I’m so glad I finally got my hands on the MFJ-869 SWR/Wattmeter. It’s a fantastic device that works great on 1.8-60 MHz and can measure up to 2000 Watts of power. It has a TruePeak active circuit that shows me the real peak power of my SSB and CW signals, as well as the average forward and reflected power modes.
It also has a fully automatic SWR reading that displays the SWR value on the meter without me having to push any buttons. How convenient is that?
One of the coolest features of the MFJ-869 is the Amplifier Bypass Control, which protects my amplifier from high SWR. It automatically takes my amplifier offline if the SWR goes above a limit that I can set myself. There is also a relay connector that lets me control other devices such as antenna tuners or switches based on the SWR level. The MFJ-869 also has high SWR audio and visual alarms that alert me of any problems with my antenna system.
The MFJ-869 has a huge meter [6.5-inch – 16,5 cm] that is very easy to see from anywhere in my shack. The meter has a backlight that I can turn on or off with a switch on the front panel. This large meter is a boon when working DX or contesting as you can glean all the information you need at a glance.
The meter also has four LEDs that tell me the power scale, forward or reflected power mode, and peak or average power mode. The meter can be calibrated by adjusting a knob on the front panel.
There is a self-test mode where the meter will go through all its functions and show me that everything is working fine. If necessary, it is a simple task to reset to factory default.
The MFJ-869 is a smart device that has field-upgradeable firmware. I can download the latest firmware from the MFJ website and update my meter with a USB cable and a PC.
Some of the things that I love about the MFJ-869 are:
• Big and clear meter display • TruePeak active circuit for accurate peak power measurement • Fully automatic SWR reading • Amplifier Bypass Control and relay connector for amplifier protection • High SWR audio and visual alarms • Field-upgradeable firmware • Cabinet is made of sheet metal, being sturdy and is of nice workmanlike quality.
Some of the things that you have to note about the MFJ-869 are:
• The average power mode does not work well on SSB and should rather be used with a constant carrier like RTTY or CW. I personally, rather keep the meter on Peak power as there I get a more immediate reading. • The meter does not read past 1500 Watts, which it is advertised at, and even though it is marked up to 2000 Watt. • The price is not cheap, but rather, reasonable, if you consider what you get for your money, it surpasses the majority of its competitors with ease.
My verdict
The MFJ-869 is a wonderful SWR/Wattmeter that can handle high power and protect my amplifier from high SWR. It has a big and easy to read meter display that shows peak or average power and SWR without me having to push any buttons. It also has an Amplifier Bypass Control and relay connector that can control other devices based on the SWR level. The MFJ-869 has field-upgradeable firmware that can be updated with a USB cable and a PC.
Overall, I think the MFJ-869 is a good choice for ham radio operators who want a large and accurate SWR/Wattmeter with amplifier protection features, and especially for those of us who have trouble reading small meters.
If you want to get more detailed information on this meter, get the operation manual or see the manufacturers page at: MFJ-869, GIANT AUTOMATIC DIGITAL SWR/WATTMETER, 1.8-60 MHz | MFJ Enterprises Inc where you can also order it online.
