a mfj question

[lord_ravensbane]

this may or may not fit this topic line,but here goes:i was looking through my mfj catalogue yesterday,and thought about an mfj product that was mentioned in one post..i was trhinking about buying (when i can afford it),either the mfj-784dsp with a 1020 tuned antenna,or just the mfj 1026 alone..any opinions or suggestions welcomed..btw i use a radio shack dx-399 reciever.

[lord_ravensbane]

I was just wondering..dosen't anyone read these posts?..i'm not "winjing" or anything..but this question HAS been up here for a little while..or don't any of you know the answer?

[W6AFK]

8) this may or may not fit this topic line,but here goes:i was looking through my mfj catalogue yesterday,and thought about an mfj product that was mentioned in one post..i was trhinking about buying (when i can afford it),either the mfj-784dsp with a 1020 tuned antenna,or just the mfj 1026 alone..any opinions or suggestions welcomed..btw i use a radio shack dx-399 reciever.

Well, it all depends on what you want to do. For example, I have both a passive "random wire" and an active antenna. At times, the active antenna is better while at other times, the wire is better.

If you have the ability of installing an external antenna, then the cheapest and best choice would be the "wire" antenna. However, if space is limited, then "external" probe antennas are second-best. I use an external "H-800 SkyMatch" antenna from LF Engineering. It's only 26 inches tall yet it is very rugged and it works surprisingly well... and it is affordable at $139.00

I would stay away from "internal" active antennas as they have a tendency of picking-up all of the RF noise that is inside the house (computers, dimmers, Ac wiring, etc.) Thus, even if the MFJ-1026 does work, it's not as good as an external one.

On the noise reduction front, the MFJ product is good, but I personnally prefer the Timewave DSP599zx (see below).

Here are two sources for the H-800 antenna:
Direct from: http://www.lfengineering.com/products.htm or better yet, and for the same price, from Grove Enterprises at this link: http://www.grove-ent.com/ANT15.html

My main RX setup is as follows:

"Timewave DSP599zx" DSP-based noise reduction device. IMHO, it's much better and more flexible than all others out there. I really like their 5 kHz bandwidth setting... great for SWL'ing
http://www.timewave.com/dsp599zx.html

"H-800 Skymatch" active probe antenna.

"Kenwood R-2000 Receiver w/VC-10"

My suggestions:

Antenna (the MOST important part): if space is a concern, then consider the H-800 ($139.00). If not, then string-up an external wire antenna.

Noise Reduction: if $$ permits, the MFJ, or my favorite, the Timewave model. Both perform an excellent job at the audio level. Just remember that they work at the audio level. If there is strong RF noise, then their usefulness is limited

[lord_ravensbane]

thanks for the reply..i thought no one knew the answer to my question..i'll have to look into those products you recomend.

[W6AFK]

8) thanks for the reply..i thought no one knew the answer to my question..i'll have to look into those products you recomend.

One note: If you buy the H-800 antenna, don't forget to order (or make sure you have) the proper adapter for your radio. This is because the supplied RG-174/U coax is terminated in an RCA plug. I used a simple in-line "Female-RCA to PL259" adapter from Radio Shack.

Enjoy

[lord_ravensbane]

I forgot to mention that i live in public housing right now,and don't have a lot of money to spend.

[W6AFK]

8) I forgot to mention that i live in public housing right now,and don't have a lot of money to spend.

Understood... but as you were contemplating the MFJ products, I wanted to propose a viable alternative that was more efficient yet lower cost than their offering.
Do you have access to more than one window? If so, you might be able to string a wire antenna between both windows. You can use very fine gauge wire as it will not affect receive performance. However, it will be practically invisible.

If you are on upper floors of a building, then you could let the wire drop downwards.

Just some suggestions.

[lord_ravensbane]

THANKS for the info..it will take a little time to read and digest all the info on the sheets ( i printed-out all the specs,etc.)..but it probably WILL help me make up my mind...cheers! steve.

[lord_ravensbane]

THANKS for the info..it will take a little time to read and digest all the info on the sheets ( i printed-out all the specs,etc.)..but it probably WILL help me make up my mind...cheers! steve. p.s. did i mention i have a radio shack dx-399?

[lord_ravensbane]

I forgot to mention that my radio has a antenna jack like a earphone, not like a scanner radio antenna.