MFJ

The owner of MFJ, Martin Jue, has retired. In my view, other amateur radio players will go.

See https://eu.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2024/10/27/mfj-enterprises-in-mississippi-closes-leaves-hole-in-ham-radio-world/75136781007/ .

Years ago I owned an MFJ Cub 15m QRP CW transceiver.

The MFJ announcement

 As mentioned, there was a major announcement about the future of MFJ. The owner is now aged 80.

See https://mailchi.mp/62e24f2ccc99/a-heavy-sad-heart .

MFJ and InnovAntenna partnership

More from Southgate News. InnovAntenna is teaming with MFJ to make and sell the InnovAntennas in the USA.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/january/mfj-in-partnership-with-innovantennas-and-g0ksc.htm#.WG2CbIXXLIU

I think this makes sense. However expect more companies to "join forces" in the years ahead. By combining resources they have a better chance of synergy and success. Times are going to get much tougher in the years ahead as the amateur population ages and less is bought. We can expect fewer dealers in years ahead.

15m QRP

Another rig that rarely gets used these days is my 15m 1W CW transceiver, the MFJ Cub. This works very well and has worked South and North Americans. Currently I have no antennas up for 15m so it has not been used at this QTH. This uses a superhet RX. I guess this is another rig I should consider selling or trading in? If it is not getting much use this is especially true. I must have had it about 15 years now. It is a good little single band radio covering about 70kHz (as I recall) of the CW band. There is a small hole in the case so this can be centred where ever one likes in the band. Another example of a simple "station in a box". A CW key, battery, Walkman phones and 15m antenna and you are on the radio and able to work DX.  It never fails to amaze me how effective simple radios can be. You really do not need to spend a lot. A 15m dipole can be made by just about anyone and does not need to be that high to work well.  If I could work >8000km with mine I am sure you can do at least as well.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/cub .