My Antenna Adventure: Discovering the MFJ-1794
Author: Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
Hey there! I’ve been on this quest for the perfect antenna, and guess what? I stumbled upon the MFJ-1794. Let me walk you through my find, especially since I know you’re also on the lookout for something that hits the sweet spot between affordability and performance.
Picture from MFJ:
1. First Impressions
The MFJ-1794 is this neat little package that’s a portable HF vertical antenna. It works on 7 bands – yes, you heard that right – 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meters. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of antennas! What really got me excited was its 1500 watts PEP power handling. I mean, that’s pretty robust for something that doesn’t scream ‘I’m a giant antenna!’ [8][14].
And here’s the kicker – it’s super compact. It stretches up to about 3.35 meters (11 feet) but can shrink down to about 2.13 meters (7 feet). Perfect for sneaking it into tight spots or, in our case, on a roof without turning it into an eyesore [8][14].
2. Why It Caught My Eye
So, I’ve been itching to do some DXing, right? And this baby has a low radiation angle, which is just what the doctor ordered for reaching out over the horizon. But here’s the cool part – it’s omnidirectional. This means while I’m reaching out to distant lands, I can also catch the local bands. Talk about having your cake and eating it too! [28].
3. Setting It Up
Now, about setting it up. You know I’m not the handiest guy around. But the MFJ-1794 seems pretty straightforward. It has automatic band switching, so no fumbling around there. And the idea of not needing a vast space or a complex setup? That’s music to my ears.
4. The Real Deal – User Experiences
Alright, full disclosure – I haven’t found a lot of personal stories or reviews online yet. It’s like this antenna is a well-kept secret. But, from what I’ve gathered, it’s reliable and versatile.
Conclusion & What’s Next
So, what do I think? The MFJ-1794 seems like a real contender. It’s got the chops for both DX and local, plus it’s low-profile and roof-mountable. In the next chapter of this antenna saga, I’ll be chronicling the unboxing, the setup, and initial testing. Later, I will give you a third update about how it fared eventually. I am optimistic from what I have gleaned so far. Stay tuned!
Visuals & More Info
I wish I had some cool pics or diagrams to show you, but that’ll have to wait. I’m just as curious as you are to see this thing in action.
