I have wound hundreds of toroids and have an "IMHO" to submit...The flame method is the poorest, most time wasting, most dangerous procedure...Since we need to strip the enamel up to as close to the core as possible, the flame will inevitably damage the first and last few turns by scorching both those turns and the core...The flame method requires 3 steps, (1) burn the enamel off, (2) clean up the scorched wire, (3) tin the wire...You will be lucky if you really can do so...
The "blob" method requires only one step and should be done with high heat...I used to use an old fashioned unregulated 40 watt iron for this...Today I use a Hakko 808...There is no need to first scrape the wire...The object is to burn the enamel off, and the heat of the iron and the solder alone will do that..If the enamel won't burn, the iron is simply not hot enough...Start as close to the core as possible...Put a blob of solder on the tip, immerse the wire in the blob, and slowly work out towards the tip of the wire, adding more solder as necessary... Starting at the tip of the wire and working inwards towards the core has a tendency to push the wire inward, especially with the 28 gage wire used in the KSB2...This forms a loose turn inside the core, which, when pulled back out into place, will leave enamel on the wire close to the core, in the area where soldering onto the circuit board should occur... After the toroid is wound, I pin it down flat on the bench with a weight, like a draftsman's paper weight, covering only half the toroid and leaving the wire leads sticking straight out...This leaves both hands free to manipulate the iron and the solder...Tin the top lead, then turn the toroid over and do the other lead... Jerry, wa2dkg _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Jerry, wa2dkg wrote:
The "blob" method requires only one step and should be done with high heat...I used to use an old fashioned unregulated 40 watt iron for this...Today I use a Hakko 808...There is no need to first scrape the wire...The object is to burn the enamel off, and the heat of the iron and the solder alone will do that..If the enamel won't burn, the iron is simply not hot enough...Start as close to the core as possible...Put a blob of solder on the tip, immerse the wire in the blob, and slowly work out towards the tip of the wire, adding more solder as necessary... ---------------------------------- That's my experience too, Jerry. I provided the link to the emtech video for those who don't have an iron that goes hotter than 700F without turning off the solder station, letting the iron cool, and changing tips. The scraping trick they show allows the use of the cooler 700F iron. I start from the end because I've noted that heating the wire does speed up the burn-off rate. I work towards the toroid core. If your rig gets out better than mine, we'll have to study the effect of the direction of tinning on electron flow <G>. Ron AC7AC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by Jeremiah McCarthy
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
WA2KDG wrote: The "blob" method requires only one step and should be done with high heat...I used to use an old fashioned unregulated 40 watt iron for this...Today I use a Hakko 808...There is no need to first scrape the wire...The object is to burn the enamel off, and the heat of the iron and the solder alone will do that..If the enamel won't burn, the iron is simply not hot enough...Start as close to the core as possible...Put a blob of solder on the tip, immerse the wire in the blob, and slowly work out towards the tip of the wire, adding more solder as necessary... Jerry, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> That's the same method I use with the exception of the "hold-down" portion. Years ago I bought a "Third-Hand Jig" from RS that has 'gator clips attached to movable arms. I place this jig on a sheet of typing....er, printer paper and hold the wound toroid with one of the 'gator clips. This not only holds the coil steady but acts as a heat sink so the toroid and wound wire doesn't heat up to much. I start at the core end and work my way out to the end of the wire and the solder blob and burnt enamel just falls off the end of the wire onto the paper. Makes clean up easy too! One thing for sure, the solder blob method makes the phrase "snortin' solder" come to life!! I also use a circuline mag lamp between me and the work that keeps (most of) the smoke out of my face. BTW, I use a Weller with a 700 degree tip and have never had to scrape the enamel with the wire provided by Elecraft. It takes a few seconds to melt the enamel but it will melt at that temp. If memory serves (and at my age it often doesn't) they use a 600 degree thermaleze coated wire. Don, K5DW _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Please excuse - all my posts are being returned. Thought I would try just a
simple reply. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Hello Group,
I purchased a 17 m add-on to a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and the instructions recommended I use an antenna analyzer to tune it up. Having never used one of these I started looking around and got pretty beaten up with sticker shock - just can't justify spending the bucks some of these things go for. So, an inexpensive model seems to be an MFJ-259B. eHam is full of reviews, and they seem to be either GREAT or DON'T BOTHER. I know there are some QC issues with MFJ stuff. I've had to clean up several of their units over the years which I actually take some pride in. They seem to deliver OK once the cold solders get fixed and the hot glue gets replaced. Anyway, I have enormous respect for the brain trust available on this reflector and it seems like I know some of you - unlike the more-or-less disembodied reviews on eHam. Any thouhts about the 259B? Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like to spend, so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a second job. Thanks in advance, es 73 Tom, kj3d [hidden email] 4991 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
On Mar 13, 2007, at 5:23 PM, KJ3D wrote: > > Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like > to spend, > so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a > second > job. > It's somewhat limited in what it can do, but you might consider the KD1JV Tenna-Dipper <http://www.4sqrp.com/kits/td/td.htm>. You can't beat the price. Bob, N7XY _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Hi Tom,
I have little need to use an antenna analyzer, but a while back I "just had to have one" so I bought a Vectronics VEC-584B which is very similar to the MFJ jobbie. It very well could be the same on the inside with a different label on the outside...I can't guarantee that, of course. But for my limited purposes this does a FB job. I see they have it at Radio Shack for About $230, which is more than I paid, but about a $100 or so less than the MFJ. Here is the RS page: http://63.240.110.151/product/index.jsp?productId=2111087&cp Take a look and se if it meets yours needs. Perhaps others here can comment on the MFJ vs. Vectronics analyzer GL Tom WB2QDG K2 # 1103 ---- Original Message ----- From: "KJ3D" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 8:23 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer > Hello Group, > > I purchased a 17 m add-on to a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and the instructions > recommended I use an antenna analyzer to tune it up. > > Having never used one of these I started looking around and got pretty > beaten up with sticker shock - just can't justify spending the bucks some > of > these things go for. > > So, an inexpensive model seems to be an MFJ-259B. eHam is full of > reviews, > and they seem to be either GREAT or DON'T BOTHER. I know there are some > QC > issues with MFJ stuff. I've had to clean up several of their units over > the > years which I actually take some pride in. They seem to deliver OK once > the > cold solders get fixed and the hot glue gets replaced. > > Anyway, I have enormous respect for the brain trust available on this > reflector and it seems like I know some of you - unlike the more-or-less > disembodied reviews on eHam. > > Any thouhts about the 259B? > > Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like to > spend, > so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a second > job. > > Thanks in advance, > > es 73 > > Tom, kj3d > > [hidden email] > > 4991 > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Bought the MFJ 259B a couple of years ago and now I won't do without one. Since I use open wire feeders with a tuner it makes adjustments a snap. W8JI has a website you should visit. http://www.w8ji.com/mfj-259b_calibration.htm ____________________________________________________________________________________ Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545367 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Hi Tom,
I bought a MFJ-259B a few years back and had to send it back after a few weeks because of a bandswitch problem. The repaired analyzer's bandswitch worked properly until a few months ago and had to be replaced. I never did like the way in which the unit I have tunes, too much backlash. It is a useful instrument as long as its limitations are recognized but I find the Dipper addition not useful. When I have to use internal battery power the useful operating time between recharges is quite short, sometimes too short to complete a job. Should I buy another 'Analyzer' it would not be a MFJ-259B, but to be fair I have not explored any of the suitable alternatives. 73, Geoff GM4ESD ----- Original Message ----- From: "KJ3D" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 12:23 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer > Hello Group, > > I purchased a 17 m add-on to a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and the instructions > recommended I use an antenna analyzer to tune it up. > > Having never used one of these I started looking around and got pretty > beaten up with sticker shock - just can't justify spending the bucks some > of > these things go for. <snip> > Any thouhts about the 259B? > > Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like to > spend, > so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a second > job. > > Thanks in advance, > > es 73 > > Tom, kj3d _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Wow, that's a lot of response in a couple of hours. THANKS to everyone who
took the time to reply. You guys are the best. The Tenna Dipper looks too good to pass up. Gotta have one. If it works out I can spend the rest of the money on a 100 watt hat for the K2. 73, Tom, kj3d -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of KJ3D Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 8:23 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer Hello Group, I purchased a 17 m add-on to a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and the instructions recommended I use an antenna analyzer to tune it up. Having never used one of these I started looking around and got pretty beaten up with sticker shock - just can't justify spending the bucks some of these things go for. So, an inexpensive model seems to be an MFJ-259B. eHam is full of reviews, and they seem to be either GREAT or DON'T BOTHER. I know there are some QC issues with MFJ stuff. I've had to clean up several of their units over the years which I actually take some pride in. They seem to deliver OK once the cold solders get fixed and the hot glue gets replaced. Anyway, I have enormous respect for the brain trust available on this reflector and it seems like I know some of you - unlike the more-or-less disembodied reviews on eHam. Any thouhts about the 259B? Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like to spend, so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a second job. Thanks in advance, es 73 Tom, kj3d [hidden email] 4991 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Tom:
I've got an MFJ-259 (not the -B model). It has performed pretty well over the years, not perfect, but it always seems to work for me. You can get by a lot cheaper with an absorptive SWR bridge and your QRP radio. Go to www.ad5x.com (Phil Salas' website) for some suggestions (tenna-tune and tenna-tune2) on how to build one. Or go to www.qrpkits.com (Doug Hendricks' site) for a kit that is similar. Someone else suggested www.4sqrp.com (4 states qrp group) for another solution. None of these are as fancy as the MFJ, but if all you want to do is adjust an antenna after assembling it, they will probably all work fairly well for you. I have no financial interest in any of these products, but I've used some of Phil's ideas and have purchased kits from Doug and the Four States group and have been well satisfied in each case. 73's, John AA0VE KJ3D wrote: > Hello Group, > > I purchased a 17 m add-on to a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and the instructions > recommended I use an antenna analyzer to tune it up. > > > Anyway, I have enormous respect for the brain trust available on this > reflector and it seems like I know some of you - unlike the more-or-less > disembodied reviews on eHam. > > Any thouhts about the 259B? > > Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like to spend, > so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a second > job. > > Thanks in advance, > > es 73 > > Tom, kj3d > > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Hi,
Take a look at Palstar ZM30 (http://www.palstar.com/zm30.php). IMHO it is a pretty good analyzer. Check also the reviews at eham.net for more details on the performance! 73 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
I agree about Mighty Fine Junk ... meters held in place
with glue-gun glue, raw metal edges, parts taped in place, melted wire insulation at solder jounts, etc. BUT ... I have a '259B and really like it! It's served me well. I've used it for a number of antenna resonance tasks and really can't offer a negative comment. Well, maybe the poorly placed double sided sticky tape that holds the batteries in place DID need a bit of attention .... My Lady (N7HKW) and I spend six months each winter in our RV and I have a screwdriver antenna on the rear bumper that I tune to resonance with my '259B. It's easier and faster than setting up the rig for low power and steady carrier ... Ditto for a 100' insulated tower at home that I use on 80 160 that has a manually-tuned network at the base. W8JI's website has information that applies to the '259. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [hidden email] _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Agreed. The workmanship of 259B is poor and the frequency is for ever
drifting. However, it is the cheapest piece of equipment serving the designed purposes. I am now using a Kuranishi analyser where was bought from Japan and of commercial grade. The price of it is more than double of the 259B. For amateur works, 259B is enough. 73 Johnny Siu VR2XMC From: "Ken Kopp" <[hidden email]> To: "KJ3D" <[hidden email]>, <[hidden email]> Subject: [Elecraft] MFJ 259 Antenna Analyzer Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 05:25:43 -0000 I agree about Mighty Fine Junk ... meters held in place with glue-gun glue, raw metal edges, parts taped in place, melted wire insulation at solder jounts, etc. BUT ... I have a '259B and really like it! It's served me well. I've used it for a number of antenna resonance tasks and really can't offer a negative comment. Well, maybe the poorly placed double sided sticky tape that holds the batteries in place DID need a bit of attention .... My Lady (N7HKW) and I spend six months each winter in our RV and I have a screwdriver antenna on the rear bumper that I tune to resonance with my '259B. It's easier and faster than setting up the rig for low power and steady carrier ... Ditto for a 100' insulated tower at home that I use on 80 160 that has a manually-tuned network at the base. W8JI's website has information that applies to the '259. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [hidden email] _________________________________________________________________ MSN 人氣搜尋,有齊城中熱門話題 http://www.msn.com.hk/hothits/default.asp _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Hi Tom,
Have a look at this site http://www.miniradiosolutions.com/ 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:23:25 -0400, KJ3D wrote: > Hello Group, > > I purchased a 17 m add-on to a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and the instructions > recommended I use an antenna analyzer to tune it up. > > Having never used one of these I started looking around and got pretty > beaten up with sticker shock - just can't justify spending the bucks some of > these things go for. > > So, an inexpensive model seems to be an MFJ-259B. eHam is full of reviews, > and they seem to be either GREAT or DON'T BOTHER. I know there are some QC > issues with MFJ stuff. I've had to clean up several of their units over the > years which I actually take some pride in. They seem to deliver OK once the > cold solders get fixed and the hot glue gets replaced. > > Anyway, I have enormous respect for the brain trust available on this > reflector and it seems like I know some of you - unlike the more-or-less > disembodied reviews on eHam. > > Any thouhts about the 259B? > > Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like to spend, > so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a second > job. > > Thanks in advance, > > es 73 > > Tom, kj3d > > [hidden email] > > 4991 > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by johnny-52
I have both models of the 259 and the AEA analyser. The latter is a
wonderful toy and great for filters, but not easy to use in the field on antennas, I think because the data transfer rate is so slow and the screen is not easy to see. The 259s are very good for tweeking antennas, though, probably the best thing MFJ ever produced, thanks to W8JI. The rx noise bridge is another low cost instrument that can work well. David G3UNA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Siu Johnny" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Cc: <[hidden email]> Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 6:10 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] MFJ 259 Antenna Analyzer > Agreed. The workmanship of 259B is poor and the frequency is for ever > drifting. However, it is the cheapest piece of equipment serving the > designed purposes. > > I am now using a Kuranishi analyser where was bought from Japan and of > commercial grade. The price of it is more than double of the 259B. For > amateur works, 259B is enough. > > 73 > > Johnny Siu VR2XMC > > > From: "Ken Kopp" <[hidden email]> > To: "KJ3D" <[hidden email]>, <[hidden email]> > Subject: [Elecraft] MFJ 259 Antenna Analyzer > Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 05:25:43 -0000 > > I agree about Mighty Fine Junk ... meters held in place > with glue-gun glue, raw metal edges, parts taped in place, > melted wire insulation at solder jounts, etc. > > BUT ... I have a '259B and really like it! It's served me > well. I've used it for a number of antenna resonance tasks and really > can't offer a negative comment. Well, maybe the poorly placed double > sided sticky tape that holds the batteries in place DID need a bit of > attention .... > > My Lady (N7HKW) and I spend six months each winter in our RV and I have a > screwdriver antenna on the rear > bumper that I tune to resonance with my '259B. It's easier > and faster than setting up the rig for low power and steady carrier ... > > Ditto for a 100' insulated tower at home that I use on 80 > 160 that has a manually-tuned network at the base. > > W8JI's website has information that applies to the '259. > > 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP > [hidden email] > > _________________________________________________________________ > MSN 人氣搜尋,有齊城中熱門話題 http://www.msn.com.hk/hothits/default.asp > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Tom,
>>Any thoughts about the 259B? Check out the following site and look at the projects link. The SCARC sell a Antenna Analyser kit ($140AUS including international postage, which will be not much over $100US) http://www.scarc.org.au/ I have built one of these and it works FB. It is not of the same quality as an Elecraft kit, but the price is good and you get the added bonus of making it yourself. David, VK2NU PS...maybe this should be something Elecraft should look at adding to there product list in the future, I'm sure this would be a goer !! ------------------------------ Message: 18 >>Any thoughts about the 259B? -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.10/720 - Release Date: 12/03/2007 7:19 PM _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Hi
VK5JST Aerial Analyzer, covers up to 30MHz, a kit is abt $100. take a look at: http://www.users.on.net/~endsodds/analsr.htm 73, Matti -- Marteinn Sverrisson TF3MA Langitangi 2 Internet: tf3ma [at] raunvis [dot] hi [dot] is 270 Mosfellsbær http://www.raunvis.hi.is/~tf3ma Iceland _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
I just got one. It works great. Already saved me hundreds of trips between the
shack and the antenna. I didn't want to spend the money, but there is really no other easy way to tune an antenna. I have heard that MFJ quality has improved in general, but can only say my unit seems fine. 73, Tom KG3V Quoting KJ3D <[hidden email]>: > Hello Group, > > I purchased a 17 m add-on to a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and the instructions > recommended I use an antenna analyzer to tune it up. > > Having never used one of these I started looking around and got pretty > beaten up with sticker shock - just can't justify spending the bucks some of > these things go for. > > So, an inexpensive model seems to be an MFJ-259B. eHam is full of reviews, > and they seem to be either GREAT or DON'T BOTHER. I know there are some QC > issues with MFJ stuff. I've had to clean up several of their units over the > years which I actually take some pride in. They seem to deliver OK once the > cold solders get fixed and the hot glue gets replaced. > > Anyway, I have enormous respect for the brain trust available on this > reflector and it seems like I know some of you - unlike the more-or-less > disembodied reviews on eHam. > > Any thouhts about the 259B? > > Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like to spend, > so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a second > job. > > Thanks in advance, > > es 73 > > Tom, kj3d > > [hidden email] > > 4991 > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
In reply to this post by Vk2NU
Hello all, I have ordered a basic K2 (to start with),
and thought I would introduce myself. My name is Brett, the call is N2DTS, been a ham since sometime in the 70's self educated in electronics and ham radio. When I started out, I went right to the general ticket, and my first rig was a Heathkit hw7. I had a LOT of fun with that rig and really enjoyed CW rag chews on 40 and 15 meters. I then got a Heathkit hw101, and built it in 2 days, and had had more fun. I then got into AM phone, partly because all those great old tube rigs were dirt cheap at fests, and have been on AM since, with a LOT of home brew gear, to the point I had only homebrew equipment. My homebrew receivers are sort of the same design philosophy as the K2, low noise single conversion, filter just after the mixer, high Q pre selector at the antenna input. Only I used tubes...and built them for AM reception mostly, covering 160, 80 and 40 meter phone bands (as they were before the change). I just wanted something homebrew that could receive AM signals under good band conditions, but wound up with receivers that work better than anything else I had, the modern stuff, ic735, ts440, ic756 pro, the old stuff, R390a, sx17, Scott SLRM, etc. The homebrew radio was MUCH quieter, and had much better fidelity. I sold off all the other stuff! There seems to be 2 major groups building in ham radio, the QRP and AM people. Anyway, I have been looking at the K2 since it came out. I had built an emtech for 40 meters, great little rig for a handful of parts. It was fun to build and modify. Will they ever add AM to the K2? Normally I would look into that, but the K2 is all computer controlled and I cant say I am fond of processors inside radios... Well, now the K2 is on the way, along with the rework eliminators, and guess I will have to re-learn the code, I am real rusty and have to think about some letters. I was up to a comfortable 20 to 25 wpm in the past, and used a straight key from radio shack which I still have. My favorite thing on cw was to rag chew with new people at moderate cw speeds, not sure if that has evaporated along with the code requirements for a ticket. I have some really cool QSL cards from the past, and even better memories of pounding out CW on 15 meters working a housewife in Wyoming for hours talking about the weekly rodeo, and the Pan Am clipper radio operator who sent me a QSL with the picture of the aircraft he used to operate on, etc. Great stuff! Brett N2DTS _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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