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Re: [TowerTalk] Autek VA1 Owners/Users ?

To: Mike Rhodes <weightdn@adelphia.net>,Towertalk <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Autek VA1 Owners/Users ?
From: Red <RedHaines@centurytel.net>
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 20:10:04 -0600
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I've owned a VA1 for several years. While it isn't built like my Bird wattmeter or a GR impedance bridge, it appears better built than several items of mighty fine junk that I own and it has never failed like several of them have. I've tested it by measuring components of known value and it is always close. I've adjusted antennas with it and their measured SWR agrees with Z measured on the VA1. It consumes batteries rapidly and I have considered powering it with an external battery, but support from AUTEK in that regard has been poor. Measured battery drain is within what AUTEK specified. Since they wouldn't answer my question regarding internal voltage regulation or whether a 12 volt external supply would harm it, I will power it through a 9 volt regulator if I use a 12 volt battery. I will use twisted pair shielded lead for any external power supply, with RF filtering at the input of the regulator, to preclude RFI on the power lead from upsetting the VA1. I enjoy the useful range and the many parameters it can display.

I'm interested in the experience of others, too.

73 de WOØW

Mike Rhodes wrote:

Just  wondering how you like the VA1 and if you have compared it to anything
else? Read the mixed reviews on e-ham and get the impression that it is a
very nice unit - when it works - which may not be too long, that the
constructon and quality control is somewhat shakey, and that the warranty
may not be worth the paper it is written on. Geesh, why am I still looking
at this thing? Guess it is because there doesn't seem to be much middle
ground in the e-ham reviews. Seems like things are either the greatest thing
since (insert your favorite here) or the biggest piece of crap imaginable.
So how about some real world opinions.

Tnx & 73 de
Mike / W8DN


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_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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