MFJ-998 automatic antenna tuner 1500 Watts - Review and Setup

This is the MFJ-998 automatic antenna tuner 1500 Watts - Full Review and Setup. Tested with my Kenwood TS-990 and Heathkit SB-221 1.3kW tube amplifier (pair or 3-500z).

I know, the bands were pretty bad the day I shoot this video, or I forgot to remove my RX antenna from ground ;-)

73
Pascal VA2PV

 

It looks like a very nice tuner. I have a 600 watt autotuner and use it almost every day. It is nice not to have to turn knobs hi hi.

 

I've had the 998 for many years. I started with a 929 autotuner several years ago with only a 100 watt rig and a G5RV and it tuned it no problem.
I have since added a amplifier to the mix and needed the 998 to handle 1k or better and still get great results. The only thing you have to remember
is to reduce power when tuning it hates to much power and will tell you so.

 

Why do these videos always have low audio?

 

I've used this tuner for 3 years...works fine at 100-1200 watts. I never ran it above 1200 watts. The one thing I don't like is if I touch up the inductance and or capacitance a little it reverts back to the previous tuning. Also at times, it "looses" the capacitance/inductive settings completely if I change from one antenna to the other antenna and back. Could be operator error...

Overall though I get it a 9 out of 10.

 

Thanks for the video! Very well-done.
Brian
http://www.trueladderline.com

 

Please specify? I reduced audio when the mic is to closed or sometime to voice over... 73

 

Very well done! Thanks for the in-depth review. I run an older Yaesu FT-1000mp. Will this tuner accept this radio?
Tnx, 73. K6LR

 

I don't know, download the tuner manual and the radio manual. If it's like the Kenwood with the AT-300, you will be able to see if it's compatible with a Yaesu External tuner, I know there is some Yaesu in the tuner menu. As another ham mention to me, in radio it's not like the PC world where there's a plug and play system (think of those USB devices), so we must check first, hihi. Maybe that’s the reason so many people had a hard time with some of the most complex aftermarket device for the ham radio world. Thanks for watching. 73 Pascal VA2PV

 

Your audio in the video is fine...his ears or PC is NOT!

 

I had one for 6 months. I used it with my ALS-1300 Both big boat anchors. The 998 started tuning in the middle of a key up and blew the finals in the amp. Since the 998 will only auto tune with max 100 watts you have to use the L & C buttons to get a good swr. I sold the 998 and had Ameritron swap my ALS-1300 for a AL-82 free.

Bill
KJ7GL

 

Yes, READ THE MANUAL! I used to drive the other engineers crazy when we got a new piece of equipment. I would not let them touch the new equipment until I read the complete manual. Saved the company a lot of money in repairs.

I have had my 998 for a few months now and it works flawlessly. READ THE MANUAL!

73, Mark

 

No doubt, RTFM is good advice. If you wire it up right the 998 will not key the amp if it is tuning.

 

sir your audio was great! And KF5UMC is correct. I found your review wonderfully in depth and I would love to see one on your Kenwood.

 

The 998 Tuner works with the FT-1000mp.