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Author Topic: Replace MFJ-929 IntelliTuner case with acrylic?  (Read 141 times)

KD7ZYW

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Replace MFJ-929 IntelliTuner case with acrylic?
« on: October 08, 2022, 11:26:29 AM »

I have an FT-857D in a portable case with my MFJ-929 tuner in there also. I would like to remove top/sides portion of the case for the MFJ so that I can re-mount the display and buttons so that they are facing up. Eventually I would like to make a face that fits in this Rigid box so that only the FT-857D faceplate, mic and MFJ-929 are visible along with power and antenna connections.

I have a laser cutter so my thought is to laser cut some acrylic to replace the top portion of the 929 case. I would also laser the appropriate holes  for the screws, display and buttons so I could simply rotate the faceplate PCB to be facing up rather than forward. I would cut a piece to fill the holes on the front. I would also cut side pieces so it would still be "sealed" and nobody could accidently reach or drop anything inside. The real question is, does the aluminum sides/top of the MFJ-929 provide important shielding that I would need to figure out how to replace? My other thought was using my CNC to cut the aluminum lid itself but I'm not sure my small CNC will work well on the metal lid.

73
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W1VT

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Re: Replace MFJ-929 IntelliTuner case with acrylic?
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2022, 01:33:37 PM »

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KD7ZYW

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Re: Replace MFJ-929 IntelliTuner case with acrylic?
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2022, 02:04:13 PM »

https://www.piedmontplastics.com/blog/acrylic-vs-polycarbonate-understanding-the-differences

I typically use polycarbonate for ham radio.

Thanks for that idea. Since I will probably be laser cutting and already have acrylic I'll probably end up sticking with acrylic (or possibly wood). My understanding is that polycarbonate won't cut as well in my CO2 laser.
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K6AER

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Re: Replace MFJ-929 IntelliTuner case with acrylic?
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2022, 07:01:52 PM »

Not having a metal enclosure around the antenna tuner might cause you to have RFI issues with your microphone audio.
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KB1GMX

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Re: Replace MFJ-929 IntelliTuner case with acrylic?
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2022, 08:38:40 AM »

Hint:

There is a reason why just about all antenna tuners are metallic cased.

RF radiated near the radio (Microphone) being a usual suspect for
RF in the audio.   A tuner in a plastic box is going to be really nasty
especially if the box is needed to complete the ground(s) from the
input and output connectors and internat circuits.

Sounds pretty but functional... let us know.

Allison
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K8AXW

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Re: Replace MFJ-929 IntelliTuner case with acrylic?
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2022, 09:53:45 AM »

AER - GMX - ditto
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