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| Reviews Summary for Diamond SX-600 |
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Reviews: 8
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Average rating: 4.4/5
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MSRP: $179.95
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Description: Combination SWR/Wattmeter reads PEP, Average Power, SWR and reflected and forward power. Contains two built-in sensors and can be connected to two radios simultaneously. Sensor 1 handles 1.8 to 160 MHz, Sensor 2 handles 140 to 525 MHz. Power handling is in three ranges: 5, 20 and 200 watts. Has lighted dial and LEDs to show which sensor is selected. Lighting requires external 13.8 VDC. Gold plated center conductors.
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More info: http://www.rfparts.com/diamond
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K0TW
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Rating: 4/5
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Oct 6, 2009 07:52
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Meter lamp failed
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Great meter that I've used successfully for a couple of years. But the meter lamp apparently burnt out last week and it appears that the lamp is built into the meter and can't be replaced without replacing the entire meter. That's likely the most expensive part in the SX-600, even if I could find a source. Having a weak link such as an incandescent lamp that can't be easily replaced is a poor design, in my opinion.
Update: I've since heard from the manufacturer with the procedure for replacing the lamp, as well as their repair prices. So the lamp can be replaced without replacing the meter.
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VK3TCT
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Rating: 3/5
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Apr 25, 2008 21:34
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Excellent intstrument, doubtfull service
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This has been an excellent instrument, mine failed and circuit information etc. is not available on the web from the Diamond company or elsewhere that I could find, I emailed four companies that supply the equipment for the information and one replied that he could not help. I am an electronic tradesman and quite capable of repairing this type of equipment, I have since replaced the faulty diode and the meter works once again but am not sure what the correct diode specs should have been.
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KC0HKM
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 7, 2008 13:57
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Exceeds expectations
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I really did not have high expectations for this item - but when I needed a watt meter that could read forward and reflected power easily across the entire range from 160 meters to the 70 cm bands, this item seemed to fit the bill. The range is covered using two sensors with a rear mounted switch selecting the appropriate range setting and an LED as a reminder. Once installed and power applied, it works as advertised.
For me, absolute accuracy is not of prime importance since the unit is specified at +/- 10% of full range; however, the relative accuracy and changes over time in forward and reflected power are critical to detect impending antenna and feed line issues and for that, this unit can't be beat at the current price point.
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LZ2STO
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Rating: 3/5
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Dec 2, 2007 18:57
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nothing better
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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In fact there is nothing better except some PRO equipment - too expensive for the shack. SWR bridges are HQ, but keep in mind the accuracy from the specification +/- 10% at fullscale.
I found some nonlinearity in measurements, so i rate it "3" - OK for the shack.
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K4CDK
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Rating: 5/5
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May 10, 2005 17:55
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Excellent for the price
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Found it fits all that I needed. Checked it against a Byrd to see how good it really was. No differencce in readings. Best I hae found for the money after lookin for about 3-4 months and comparing all spec. The range it covers is great as it will meet most anyone's needs.
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KB0ETC
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 23, 2003 16:52
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Nothing Better
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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There is nothing better in the class for the price range.
I own the SX-600 and the SX-1000.
The meter is very accurate, it is a peice of test equipment - not just a reference point. It is that good.
I agree there "manual", which leaves much to be desired.
Built very well. I have used Diawa, MFJ, and Yaesu meters. The Diamond surpasses them!
Only complaint is the VHF/UHF sensor has UHF connectors instead of Type N. But most amateurs don't use Type N connectors anyways, since there isn't that much more loss.
This is why all my mobile antennas, and base VHF/UHF antennas are Diamond. Build to last.
Remember: "A Diamond is Forever".
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VE3EWS
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 7, 2003 01:55
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A very good meter
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I'm really impressed with this unit. When I first got it, I suspected the accuracy of the thing when I got some weird readings when using it to check an antenna installation. So, I checked it against a "known" Bird meter, and found that my SX600s accuracy is bang-on.
The unit is a little on the small side and feels a bit delicate, but it IS a precision instrument. So you won't be tossing it around carelessly.
Right ? ;-)
All-in-all a definite keeper.
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KG6JEV
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 1, 2002 12:38
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Great meter, manual is in Japlish
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Being new to the hobby, I needed a good meter that would cover HF as well as VHF and UHF. Almost bought a MFJ, but then discovered the one I liked had no calibration knob and was internally calibrated for 10w and 100w. Finally found and purchased the SX-600. The meter is well constructed and seems very accurate. I have used it to check the VSWR and confirm power output on my Kenwood TM-D700A and Yaesu FT-767GX (2m and 70cm modules installed).
The manual is a different story. For such a great meter, the technical writing found in the manual makes you wonder. Many Japanese products have decent documentation, but the manual for the SX-600 is a little hard to understand at times. Diamond would do well to hire a technical writer, who speaks English as a first language, to rewrite the manual.
I was tempted to give a '4' rating, but the meter quality is so good, that I'll give it a '5'.
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