In an email that resonated deeply within the amateur radio world, Martin F. Jue, the founder of the iconic MFJ Enterprises, announced the cessation of on-site production for MFJ and its sister companies, including well-known brands such as Ameritron, Hygain, Cushcraft, Mirage, and Vectronics. The Starkville, Mississippi-based operation will officially stop production on May 17, 2024.
Founded over 52 years ago, MFJ Enterprises has been a pillar in the ham radio accessory market, expanding over the years through the acquisition of several other prominent brands. This growth made MFJ a household name in the amateur radio community across the globe. However, the impact of the Covid pandemic has been profoundly felt, with Jue noting that it was “the hardest hit that we have ever had” and one from which the company never fully recovered.
The decision comes at a poignant moment as Jue turns 80 this year, choosing to prioritize time with his family after dedicating a lifetime to the growth and success of MFJ. This news marks not only a significant change in Jue’s life but also a notable shift in the landscape of amateur radio equipment providers.
While the news of the production stop is a disappointment to many in the ham radio community, MFJ is not closing its doors entirely. Jue assures customers and dealers that MFJ products will continue to be sold past the May deadline, thanks to a considerable existing stock. Additionally, the company will maintain its commitment to customer service by offering repair services for both out-of-warranty and in-warranty units for the foreseeable future.
The legacy of MFJ and its associated brands is undeniable. For decades, these companies have not only provided tools and accessories that have fueled the amateur radio hobby but also fostered a sense of community and innovation. Jue’s closing remark, “You all are so much appreciated,” reflects the deep mutual respect and gratitude between MFJ and its community of users—a sentiment that is sure to endure beyond the lifespan of its production line.
As the amateur radio community processes this significant change, the story of MFJ serves as a reminder of the enduring impact that dedicated individuals and companies can have on hobbies and industries alike. The end of MFJ’s production is indeed the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter for Martin F. Jue and the many who have supported and been a part of MFJ’s journey.
Email Sent on April 25th by Martin F. Jue, K5FLU
https://mailchi.mp/62e24f2ccc99/a-heavy-sad-heart
December 12th, 1901 is certainly a date with a historical relevance in radio transmissions.
In fact, at 04.30 GMT of that day, Guglielmo Marconi succeeds in sending the first transatlantic wireless communication.
Succeeding in this contact, Marconi demonstrate that radio waves transmissions could be transmitted even across the Atlantic ocean.
With this success Marconi, in addition, disproved detractors who told him, that the curvature of the earth would limit transmission to 200 miles or less.
The station in Cornwall, England instead was composed by a twenty-four ships’ masts each 200 feet high, and the transmitter was powered by a 32 brake horsepower engine driving a 25 kilowatt alternator.
History says that detractors were correct when they declared that radio waves would not follow the curvature of the earth.
In fact today we know that radio waves had been headed into space from England when they were reflected off the ionosphere and finally bounced back down toward Canada.
Science demonstrated and explained this contact, made thanks to Radio wave propagation, just a few years later.
Therefore thinking in terms of amateur radio logic, we should consider this experiment as the first DX contact ever.
If you are interested in Marconi’s experiments and history, probably you can find interesting arguments and further details about this story here:
