The 209 will go to VHF. I have one though it's not modified, because of what 
you say I don't know anyone willing to modify it and I'm not comfortable 
doing it.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Colin McDonald" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2013 10:07 PM
Subject: Re: Audible SWR meters, Analyzers, and DXCC antenna


> an antenna analyzer is a device that transmits a tiny bit of RF into an
> antenna, and reads the reflected power, SWR and other variables depending 
> on
> the unit.
> You don't tune them for anything other than frequency...it doesn't go in
> line with the radio or anything.  They are stand alone devices that 
> connect
> directly to the antenna.
> Usually you select the band you want to check the antenna on, and use a 
> VFO
> style dial to tune the frequency until you ssee a dip in the SWR...or a 
> dip
> down to 50ohms or whatever measurement you are looking at.
> The high end ones are auto ranging and will show the min/max swr stuff as
> required.
>
> So, there was one model, the MFJ 209 I think analyzer that was 
> successfully
> modified using a freqmite CW output frequency counter, and a voltage
> controled oscelator.
> You turned the frequency knob with the VCO turned on and foundd the null 
> and
> zero nulled the tone.  Then, you checked the frequency with the freq mite 
> to
> see where the most resonant frequency occured.
> Unfortunately, this was only possible on the MFJ 209 antenna analyzer and 
> it
> was a pretty invasive modification.  This analyzer still goes for a couple
> hundred bucks on the used market, and it's hard to find someone with the
> technical expertees to install the modification properly.
> Also, the MFJ 209 is difficult to find, and it only works for HF 
> frequencies
> I believe.
> With tuners and HF being more forgiving, an antenna analyzer is really 
> only
> particularly useful for tuning VHF/UHF antennas, and mobile antennas for 
> max
> resonance.
> The newer MFJ 249, 259 and 269 analyzers work in a similar way to the 209,
> but they are unable to be modified using the original plan.  These 
> analyzers
> will do VHF on the 249, and UHF as well on the 259 and 269 units.
> I believe I did hear that a 249 was modified, but there was something that
> was unstable or questionable about it.
> You also had to add more mods to the unit to switch the frequency counter 
> to
> read VHF frequencies.
> So, the cat has been out of the bag for a good long while with regard to 
> an
> accessible antenna analyzer.  The issue was that an analyzer is not a 
> cheap
> piece of equipment, the original ham who did the mods stopped, and I think
> parts became difficult to aquire IE the freq mite.
> Also, with the updated analyzers the original plan doesn't work, so it 
> kind
> of fizzled.
> I don't know anyone on list who actually had or has one of these units, or
> if anyone had them after the initial unit was modified.
> there are audio and text file instructions on how to do this entire mod if
> you can find a 209, a cw or voice frequency counter and can get in and 
> make
> all the mods.  Or, you know someone who doesn't mind putting the time and
> expertees into it.
> I'm not sure if the HamPod technology could somehow be used with newer
> analyzer devices that provide a serial data output...perhaps.
> The issue of course, is that these newer units with data output are as
> expensive, or more so than a brand new ts590.  So not allot of people who
> may have the technical expertees and know how, can actually aford to 
> either
> modify their own unit, or buy one to play with.  And, again, allot of guys
> say they'd love something like this, but if it's going to cost a grand or
> two, they will forgo the accessibility.
> At the end of the day, you can buy an MFJ 269 for 500 bucks and get a
> willing set of eyes to help for that once or twice a year you actually 
> need
> the thing.
> How many here would pay $600 for a mostly accessible antenna analyzer?
> Because that was about how much the MFJ209 was with the mods done to it.
> The proof is in the pudding that no one wanted to and that is part of the
> reason why it didn't go anywhere originally.
>
> I know lots  of guys would spend probably a couple hundred for something
> that was accessible and did the trick, but even a new unmodified antenna
> analyzer isn't cheap
>
> Our ham club has an MFJ269 as part of the club's equipment and any member
> has access to it upon request for tuning mobile or vertical antennas etc.
> So, even hams who can see the thing are unwilling to lay out allot of cash
> for one.
>
> 73
> Colin, V A6BKX