At 09:45 PM 5/2/02 -0400, Bob Thacker wrote:
>... unfortunately I'm a neophyte compared to W8JI, N4ZR and many others.
Tom must've croaked when he saw that. I just retain the good advice I've
gotten and pass it along when I can.
Seriously, I have no engineering qualifications, but I've owned the Autek
RF-1 for years and have used the MFJ-259B. I wouldn't buy an RF-1 again
because it does not read X separate from Z, which makes it harder for me to
use than the MFJ. The Autek VA-1 does that and more, but at a cost almost
the same as the MFJ-259B. It appears to be somewhat bigger, and one of the
RF-1's strong points is that it slips easily into a pocket for use on the
tower, though with its plastic case I'd hate to drop it. Finally, I have
found the RF-1's battery use to be very good, while the MFJ is relatively
big and heavy, has a steel case, and eats batteries by the 10-pack.
Ultimately, though, I'm planning to buy a 259B, unless MFJ comes out with
something better for my HF needs before I get done procrastinating. One
reason I wouldn't go the Autek route again is what appears to be a lousy
attitude toward customer service -- they have a very high minimum shop
charge for non-warranty repairs and an evident disdain for customers asking
questions.
73, Pete N4ZR
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