MFJ -266B Instruction Manual

MFJ -266B Instruction Manual

Antenna analyzer hf/vhf/uhf

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Model MFJ-266B
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CAUTION: Read All Instructions Before Operating Equipment
MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
300 Industrial Park Road
Starkville, MS 39759 USA
C
Tel: 662-323-5869 Fax: 662-323-6551
COPYRIGHT
2012 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
VERSION 1D
Downloaded From www.TheHamShop.com

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  • Page 1 Model MFJ-266B INSTRUCTION MANUAL CAUTION: Read All Instructions Before Operating Equipment MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC. 300 Industrial Park Road Starkville, MS 39759 USA Tel: 662-323-5869 Fax: 662-323-6551 COPYRIGHT 2012 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC. VERSION 1D Downloaded From www.TheHamShop.com...
  • Page 2 Customers using this manual should report errors or omissions, recommendations for improvements, or other comments to MFJ Enterprises, 300 Industrial Park Road, Starkville, MS 39759. Phone: (662) 323-5869; FAX: (662) 323-6551. Business hours: M-F 8-4:30 CST.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    MFJ-266B HF/VHF/UHF Antenna Analyzer Instruction Manual Contents 1.0 Introduction......................1 2.0 Power Sources......................2 2.1 Internal Batteries ....................2 2.2 External Power Supply..................3 3.0 Operating Mode ..................... 3 3.1 Display Backlight....................3 3.2 Main Menu Screen .................... 4 3.3 Frequency Counter Mode (D -> FC) ..............4 3.4 Antenna Analyzer Mode (U ->...
  • Page 4: Introduction

    Capacitance (pF) Inductance (uH) Relative Field Strength (mV) Frequency (MHz) The MFJ-266B also generates a 2-dBm RF signal that may be used to check receivers, networks, amplifiers, and antenna patterns. Operating range is: 1.5 - 71 MHz in six HF bands...
  • Page 5: Power Sources

    MFJ-266B HF/VHF/UHF Antenna Analyzer Instruction Manual 2.0 POWER SOURCES The MFJ-266B may be powered with internal AA batteries or with an external DC supply. To avoid needless damage and ensure top performance, please follow the guidelines below when choosing a voltage source.
  • Page 6: External Power Supply

    Instruction Manual 2.2 External Power Supply To operate the MFJ-266B on an external power supply open up the unit and move the EXT PWR-BAT jumper from to EXT PWR. The MFJ- 266B will not run on external power and batteries at the same time.
  • Page 7: Main Menu Screen

    Analyzer mode. 3.3 Frequency Counter Mode (D -> FC) In this setup, the MFJ-266B functions as a 1-500 MHz frequency counter. Note that the BAND SELECT switch B must be "up" in the HF position for the counter mode to activate. If switch B is down, an error message will prompt you to change the band setting to HF.
  • Page 8: Antenna Analyzer Mode (U -> Ant)

    (see Frequency Selection, Section-4). 3.6 L/C Measurement Mode The MFJ-266B may be used to measure the value of unknown capacitors and inductors. To measure L/C values, connect the device to be tested to...
  • Page 9: Frequency Selection

    MFJ-266B HF/VHF/UHF Antenna Analyzer Instruction Manual 4.0 FREQUENCY SELECTION The MFJ-266B covers the HF region (1.5-71 MHz) in six bands, plus VHF (85-185 MHz) and UHF (300-490 MHz). Tuning and band- selection are electronically switched for high reliability. 4.1 Variable Tuning The TUNE control uses an instrumentation-grade potentiometer with a 10:1 drive reduction to ensure gradual tuning on each band.
  • Page 10: Accuracy Limits

    5.0 ACCURACY LIMITS The MFJ-266B will serve as your “eyes and ears” when working with RF systems, and it can deliver results that rival units costing thousands of dollars. However, all handheld analyzers share certain limitations, and being aware of them will help you to achieve more meaningful results.
  • Page 11: Calibration-Plane Error

    Most hand-held analyzers (including the MFJ-266B) lack the processing capability to calculate the reactance sign for complex impedance (Z = R ± j). By default, the MFJ-266B displays a plus sign (+ j) between the resistive and reactive values, but this sign is merely a placeholder and not a calculated data point.
  • Page 12: Antenna Measurements

    Here are some general guidelines to help you get started. 6.1 Antenna Connectors The MFJ-266B uses a type-N female (or NF) connector to ensure reliable signal connectivity up to 500 MHz. It also comes with a SO-239- female to N-male (UHF-NM) adapter for transitioning to popular PL- 259 connectors.
  • Page 13: Swr, Bandwidth, And Resonance

    MFJ-266B HF/VHF/UHF Antenna Analyzer Instruction Manual (2.) Select the desired Range, Band, and Frequency (Section-4). (3.) Connect the antenna to the analyzer (Antenna connector)*. (4.) Rotate the Tune knob to find the lowest SWR reading and write it down. (5.) Rotate Tune to either side of minimum SWR and note the 2:1 SWR points.
  • Page 14: Antenna Matching

    If your antenna can’t be tuned or matched to an acceptable SWR level by making physical adjustments, then an external antenna tuner (ATU) should be installed. The MFJ-266B may be used in conjunction with the tuner to make adjustments without the need to transmit test signals over air.
  • Page 15: Unpredictable Swr

    7.0 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Here are some of the MFJ-266B advance functions. Note that some of these procedures involve connecting component leads to the unit's N connector. For these connections, we suggest making up a very short N- male coaxial pigtail or obtaining a type-N dual binding post adapter to prevent damage the center-contact of the analyzer connector.
  • Page 16: Field Strength Measurement

    SWR measurements when in Analyzer mode. 7.3 Stimulus Generator as a Signal Source When operated in Analyzer mode, the MFJ-266B generates a +2 dBm CW carrier (2 mW). See section 3.6 for setup procedures. Output will vary slightly, depending on frequency and operating voltage, but typically holds to within 1-2 dB of the rated power level over the analyzer's frequency range.
  • Page 17: Measuring Unknown Inductance

    Antenna connector. For a 1/4-λ stub, leave the far end open. For a 1/2-λ stub, short the far end. Next: (1.) Set the MFJ-266B to Analyzer mode (Section-3) (2.) Initially, set the Range, Band, and Tune for the desired stub frequency (Section-4) (3.) *Tune down in frequency to find lowest impedance-magnitude...
  • Page 18: Determining Velocity Factor

    7.8 Testing RF Transformers Broadband HF-matching transformers wound for the 12.5 to 200 Ohm range may be tested using the MFJ-266B. Connect the 50-Ohm (primary) side to the analyzer connector using a short pigtail and attach the appropriate resistive load across the secondary side (always use a non- inductive resistor).
  • Page 19: Checking Hf Baluns

    7.9 Checking HF Baluns A well-designed balun will have low SWR and good balance over its operating range. The MFJ-266B can test both of these qualities using the setup shown below. Configure the unit to operate in Analyzer mode in the HF range.
  • Page 20: Quick Guide To Analyzer Controls And Functions

    MFJ-266B HF/VHF/UHF Antenna Analyzer Instruction Manual 8.0 QUICK GUIDE TO ANALYZER CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS Power: Use only 1.5-V Alkaline Batteries. External power must be 10.8- 12.5 Vdc, well regulated. Power plug: 2.1-mm, positive (+) to center pin. Power Up: Press PWR, wait for the Main Menu to come up.
  • Page 21 MFJ-266B HF/VHF/UHF Antenna Analyzer Instruction Manual Set Up Stimulus Frequency: (1.) Press A/B Combination to Select Operating Range BAND A HF: 1.5 - 71 MHz VHF: 85-185 MHz UHF: 300-490 MHz Counter X BAND SELECT (2.) Press Up/Down to Select HF Band...
  • Page 22: Technical Assistance

    If you have any problem with this unit first check the appropriate section of this manual. If the manual does not reference your problem or your problem is not solved by reading the manual, you may call MFJ Technical Service at 662-323-0549 or the MFJ Factory at 662-323-5869.
  • Page 23: Month Limited Warranty

    Wired and tested PC board products are covered by this warranty provided only the wired and tested PC board product is returned. Wired and tested PC boards installed in the owner’s cabinet or connected to switches, jacks, or cables, etc. sent to MFJ Enterprises, Inc. will be returned at the owner’s expense unrepaired.
  • Page 24 MFJ-266 Manual 300 Industrial Park Road Version 1D Starkville, MS 39759...

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