Mfj 2286 backpack antenna

[N8TI]

I just saw in CQ that MFJ came out with a new antenna. It is a vertical that is suppose to work on 8 bands. It is a portable antenna that weighs 2 pounds. It can extend to 17 feet.

Anyone know anything about this?

Joe

[WB6BYU]

That's not difficult to do with a telescoping whip and a manually-tapped loading coil,
especially if you include 6m rather than 80m for your 8th band.

The hard part is getting it to work efficiently - usually such vertical antennas require
a good radial system for reasonable efficiency.  But that's not something that the
Marketing department worries about when they write advertising copy.

[K5LXP]

All the details are right on their site.  Basically a coil and a collapsible whip.  Decent size whip though, would be a natural quarter wave on 20.


Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM

[K1WJ]

Joe,

I just ordered one - mine will be ground mounted with 16 ground radials of various lengths in back yard of AZ HOA.
Should work great on 6-20m - adjusted for 1/4 wave. Will submit review here in a month or so.

Best 73 K1WJ - David

[KE4KE]

I just ordered one and the tripod. My plan is to use it for Field Day. Most of the state parks in this part of the country have very small camp sites and there is just not enough room for a nice dipole. The trees are pretty thick as well and that is another concern. I may also use a rotatable dipole made with hamsticks as well since those are pretty easy to get up at 30 ft. I have twelve 35ft ground radials cut now and plan to at least double that. I bought a 4BTV for permanent use at the "home" station as antenna #2. Antenna #1 is a G5RV. I will try to post a review here after I get a chance to try it out. Hope it's not too long as it is on back order.