MFJ is Closing!

[Jackalope]

Martin Jue has decided to close shop later this summer.  Hopefully, he'll find buyers for all the companies that he has acquired over the past 50+ years.  Supposedly, they are ceasing production on May 17th.  That's going to leave a mighty big hole in the amateur radio world!

[JohnyMac]

Et all, looking for a linear amp in the 500-1000 watt area. 

[pkveazey]

Well, here I go sticking my nose right where it doesn't belong. I've never been into Amps unless I wanted to beef up a weak 2 meter or 440 rig. Years ago, I did the math on what it takes to get one more S unit on the other guy's radio. It took 3 db (double your power) to get 1/2 an S unit and another 3 db to get a full S unit. If you are running 100 watts, it will take 400 watts to get a 1 S unit increase on the other guy's radio. It will take 1600 watts to get a 2 S unit increase. I'm going to suggest you hunt for something around 500 watts and run it at about 400 watts so it will last a long life. There, I've meddled in your business long enough.

[Jackalope]

I've found that an amp allows the NCS to usually copy me on the ERIN net.  Otherwise, I'm down in the noise level.  I'm typically running 400-600 watts.  Working DX contests, I've found that firing up the amp usually results in a contact on the first call, without it, I've called for 30-40 minutes and not made contact.  So, there are times when it's a great tool.  It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

[pkveazey]

Jackalope, you are right on the money. When you first moved to TN, you were right at the noise level and it was difficult to copy. Lately, you seemed to get just above the noise level and my AGC suppresses the noise while you transmit and now, I hear you quite well. I figured that you improved your antenna system but now that you mentioned the amp, That explains it perfectly. Just getting 1 S unit above the noise makes all the difference in the world.

[Nemo]

I thought the Feds passed a law radios had to still be able to receive an AM station.  Is this doing something with that?

Nemo

[cooter]

I got an email announcement about it (I bought stuff in the past).  Mr. Jue is turning 80 and wants to spend more time with family.

[Jackalope]

I thought the Feds passed a law radios had to still be able to receive an AM station.  Is this doing something with that?

Nemo

Not at all, Nemo.  MFJ is a company that manufactures amateur radio accessories, radios, amplifiers, and antennas.  It was started by Martin Jue back in the 1970's, if I remember correctly.  They also purchased many other brands and absorbed them into MFJ, over the decades.  I can understand Mr. Jue's need to retire, but the loss of all of these companies and their associated products would have a major impact on amateur radio operators.  We're talking literally hundreds, if not thousands, of different products.  Just thinking about my equipment, I probably have at least 20 different MFJ products in my station.  Hopefully, they'll sell off the different brands that make up the company. 

[pkveazey]

Whenever I hear or see MFJ I remember its early days when the products were, shall we say, questionable. Over the years they improved greatly and absorbed some quality companies. Back in the day we used to call MFJ, Mississippi's Finest Junk. It's sad whenever any of the Ham radio equipment companies close their doors. The only one left in Virginia is Ham Radio Outlet in Woodbridge, Va. There used to be a Kenwood store in Virginia Beach but it's long gone.