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Other than the MFJ-259B, what other options in the lines of antenna analyzers are there?

I have been trying to buy a used one, and every time I'm too little too late...so, I decided to buy new. Looking for one that provides similar outputs as the 259B...and less than $300 if possible.

What options are there??

I'd show you a real cable/antenna analyzer, but we gotta stay in fisher-price land for $300. This is probably too much:

lp100

Since I am looking at the Palstar, the one you linked to isn't that much more...but how portable is it (for checking mobile installations)??

How portable is it? Depends on which display type/style you want to use. If you want the all-purpose computer display, just how portable is your computer? If you're satisfied with the display on the meter it's self, you only have to supply operating power.
Because of the graphs it can do I can certainly see where this 'vectoring watt meter' could come in handy if you are evaluating antenna systems. If it's just to do a 'one-time' antenna tune, maybe it isn't as economically feasible? Different strokes/different folks.
Unless you're a kit builder, I think if price is your determining factor, stick with the MFJ analyzer. If you really need/want the other abilities, go with the 'LP-100'. Now if it would hit the 400 - 600 Mhz range....
- 'Doc

Take a look at this: AT-1000
I homebrew more complex portable VNA with LCD display.
http://www.sp2swj.sp-qrp.pl/SP3SWJ/M.../MAX6_BIRD.jpg
Mike

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Under $300 ? The 259B sells for under 300 new. I believe the current price at HRO is $269 and used ones will have to sell for less than that.

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I like the Autek VA1, but it is a lot of work to scan a bandwidth and that is the only real way to tell what is going on with your antenna. The LP minivna is very nice, and will take a full scan for bandwidth if you enter in the correct perameters and will do it in a second, but the thing come with little or not instructions, so unless you have much understanding it will be tough, and you need a computer if you want to even consider being portable.

Bob85 has one and is the man to talk to. I might have already said something off base. But I do like my VA1 Vector analyzer and it works with a little study and understanding.

I'd recommend springing for the 269 if you do go the MFJ route, it's nice to have the 440 in it even if it has more limited features for that band.

Your budget won't permit it, but the only thing that would be better is an actual VNA, computer based analyzer that sweeps and also plots out in easy to read charts, the characteristics of antennas.

I use my 269 a lot more than I thought I would when I bought it.

I think a lot of those are way more than I really need at this point. I was looking at the Palstar ZM30 (similar to the 259B) also...I like the fact these are self contained and portable, and don't require a computer. I don't think I would ever get into the depth some of those analyzers provide...and if I would, the one I buy now would be outdated by then...

The $300 thing was just a target...not set in stone.

I was thinking of getting a LP-1000. Tell me more bout this thing.

Sorry to steal the thread but I am just for this quick question.

Thanks,
AP