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Reviews For: MFJ 849

Category: SWR & Wattmeters & Dummy Loads

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Review Summary For : MFJ 849
Reviews: 7MSRP: $189.95
Description:
Like MFJ-884 but large 3.5? bright orange LCD display. Reads SWR, forward and reflected power digitally in a single glance. 1.5-525 MHz, HF/VHF switch, 200 Watts.
Product is in production
More Info: https://mfjenterprises.com/collections/meters#collection
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0073
N9ZAS Rating: 2024-05-10
This last batch seems to be Much better ! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
After reading several bad reviews of the MFJ-849 and noticing some were a bit dated, and after talking with some Youtubers, the Later batch of 849's seem much less prone to issues, and Quality improved so i bought one.
Mine is on, almost 24/7 and no LED issues, or backlighting problems. Accuracy seems very close to 2 others that were recal with a Bird.
Not a PEP reading unit, but still useful just the same on 6, 10 meters, 2/70, 222, Murs and Gmrs.
My only wish is that color options could have been added, but oh well.
I may change out the cheap so-239's and replace with Amphenols at some point. I would likely buy again.
W9ICU Rating: 2022-10-10
Did not work out of box Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Purchased Aug. 1,22 Unable to open box until 8/15/22 due to Covid. Contacted MFJ they said sent it back that was on 8/30/22 shipped back they received it 9/6/22, 1:35pm have heard from them since. tried calling them with no success always got answering machine. Customer service stinks, they are still blaming Covid for it. Let's get over Covid and get back to work.
VE3UU Rating: 2022-08-30
Nice addition to the shack Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Sharp looking unit that goes well with my IC-7300.
After a year of light duty it started to give random readings even when not transmitting. As I was just past the 1-year warranty, and hearing about the poor experiences other hams have had with MFJ, I wasn't prepared for the excellent service I received.
No questions asked beyond requesting my proof of purchase receipt. They sent me a new unit via FedEx and included the FedEx return labels.
No hassles, no problems. Couldn't be happier with the service I received. I would have given 5-stars hadn't unit failed.
WB5UDI Rating: 2021-04-19
Beautiful Display - Works as Advertised! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've never owned a separate SWR/Wattmeter in all my 50 years as an amateur. I used the ones that are normally built into the transceiver.
While I love my ICOM 7300 and the 'blue bar' digital readout on the screen for Power output and SWR, I liked the look and price of the MFJ-849. And, at my age, I LOVE the big beautiful black letter display on the amber background. It functions perfectly for my needs, and I appreciate seeing the REFLECTED power in real-time. Obviously, it can't read accurately when using SSB, since the readout doesn't have a 'peak hold' feature. But when using CW, RTTY, or digital modes it's constant and spot on!
It was simple to hook up, in about 2 minutes. I've had it for about 2 months now and I absolutely love it. I've had MFJ equipment for almost 40 years now, and I have NEVER had any of the problems that others have complained about. So, when I read a review that 'slams' MFJ quality, I simply ignore it. It's not that I don't believe that reviewer, but it's just that the review isn't helpful to me. I can wholeheartedly endorse this little meter--it works as advertised!
KO4PJW Rating: 2021-03-16
Use as primary SWR/Watt meter for my Ham Shack Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Ordered digital to help me with my eyes. Works great on all bands and both modes. Like any normal SWR it will have fluctuation with your voice or CW signal on Side band du to the lack of carrier signal. I always check swrs on FM or Am for a solid reading. No issues yet.
KO1C Rating: 2020-08-30
Wildly Inaccurate Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The title says it all, wildly inaccurate.
KI6GFS Rating: 2020-08-26
Good concept but poor quality Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Received as a gift last Dec 2019. Did not open or set up until last week August 2020.

Worked great for three days. Tested against two very good meters already and found ir quite accurate and very easy to read on large Digital screen as compared to cross needle or small screen on my LP 100A. Very good for old eyes.

Total failure of screen on day 4. I estimate total run time about 6 hrs.

Grossly over priced.

Like so much from this company, imported junk.