF259B tomorrow at the Ham Station in Evansville.
Click to expand...
Don't let anyone key up a radio withing 100' of it or you'll be crying.
 

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