[Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Charles Greene]

Steve,

I take issue with your statement that both the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA1 
are "apparently junk."  I have the Autek and the MFJ-259B, the model 
without UHF, and both are quality although inexpensive instruments.  I have 
used the VA1 for approximately 3 years and the MFJ for 2 years and I have 
never had any problem with either.  I have found the MFJ to be good on 
battery usage, as is the Autek.  I recommend both to an average ham who 
doesn't need laboratory precision and has the need for the occasional use 
of an antenna analyzer.  In fact the readings obtained by the ARRL Lab show 
amazing accuracy for such relatively inexpensive units.  If you don't need 
the sign of the complex impedance, the less expensive Autek RF1 is fine.  I 
had one of those too, but I needed the functions of the more expensive VA1.

I have no knowledge o the Palstar.

This is not a flame, but an attempt to set the record straight.

At 12:31 AM 4/15/2005, Stephen W. Kercel wrote:
>There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews 
>on four different antenna analyzers.
>
>Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard 
>endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control, 
>virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are 
>mentioned in the QST product review.
>
>There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the Palstar 
>ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, despite being 
>favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I can trust the 
>product review on the Palstar.
>
>Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good?
>
>73,
>
>Steve Kercel
>AA4AK
>
>
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73,  Chas,  W1CG