The MFJ-994B Auto-Tuner - Bring your AMP!

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

I like how you give visuals when you explain things because it makes it so much easier to understand.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I'm a hands on learner... when not a hands on learner I need a practical demo where I can connect the dots. Then if all else fails, I need short digestible text. I can't read a TOME and retain much.

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Great, thorough review, TO! Having grown up on a farm and serving on the Sec of Ag's Advisory Committee, I love the agriculture metaphors! It's not a Poppin' John (Deere) but more like a little Farmall, IMHO. Lol

[@temporarilyoffline]

Its a great sound. It says "Do Work!"

[@FEPLabsRadio]

BEEEFIER! Good video. FYI - I have the remote head for my 993 (same as that one, AFAIK). It is not a serial connection, it just uses a DB-9 connector to lengthen the switches. Strictly physical, no data.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Awesome! I love this thing, and the power it can handle. Do you get much value out of the remote head?

[@FEPLabsRadio]

@@temporarilyoffline I have never hooked it up. At the time, I had plans for it, but for whatever reason, I thought it was serial. When I discovered it wasn't it's been in the drawer since then. I supposed I could hook it up, and move the tuner buttons over in front of me, so I don't have to turn around to tune when I'm on stream.

[@K4AX]

My 993 and 994 are a bit dated, but they have identical guts for the most part, other than the 993b having a small 4:1 balun for it's ladder line connection.

[@temporarilyoffline]

So far there are only a few ways to do it, so I wouldn't expect much change in future models. I'd hold onto that 993!

[@Whiskeymite]

How quickly does the tuner take to switch back to a match when you go back to a frequency on a previous band that had a memorized match? I have the BRT (remote) version and it sort of scares me to see the SWR spike for an instant before the match is re-established.

[@temporarilyoffline]

It is a very quick switch back. But you're right, there is always a risk. If you're concerned, I'd switch over to bypass mode on the amp, run a test tone to get it to latch to the new settings an then un-bypass the amp. Most modern radios will "fold back" under high SWR for protection, but I'm not sure about amps.

[@Ei2iP]

Best tuner is a one located at the base of antenna, I've the mfj 1.5kw smart tuner...

[@temporarilyoffline]

I agree and I'll have to try that one day!

[@Mark300win]

What is the model number of this mfj remote tuner?

[@CapeCodCNC]

Great video. I have the 300W version that I need to hook up. I don't really need it as my antenna is pretty flat across all the bands >3:1. It's a Fritzel OCFD, if I get off my ars and get my license I can see how it transmits....

[@temporarilyoffline]

What are you waiting for on the license? hamstudy.org/sessions

[@CapeCodCNC]

@@temporarilyoffline that is a good question..... Time?

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@CapeCodCNC I can try and get you a "special" time if you're on TOADs discord (link in description) There are a few VEs in there and we can do a quick standup.

[@CapeCodCNC]

@@temporarilyoffline I will email you.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Awesome!

[@salat]

You got the wrong product in the title: It's the Mighty Fine J*nk -994B, not 949B. Btw: Is tuning with full power / hot switching relays said to be ok in the manual? I'd power down to ~10W..

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks, I fixed the title. You're right, One should power down to tune, however I've never done it. Definitely don't tune with the amp engaged!

[@JT-py9lv]

Sounds like an old John Deere single cylinder engine poppin along....

[@temporarilyoffline]

I love it - an agriculture bit of kit!

[@pc4ad]

interesting tuner :-)

[@temporarilyoffline]

I like it!

[@DonzLockz]

cool but very noisy. Yes, it sounds like a diesel tractor but i still want one. :)🚜

[@temporarilyoffline]

I like the sounds, it's feedback that tells you something!

[@DonzLockz]

@@temporarilyoffline yes true I guess. :)

[@nedk10]

Wrong model # in the title, otherwise good info!

[@temporarilyoffline]

All fixed, thanks!