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Reviews For: MFJ 1022 Indoor Active Antenna

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Review Summary For : MFJ 1022 Indoor Active Antenna
Reviews: 5MSRP: $69.95
Description:
Covers 100 Khz to 200 Mhz
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1022
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0053.4
WB0KWJ Rating: 2018-11-22
Usable, convenient preamp, with some quality issues. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The MFJ-1022 is a two-stage receiver preamplifier with no tuning or transmit bypass. It is specified for VLF through VHF. The main amplification is provided by an MRF-901 transistor with a FET input stage. The antenna is a 45 cm (~18 inch) collapsible whip that screws into the unit through a hole in the top cover. An SO-239 is used for output to the receiver. A coaxial barrel connector is available for power. A 9-volt internal battery can be used. A red LED indicates the unit is powered. It is about the size of two decks of cards side-by-side.

The MFJ-1022 is designed to avoid making too much noise of its own, and seems to succeed in that. Gain seems to be about 12 dB, meaning that inaudible signals without it can be heard clearly. It amplifies the noise as well as the signal, of course. This means that if you use it indoors, you are likely to hear your computer and other devices. I had reasonable results moving it about 10 feet away from a computer, pulling in CW and digital signals that were completely undetectable without it. That is, it works. It is not, however, a substitute for a real antenna. Ten to 20 feet of wire put out the window would likely be superior. The LED power indicator is helpful. But, the LED probably consumes as much power as the amplifier itself, reducing battery life. Similarly capable RF amplifier modules can be found on eBay for about 1/4 the price, but without cases and connections. Thus, given labor and the case, this unit is probably reasonably priced. The version with the preselector and transmit bypass may, nevertheless, be a better value overall.

My unit was bought from another ham, and arrived in the mail DOA with a shorted output transistor. It was most likely transmitted into. Replacement of the MRF-901 was easy. The design is very basic. But, it is to MFJ's credit that the company provides a schematic to make servicing that much easier.

Like many items from MFJ, construction and quality control are weak points. The metal battery holder is held in place with double-sided tape. The antenna hole in my unit is misaligned relative to the antenna fixing screw making the use of any antenna more than about 6 mm (1/4 inch) in diameter difficult. A slightly larger hole and better alignment would allow the user to substitute a longer collapsible whip, considerably improving performance. The cover is held on by two sheet metal screws, which must be removed to replace the battery.

In general terms, the MFJ-1022 receiver pre-amp is a good unit, but not a miracle worker. If the user can hear signals with a couple meters of wire, this unit will help. A design allowing for the use of a longer whip would be very helpful, as would be an improved battery holder.

N0LOH Rating: 2017-10-20
Use a battery Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This was just the thing for me to receive better HF signals on my Kenwood TH-F6A HT. Use a 9v battery and NOT an AC adapter as that will add a hum.
KC0EKQ Rating: 2017-03-12
Yes, it's a toy... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
... but surprisingly, it is fairly useful in a pinch.

I received this little thing as a Christmas gift a decade ago, or more, and a few days later I had the radio'ing time to set it up and put it through some paces.

Obviously, this is a serious compromise antenna. It is almost gimmicky in size and simplicity. But it *is* an active antenna with a decently low noise floor, and the first time I traveled with it, I had plenty of SW and MW listening hours in various hotels over a few weeks.

In many cases it's not much better than the built in whip (and in the case of radios like the Panasonic RF2200 and the Sony ICF2010, not nearly as good) but with lesser portables that don't have very sensitive ears on their own, the 1022 absolutely does help give a better shot at a given signal.

Of course, we all know very well that MFJ touts every single damned thing they make and sell as God's gift to the radio world -- I'd love to meet the whackos who come up with their ads and slap them silly -- but for all the hyperbole and outright b.s. claims ("... hear strong, clear signals from all over the world!"), the little 1022 antenna certainly can be of help.

It's just not any better than most low end active antennas. Indeed, it is generally worse than many of those antennas.

Yet I'd also argue that with its size and convenience of 9V battery power (and it merely sips batteries), this thing travels small and easy and in that regard it may well be better for many radio enthusiasts than active antennas which aren't as small or easy to take along wherever they go.

It's broadbanded, untuned, and simple.

I think the going price is rather steep for it, though. With the amount of newer active loop antennas all under the $30 mark, more or less, which perform better by far, I think MFJ ought to price this one the same way.

It can help, but you have to decide what's worth $70 to you.

KD0USA Rating: 2015-12-02
Not a good product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
i own alot of MFJ GEAR
the MFJ 1022 Active Antenna is the WORST mfj
product i bought
WB3IGR Rating: 2010-01-10
Good match for receivers Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
One of the best accessories I have bought from MFJ!