| PE1HZG |
Rating:  |
2024-11-03 | |
| Two test devices in one box, seems misunderstood sometimes |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I recently got myself a MFJ-267 dummy load / SWR meter and I think it is useful to share my notes on the unit.
I have seen some bad reviews and I'm not sure those reviews are justified.
The MFJ-267, like many other MFJ products, is a "combination of other MFJ products".
In this case, a SWR meter (whose design I think, is based on the Ameritron AWM-30 and is also used in the MFJ-815), and one 50-ohm ceramic dummyload resistor (I think MFJ had two types, this is the "thick one"), and, alas, a switch on the back to switch between the dummy load resistor and a 2nd PL antenna port.
By flipping the switch on the back you can change the function between "SWR meter" and "dummy load".
I think that the location of the switch on the back is unfortunate, however unavoidable to keep short RF cabling. For this reason, I would not consider this "dummy load and SWR meter" but rather "two different instruments, selection of what switch to use is on the back".
The dummy load resistor is double shielded and seems to do what it is supposed to do. MFJ says "100W - 10 mins, 1000W - 10 seconds" and I am not sure how much of that is true but if you incidentally need a dummy load then this would definitely work. And the SWR meter can be used to measure the power into the dummyload.
And by flipping the switch, you get yourself a SWR meter like the AWM-30. It isn't a Bird, but I find the accuracy pretty reasonable and while people complain about the accuracy of the MFJ-267, reviews on the AWM-30 are a lot more favorable and it is the same design! The AWM-30 is of the cross needle design: show SWR and power in one view.
The AWM-30 circuitry, however, does need power to function. So the 12V power connection on the back isn't just "for the scale light", it is required for the SWR/power meter to function.
The interesting bit is that the AWM-30 circuitry is prepared for a 9V block battery. If used with battery, there is a power-save circuitry that switches battery power off if no RF power has been sensed for a bit. Apply power and the meter wakes up again. However, the MFJ-267 does not have a 9V battery holder. I have added one and now the meter "just works". Note that the SWR meter has the battery circuit and power saver - it just needs a connector for a 9V battery block. Check the schematics (the documentation of the MFJ-815 includes schematics and is the same circuit) of how this works with the power button and all: for battery operation, the power button must be on; for 12V external power, the meter is always on and the power switch switches the scale light.
That brings the next issue. A device with batteries means that batteries can run empty and that makes measurements unreliable. In past times, one would add a LED but the 5mA or so hurts when using a 9V battery block. However, things have changed, these days there are "high bright" LEDs that use 100uA or less. I have added a small green "hi bright" LED in series with a 100K resistor and a 6V2 zenerdiode. The LED lights when power is on (and the voltage is enough!) and does not light when the battery has run down and the LED takes very little current. I've connected it to the Cathode of D103 - again check the schematics.
If you want something where you routinely need to switch between dummy load and antenna then perhaps the MFJ-267 is not the best for you. However, if you only incidentally need a dummy load, then having something where the dummy-load can be enabled via a switch on the back of the unit - not so bad.
I thought these notes may be interesting to others. Note that the AWM-30 circuit is used in a lot of MFJ/Ameritron equipment and perhaps this inspires others. I even saw a tuner sold on auction some time ago where "SWR meter broken" - I wonder if the 12V power was known to the seller. |
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| N7XNA |
Rating:  |
2022-04-12 | |
| Not working out of box |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
This was back ordered for 6 weeks and when I did receive it I found the power button stuck in. The button was not centered in the hole so it bound up on the side of the hole. I took the cover off, set the circuit board to the side and filed the hole out, not a big deal but should not have had to do it. Now the power button work the meter started making crazy readings after a couple of days.
This dummy load cost a lot for what it is. You would think they could pay there Chinese manufacturer to at least test this stuff.
I hate to do it but I'm avoiding MFJ products like so many others. |
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| KA1YBS |
Rating: |
2021-09-05 | |
| It ain't a BIRD, and not priced like one! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I don't have a lot of MFJ gear, however, I have cycled in some of their stuff in and out of my shack over the years.
NEVER, EVER, EVER, have I had any loose parts or cold solder joints. Maybe i'm lucky, maybe only folks with a bad experience leave a review.
This dummy load handled a 700w key down for 30 seconds with ease. Not hot at all.
Either my amplifier power output indication is inaccurate, or the MFJ is. I don't have another way to test. The dummy load was off (by up to 150 watts) from my amp at the low end, "catching up" between 700 and 800 watts, which is the highest I can run the amp right now.
I hooked the MFJ to my Icom 7610 transceiver. Power readings were spot on. On these Icoms, PO% is 0-100 and using CW, It is about 0-110W which is correct, as confirmed by others with a Bird.
I am not paying for a lab instrument. I need something within 20% to give me an idea. I find that the 300w range is very accurate, and the 3,000w range is likely on the 20%, which is totally fine for $160.
The dummy load adds an important second instrument for me to use. Less crap to hook up, too!
I won't be using the coax switch on the back, I can see that would be a pain for the in-situ operators.
One thing I may add is a small fan. I bet I would get quite a bit more run time with one. The fact it needs 12v is a pain (for the meter) and a blessing (for the fan).
Overall, it was well packaged, no loose parts, worked immediately, and priced fairly. I give it 4 stars. A solid buy for someone wanting a dual-solution meter for testing at a reasonable price. |
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| WB0OEW |
Rating: |
2020-08-30 | |
| works fine |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
2014: Had mine now over a year, purchased through HRO Phoenix. All functions work as advertised, no complaints, very handy combination of dummy load and power/SWR measurements. Both within about 5% of my Elecraft meter below 7 MHz, errors gradually increase to about 10% at 30 MHz. Switch in the back makes sense to keep wiring short (yes, they could have accomplished front panel control using a relay but that's hardly worth the trouble). A pleasant surprise is how light weight the unit is.
2020 update: light finally blew out today, everything else still fine. Will replace with LED. |
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| MW0MZM |
Rating: |
2020-01-11 | |
| Great piece of kit |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| Why do MFJ get such a bad name. I have used numerous of their products over many years with no issues at all. Owned this piece of kit for several years and found it to be reliable, accurate and easy to use. Five stars for me!! |
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| WB0NOO |
Rating: |
2017-02-15 | |
| Terrible Design and Poor Workmanship |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I received it last night and fired it right up. No indication that it was working (it does require 12 V to operate) Took a look inside and found that the wire from the switch to the load resistor wasn't soldered. There had been an attempt but it never would have worked. I soldered it up and now it works but I don't trust the readings, it was probably calibrated with the dummy load not attached. There are a few pots that probably could fix it, still deciding what to do with it. Sure wish I still had my B&W load meter.... |
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| VK4WTN |
Rating: |
2014-06-10 | |
| works fine for me |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| Ive had my meter for 2 years and am very happy with it. I did away with the rear switch and put a PL259 socket for the dummy load input and just use a short patch lead to connect the dummy load to the meter.I mainly use the meter to test amps etc. I have found it to be within 10% accurate and it does everything that I want and didnt cost a fortune |
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| W6HDG |
Rating: |
2013-03-11 | |
| Died after 3 months |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| People warned me about MFJ products. This meter worked fine for 3.5 months and now the meter is non operative. I would not be writing this negative review except that I called for service and not only am I going to have to pay to return it (understandable), they won't send it back to me unless I also pay $12 for return shipping. Hey, I didn't manufacture a defective product, they did!! I should NOT have to pay that. Unless they change their policy, I will never buy another product from MFJ. |
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| W4VFZ |
Rating: |
2012-12-16 | |
| Forget it! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I've purchased numerous items from MFJ over the years, some of it was very good (their Antenna Analyzer is SUPER), but other items are of poor design and construction (antenna switches, "radio" clock), and the MFJ-267 combined SWR/Watt Meter and dummy load. The Dummy load switch is mounted on the back (have to use Braile to set it!), and the time constant capacitor on the meter is WAY to large! Worst of all, there is NO schematic available, either from MFJ or on the Internet. |
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| AA1E |
Rating: |
2011-03-24 | |
| Good Stuff!! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I don't understand all the negative comments concerning this meter! I purchased from HRO in NH and it came super well packaged and works great. I don't know how accurate it is, I didn't expect it to be a Bird but it pretty much agrees with my TS 870. The dummy load works well, I use an amplifier and it doesn't overheat if tuned with a tad of common sense. So far I am completely satisfied with my purchase. |
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