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write your own review of the MFJ-1786 Super Hi-Q Loop.
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AA8GK
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Rating: 4/5
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Jun 17, 2009 07:31
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Update
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I worked the Virgin Islands last night (QRP CW) on 30 meters from my home QTH here in southeast Michigan. The MJF-1786 is vertically mounted on a stand inside my second story apartment. Okay, I wasn't blasting the KP2's speakers, but my signal DID make it!
One of my greatest fears is RFI'ing / TVI'ing my neighbors. Even though the antenna is 4 feet away from my computer and 10 feet away from a smoke detector, I've had absolutely no problems. Of course, almost everyone has cable / satellite tv, so that helps. The antenna's also quite directional. The way I have it mounted allows for turning the antenna as needed.
With very little exception, I can tune the 1786 just by sound. More often than not I'm spot on, able to hunt and pounce on stations calling CQ. In general, I am very happy with this antenna and consider it an incredible alternative to going QRT because of where you live. What downsides there are with using a magnetic loop antenna really are minimal once you get used to using it.
Much has been said about the 'cheap' plastic case. I'm really not sure what MFJ could have done differently, though. I was surprised, however, a week ago when I took it apart for maintenance: wasps had started a few colonies inside it last summer when I left the antenna on the balcony! Fortunately, they were long gone before I opened it up! That would not have gone well at all if they were still 'home'! Since the antenna is inside now, I won't have to worry about that. If this antenna is used outside, I would definitely advise an annual fall / winter maintenance schedule to open it up and check for such activity.
I really couldn't be happier with this antenna. I'm sure I'll be even happier with it once we get more solar activity. If someone asked me if they should buy an MFJ-1786, I'd answer in one word: "Absolutely". It is a great apartment / condo antenn.
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WB0FDJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 9, 2009 16:23
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Follow up comments
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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A couple of days ago I finished up building an MFJ 1320 Cub QRP. I was using the SWR/Wattmeter that comes with the 1786 to set my power output, still hadn't put the cover on the rig when I heard a CQ so naturally I answered it (with all the enthusiasm of a Novice and that was 38 yrs ago). First contact with the Cub, state of WA from MN and he gave a 559. Since then ME, Nova Scotia and California, 559 reports, all on the 1786, indoors. Running a hair over 2 watts! This antenna "hears" better than my outdoor end fed wire, which picks up more powerline noise, etc. And it definitely gets out. My respect for this antenna has risen considerably. It's a keeper.
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EA5BLP
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 6, 2008 05:03
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An excelent antenna
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I´m an only cw operator using 50 watts power output. After one year working with the 1788 (the other model) my experience is that it´s a great radiator. Performance is very good in all bands, and also works well on 40m. The mag loop can be considered not only as a good antenna for restricted espaces- as my case- but as an multiband radiator for any case. In my opinion, is a very good option. Tunning it whenever you change frecuency is not a problem, when you get used is a question of seconds. In the old times, we had to tune our PA also, and it was a normal procedure. The antenna works surprisingly well and allows good dx´s without complex sistems on the roof.
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KC2SIZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 27, 2008 05:33
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If you can't have limited space, this is just the ticket...
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I've had the MFJ-1786 for a few months now. It is one of a number of different loop antennas at my house. For me, it's been perfect. I have a limited amount of space, but I also don't want to compromise too much in the way of performance. This MFJ loop obviously doesn't take up a lot of space, and it really gets out. Using no more than 100 watts, I have made contacts in Norway, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Ireland, and every corner of the US. It works very well, as loop antennas tend to do.
Yes, it is not effortless to use as frequent retuning of the antenna is required. This is more annoying for some people than for others. I don't mind the retuning at all so long as the performance is there, and in this case it is. End of story.
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N2CVZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 5, 2007 18:33
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Awesome!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have mine mounted about 10-feet above the roof of a 5-story co-op apartment building. In all honesty (I know this is a cliche) if I can hear them I can work them. Was running 50 watts from a Ten-Tec Scout 555 that worked great; now running 100 from a Kenwood TS-830. Like any magnetic loop antenna, bandwidth is about as wide as a strand of hair but the tuner makes things quite easy. I simply tune it for the loudest noise then fine tune it with a small amount of RF. I can almost always get it down to about 1.5:1. We live on a hill overlooking the Hudson River so sometimes the wind can really give it a beating, but after a year I see no signs of problems. Highly recommend it for anyone with space restrictions. Now to solve my 80 meter problem...maybe a stealth loop.
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N1YWB
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Rating: 4/5
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Nov 26, 2007 22:26
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Excellent compact HF antenna
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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In the 2005 IARU HF Championship, I operated this antenna. I placed 6th in the Single Op Low Power W/VE category. So there's your pudding. You might not win the contest but you can place top 10. This antenna doesn't suck.
Read my full review at: http://n1ywb.blogspot.com/2007/11/mfj-1786-super-hi-q-loop-antenna.html
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WA2DTW
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Rating: 4/5
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Apr 4, 2007 15:15
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No problem with mine
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Mine was indoors, using it QRP with the FT817 several years ago. Made many CW contacts on 17, 20 and 30 meters, with good signal reports.
It does tune quite sharply. But there is not much of a learning curve.
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MW0CVW
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Rating: 0/5
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Apr 4, 2007 13:38
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MFJ 1786X LOOP
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased a new MFJ 1786X from Waters & stanton in the u.k and received the unit the following day.
I opened the box and followed the instructions as required.The first thing I noted was the poor mechanical construction of the loop assembly,thin plastic fixed with self tapping screws...
I tryed to fix the supplied four mounting bolts and brackets into the main loop assembly and found the fixing holes where damaged..
Note:This was a brand new unit..
I phoned Waters & Stanton (U.K) and discussed this issue with their service department..
What a waste of time,so finally it was decided they would credit me for the loop..
Following discussions with other suppliers here in the U.K, it was apparent a fair percentage of MFJ1786X loops had been returned due to poor construction and component failure..
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G8FXC
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 29, 2007 09:58
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Follow up...
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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After more than a year with the 1786 as my main antenna, it has grown on me! The need to retune is a pain, but there really is nothing else that can produce comparable results in such a small package. I normally use the large wire loop to search around, then switch to the 1786 before operating.
Following KB3KUR's comments about high SWR, do follow the instructions in the manual for adjusting the coupling loop - it makes a big difference. My 1786 is in the loft space right hard up against the wall and a tiled roof, but I can get the SWR down to virtually 1:1 on all frequencies. Open the casing and make a mental (or even paper) note of the shape and positioning of the coupling loop. Then experiment with it, gently bending it - taking care to not strain the joints at each end. Don't move it too close to the main loop - don't want arc over!
It can be a fiddly job - after each change you need to check the SWR across the full range of operation. You may not get down to 1:1 across the board in which case you will need to choose the shape which works best on your prefered bands. Its probably a good idea to keep drawings with records of results as you go so that you can later select the shape which works best for you...
Martin (G8FXC)
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KB3KUR
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 29, 2007 07:28
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Better than expected
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I am quite new to HF, so take the review for what it is worth. I live in a first floor condo. The antenna was my attempt to communicate without an attic or roof. I have made contacts in Idaho and Texas from my NJ home. I was using a TS-2000 at 100 watts. I am sure that I can improve performance as I build experience.
The SWR is positional (when the antenna is next to a wall or ceiling). Sometimes I find it difficult to tune below 4:1. Other times the needle drops down to almost 1:1. Tuning is relatively easy, though I still struggle with the auto tune features.
I am not a fan of MFJ when it comes to support and service. That said, I am still getting decent performance from the antenna.
Lou
W0RWS
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