MFJ-929 Automatic Antenna Tuner

[@gwss01]

When I saw the thumbnail for this I thought, "wow an FT101E". I'm so impressed that you're actually using an FT101B. It's a real treat to see one in use these days.

[@RayBecker]

I appreciate the kind words but I have dropped the boat anchor in favor of a modern radio.

[@RayBecker]

I'm really glad that the video helped out. I can tell you, the semi-auto mode will work great. For each band, I already know roughly the settings for preselector, load and plate. With about 2 watts I let the 929 tune. Then I final tune the 101 and quickly check swr and I'm talking. Whole thing takes about 15 seconds. The counter is great to have. If you have any questions, just pm me.

[@NavesinkEddie]

Based on your review, I purchased the Model MFJ-929 to work with my transceiver - I like that antenna tune, works nice.

[@richardwatson8822]

liked the video& I also like the older tube radios They were built with better quality & sound. Glad to see you do that with the tuner on this older HF rig .

[@flyjets01]

Thanks for the walk down memory lane I remember my old Yaesu FT 101E watching you tune yours had me smiling. Thanks again

[@mktwatcher]

But, I appreciate your goal of purity and the good detailed review of the MFJ-929 - I just got one. TY

[@bassdee10]

Happy thanksgiving to you and your family as well, and thank you for your quick reply and expertise.

[@junglejoecvideogates9705]

Great vid. I just bought a MFJ 994 B. It rated for up to 600 watts

[@magking1971]

Perfect video! I have a 101B also and I just ordered a 929. Thanks for the video!!

[@drteeth7054]

From my reading of the manual, the ATU *will* work in auto mode. It is just that MFJ advises against that in case one has an amplifier and could kill the ATU. I'm getting an MFJ-993B soon and I have an FT101ZD and an FT200.

[@billyghawaii]

MFJ-929 with Icom IC-7100 & cable MFJ-5114I which is the interface cable to connect the two boxes together - Wanted to let you and your subscribers know that I purchased one for my HF rig and it works great... Simply put it into Auto tune mode by depressing the ANT and TUNE buttons till it shows only the A and not As on the window. Then in the IC-7100 go into the SET/TUNER and turn on the auto tuner (that is defaulted off) Press the hard button TUNER/CALL to tune your antenna. Optionally, in SET/TUNER you can choose to tune by PTT.. In this mode you will only tune if the swr is a little higher than previous setting. I actually had the MFJ connected to a random wire about 40 feet or so and the far end up about 18 feet. Loaded up though experienced some RF issues near the rig which I'm sure will go away once I ground the rig to earth ground... I had it setup on a patio table in the back yard, pool side.

[@andyrobison9723]

Thank you RM for the demo, very helpful.

[@SoCalPreppers]

Auto tuning is a good thing, its a pain in the ass to have to stop and tune and write it down and then proceed' happy for ya ray!

[@bjjopson]

Hi Many thanks for your review of the mfj 929. great information and very interesting. on that I have just been out to buy one from local store< I`m more than pleased with it. Thanks again 73 Brian UK.

[@RayBecker]

Michael Francis...If you run it in manual mode and key low power, it will show you the SWR before tuning

[@michaelfrancis4657]

Thanks for the review, but one crazy question. Can the MFJ-929 show the SWR on the antenna side before tuning, maybe in bypass mode or something? There are times it would be nice to know what the true antenna SWR is and not just what tuned SWR the tuner is showing the radio. I couldn't find mention of it in the manual. Thoughts? Thanks!

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Yes,just key the microphone for just a second in bypass & it will show you that.

[@cheveredj8435]

Great information, I'm thinking of buying this to use between two radios yeasu ft-7 old school and a ftdx10 on 160 meters, I'm thinking this will work great thanks for your time🙂👍

[@Caseytheradioguy]

Very helpful video Thanks :D

[@klaaskroeze8394]

thanks for the review. i have one now. it works great.

[@Mendhamtownship]

where is the JP4 located Does it only need to be removed for ICOM IC-700. Do we need to change JP4 for the new ICOM 7300 and is it available with what tuner interface cable.

[@bobrenfro3080]

Ive got a problem with my MFJ autotuner that you will never have. The meter light went out but the rest of it has been working several years. K4OF.

[@adelarsen9776]

BOB RENFRO Open it and replace the light. You're an amateur.

[@tonymcgee1146]

lol Ade, and he's an extra too.

[@WFTL14]

I saw one of these after seeing a friend of mine's go box that had the 929 connected to a FT-991. It tunes really fast! I bought one for my FT-950, I'm very happy with the purchase. There is one thing, MFJ tells you to be sure to connect JP4 with the jumper supplied. Great but there is another jumper that is right near the rig interface jack, that jumper should also be connected so the FT-950 can control and supply power to the tuner. There is no mention of this jumper anywhere in the MFJ manual. 73 W4DXL

[@francisd.8129]

hello RenaissanceMan, Thanks for your video. Is the 929 suitable for a Lincoln 2+ type of radio?

[@errolharriott2889]

HI, so tell me, how did you get in semi auto mode "S"??

[@JohnGuillorykf5qeo]

I had the mfj-929, and it worked great till the power button got shot. now, you push the power, and it flickers then shuts off! I bought another Mfj tuner, their manual that does 6 meters. it's got a similar problem on the low/high switch.

[@jimkeappock7558]

Does this type meter work for 11 meters, or is it designed only for Ham bands. Thanks

[@RayBecker]

should work fine for 11

[@TheRedneckprepper]

Hey ya got it , congrats bro. very nice !

[@pierrelataillade7564]

I like your presentation RM. I have a 101ee, which I love. I can say you sound just like me asit relate to this type of radio. If you could elaborate on the connection to the radio. Great stuff.....

[@SWRadioConcepts]

looks like I need to sell my Z-100 Plus and order this bad boy. I really like having the forward/reflected power displayed. It also seems to tune much faster. Wish I knew about this before I bought the LDG.

[@WFTL14]

Yes it is fast!

[@SWRadioConcepts]

Just be aware, I have have two of these, including one that was supposedly calibrated by an engineer before shipment - and both units were out of calibration when received. You'll need an insulated calibration tool - a receiver than puts out a solid 100W of output power, ideally an additional accurate watt meter, and a dummy load. It's not difficult to calibrate, but it's annoying having to do that. That said it's a great tuner once it's been accomplished.

[@tonymcgee1146]

you have to calibrate this thing first?

[@WFTL14]

I didn't calibrate mine, it's probably not exact but it's close enough. My radio shows a low SWR, good enough for me.

[@SWRadioConcepts]

It seemed to work to tune just fine, but the watt-meter reading was quite off. It's one of the reasons I switched from an LDG Z100 Plus to this, the digital display and watt meter.

[@michaeld8975]

Can you answer a antenna question? I am looking to order a portable type antenna. My choices (that I know of) are the Alpha Antenna Vertical, the MFJ-1919ex Big Stick, and the MFJ-2289 Big Ears. I can't find a single YT review on any of these. Do you have any experience/knowledge with any of these antenna's or similar models? I think this is the only YT video review of the 929 and bought one after viewing it. Thanks for sharing this xxRenaissanceManxx !

[@RayBecker]

I have not had any experience with portable antennas. I have heard decent reports about these antennas. My next door neighbor made his own 40m vertical using ladder line. With a vertical, you will do more dx. My only concern would be excessive rf close by. If I had to run portable antenna I would probably use low power, QRP transmitter. Besides, it's more of a challenge. If I do go portable, I will make a video.

[@RayBecker]

thank you Hammyjo!

[@stevec2196]

I wonder if the MFJ-929 can tune an MFJ-1778 G5RV? I can't tune one manually except on 14 Mhz for 20 Meters, which is what it's cut for. The antenna won't work on any other bands like they claim except for 20 M.

[@RayBecker]

Steve C it should easily tune that g5rv. my tuner handled a straight end fed wire

[@stevec2196]

xxRenaissanceManxx That's great since the MFJ-929 is not too expensive. I have an MFJ-949D manual tuner and it's really touchy and hard to tune. It won't tune 10 M at all.

[@manolillo123]

Thanks for your video its very intresting

[@RayBecker]

Thanks bro!

[@zelloToiletsTalk]

Not working with my icom 718

[@TeddyD802]

Could someone compare to mfj 993b?

[@n6hpx]

is it true the tuner is not just tuning the antenna but also the coax as pointed out by MFJ, dont mean to make it sound like I didnt like the video, as I also have had several manuals and a auto tuner

[@ddemaio693]

Hello sir just wondering if this tuner will tune 70cm and 2m thanks for your help.

[@RayBecker]

it will not tune 2m/440

[@lu1arv]

is it posible to use with Icom IC-7100 ? Thanks

[@1OFGODSOWN]

It will work with any radio that does NOT produce more than 200 watts PEP.

[@fernandoscrenci4874]

Joe fromBA ,,YES!

[@josephjisam2153]

Hey RM I'm from Marshall island.. I'm using a mfj 929 auto tuner with a icom ic718.. I was wondering how many watt if I'm on CB mode?

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Same as any other band.200 PEP

[@BrekMartin]

Awesome Yaesu :) and some junk on top of it :D

[@johndecicco9908]

hello again renaisance man, i was looking at the 998 and changed my mind after your video with what you said about the mjf 929 it should work well with my Kenwood ts 520 i should hook it up the way you hooked up your yeasu right ? now its time for a antenna this is my first HF rig just got my general about 3 weeks ago really not knowing witch antenna would be a good one to start out with any ideas ? thanks John K6JRD

[@johndecicco9908]

hello RenaissanceMan, Im the guy that has the older kenwood ts 520 my self to are into the older tube stuff and also play guitar I have a old tube blues amp. I was wondering if you have an email address I can git a hold of you on I got a few quistions I want to ask and not take up space on here please let me no it seems im haveing a prob hooking up my 929 to my 520 thanks Rman........john K6JRD

[@SWRadioConcepts]

I use it with a TS-530S (I have videos on my channel of this). It works well - you use Tune mode on the receiver.

[@johndecicco9908]

thanks

[@M0D0C42]

"Antenna one and antenna two-ner"? see, I'm paying attention! LOL But, it was a lot to take in, can you repeat it for me? Good info, buddy. Looks like a good unit to me and 'affordable' is right up my alley. :)

[@SteveHolsten]

Can one of the MFJ Auto Tuners be safely used on 11 meter AM?

[@SWRadioConcepts]

I'm pretty sure its 1.6 MHz to 30 MHz. I wouldn't see a problem.

[@1OFGODSOWN]

As long as you are at only about 100 watts of power.PEP is twice the carrier rating.

[@fernandoscrenci4874]

Steve Holsten ,, Yes!! they do work on 11 meters , , I have the mfj -939 and it works great ,most of mfj - antenna tuners cover 1.8 to 30 !!!

[@foxman362]

would mfj-929 work on ft-101EE?

[@RayBecker]

most definitely

[@robertbales3237]

I would like to know what type of antenna you are using?

[@RayBecker]

end fed long wire

[@jesuselchorereynoso]

Do you know if you can run this tuner on a mobile setup?

[@RayBecker]

yes...it runs off 12vdc

[@jesuselchorereynoso]

xxRenaissanceManxx Hey RenaisssanceManxx... thanks for your help... I am currently running a system that puts out about 1100 watts on my 18 wheeler... Can I still use this tuner???

[@RayBecker]

***** no...that tuner is only rated at 200 watts. you will need a much, much better tuner

[@bassdee10]

Hello and how you doing lol, Question, is this tuner good for a dipole antenna thanks

[@RayBecker]

Hi Daniel...Happy Thanksgiving. Yes, you most certainly can. In fact, the tuner was pretty much developed around the G5RV antenna. Get yourself a full size G5RV and this tuner and you are in business

[@Blarog53]

Very good and informative video. I'm using a MFJ-969 Manual tuner, but may consider moving over to one of these. I too have found MFJ equipment to be worth the investment, I haven't been disappointed. VY 73 K6ZU

[@RayBecker]

thanks papa!

[@josephjisam2153]

How many watt on am

[@1OFGODSOWN]

About 50% of what the PEP or CW amount usually & same on FM.

[@mikemadson226]

I agree tubes are the best Radios and Amps nothen to compare it too.

[@RayBecker]

thanks man! now...we gotta work each other

[@jamesmk2003]

S-meters are holes in your Faraday cage. You welcome.

[@2e0ijk]

MFJ-1026 noise canceller amateur radio enhancer

[@dafrogtoad]

SHAW-WEET! We gotta talk soon.....

[@vonzigle]

The presentation would be improved with fewer ahh’s and umm’s!

[@brian.7966]

oh stop it if you can do better go ahead, he is doing a good job,

[@mktwatcher]

Plus if your utility power is gone you will suck your batteries dry

[@RayBecker]

thanks tony! see you on skype

[@ccmdphd]

Sorry too painful to listen to. Thanks for your efforts

[@RobBob555]

oh Spit it out FFS !

[@brian.7966]

don`t be so rude he is doing his best, if you can do better by all means have a go,

[@mktwatcher]

Crack a Tube and you're AWOL

[@TonyBarningham]

what a waist of time ... did not need a history of you .. needed info on the tuner, not what you sold to get the 929.

[@RayBecker]

Really? Going to bash a guy who takes lots of meds for PTSD? You must be a real Mensch. Have a nice day, asshat