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Reviews For: MFJ-826B digital SWR/Wattmeter

Category: SWR & Wattmeters & Dummy Loads

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Review Summary For : MFJ-826B digital SWR/Wattmeter
Reviews: 26MSRP: $179.95
Description:
High-accuracy MFJ Digital SWR/Wattmeter, 1.8-54 MHz, 1500 Watts

MFJ’s high-accuracy digital SWR/Wattmeter/Frequency Counter measures up to 1.5 kW.
You get three high-resolution ranges with accuracy in each range, 1.8 to 54 MHz!

True peak or average forward and reflected Watts, SWR and frequency can be simultaneously displayed.

You can also select auto-ranging bargraph modes to display forward and reflected power or forward power and SWR twin bargraphs or SWR only bargraph.
Frequency, SWR and forward power are also displayed numerically.

PeakHoldTM feature freezes the highest forward power displayed bar segment for
one second.

These digital-analog displays make it visually easy to tune antenna tuners, amplifiers and transmitters.

You get three high-resolution forward/reflected power ranges that are automatically selected: a true QRP range (25 Watt full scale), a midrange
(250 Watt full scale) and a highrange (1500 Watts full scale). Each
range has excellent resolution.

MFJ’s TrueActiveTM peak reading circuit gives you true peak or average power on all modes.

Built-in frequency counter gives any transmitter digital frequency readout in
continuous carrier mode. Perfect for older and QRP rigs such as MFJ-9420 travel
radios and MFJ-9340 QRPCubsTM kits and wired transceivers.

All information is displayed on a big 2-line, 16-character, high-contrast backlit LCD display.

Use 12 VDC or 110 VAC with optional MFJ-1312D, 61/2Wx25/8Hx6D in.
High-accuracy MFJ Digital SWR/Wattmeter, 1.8-54 MHz, 1500 Watts
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-826B
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
14263.2
KC5EN Rating: 2010-10-29
UNFORTUNATE Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Heard "rattle" upon unpacking brand new unit. Removed cover and found that one of four screws holding the display board in place had come out. The other 3 were loose but still holding the board. Fixed and replaced cover. Connected Unit to transceiver. It displayed 131 watts with 85 watts input. Decided to return unit and buy another mfgs product.

MFJ manual does have information for calibrating which requires "a precise calibrated watt meter, 50 ohm dummy load,Three 50 ohm SO-239 coax cables, a transmitter capable of 1oo watts output, etc...." I guess MFJ doesn't bother calibrating or checking these units before shipping as evidenced by the mixed reviews.

MFJ will repair warranty units PROVIDED you ship it back at YOUR expense AND include $10 for return shipping! Basically require the customer to pay for MFJ mistakes.
AI4HO Rating: 2009-08-05
Works well in my shack Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I paid $159.95+ $10 shipping from R & L about 6 weeks ago. So far so good, no complaints here. Reads well, is accurate with the SWR/Watt meter that is in my Palstar AT2K tuner. Bright easy to read LCD screen. Does what I need it to do in my shack. I'm not going to sit here and compare it to some of the high end meters cause there is no comparison. It is what it is, its a $160 SWR/Watt meter, is it accurate, yes it is, is it easy to set up and use-yes it is. have used this meter on my 756 Pro, my Pro III, and most recently with my latest acquisition a Kenwood TS-570D, this meter works well in my shack, thats all I ask from a piece of equipment or gear, that it works well for me.

I bought this on a recommendation from a friend who has one. He brought his over to my house after I purchased an 18 month old AL-811H amp from a friend who sold it to help with expenses for his wife who has cancer. That is neither here nor there, what is, is the fact that I wasn't sure weather or not that the reading I was getting from my tuner was correct or not. My friend brought his MFJ-826B over we hooked it up and put power to it and whatta ya know, there it is, pretty much the same reading I was getting on the Watt meter on my AT2K, only just a bit more accutate if you ask me. Not by much mind you, the meter on my tuner was between 710 and 720 watts, with the 826B I think the reading I got was something like 732 watts with an SWR of 1.52:1 reflected power was something like 17 or 19 watts, with the total output somewhere around 713/715 watts. So there you go, close enough for govt. work. As I said before it works well in my shack.


73 de Mark
W3LZK
KE6MTX Rating: 2009-07-27
Waste of money Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
As another person said the accuracy of this product is way off. 145W from a TS-2000, I don't think so. I contacted tech support and was told it was within specs. Accuracy of +40%??? It's a shame I wasted $180+tax on this one. I've heard others say MFJ = Mighty Fine Junk. No joking on this product. My other MFJ products work as they should.
W1KRB Rating: 2009-03-14
Returned mine Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Picked up an 826B the other day. I wanted a meter to show peak wattage while using my AL-80a amplifier. The meter was a bit off on its measurements. While transmitting about 20 watts from my FT-950, the meter measured about 25 watts. It got progressively worse, to the point where I was transmitting 100 watts on 15 meters, and the 826B said I was putting out 131. While using the amp, which is connected to a 117vac outlet, the power peaked at over 1200w CW. The amp is rated as 850w max/cw. Obviously an issue here. The SWR alarm also did not work at all (light came on, but no audible tone). I performed the reset several times, but it still did the same thing. I called MFJ, they said there's definitely a problem with the meter, and I should return it. So I think I'll try again, but if I have a problem with the next one, I will be looking elsewhere.
K0LLB Rating: 2009-01-09
An awsome meter Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just got my MFJ-826B today and put it to the test on the air this evening. It's very easy to operate and seems to be accurate. I really like the built in frequency counter and hight SWR alarm. As I said before I just got it today and haven't had a lot of time to play with it, but so far I'm very pleased.
K5MO Rating: 2008-12-30
Good value, good performance Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I got one of these for Christmas (I couldn't justify $400 for one of the other "do it all" wattmeters, which cost more than some of my rigs did!) and it's been a pleasant surprise. Works well, seems quite accurate when compared to my Bird, and is easy to read. SWR alarm is quite nice for alerting wrong antenna selection.

MFJ seems to have done a very nice job with this one. Recommended!