Cushcraft and Hygain Manufacturing Bought by ITU Corporation

To me, the most valuable MFJ asset is Ameritron. Just as they were closing they had manufactured two new, very modern solid-state amplifiers: the ALS-1406 and the ALS-706 (which I own serial number 0004). These are very modern LDMOS amps with circuitry to interface with Icom and Yaesu transceivers. I think just making four amps would cover the market demand. The two LDMOS amps plus the AL-80B and one of the 1.5KW amps. Wish I had the money to recreate AMERITRON.

Also the MFJ-branded automatic and manual tuners will be greatly missed, especially the manual tuners.

 

That's great news to see the two antenna legends are still going to be made! Hat's off to ITU Corp Rick KD9QDP

 

It was a shame to lose the Ameritron Line.

 

I had the AV640 for over a decade with zero problems and would buy another in a heartbeat if they were made. It’s a compromise, but I worked most of what I could hear and had a blast with it.

 

Ditto here. AV-620 for several years. Eventually, put up a small tower and a HexBeam. The AV-620 is in storage. Solid performer for the compromise it is. But, for a small footprint and 5 bands, it's a decent antenna that stood up to harsh winters, high winds, extreme cold (-30F), ice storms, and heavy rain. I had it mounted about 10 feet up with a ground rod directly below. Hope they bring it back.

 

My first Cush-Craft was a 3-element 10-meter monobander. Bought and installed by my father, W3NVS during the peak sunspot cycle in the late 1950's. I think it was $19.95, or so.... My dad had an article in the February 1958 CQ Magazine about this installation.

 

https://archive.org/details/cq-15-1/page/58/mode/1up

 

What's their manufacturing startup date?

 

The only reason MFJ was located in Mississippi is because that’s where Martin lives. He was an engineering professor at Mississippi University when he started the company with a simple CW filter kit which from there grew to the company it became. It was a happy accident that he had access to a lot of engineering talent and relatively low cost labor as he employed a lot of students.

 

This is GREAT news!!!

 

Good. It was sad to see MFJ run these, and other companies into the ground.

 

That's my current antenna haha. I have only just installed it. pic on my profile page!

 

It had to be in the mid-1950's. Of course they were originally in Vermont, as I remember. Back then there was an excitement about ham radio coupled with the amazing sunspot cycle. My dad used to say that when 10 was open you could load your bed springs and work the world.

 

Indiana is a great manufacturing State, and usually produces some very good products. If I still lived up there, I'd be happy to volunteer to work since I'm retired and have a decent income from it. Since I can't drop by everyday (Texas is a bit to far) I guess I'll have to just buy some new antennas.
I have several original Cuchcraft beams from the original Cushcraft company. I need a few parts and pieces for minor repairs. Since I have a small machine shop. I was planning on making them. Now, I may be able to order what I need.
And here I was, about to buy a 3D printer for the shop. Saved me there!!
73!

 

Indiana is a great manufacturing State, and usually produces some very good products. If I still lived up there, I'd be happy to volunteer to work since I'm retired and have a decent income from it. Since I can't drop by everyday (Texas is a bit to far) I guess I'll have to just buy some new antennas.
I have several original Cuchcraft beams from the original Cushcraft company. I need a few parts and pieces for minor repairs. Since I have a small machine shop. I was planning on making them. Now, I may be able to order what I need.
And here I was, about to buy a 3D printer for the shop. Saved me there!!
73!