
( Brand: Mfj ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: MFJ-272MF ), ( Compatiblebrand: Universal ), ( Type: Accessory )
The **MFJ MFJ-272MF Ham Radio Coax Surge Protector** is a robust and essential accessory designed to safeguard your ham radio equipment from the damaging effects of voltage spikes, lightning strikes, and electrical surges that can wreak havoc on sensitive radio gear. Built with a high level of reliability, this surge protector is specifically engineered to handle up to **50 coaxial cables**, making it an ideal solution for larger ham shacks, multi-station setups, or operators who rely on multiple antennas, amplifiers, or transceivers. Its compact yet durable construction ensures seamless integration into your existing rig, whether mounted on a wall, rack, or console, without compromising on performance. The MFJ-272MF employs advanced **gas discharge arrestors (GDAs)** and **MOV (metal oxide varistor) technology** to clamp and divert excessive voltage away from your equipment, effectively neutralizing surges before they can cause irreversible damage. With a **10,000-ampere surge rating**, this protector is more than capable of handling the most severe electrical transients, including those generated by nearby lightning strikes or power grid fluctuations. Its **low insertion loss** ensures minimal signal degradation, allowing your radio signals to remain clear and strong without interference. Additionally, the MFJ-272MF features a **built-in test port** for easy monitoring of its protective capabilities, giving you peace of mind that your system is always shielded. Whether you're a casual hobbyist or a dedicated DXer, this surge protector is a critical investment in protecting your valuable radio equipment, ensuring long-term reliability and optimal performance for all your communications needs.
The MFJ-272MF is a popular ham radio surge protector designed to protect your equipment from voltage spikes and transients on the coax cable feeding your antenna. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
### Pros:1. **Effective Surge Protection**: The MFJ-272MF is designed to clamp and divert dangerous voltage spikes away from your radio and other connected equipment. This is particularly useful in areas prone to lightning strikes or electrical storms, which can cause significant damage to sensitive radio gear.
2. **Wide Frequency Range**: It is rated for use up to 50 MHz, making it suitable for most ham radio bands, including HF, VHF, and UHF. This versatility allows it to be used with a variety of antennas and operating modes.
3. **Compact and Easy to Install**: The unit is relatively small and straightforward to install between your radio and antenna. It can be mounted indoors or outdoors, depending on your setup, and requires minimal wiring.
4. **Durable Construction**: MFJ products are generally known for their robust construction, and the 272MF is no exception. It is built to withstand outdoor conditions, making it a reliable choice for permanent installations.
5. **Affordable**: Compared to some other surge protectors and lightning arrestors on the market, the MFJ-272MF is reasonably priced. It offers good value for the protection it provides.
6. **Easy to Replace**: Surge protectors eventually wear out and need replacement. The MFJ-272MF is designed to be user-replaceable, meaning you can swap out the internal components if they become exhausted over time.
7. **Compatibility**: It is compatible with standard RG-58, RG-8X, and other common coax cables, making it easy to integrate into existing setups without requiring additional adapters.
### Cons:1. **Limited to 50 MHz**: While the 50 MHz rating covers most ham radio frequencies, it may not be suitable for those operating in higher frequency bands or experimenting with microwave frequencies. If you plan to expand into higher frequencies in the future, you may need additional protection.
2. **No Built-in Lightning Arrestor for the Tower**: The MFJ-272MF is designed to protect the coax line from surges, but it does not protect the tower or other parts of the antenna system from direct lightning strikes. For comprehensive protection, you may need additional components like a lightning arrestor at the antenna tower base.
3. **Single-Port Design**: The unit has a single input and output port, which means it cannot protect multiple devices simultaneously unless you use multiple units. If you have a complex setup with multiple radios or amplifiers, you may need to invest in additional surge protectors.
4. **No Indicator Lights**: Unlike some other surge protectors, the MFJ-272MF does not have built-in indicator lights to show whether it is functioning properly or if it has been triggered. This means you may not know if it has absorbed a surge until it fails or you notice damage to your equipment.
5. **Potential for False Triggers**: In rare cases, the surge protector may incorrectly trigger and absorb harmless voltage spikes, which could lead to premature wear and tear. This is more of a theoretical concern but is worth noting.
6. **Not a Complete Lightning Protection Solution**: While the MFJ-272MF provides excellent protection for the coax line, it is not a complete lightning protection solution. For full protection, you should also consider using a lightning arrestor at the antenna tower base, a ground system, and possibly a lightning rod or air terminal.
### Conclusion:The MFJ-272MF is an excellent choice for ham radio operators looking for a reliable, affordable, and easy-to-install surge protector for their coax line. Its robust construction, wide frequency range, and effectiveness at protecting against voltage spikes make it a popular and trusted option. However, it is important to understand its limitations, particularly that it does not provide complete protection against direct lightning strikes to the antenna tower. For those who need comprehensive protection, additional components like a lightning arrestor and proper grounding should be considered.
### Recommendation:If you are primarily concerned with protecting your radio and coax line from voltage spikes and transients, the MFJ-272MF is a highly recommended purchase. It is particularly well-suited for indoor or outdoor installations where coax runs are exposed to potential surges. For operators in areas with frequent lightning activity, pairing the MFJ-272MF with a dedicated lightning arrestor at the antenna tower base and ensuring a solid grounding system will provide a more complete protection solution.
Additionally, if you operate in higher frequency bands or plan to expand into them in the future, consider supplementing your protection with additional surge protectors or arrestors designed for those frequencies. Regularly check the condition of your surge protector and replace it if you suspect it has been triggered or if it shows signs of wear. Overall, the MFJ-272MF is a solid investment for ham radio operators looking to safeguard their equipment.
The bottom line is this. If you do not see it in the photos, is likely included sale. This surge protector is in good cosmetic condition. That includes manuals, packaging, power cords, etc.