Recommend a Wattmeter

[Rok55]

Since things are starting to come together here I'm looking to the future just a bit and figured a decent wattmeter inline behind my Emergency Use Only was probably a good idea.

Setup is a Uniden 980SSB through a Palomar 200X to a Maco V58 at 25'. I have an 2 position switch on hand should I elect to put up a 2nd antenna (dipole or beam) or add another band (2,10,12)

Been looking at various meters and just not sure what to get. My budget is pretty tight and as a newbie don't figure I need top shelf gear but prefer to buy Once. Dosy, Workman, Welz, MFJ, PDC, vintage Palomar to match my amp ...............

Please advise ...........

Perhaps one of you fine folks has something for sale....

 

[Tallman]

 

[codeman]

I have been looking for a good meter myself I have been leaning towards a MFJ 868B for my house. It's a giant meter, most reviews are positive. Thoughts??

 

[fourstringburn]

View attachment 21531 I have been looking for a good meter myself I have been leaning towards a MFJ 868B for my house. It's a giant meter, most reviews are positive. Thoughts??

There's a newer version of this meter that is auto-calibrating.

 

[fourstringburn]

Auto version

 

[Grogan]

I have the Daiwa like the one above. Very nice meter with features.

 

[9C1Driver]

Since things are starting to come together here I'm looking to the future just a bit and figured a decent wattmeter inline behind my Emergency Use Only was probably a good idea.

Setup is a Uniden 980SSB through a Palomar 200X to a Maco V58 at 25'. I have an 2 position switch on hand should I elect to put up a 2nd antenna (dipole or beam) or add another band (2,10,12)

Been looking at various meters and just not sure what to get. My budget is pretty tight and as a newbie don't figure I need top shelf gear but prefer to buy Once. Dosy, Workman, Welz, MFJ, PDC, vintage Palomar to match my amp ...............

Please advise ...........

Perhaps one of you fine folks has something for sale....

Understand that the terms, "pretty tight budget" and "I need top shelf gear" most definitely do not go together. That said there are several decent watt meters out there for a good price. Here are 2 quick pics.

http://customcbradios.com/Workman-HP-201S-1KW-Meter-This-Meter-Works-Great-P669465.aspx

http://customcbradios.com/-Workman-HP-202-1KW-Meter-This-Meter-Works-Great-P2621166.aspx

 

[Rok55]

Understand that the terms, "pretty tight budget" and "I need top shelf gear" most definitely do not go together.

My budget is pretty tight and as a newbie don't figure I need top shelf gear

Thanks for the links, Workman units were certainly on the short list.

Any comments on the Dosy line?

I've seen mixed reviews on MFJ in that they needed to be checked for accuracy and calibrated, I would have no way to do that. Also the light bulb issue ........... Did they correct these issues with the newest iteration?

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Agreed with the CN-801. I have the CN-801HP and the CN-801HP3. Great meters

 

[Tallman]

Thanks for the links, Workman units were certainly on the short list.

Any comments on the Dosy line?

I've seen mixed reviews on MFJ in that they needed to be checked for accuracy and calibrated, I would have no way to do that. Also the light bulb issue ........... Did they correct these issues with the newest iteration?

They can't hold a candle to the Daiwa units. They are more accurate and are true "Peak Reading" meters. A simple quick glance at the meter while tuning an antenna will tell you if you are going in the right direction. Plus you don't to fiddle with knobs while checking SWR over a very large range of frequencies and it is a more professional looking package.

 

[Rok55]

Did you have to recalibrate or is that old news?

 

[fourstringburn]

Did you have to recalibrate or is that old news?

Cross needles meters like the Daiwas are self calibrating. Once you get used to the cross needle types, you might never go back to single meters again.

These may be out of your intended budget but spend the money once and get one that's good as they come.

Doseys and most other CB meters aren't true peak reading meters. Peak reading meters requires an active 12v circuit. That's the first clue. The CB meters only have 12v for the meter lamp.

 

[Rok55]

Cross needles meters like the Daiwas are self calibrating. Once you get used to the cross needle types, you might never go back to single meters again.

These may be out of your intended budget but spend the money once and get one that's good as they come.

I have always said Buy once - Cry once
I have seen a couple on Ebay in the $50 - $60 range plus shipping. That I can do.

 

[Tallman]

I have always said Buy once - Cry once
I have seen a couple on Ebay in the $50 - $60 range plus shipping. That I can do.

You will be glad you did.

 

[Rok55]

Been over at Eham reading reviews and the Ameritron AWM-30 had many positive comments.

What says the braintrust ......