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You can
write your own review of the MFJ-418 Morse Code Tutor.
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K6DZ
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Rating: 5/5
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May 10, 2009 17:29
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There are 2 versions
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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There are two versions, both labeled MFJ-418. The rare version will not allow using the Koch method because there is only one custom character set instead of 3. This allows for building up gradually to a total of only 16 characters instead of a total of 48. This issue does apply when using normal sets, only custom sets.
Version test: Turn on with wheel. Cycle through the menu to SET. Push 'select' button and then the submenu icon will flash. Cycle through the submenu sets. The rare version has only 1 custom character set which displays as SET [CST CHAR]. The other version has 3: SET [CST CHR1], SET [CST CHR2], SET [CST CHR3].
I have the rare (probably early?) version.
Mine has worked perfectly for years.
With either version it is easy to set up practice using COMBINE so that each sequence you hear consists only of all letters numbers and .,?/+*= So you aren't forced to hear odd characters like " or $.
Both have speed change on the fly. And an 'interactive' mode which plays each entire sequence twice so you can write down what you hear on paper and then re-display it all to check your copy.
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W6YDE
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 23, 2008 07:42
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Great learning tool
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I am a 100% CW op. I use my MFJ-418 Morse Code Tutor to copy code while driving. It could use a little more volume without distortion.
I can set differant combinations of letters, numbers and pro signs, plus set the speed at just above my copy rate. Its a great tool if you want to get your copy speed up and add a little outside noise or distractions.
I am have a little problem with one of the buttons. I have to push it 2 or 3 times to make contact... but that is no problem. The LCD readout is not in the center of the opening... but that has no effect on it's operation.
Lets face it... MFJ manufactures a ton of items for the ham operator. Where would we go to purchase a Morse Code Tutor? Yes... some of the items we purchase from MFJ are not perfect.... but is there anybody else with over 2,500 items to pick from?
73, Mike/W6YDE
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WB5CCO
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Rating: 0/5
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Jun 13, 2008 10:30
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Caveat Emptor
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased the MFJ-418 to brush up on my code speed. The unit was received in a factory sealed package. Upon opening, I noticed the case was bulging at its seems. The circut board, LCD and ribbon cable fit poorly in the case causing it to bulge. The cover of the battery compartment could not be closed once the 9 volt battery was inserted. Inspection of the circut board revealed poor solder connections. Upon powering up the unit, the LCD was weak and the volume was very low. MFJ still seems to have quality control issues with its products. I was considering purchasing the Ameritron AL-1500; however I now have serious reservations due to QC issues.
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KF6OCI
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Rating: 5/5
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May 29, 2008 06:48
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Very Good Product
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had one for about 12 years and it has
been used a lot, I mean a lot.
It once acted like it had a short, I took it
apart, couldn't find anything obvious, put it
back together and it worked perfectly. ??
Thousands of hours on it. Great learning tool.
CW was hard for me, no music skills, but after
thousands of hours with this I can do CW over
20 wpm very well.
Dan
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K6SDW
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 26, 2008 14:16
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Best CW learning tool
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Next to getting on the air, this the best CW learning tool I own, especially with the lack of CW activity on the bands anymore....buttons stick....typical MFJ quality, but it works!
Would never sell mine.
73 all
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KC2OUF
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 26, 2008 13:56
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Nice learning tool
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I dove into learning CW recently. -When I first bought the 418 I let it sit around and collect dust. I really feel it is important to learn code, even if it is no longer required.
True, it is of poor quality construction, but through an earphone it is very convenient to learn and not disturb others.
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K6NT
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 2, 2007 21:12
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Very Handy
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I got mine about 9 years ago and it still works well. I used it to bring my code speed up from 5 to 13 wpm to pass the General test. It worked so well, I used it to get to 20wpm for the Extra test. That took less than 2 months of effort. Handy because you can use it anywhere with headphones.
Another use: my club has done some T-hunts, and we programed a short sequence with call sign and connected it to an HT at low power. It repeated in CW and kept everything legal.
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KE5GZR
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 2, 2007 18:07
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Outstanding Product
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I purchased the MFJ-418 over a year ago to prepare for the Element 1 exam. Although no longer required, I now have my code speed up to 10 wpm all because of this code tutor. It is very portable and I have taken it on business trips and family vacation. I recently broke the on/off switch due to my own negligence. This device has been very durable as I have dropped it several times on hard surfaces without any damage. I highly recommmend this product!
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K1LLR
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Rating: 0/5
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Mar 21, 2007 12:46
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junk
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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had to modify the enclosure to get the volume switch to work..piece of junk..nice idea .but very poor workmanship.
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VE6HF
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Rating: 0/5
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Jul 18, 2006 12:37
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It sucks
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Just got my MFJ 418 and what can I say? We it was broken right out of the box! Tried 5 new batteries with the same results. Called the guy from MFJ and he was just plain rude and not helpful. He told me to return it to the store for an exchange. Had to ship it back to the store I got it from. I'm sure it will be weeks before I get a replacement.
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