Hands on with the MFJ-849 Digital SWR/Wattmeter

[@NShellhopper]

Many items have a seal on them and if you break tune seal you lose your warranty. While you can float the stickers and replace them, it really depends on the manufacturer's policies. Perhaps working to identify the parts on the boards. I have the crossed internal swr meter from the same manufacturer and it has a power connector as well but all it powers is the light. I appreciate you taking it apart so i don't have to. We are given one right that other operators don't have, and that is the right to build stuff and put it on the air. Many people choose not to. This hobby is big enough for everyone.

[@alflores4220]

So, they do not provide a power cable to power it?! Where is the "wall wart"? That meter isn't going to work out of the box without the little DC adapter. I should not have to finish building the power cable for that price. I mean I like Anderson PP's but still I want it to be ready to plug in. What size power poles did you use I got 30amp but may or may not have the little 15amp size. And it you were going to plug it in to a power strip what size DC adapter does it require, I have a 1 amp "wall wart" left over.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Eventually I'll grab one of those. Right now I don't have the workspace at home. Great review!

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

Thanks for watching! I’m working on building some shelving for my desk right now to make everything fit.

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

Nice deep dive on the meter! 73!

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

Thanks for watching! 73, Kevin

[@fitcher-armchair-sleuth]

Hi, come across your channel and your review of the MFJ-849 digital meter. Lots of clones of this meter out there now. It's been two years and I'm wondering .. would you (still) buy it again?

[@tulenik71]

It is normal not to have 1:1 SWR using dummy load (but it will be not that far from 1). Any power loss in the measurement chain (like coax between SWR meter and antenna/dummy load) is giving results closer to 1.

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

Thanks for watching and for the tips, I always seem to forget about something, specially with all the connections that were being made between the radio, the meter and the dummy load. Thanks again! -73, Kevin

[@K5YVY]

Thanks for the video, great overview of the meter.

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

Thanks for watching! -73, Kevin

[@tomaskey6844]

I ordered from DX today and downloaded the manual. The manual had less info than the listing I wonder if I can make the led’s dimmer at night. Should be possible. Mines on order and I have a screwdriver standing by

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

I don't see that I was able to adjust the LED to be dimmer, it is quite bright though so i can understand that you would want to make it brighter. You may be able to check the internals to see if you can add a resistor or something to lower the brightness of the display. I never really checked into it much. I usually keep the lights on when operating in the shack. 73 and enjoy the new meter! -WQ9F

[@BlackHamRadioUniversity]

What do you think is better the MFJ-849 or the MFJ-826B

[@brucegordon7248]

Is it a peak reading wattmeter for ssb ? You were keying it for cw.

[@ainttakenanyshit]

YEA. What he said....

[@hamradioshack9066]

Great video 📹 👍 73 W7ABO

[@susanhodges9447]

MFJ = More Fucking Junk. MFJ has most of their junk built in the jail by long-term prisoners. No quality control, either. As an aside, I bought two of these units (not from MFJ) and found the units to be accurate and robust. I have only put 200Watts through them and all works well. Very pleased with the unit. It's a KISS, so nothing too complicated to go wrong.

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

Thanks for watching. I haven't had any issues with this one yet, it has been working good so far, but I only run 100 watts on HF. As far as MFJ goes, I've had hit and miss in the past with them, more good than bad overall I would say but the bad ones really end up being bad! -73, Kevin

[@invisalinkaccounts2740]

So what would you recommend vs the MFJ meter???

[@devilsatan2973]

Don't be afraid to let the smoke out? Really? With the cost of gear, and the economy tanking, it's NOT smart to let the magic smoke out of stuff!

[@alflores4220]

Agreed! Wow, that is really bad advice for newbies or anybody who want to preserve their warranty. I wonder if he will back that up with paying for a replacement unit.