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Author Topic: MFJ-959C or the MFJ-1026 or both in combination for just SWL?  (Read 225 times)

KK4GMU

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MFJ-959C or the MFJ-1026 or both in combination for just SWL?
« on: November 28, 2021, 08:53:34 AM »

Do any of you SWL listeners use either the MFJ-959C or the MFJ-1026 or both in combination for just SWL?

The 959 is a pre-amped antenna tuner; the 1026 is a phase/nulling two antenna noise reducer.

For those familiar with these unit, especially those who have first-hand experience, I'm interested in your set ups and experiences.

Both of these units have generally positive reviews as being effective within their design limitations and claims.  They address unique problems and especially the 1026 is not a noise cure-all - it address only one noise source at a time.
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IC-7100, RSPdx, AT-D878UVII-Plus HT, TGIF Spot

G4AON

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Re: MFJ-959C or the MFJ-1026 or both in combination for just SWL?
« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2021, 10:35:49 AM »

The 1026 only works in very specific circumstances; switch mode battery chargers and plasma TVs in neighbouring properties can often be completely phased out. However, noise radiated from overhead power and phone lines is another matter. I have a 1026 and rarely use it.

The most effective antenna I have is a simple PA0RDT active antenna mounted in the corner of the garden furthest away from the house wiring. No need to spend much, all the parts cost under $20 and it only uses 2 transistors. The most expensive part is a ferrite ring to decouple the feedline.

Others use equally simple rotatable loop antennas, again home made.

On my PA0RDT antenna, mounted at only 7 feet, I can hear USA hams on 160m, SAQ on 17.2 KHz, lots of stations up to 20m. Plus broadcast stations, etc.

You can listen to an SDR using a PA0RDT antenna in Holland:
http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/
Building instructions:
https://www.qsl.net/g4aon/pa0rdt_aa/

73 Dave
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KK4GMU

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Re: MFJ-959C or the MFJ-1026 or both in combination for just SWL?
« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2021, 02:41:18 PM »

I've already got a MLA-30  https://www.amazon.com/MLA-30-Directional-Antenna-Receiver-Stations/dp/B07VHZDH1L

Not sure what type of noise I have and how much I'm able to reduce the noise floor or if what I have is significant.  Right now my noise floor averages around -70 to -80.  I've got several signals on the 25 31 and 41 meter bands with their dBm ranging from +25 to +40 and a couple a little better.

Using the MLA-30 fully hooked up, this is the first time I've had to turn down my RF gain on my SDR to avoid an overload.

I've put ferrite rings on most cables/wires within my shack. I ran a portable AM radio around the near vicinity.  I get a bit more static at about 4 foot intervals (what wavelength would that be?), but nothing drastic.  Can't point to any particular source of noise.  Nothing really pops out.
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IC-7100, RSPdx, AT-D878UVII-Plus HT, TGIF Spot
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