I have the MFJ, Autek Vector Analyst and AEA CIA. Without question the
most accurate is the AEA, but I usually grab the Autek because of its
size. It also resolves sign of X. The tuning is touchy though, and the
menus are a hassle. I hadn't thought of an antenna analyzer product,
since the field is so crowded, but maybe there's a niche for a simple
device, along the lines of the MFJ, but smaller and with better product
build (ie, user built kit ;-) and battery life. Maybe also with the
ability to determine sign of phase angle.
Larry N8LP
Craig D. Smith wrote:
I have a MFJ259B. Had to hold my nose to shell out the $250 or so for
something with that build quality and design flaws (size, battery system,
etc). That said, next to my transceiver, it is the piece of equipment I use
most often and it does do the job intended. I would feel naked without it.
Every ham should have one or something equivalent.
The features and quality of ham equipment these days is astounding, but
strangely there, in my estimation, is no really good antenna analyzer on the
market. I think the MFJ is the best overall unit available, and that is a
sad statement. Most analyzers (see Eham reviews) score lower than the MFJ.
The Palstar gets good marks for size, quality, etc, but does not have an
analog meter which I think is an essential user interface for convenient
usage.
So I agree with the comment some others have made - there is a big market
for a good antenna analyzer - especially with all the new ham licenses that
will be minted soon. My wish list includes: About half the physical size of
the MFJ, analog meter plus LCD display, decent battery life, frequency
coverage from 1.5 to 150 MHz, price about $250 or $200 for a kit. I don't
need automated plotting or computer interface. Either Elecraft or Larry
Phipps have the technical expertise and kitting experience to do a great job
with such a project. I hope they are listening!!
73 Craig AC0DS
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