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Reviews For: MFJ-1422 2mtr/440 Rough Rider Antenna and mfj 345 hatchback moun

Category: Antennas: VHF/UHF+ Omnidirectional: verticals, mobile, etc

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Review Summary For : MFJ-1422 2mtr/440 Rough Rider Antenna and mfj 345 hatchback moun
Reviews: 15MSRP: 50
Description:
144/440 mhz mobile antenna and hatchback mount mfj 345
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-1422
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00152.7
KF9MA Rating: 2004-06-17
Less than a duck! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Here's an honest review of the MFJ 1422.
It is a beautiful antenna, looks very solid and well built. However....
I installed this antenna on a mag mount. First check of swr showed nothing under 2.5 on 2 meter. I even REMOVED the top section and no difference was shown on my meter. I was quite concerned. I tuned in a repeater quite far from me and it came in scratchy with one "bar" showing on the receive LED. I removed the antenna from my HT and attached the rubber duck and had the SAME signal strength reading. I put my old Radio Shack scanner antenna on just to add to the test and the distant repeater came in at 75% signal on the RX LED. (also the Rad Shack scanner antenna will TX on 2 meter with a 1.5 or better swr!)
Conclusion? When a 2 meter antenna can't even RECEIVE on 2 meter, there's a problem. Never did check the 440 MHz side.
I promptly sent it back after reading your reviews here. Have a Comet SBB5 on the way. Thanks for your reviews, it saved me time and aggravation of returning the MFJ 1422 TWICE!
KC2HHY Rating: 2002-11-25
AWFUL Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is my second MFJ-1422 that has shorted out on me within 1 1/2 years being used on an MFJ mag mount. I bought my first one and after 9 mo in use, I noticed that the high SWR. (I always keep the SWR meter in line.) I put the antenna on a 259B and the darned thing is shorted out. HUH?? So, I sent it back to MFJ (AT MY EXPENSE). They said "yup, its shorted", so they replaced it with another antenna. Another 9 months goes by and darned if the same thing doesn't happen. All of a sudden the SWR climbs (just like the first one). Threw it on the 259B and yep, it too is shorted out. I've had enough and I've thrown in the towel. I bought a Diamond dual band mobile antenna and have a flat match on the same mount. Now I know why so many HAMS call MFJ, Mighty Fine J _ _ k.
KD5IUJ Rating: 2001-01-16
good antenna for price Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I bought the antenna for price and gain. I like the spring (doesn't knock off my mag mount)and the fold-over feature. However, water gets in the fold-over part. There is a gasket to prevent leakage, but on my antenna it is too small. SWR is good on 2m, but not as good on 440. I don't know how to adjust SWR on 440 without affecting 2m SWR. Overall, it is a good performing antenna for the price.
K4III Rating: 2000-10-12
Small antenna /doesn't sway Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased a roughrider antenna down here in FL where the humidity is high and garage small. If I were to make suggestions for improvement, these would be it...
(1)Make the center ring rust-proof or coat with paint-what I did. (2)Somehow help the receive properties of the antenna. Great for using local or somewhat strong repeaters/signals, but does not receive as well as five other antennas I've tested on my mobile setup.

Other than these 2 simple problems, I am very satisfied for the size and SWR for the price. I have reached 1.15:1 on 2-meters and the antenna doesn't sway (affecting SWR) when speeding down the roadways. Unfortunately, I haven't tested the 440 band on this antenna. Thus I cannot comment on its effectiveness on this band down here.
NS1R Rating: 2000-08-27
decent quality for $ Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The antenna is decnt quality and compares to the Comet and diamond Antennas but for less $.
Performance is also good. The mount Is a MFJ 1422 mount which is for medium size or smaller antennas. I feel this is a decent value compared to the diamond and Comet mounts for much more $. However, I feel the MFJ is not as well constructed but I am still satisfied for the $.