"The MFJ uses up batteries, lots of AA cells."
My battery set has been in mine for several years, so this isn't
an issue for me. It does shut off automatically if one forgets.
"It's also a pain to change them (lots of screws)."
My '259B has (just) two screws holding the battery cover ....
73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
k0pp at arrl.net