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Reviews For: MFJ 1026 Noise & Interference Canceler

Category: Receive Accessories

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Review Summary For : MFJ 1026 Noise & Interference Canceler
Reviews: 122MSRP: 179
Description:
The MFJ-1026 is designed to reduce noise or interference, or improve desired signals, before the noise affects sensitive receiver circuits.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-1026
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
151224.3
N0AH Rating: 2000-11-17
Ads Overstate Capabilities Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I hate exagerated ads- just go to MFJ's webpage and read what this little box can do- RED FLAGS EVERYWHERE!!!!! I build arrays, I know arrays, and MFJ, this is no ARRAY- but the ad states "Its Better Than An Array!" "Wipes Out Lightning Static Crashes" blah bla blah- I tried one at a friends- All in all, a low quality paper weight-
K8AC Rating: 2000-11-16
Greatly reduces affects of RF noise sources Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
If you've ever experienced strong electrical line noise, you know that conventional noise blankers offer very little relief. This device is designed to eliminate (or nearly so) line noise and/or other undesirable signals that enter via your station antenna. The 1026 connects between your transceiver and antenna feedline (if you use an amplifier, it connects between the transceiver and amplifier) via SO-239 connectors on the rear panel. A short collapsible whip antenna, used as the noise sense antenna, is included and will be adequate for noise sources originating in your house or nearby. A built-in preamp can be used with the whip if necessary. Weaker noise sources may require use of an external antenna and the 1026 has connectors on the rear for the additional antenna, if needed. The unit shifts the phase of the interfering signal by 180 degrees and combines it with the signal received on the station antenna, effectively canceling or greatly reducing the noise. To achieve maximum cancelation, you must juggle three controls - gain for each antenna, and the Phase control. Not a simple operation, but easier once you read the manual and understand what's happening inside the box.

I bought the 1026 in hopes that it could eliminate the broadband white noise emanating from the switching power supply in my new RCA TV. Even with the TV turned off, the power supply is on, and radiates quite strong interference, all the way up to 28 MHz. On 20 meters, the noise registers S8 on the S meter. To my surprise, the MFJ handled this noise problem with ease, and I was able to null the noise down to the background atmospheric noise level here - just below S1, using just the whip antenna. Users should be aware that when nulling the noise you are adjusting the gain of the two antennas, looking for the same signal strength out of each antenna. So, if the interfering signal is very weak on the noise antenna, you have to crank down on the station antenna gain, resulting in an overall signal loss of as much as an S unit or so. To prevent that, do whatever is needed to provide a stonger noise signal to the noise antenna so that you can run the station antenna gain higher and still achieve the null. In my case, a separate antenna wire running near the TV provided the necessary signal boost.

While the 1026 includes a T/R relay with RF sensing, MFJ strongly recommends use of the transceiver's PTT line to switch the 1026 relay via a jack on the rear panel. A T/R delay time adjustment pot on the front panel allows you to adjust the hang time to your needs. If you are using full break-in CW, this device isn't for you.

Since the device also allows you to invert the phase of the noise antenna signal, you can use it to peak desired signals when using two receive antennas. You're effectively steering the pattern of the combined antennas using the Phase control. This presents some interesting possibilities for steering low noise receiving antennas for the 160 meter band.

You can download the MFJ-1026 manual from their website. Oh yes - you'll need to provide a 12 VDC supply as none is included. MFJ does provide a plug and pigtail for connecting to a station power supply. This device works so well, that one must wonder why none of the "super" HF rigs include the function under the covers instead of the useless noise blankers found in most.