[Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer Opinions?

[G3VVT at aol.com]

I have the MFJ and AEA antenna analyzers in use at this end.
 
Started with the MFJ-209 which only reads SWR from it's single meter  and has 
a basic rotary analog frequency read out. Works OK, but had  dificulties with 
frequency accuracy particularly on the VHF range. Had to either  use an 
external counter or in conjunction with a receiver to find exactly what  frequency 
you were on. Made up a stick on paper scale to give a correction on  the VHF 
scale as this does not appear to be adjustable for calibration, unlike  the HF 
ranges.
 
Sold this on at the local radio club last year and upgraded to the  MFJ-259B. 
This has the same frequency range from about 1.8 to 170MHz but has  much more 
information available from it's twin meters and an LCD readout  that also 
gives a digital frequency readout. Able amongst many other tests to  measure 
simultaneously SWR and impedance at the frequency of test. There is the  more 
costly MFJ-269 available that also covers UHF, though unless this  coverage is 
needed the MFJ-259B probably the better option. The MFJ  analyzers are able to be 
operated from AA dry or rechargeable cells or even  external DC power. On the 
earlier version of the MFJ-259(B) one could  replace the cells through a 
hatch in the rear of the case. Sadly MFJ have now  seen fit to remove this 
feature, probably to save costs and it now requires 8  screws to be removed and 
dismantle the analyzer to get at the batteries. I use  12 rechargeable AA cells 
with mine that are charged via the inbuilt charger to  save dismantling.
 
The AEA SWR-121V/U I have is for VHF and UHF only though there is an HF  
version available. This works in a totally different way in that it allows the  
user to make a sweep of frequency against SWR and displays this as a graph on an 
 LCD panel. The sweep width is adjustable in defined steps to cover the 
bandwidth  required. Found this extremely useful for sweeping antennas to check 
their  usable bandwidth. A function can be selected to display the center 
resonant  frequency of the antenna on test. Is powered with AA cells or external DC  
power.
 
There is an inbuilt problem with both of these antenna analyzers and which  
probably applies to the Autek as well in that they are totally unusable in comm 
 sites or areas where there are other adjacent transmitters in operation at 
the  time of measurement. They are unable to read the SWR due to also detecting 
the  external TX at the same time and reading this as a poor SWR.
 
Noted another method of checking SWR on a graphical basis using a spectrum  
analyzer and tracking generator. Contractors building some new comms buildings  
at the workplace had installed new antennas on our existing towers in 
readiness  for existing equipment to be moved to the new buildings. As part of the  
commissioning work these antennas were swept with a spectrum analyzer and  
tracking generator in conjunction with a directional coupler possibly  from HP 
that allowed a visual sweep of the antenna. I note that the  Micro908 from AM QRP 
club is able to carry out a similar task. Not seen this  device listed before 
the mention on this reflector. Website for  info: www.amqrp.org/kits/micro908
 
 
Bob, G3VVT