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Reviews For: MFJ-862

Category: SWR & Wattmeters & Dummy Loads

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Review Summary For : MFJ-862
Reviews: 7MSRP: $54.95
Description:
VHF/UHF 144/220/440 SWR/Wattmeter
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-862
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0073.7
KM3F Rating: 2019-05-18
Operational notice Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Honestly the reviews are in no depth for usage.
220, 440? where are they?
A through test of this instrument shows the match is poor on 220 and 440 when tested putting a flat dummy load on the output and an Analyzer on the input. Also using UHF to N conversion connectors makes it even worse.
With such a fault, the power readings and calibration and reasonable power reading are no where near even 10% accurate nor of any value.
Yes 2 meters is pretty good but the two bands above are no good.
The strip line design is no good.
I have a dual power level small meter that puts this meter to shame. It has the same type strip line 'type' design properly executed.
Time owned for this meter is of no consequence when a full test shows up these design short comings.

W7DCF Rating: 2011-12-01
Just OK Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've used this meter for about a year and was feeling confident based on the Forward power readings. After some SWR issues, I noted that the SWR readings were only in the ballpark if you were providing a power level near maximum for the used range. At least 20 to 25 watts for the 30 watt range. Than my not be much of a liability for many, but if you're working with a handheld this is not what you need.
AE6ZW Rating: 2011-10-28
I like it. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
my MFJ-862 works good, power reading is about same as other meter I have. I like dual cross meter I posted pictures at my web site http://aa7ol.no-ip.info/files/MFJ-862-VHF-UHF-SWR-WTS-meter/
N3TU Rating: 2010-04-01
Great Meter Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had this for a while and can't complain. It serves me well when I check my swr's in the car. I use it all the time in the house. I've dropped this a few times and it is still calibrated on the money.(I checked it against another meter.) This one's a keeper.
W2MSK Rating: 2005-02-11
It Works OK Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I'm not a fan of MFJ, most of my experiences have been poor. Several exceptions include this meter. I use it mobile and it endures the cars vibrating and the wide swings in temperature here in the Northeast. After 2 years it still provides an accurate (compared to my
Bird 43) reading. I'm most concerned with SWR and loose antenna connections. This meter insures I don't blow my expensive tri-bander.
NE0P Rating: 2004-08-25
Seems to work good for me Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had one of these meters for over 5 years now, and it seems to work just fine. The forward power reading appears to be accurate when compared to more expensive meters. The SWR meter reads a little higher than the internal meter in my FT100D, but still gives a good indication of overall SWR.

For the price I paid, I have no complaints. Still get it out every time I get a new VHF radio, amp, or antenna. Seems pretty solidly made also.
KE5APN Rating: 2004-07-17
Good compact SWR/Wattmeter Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I picked this up at Ham-Com in 2004. It is a good basic, compact, and portable SWR/Wattmeter. I have been pleased with the results. Case is metal construction, power selector is firm in the selected positions. Feedback from tests seems to indicate it is accurate. All in all, worthy of having available for shack or jump box.

73s
KE5APN