MFJ MFJ-1710 User Manual

MFJ-1710A Folded Dipole Antenna

Description: The MFJ-1710A is a light-weight 10-meter folded dipole that features a built-in
300-to-50 ohm matching network. No tuner is required--connect directly to your transceiver, or
connect to any length of 50-ohm coax to extend the feedline. The antenna and its matching
circuit are tuned to provide best performance and minimum VSWR in the most active SSB and
CW portions of the 10-meter band. The MFJ-1710A handles up to 150 watts of power.

Installation: Use non-conductive tie-lines to support your MFJ-1710A (nylon is recommended).
Install lines through the end holes in the dipole's twinlead, as shown below in Figure-A. For best
DX performance, position the radiating portion of the antenna high and in the clear, broadside to
your favored direction of transmission. Allow the feedline to drop directly beneath the center-­keeping the 300-ohm ribbon off the ground and at least 2"-3" from large metallic surfaces. If
required, add additional light-weight 50-ohm coax (RG-58 or RG-8X) to the RG-58 pig-tail. To
make a simple balun, coil 5 turns of coax into a 6" loop at the 300-50 transition and tape in place
(see Figure-B). This will eliminate unwanted radiation or noise pick-up from the unbalanced
portion of the feedline. Waterproof all exposed connectors to lock out moisture.

300-50 ohm transition

End Hole

End Line

Choke

Balun

5-Turns

6" Diameter

Nylon Line

Antenna

Figure-A

Barrel

Connector

Figure-B

MFJ-1710A VSWR

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

27.6 27.8 28.0 28.2 28.4 28.6 28.8 29.0 29.2
Frequency MHz

Important Warning: Never construct or erect amateur radio
antennas in locations where they could fall onto electrical
power lines or entrance cables. Accidental contact could
result in severe injury or death.