MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E Deluxe Versa Tuner II Antenna Tuner Review
The MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E Deluxe Versa Tuner II Antenna Tuner is a versatile and powerful tool for any radio enthusiast. With its wide frequency range of 1.8-30 MHz and a maximum power handling capacity of 300 Watts, this tuner is designed to provide arc-free and worry-free operation. It can tune any type of antenna, including dipoles, verticals, inverted vees, random wires, beams, mobile whips, and shortwave receiving antennas. The custom-designed inductor switch and 1000 volt tuning capacitors ensure durability and reliability. With its 8-position super antenna switch and full-size 3-inch lighted cross-needle meter, this MFJ tuner offers convenience and accuracy.
Product Description
The MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E 1.8-30 MHz 300 Watt Deluxe Versa Tuner II Antenna Tuner is a top-of-the-line antenna tuner designed for ham radio enthusiasts. With its advanced features and exceptional performance, it has become a popular choice among users worldwide.
One of the standout features of the MFJ-949E is its versatile operation capability. It covers a wide frequency range of 1.8 to 30 MHz, allowing you to tune any type of antenna with ease. Whether you have dipoles, verticals, inverted vees, random wires, beams, mobile whips, or shortwave receiving antennas, this tuner can handle it all. It can be used with coax, random wire, or balanced lines, making it incredibly versatile for different setups.
The custom-designed inductor switch in the MFJ-949E is built to withstand high RF voltages and currents, ensuring reliable and safe operation. This component is crucial in preventing burnout, which can be a common issue with other antenna tuners.
The tuner also features an 8-position super antenna switch that allows you to select between two coax-fed antennas, a random wire/balanced line, or a built-in dummy load. This flexibility gives you the freedom to experiment with different setups and optimize your antenna system for optimal performance.
The MFJ-949E comes equipped with a full-size 3-inch lighted cross-needle meter, which is not only easy to read but also provides accurate measurements of SWR, true peak forward power, and average reflected power. This enables you to monitor your antenna system's performance and make adjustments accordingly.
With over 62 customer reviews and an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, the MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E 1.8-30 MHz 300 Watt Deluxe Versa Tuner II Antenna Tuner has gained the trust and satisfaction of many users. Its durability, versatility, and accurate metering make it a reliable choice for ham radio enthusiasts of all levels.
Overall, the MFJ-949E offers outstanding performance and features that are essential for any serious ham radio operator. Whether you are a
Pros and Cons
Pros: 1. Versatile Tuning: The MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E Deluxe Versa Tuner II is capable of tuning a wide range of frequencies from 1.8 to 30 MHz, making it suitable for various radio antenna setups. Whether you're using a multiband EFHW antenna or a vertical antenna, this tuner can easily adjust the SWR to ensure optimal performance.
User-Friendly: Despite being a manual tuner, this device is relatively easy to use. The manual tuning process is straightforward, and with a little tweaking of the antenna, you can achieve a low SWR between 1.5 to 1.7. Additionally, the tuner comes with a downloadable instruction manual from the MFJ website, providing all the necessary information for setup and usage.
Solid Build Quality: The MFJ-949E tuner is built to last. With sturdy construction and compact dimensions of 10.62 x 7 x 3.5 inches, it is both durable and portable. This makes it convenient for outdoor use or for those who frequently move their radio setups.
Cons: 1. Lack of Instructions: Some users have reported that the tuner does not come with a physical instruction manual. Instead, it requires downloading the manual from the MFJ website. While the manual is comprehensive, it may be inconvenient for those who prefer having a physical copy or have limited internet access.
Awkward Manual Tuning: Although the manual tuning process is relatively easy, some users have mentioned that it can be a bit awkward compared to automatic tuners. This may require some practice and familiarity to get comfortable with the tuning process.
Limited Compatibility: While the MFJ-949E tuner is designed to match any antenna, there have been reports of compatibility issues. Some users have experienced difficulties achieving a
Customer Reviews
The MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E has received a solid rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from a total of 62 customer ratings. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this antenna tuner.
One customer mentioned, "Using this on a multiband EFHW antenna and it works great. I tweaked the antenna to get the SWR between 1.5 to 1.7 and the manual tuning was a breeze..." This customer seems to be quite satisfied with the performance of the tuner on their specific antenna setup.
Another customer mentioned that they bought the MFJ-949E as a gift, giving it a rating of 4 stars. Unfortunately, they did not provide any specific feedback regarding the product itself.
One customer expressed their satisfaction with the overall transaction, mentioning that the tuner arrived promptly and was well packed. However, they only gave it a 3-star rating and did not provide any further details about their experience with the product.
Another customer mentioned that they are satisfied with the tuner because it does what they need it to do, but they found it a little awkward to use compared to other manual tuners. Despite this, they still gave it a 5-star rating.
One customer pointed out that the tuner does not come with an instruction manual, but it can be downloaded from the MFJ website. They also mentioned that the downloaded manual lacks some necessary information. However, they still gave the tuner a 5-star rating.
Another customer mentioned using the tuner for both their 10m 5/8w vertical and 20m dipole antennas. They found it quick and easy to tune either antenna to any band, giving it a 5-star rating.
Lastly, a customer mentioned buying the tuner for use with a MFJ multiband HF vertical antenna but found that it did not match all other bands except 15 meters. Despite this limitation, they still gave the tuner a 5-star rating.
Overall, the MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E antenna tuner has received positive feedback from customers, with several users praising its performance and ease of use. However, it is worth noting that some customers
Conclusion
Overall, the MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E Antenna Tuner is an excellent choice for any amateur radio enthusiast. With its wide frequency range and powerful tuning capabilities, it is capable of effectively matching the impedance of various types of antennas.
One of the standout features of this tuner is its custom inductor switch, which is designed to withstand high RF voltages and currents. This ensures durability and long-lasting performance, even under demanding conditions.
The 8-position super antenna switch is another notable feature, allowing users to easily select between different antennas or a built-in dummy load. This versatility makes it a great option for those who have multiple antenna setups or need to test their equipment.
The inclusion of the 3-inch lighted Cross Needle Meter is also a welcome addition, providing accurate SWR readings and power measurements. It is easily readable and adds to the overall user experience.
While the MFJ-949E has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from buyers, it is worth noting that some users may find the price point to be on the higher side. However, considering the durability and versatility of this tuner, it is a worthwhile investment for serious amateur radio operators.
In conclusion, the MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E Antenna Tuner is a top-notch product that delivers on its promises. With its impressive performance, durability, and user-friendly features, it is no wonder that it is the tuner of choice for many hams worldwide. If you are looking to improve the efficiency and performance of your antenna system, this tuner is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this antenna tuner be used with any type of antenna?
Yes, the MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E 1.8-30 MHz 300 Watt Deluxe Versa Tuner II Antenna Tuner can be used with a variety of antennas, including multiband EFHW antennas, vertical antennas, and dipoles. It is designed to match and tune any antenna for optimal performance across a wide frequency range.
2. Is the manual tuning process difficult?
While the manual tuning process may initially feel a little awkward compared to automatic tuners, many users find it easy to use once they become familiar with it. The tuner comes with a downloadable instruction manual from the MFJ webpage, which provides detailed guidance on how to tune your antenna effectively.
3. Does this antenna tuner come with an instruction manual?
No, the MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E 1.8-30 MHz 300 Watt Deluxe Versa Tuner II Antenna Tuner does not come with a physical instruction manual. However, you can easily download the manual from the MFJ webpage. The manual provides comprehensive information on how to set up and use the tuner, as well as tips for optimizing its performance.
4. Can this tuner handle high power levels?
Yes, this antenna tuner is capable of handling up to 300 watts of power, making it suitable for both low and high power radio setups. Whether you are using it for casual amateur radio operations or more demanding applications, this tuner is designed to provide reliable performance.
5. How effective is this tuner in reducing SWR?
Many users have reported positive experiences with this tuner in reducing SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) to optimal levels for their antennas. By fine-tuning the antenna using the MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E 1.8-30 MHz 300 Watt Deluxe Versa Tuner II Antenna Tuner, you can achieve SWR readings between 1.5 to 1.7, ensuring efficient power transfer and minimizing signal loss.
6. Is this tuner compatible with all radio brands?
Yes, this antenna tuner is compatible with various radio brands. It can be used with radios from different manufacturers as long as they operate within the frequency range of 1.8-30 MHz. Whether you have a Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, or any other popular radio brand, you can confidently pair it with this tuner for optimal antenna matching.
7. Does this tuner come with any warranty?
Yes, the MFJ Enterprises Original MFJ-949E 1.8-30 MHz 300 Watt Deluxe Versa Tuner II Antenna Tuner comes with a warranty provided by the manufacturer. It is always advisable to check the specific warranty terms and conditions before making a purchase, as they may vary. The warranty ensures that you can confidently use the tuner, knowing that you are
