[MFJ-Ameritron] MFJ analyzers

[Tom Rauch]

> I would steer clear of the MFJ-269.  I am on my second unit, and it is
> going back for another exchange.  The first unit would not enter the
> UHF mode at all, and the counter was off by about 4 MHz.  

That is an assembly QC error.

> a new replacement unit which worked fine for about nine months, then
> would not switch out of UHF no matter what I did with the switches! 
> I've been trying for weeks the reach someone at the tech support line,
> but always get a busy signal.  I have sent three e-mails over the past
> several months, but got no reply.

Send the unit to me at my callbook address and I'll make sure you 
get a credit or refund. I'd like to find one or two more field failures of 
this unit BEFORE they get returned to Starkville. 

There have been some reported failures of a UHF switch transistor 
but the measured parameters of that transistor are well within 
device ratings. It is a real puzzlement why they fail (if they actually 
do fail). Once they get into the :service" system any hope of finding 
out why they failed is lost.

I use an original prototype and it is probably three years old and no 
problems. It would be educational to look at a unit that has failed in 
the field.
73, Tom W8JI
W8JI@contesting.com