Antenna Analyzer for Milair Band?

[BenJJ]

I was thinking of homebrewing an antenna (either Yagi or LPDA) for the milair band (my area of interest is about 280 - 400 Mhz).

My concern is even if I design an antenna and analyze it using one of the NEC codes, I cannot test the design because in general there seems to be not very many antenna analyzers made for these frequencies (not surprisingly most antenna analyzers are made for the amateur radio bands).

The other day I found this analyzer: http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-229.

The ad copy states: "...The MFJ-229 Antenna SWR Analyzer covers 270 to 480 MHz. You can select any desired frequency range for tuning." Granted this range of coverage doesn't get the 225 - 270 Mhz portion of the band, but those are outside my freqeuncies of interest. Unfortunately MFJ doesn't have the MFJ-229 manual available for download.

Does anyone own one of these, and can it cover 280-400 Mhz, with no gaps?

 

[ReceiverBeaver]

I wasn't aware of this model but I have used their other ones for HF, VHF & UHF and they do cover strait through the listed bands with no gaps.

 

[ReceiverBeaver]

Your topic Ben reminds me of another situation with MFJ and their decent Antenna Analyzers. If they are still doing this, they used to advertise special building an analyzer for any specified frequency range for an additional but reasonable fee. This of course referring to frequency ranges not covered by their present line of stock analyzers. Pretty great service and manufacturing idea.

The MFJ Analyzers are actually quite amazing and a remarkable value. I have a 269 which does HF, VHF & UHF. Not only do they measure antenna system SWR but also impedance and they work as a frequency counter (sniffer) within their included ranges, and numerous other functions. Truly a single unit toolbox to cover many needs. These are one of those things that once you try one and own one, you ask yourself how you ever got along without one.

With the necessary adapters, you can also check for frequency resonance with any handheld antenna.