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MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

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Jobst Vandrey-2

MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

Now...why would I risk my K3 with after market parts from a vendor that
cannot even spell the word "Board" in the headline of their catalog listing
for this product as shown below.

Jobst
AC0LP

*MFJ-905K3*
*PLUG-IN AUTO TUNER BAORD FOR ELECRAFT K3 XCEIVER*
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Gary Gregory-2

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

Hey guys...valid question. Curiosity is a good thing.

Jeff only asked if anyone had an opportunity to try one.

I wonder what Elecraft think.

He did NOT say he wanted to buy one but like me he is most likely curious
and I can't imagine what MFJ are thinking. The KAT3 is an outstanding
product and I am scratching my head trying to think how MFJ could improve
on the kat3.

But I am sure all the serial posters will pass a comment and not answer the
question.

It is what it is I guess.

:-(

On 12 May 2015 at 11:24, Jobst Vandrey <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Now...why would I risk my K3 with after market parts from a vendor that
> cannot even spell the word "Board" in the headline of their catalog listing
> for this product as shown below.
>
> Jobst
> AC0LP
>
>
>
> *MFJ-905K3*
> *PLUG-IN AUTO TUNER BAORD FOR ELECRAFT K3 XCEIVER*
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
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--

*Gary - VK1ZZ, K3NHLSkype: Gary.VK1ZZhttp://www.qsl.net/vk1zz
<http://www.qsl.net/vk1zz>Motorhome Portable*
*Miss Behavin'*

*Elecraft K3KPA500FT #18KAT500FT #007*
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

Consider that the Elecraft repair form includes a statement that any
aftermarket mods or additions must be removed before sending the
equipment to Elecraft for repair.

How would you like to remove the MFJ tuner from your K3 before sending
it for repair?

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/11/2015 9:35 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:

> Hey guys...valid question. Curiosity is a good thing.
>
> Jeff only asked if anyone had an opportunity to try one.
>
> I wonder what Elecraft think.
>
> He did NOT say he wanted to buy one but like me he is most likely curious
> and I can't imagine what MFJ are thinking. The KAT3 is an outstanding
> product and I am scratching my head trying to think how MFJ could improve
> on the kat3.
>
>

W1KSZ

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Jobst Vandrey-2

Well at least they refer to the K3 as ..."superb"... . What more can you
ask ??

73, Dick, W1KSZ

On 5/11/2015 6:24 PM, Jobst Vandrey wrote:

Tim Tucker

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

I have not tried this "version" of an MFJ autotuner. However, I have tried
others, including their auto tuners capable of handling legal limit. My
results were mixed, at best. If MFJ is using the same basic algorithm in
this K3 tuner as their other tuners, I would not be interested in buying it
as those tuners were not nearly as capable at loading up odd lengths of
wire as the Elecraft units have been. Case in point: I had an MFJ
autotuner inline and it couldn't load up an Alpha Delta DX-CC on 12 meters
with the MFJ, but I could with the K3 tuner. Also, the SWR bridge's meter
on the MFJ was waaaay off compared to other meters / analyzers.

FWIW, I'm not an "anti-MFJ" guy, but my experience with their auto tuners
hasn't been the best.

On Mon, May 11, 2015 at 6:42 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Consider that the Elecraft repair form includes a statement that any
> aftermarket mods or additions must be removed before sending the equipment
> to Elecraft for repair.
>
> How would you like to remove the MFJ tuner from your K3 before sending it
> for repair?
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 5/11/2015 9:35 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
>
>> Hey guys...valid question. Curiosity is a good thing.
>>
>> Jeff only asked if anyone had an opportunity to try one.
>>
>> I wonder what Elecraft think.
>>
>> He did NOT say he wanted to buy one but like me he is most likely curious
>> and I can't imagine what MFJ are thinking. The KAT3 is an outstanding
>> product and I am scratching my head trying to think how MFJ could improve
>> on the kat3.
>>
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

--
Owner, worldwidedx.com
AE6LX, Amateur Radio
NNN0ITA, Navy MARS
NNN0GAF FOUR, Southern CA Director Assistant for Training, Navy MARS
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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Jobst Vandrey-2

However good, bad or indifferent its performance,
I'd not install it in my K3. If it went awry who
knows what else it might take with it. I plan to
put no non-Elecraft elements *inside* my K3, MFJ
or not. Exception would be items recommended or
sold by Elecraft, of course, even if made by a 3rd
party.

External tuners are a whole different matter.

Phil W7OX

On 5/11/15 7:20 PM, Tim Tucker wrote:

Gary Gregory-2

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Tim Tucker

Don,

I dont believe anyone would be likely to use one if one looks at the
posters on this list.

Speaking with Jeff we were puzzled by mfj's releasing this product. We see
no market but assume (bad word) some folks outside this list might be
swayed by cost.

Therefore we are curious if anyone had actually had a chance to test it. I
imagine it would come up short but it would be interesting to know.

It was a fair question and did not expect the type of replies we are
seeing. Oh well....as i said before...it is what it is.....

Gary
Vk1ZZ
K3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT
On 12/05/2015 12:21 PM, "Tim Tucker" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have not tried this "version" of an MFJ autotuner. However, I have tried
> others, including their auto tuners capable of handling legal limit. My
> results were mixed, at best. If MFJ is using the same basic algorithm in
> this K3 tuner as their other tuners, I would not be interested in buying it
> as those tuners were not nearly as capable at loading up odd lengths of
> wire as the Elecraft units have been. Case in point: I had an MFJ
> autotuner inline and it couldn't load up an Alpha Delta DX-CC on 12 meters
> with the MFJ, but I could with the K3 tuner. Also, the SWR bridge's meter
> on the MFJ was waaaay off compared to other meters / analyzers.
>
> FWIW, I'm not an "anti-MFJ" guy, but my experience with their auto tuners
> hasn't been the best.
>
> On Mon, May 11, 2015 at 6:42 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > Consider that the Elecraft repair form includes a statement that any
> > aftermarket mods or additions must be removed before sending the
> equipment
> > to Elecraft for repair.
> >
> > How would you like to remove the MFJ tuner from your K3 before sending it
> > for repair?
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> > On 5/11/2015 9:35 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
> >
> >> Hey guys...valid question. Curiosity is a good thing.
> >>
> >> Jeff only asked if anyone had an opportunity to try one.
> >>
> >> I wonder what Elecraft think.
> >>
> >> He did NOT say he wanted to buy one but like me he is most likely
> curious
> >> and I can't imagine what MFJ are thinking. The KAT3 is an outstanding
> >> product and I am scratching my head trying to think how MFJ could
> improve
> >> on the kat3.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Owner, worldwidedx.com
> AE6LX, Amateur Radio
> NNN0ITA, Navy MARS
> NNN0GAF FOUR, Southern CA Director Assistant for Training, Navy MARS
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

Gary,

As I recall, Jeff closed by asking for opinions.
And that's what he's getting :-)

I've not yet read an irrational opinion on this
topic.

Would you risk putting this device in your K3,
whatever the price? I would not.

Phil W7OX

On 5/11/15 7:30 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:

Elecraft mailing list

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Jobst Vandrey-2

I was actually surprised to see that, How many would really buy one.
And what asurance would you have of future compatibility?

-------- Original message --------
From: Gary Gregory <[hidden email]>
Date: 05/11/2015 8:56 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

Me too.....eyes rolling....!!!!!

Gary
Vk1ZZ
K3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT
On 12/05/2015 10:21 AM, "Phil Wheeler" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I'd be very afraid, Jeff.
>
> Phil W7OX
>
> On 5/11/15 4:58 PM, Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA wrote:
>
>> Hi everyone,
>> I've just been looking at the latest MFJ catalog and I noticed that they
>> list a MFJ 905K3 Internal ATU + second antenna port.
>> Has anyone had a play yet?
>> I'd be interested in your opinions.
>>
>> 73 de
>> Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
>>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Gary Gregory-2

> Therefore we are curious if anyone had actually had a chance to test
> it. I imagine it would come up short but it would be interesting to
> know.

Given that the tuning algorithm is in the K3 CPU, I would have to think
the MFJ tuner is nothing more than a clone of the KAT3. Perhaps the
layout is different and some of the components are different (better
or worse). I can't see any advantage in the MJF unit - other than a
substantially lower price - but would hesitate to use one without a
very substantial set of tests.

My biggest concern would be something like missing IF traps or low
isolation between antennas.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2015-05-11 10:30 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:

> Don,
>
> I dont believe anyone would be likely to use one if one looks at the
> posters on this list.
>
> Speaking with Jeff we were puzzled by mfj's releasing this product. We see
> no market but assume (bad word) some folks outside this list might be
> swayed by cost.
>
> Therefore we are curious if anyone had actually had a chance to test it. I
> imagine it would come up short but it would be interesting to know.
>
> It was a fair question and did not expect the type of replies we are
> seeing. Oh well....as i said before...it is what it is.....
>
> Gary
> Vk1ZZ
> K3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT
> On 12/05/2015 12:21 PM, "Tim Tucker" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I have not tried this "version" of an MFJ autotuner. However, I have tried
>> others, including their auto tuners capable of handling legal limit. My
>> results were mixed, at best. If MFJ is using the same basic algorithm in
>> this K3 tuner as their other tuners, I would not be interested in buying it
>> as those tuners were not nearly as capable at loading up odd lengths of
>> wire as the Elecraft units have been. Case in point: I had an MFJ
>> autotuner inline and it couldn't load up an Alpha Delta DX-CC on 12 meters
>> with the MFJ, but I could with the K3 tuner. Also, the SWR bridge's meter
>> on the MFJ was waaaay off compared to other meters / analyzers.
>>
>> FWIW, I'm not an "anti-MFJ" guy, but my experience with their auto tuners
>> hasn't been the best.
>>
>> On Mon, May 11, 2015 at 6:42 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Consider that the Elecraft repair form includes a statement that any
>>> aftermarket mods or additions must be removed before sending the
>> equipment
>>> to Elecraft for repair.
>>>
>>> How would you like to remove the MFJ tuner from your K3 before sending it
>>> for repair?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>>
>>> On 5/11/2015 9:35 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hey guys...valid question. Curiosity is a good thing.
>>>>
>>>> Jeff only asked if anyone had an opportunity to try one.
>>>>
>>>> I wonder what Elecraft think.
>>>>
>>>> He did NOT say he wanted to buy one but like me he is most likely
>> curious
>>>> and I can't imagine what MFJ are thinking. The KAT3 is an outstanding
>>>> product and I am scratching my head trying to think how MFJ could
>> improve
>>>> on the kat3.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Owner, worldwidedx.com
>> AE6LX, Amateur Radio
>> NNN0ITA, Navy MARS
>> NNN0GAF FOUR, Southern CA Director Assistant for Training, Navy MARS
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Gary Gregory-2

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

Well i came up with this:
1. Why risk inserting a non-elecraft board in my k3
2. What about support issues should something go wrong with the k3
3. What about the posibility of fw issues
4. What about antenna separation
5. What about the build quality and design.
6. What algorithim is used....how good is it
7 What has MFJ done to offer a clone at $100 discount

So would i use one?

Doh....no way.

All this apart from the fact i have had the kat3 since day one.

We just wondered if anyone had one to test. Ya never know eh?

Curiosity is over now......:-)

Back to work on my tower trailer....far more interesting.

Gary
Vk1ZZ
K3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT
On 12/05/2015 12:47 PM, "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> Therefore we are curious if anyone had actually had a chance to test
>> it. I imagine it would come up short but it would be interesting to
>> know.
>>
>
> Given that the tuning algorithm is in the K3 CPU, I would have to think
> the MFJ tuner is nothing more than a clone of the KAT3. Perhaps the
> layout is different and some of the components are different (better
> or worse). I can't see any advantage in the MJF unit - other than a
> substantially lower price - but would hesitate to use one without a
> very substantial set of tests.
>
> My biggest concern would be something like missing IF traps or low
> isolation between antennas.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 2015-05-11 10:30 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
>
>> Don,
>>
>> I dont believe anyone would be likely to use one if one looks at the
>> posters on this list.
>>
>> Speaking with Jeff we were puzzled by mfj's releasing this product. We see
>> no market but assume (bad word) some folks outside this list might be
>> swayed by cost.
>>
>> Therefore we are curious if anyone had actually had a chance to test it. I
>> imagine it would come up short but it would be interesting to know.
>>
>> It was a fair question and did not expect the type of replies we are
>> seeing. Oh well....as i said before...it is what it is.....
>>
>> Gary
>> Vk1ZZ
>> K3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT
>> On 12/05/2015 12:21 PM, "Tim Tucker" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I have not tried this "version" of an MFJ autotuner. However, I have
>>> tried
>>> others, including their auto tuners capable of handling legal limit. My
>>> results were mixed, at best. If MFJ is using the same basic algorithm in
>>> this K3 tuner as their other tuners, I would not be interested in buying
>>> it
>>> as those tuners were not nearly as capable at loading up odd lengths of
>>> wire as the Elecraft units have been. Case in point: I had an MFJ
>>> autotuner inline and it couldn't load up an Alpha Delta DX-CC on 12
>>> meters
>>> with the MFJ, but I could with the K3 tuner. Also, the SWR bridge's
>>> meter
>>> on the MFJ was waaaay off compared to other meters / analyzers.
>>>
>>> FWIW, I'm not an "anti-MFJ" guy, but my experience with their auto tuners
>>> hasn't been the best.
>>>
>>> On Mon, May 11, 2015 at 6:42 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Consider that the Elecraft repair form includes a statement that any
>>>> aftermarket mods or additions must be removed before sending the
>>>>
>>> equipment
>>>
>>>> to Elecraft for repair.
>>>>
>>>> How would you like to remove the MFJ tuner from your K3 before sending
>>>> it
>>>> for repair?
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>> Don W3FPR
>>>>
>>>> On 5/11/2015 9:35 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hey guys...valid question. Curiosity is a good thing.
>>>>>
>>>>> Jeff only asked if anyone had an opportunity to try one.
>>>>>
>>>>> I wonder what Elecraft think.
>>>>>
>>>>> He did NOT say he wanted to buy one but like me he is most likely
>>>>>
>>>> curious
>>>
>>>> and I can't imagine what MFJ are thinking. The KAT3 is an outstanding
>>>>> product and I am scratching my head trying to think how MFJ could
>>>>>
>>>> improve
>>>
>>>> on the kat3.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Owner, worldwidedx.com
>>> AE6LX, Amateur Radio
>>> NNN0ITA, Navy MARS
>>> NNN0GAF FOUR, Southern CA Director Assistant for Training, Navy MARS
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Jobst Vandrey-2

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

Johnny Siu

MFJ K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Gary Gregory-2

Hello Gentleman,
The original post from Jeff is simply asking whether anyone has tried it.
Since MFJ is now offering it, I believe there should be someone selling the same in China but with half of the price.
Ok, if the price were below USD100 (don't laugh it could be that cheap across the Shenzhen river), I might have a try. Before doing that, I would wait for the reviews (if any) from our Chinese colleagues.
To conclude, I take no further action at this moment, haha ....
73
Johnny VR2XMC
寄件人︰ Gary Gregory <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ Joe Subich W4TV <[hidden email]>
副本(CC)︰ Elecraft List <[hidden email]>
傳送日期︰ 2015年05月12日 (週二) 11:03 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

Well i came up with this:
1. Why risk inserting a non-elecraft board in my k3
2. What about support issues should something go wrong with the k3
3. What about the posibility of fw issues
4. What about antenna separation
5. What about the build quality and design.
6. What algorithim is used....how good is it
7 What has MFJ done to offer a clone at $100 discount

So would i use one?

Doh....no way.

All this apart from the fact i have had the kat3 since day one.

We just wondered if anyone had one to test. Ya never know eh?

Curiosity is over now......:-)

Back to work on my tower trailer....far more interesting.

Gary
Vk1ZZ
K3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT
On 12/05/2015 12:47 PM, "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

______________________________________________________________
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Charlie T, K3ICH

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by W1KSZ

This strikes me as quite bizarre. Do they REALLY think we'd jeopardize our
radios to save a hundred bucks on duplicate option???

I could "almost" understand it if it was something that was not available
from the OEM, or, if it did something the OEM unit couldn't do.

Personally, I think it was a very bad move on MFJ's part to even consider it
and I am surprised they'd expend the effort to put it into production..

That said, I have lots of MFJ products and although I've never had any major
complaints, I do understand they have some QC problems.

73, Charlie k3ICH

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Solomon" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2015 9:51 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

> Well at least they refer to the K3 as ..."superb"... . What more can you
> ask ??
>
> 73, Dick, W1KSZ
>
> On 5/11/2015 6:24 PM, Jobst Vandrey wrote:
>> Now...why would I risk my K3 with after market parts from a vendor that
>> cannot even spell the word "Board" in the headline of their catalog
>> listing
>> for this product as shown below.
>>
>> Jobst
>> AC0LP
>>
>>
>>
>> *MFJ-905K3*
>> *PLUG-IN AUTO TUNER BAORD FOR ELECRAFT K3 XCEIVER*
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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ke9uw

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Tim Tucker

I had a legal limit MFJ auto tuner and sold it to get the KAT500. I found the KAT500 would auto tune 160M whereas the MFJ would not unless you disabled the automatic limitation they programmed into the MFJ unit which limited use of the extremes of the capacitor/inductor values for use at 1500 watts. When turning on the MFJ, the limitation would have to be selected out everytime.
Since I did not use more than 450 watts or so (KPA500), I found that limitation annoying. The MFJ did function well in all other respects.

Chuck, KE9UW

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA

But Jeff, this "My current K3 (It's my second K3)
has no internal tuner..." makes you our perfect
beta tester, our sacrificial lamb :-) :-)

73, Phil W7OX

On 5/11/15 8:22 PM, Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA wrote:

> I am not considering purchasing one of the MFJ units, I simply saw it in the
> latest MFJ catalogue that has just been released and I am curious as to why
> they made it, given that the Elecraft product is so good. :D
>
> Maybe they think that they'll sell a heap of them due to the substantially
> lower price? (About US$90 off the current Elecraft KAT3 kit price)
>
> I have noticed that it can *only* tune a 10:1 SWR (Which is in itself quite
> good for an internal tuner I think) but I know for a fact that the Elecraft
> KAT3 can do even better than that.
>
> My current K3 (It's my second K3) has no internal tuner, nor does it need
> one as I use either a resonant antenna or a remote tuner and a single wire
> antenna exclusively.
>
> A second antenna port would be a wonderful option for my radio but I surely
> don't need to expense of an ATU just to get it.
>
> All we need to do is to convince Eric and Wayne that we Elecraft K3
> operators would REALLY like to have a second antenna port option WITHOUT the
> internal tuner. :D
>
> Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Charlie T, K3ICH

It would be interesting to know: 1) How MFJ came
up with such and idea, and decided to act on it;
2) Who designed this product.

Phil W7OX

On 5/11/15 8:45 PM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:

> This strikes me as quite bizarre. Do they
> REALLY think we'd jeopardize our radios to save
> a hundred bucks on duplicate option???
>
> I could "almost" understand it if it was
> something that was not available from the OEM,
> or, if it did something the OEM unit couldn't do.
>
> Personally, I think it was a very bad move on
> MFJ's part to even consider it and I am
> surprised they'd expend the effort to put it
> into production..
>
> That said, I have lots of MFJ products and
> although I've never had any major complaints, I
> do understand they have some QC problems.
>
> 73, Charlie k3ICH

bhemmis

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Phil Wheeler-2

I can see it now…"Introducing the new competition grade M3 transceiver from MFJ"
They’ll reverse engineer the K3 and sub it out to some Chinese garage operation…
I do think this tuner cloning is a low blow and takes MFJ down several notches IMO.
I’d be surprised if Elecraft doesn’t have their legal team working on this one.

Brian K3USC
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Fred Townsend-2

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Jobst Vandrey-2

MFJ followers will tell you that is not the first time they have copied a design. If the design is not patented, there are no copyright violations, and there is no theft of proprietary information, no harm, no foal.

Recall exactly the same thing occurred with a certain USB to RS232 converter. The driver was hijacked so the originators of the driver changed the code to detect counterfeit hardware. No harm, no foal.

All is fair in love and war. The ethics are another matter.

73
Fred, AE6QL

-----Original Message-----

>From: Brian Hemmis <[hidden email]>
>Sent: May 12, 2015 4:49 PM
>To: Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]>
>Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?
>
>
>I can see it now…"Introducing the new competition grade M3 transceiver from MFJ"
>They’ll reverse engineer the K3 and sub it out to some Chinese garage operation…
>I do think this tuner cloning is a low blow and takes MFJ down several notches IMO.
>I’d be surprised if Elecraft doesn’t have their legal team working on this one.
>
>Brian K3USC
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>Message delivered to [hidden email]

Ian Kahn, KM4IK

Re: MFJ's new Internal K3 Tuner, anyone tried one yet?

In reply to this post by Phil Wheeler-2

If you look at the photo of this board, it says very clearly "KAT3" clone.
I'll let everyone's imagination run wild on where MFJ got the idea. :-)

Ian, KM4IK
On May 12, 2015 12:12 PM, "Phil Wheeler" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> It would be interesting to know: 1) How MFJ came up with such and idea,
> and decided to act on it; 2) Who designed this product.
>
> Phil W7OX
>
> On 5/11/15 8:45 PM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:
>
>> This strikes me as quite bizarre. Do they REALLY think we'd jeopardize
>> our radios to save a hundred bucks on duplicate option???
>>
>> I could "almost" understand it if it was something that was not available
>> from the OEM, or, if it did something the OEM unit couldn't do.
>>
>> Personally, I think it was a very bad move on MFJ's part to even consider
>> it and I am surprised they'd expend the effort to put it into production..
>>
>> That said, I have lots of MFJ products and although I've never had any
>> major complaints, I do understand they have some QC problems.
>>
>> 73, Charlie k3ICH
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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>