Topband: MFJ-259 Antenna Analyzer

[AD5VJ Bob]

I have found an MFJ-259 finally that I can afford, it doesn't work, the listing says that the meters work, but there is no LCD
display, but the meters work.

Would this keep me from being able to find resonant frequency and impedance on the antennas and the matching transformers I am
playing with or should I look further.



73 fer nw es gud DX,
QSL VIA: LotW, BUR, e-QSL
Bob AD5VJ
http://www.ad5vj.com/
Old Calls WB5ZQU, WY5L/KH3, KE5CTY, N5IET

[Richard Detweiler]

Without the frequency display you won't know what frequency the SWR dip is on.

The earlier model of the 259 (not B, the one with the two buttons on top for input & gate ) did not really find the resonant frequency, it did find the lowest SWR, but often this is not the reasonent frequency.

The earlier model used a opto electronics inc. UTC 150 frequency counter. No replacments are available. The counter chip may be but not sure of it.

A modern 259B can determine the reasonant frequcy by the R/X display on the main screen. It's parts can be had at MFJ.

If the older unit frequency counter is out, you can try another unit to determine the frequency.

For the older unit, there is another counter module from N3ZI that may be used to put in or on the unit. The RF tap will have to be routed out to it and then it will be functional.
Best WishesRichard K5SF

[Herb Schoenbohm]

Post by AD5VJ Bob
I have found an MFJ-259 finally that I can afford, it doesn't work, the listing says that the meters work, but there is no LCD
display, but the meters work.
or should I look further.

The MFJ-259B is what you want not the older 259.

Bob I saw this one on E Bay and was tempted to bid....but it really is not what you need when a small VSWR meter at the antenna feed point can tell you more. The LCD is crucial to the operation without which you can not navigate to the resonant frequency. Also resonance is not as importance as a good match. I have been using a non resonant antenna, my 75 foot tower, for years on 160. Dealing with the impedance transfer and having a good ground are far more important then knowing where the antenna is resonant, IMHO.



Herb, KV4FZ

Post by AD5VJ Bob
Bob I saw this one on E Bay and was tempted to bid....but it really is not what you need when a small VSWR meter at the antenna feed point can tell you more. The LCD is crucial to the operation without which you can not navigate to the resonant frequency. Also resonance is not as importance as a good match. I have been using a non resonant antenna, my 75 foot tower, for years on 160. Dealing with the impedence transfer and having a good ground are far moreimportant then knowing where the antenna is resonant, IMHO.

Herb, KV4FZ