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| Reviews Summary for Diamond SX-200 Pwr/SWR Meter |
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Reviews: 22
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Average rating: 4.5/5
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MSRP: $50
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Description: 1.8-200 MHz, 200/20/5 Watt settings.
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More info: http://
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write your own review of the Diamond SX-200 Pwr/SWR Meter.
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KI4MCW
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Rating: 3/5
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Nov 8, 2006 14:20
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Not so hot on VHF
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I like my SX-200 aesthetically - it seems well-constructed, and looks great alongside the rest of my gear. On my particular unit, though, the reverse-power sensor (diode?) doesn't work so well. This leads to wildly inaccurate readings on 2 meters, including reverse power readings greater than the output of my rig (!), and SWR readings well beyond infinity even after calibration.
Forward power readings seem fine. In fact, I was able to _calculate_ SWR by measuring forward power, reversing the coax connections on the back, and measuring forward power again (which is now really reverse power), and using the standard formula. The reverse power reading problem may also not be an issue at HF frequencies - I don't have an HF rig to test with yet, so I'll reserve judgement there.
It looks like others have had good experiences with their SX-200's on VHF, but for myself I'd have to say that this is not the best tool for testing a 2m rig.
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N4NYY
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 24, 2006 16:59
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Update on light bulb
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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My meter is still working flawlessly. However, I decided to replace the light bulb, even though it still works. Since most burn out, I replaced with with a super bright LED. Now, it's even better and brighter than before!
Please note, if you take the meter case apart, you'll notice that the meter element is closed. It is closed by what appears to be some scotch tape material. I removed it, opened the meter element, and had access to the lamp. Be care you don't hit the needle. I replaced it with an 3mm LED. I used a 3,000 mcd LED. Use at least that brightness, or higher if possible. A 560 ohm resistor is all that is needed as a drop resistor on 13.8 VDC. And you are on your way. This meter is works great!
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KK7UN
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 22, 2006 19:39
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Worth The Price...
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I bought this to replace a troublesome RadioShack meter I've had for a couple years now, which I had trouble with from the very first day I bought it. With this meter capable of covering all of the HF bands I work, plus my 2 meter rig, I had to give it a try. In the first couple of hours I had it, I tuned up a new 2 meter mobile antenna, and verified that when I use my antenna tuner on the HF Bands, when I get maximum sound, I also have low SWR. When using the RadioShack SWR Meter, maximum sound did NOT equal low SWR on it, but usually showed way over in the red zone. When I would use the tuner to where the RadioShack meter showed low SWR, I could only hear the strong stations, and rarely did anyone hear me.
I feel much better now, and look forward to a long partnership with my new Diamond SX-200.
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KC8Y
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 21, 2005 17:21
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Excellent device!!!!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've had this item for a fews years (about 5) & NO trouble at all with it...Mostly use on my 2-meter rigs (0-75 watts)...
The device readout all types of power/SWR measurements...For the price I paid for it, sure gives me my monies worth
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N4GLS
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Rating: 4/5
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Sep 11, 2005 11:12
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Nice Piece
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I love the look and accuracy of the meter but the light bulb burned out after a short time. I used a single LED bulb to replace it. Works great, brighter than the original bulb
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N4NYY
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 11, 2005 07:42
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Excellent for price
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Excellent for the price. I paid $90. The peak measurements are great, as are the avg measurements. As far as the backlight going out, I neither use it nor would I care if the light burnt out. I just care how it measures.
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K4EQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 5, 2005 04:37
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So far so good!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've had mine for a few weeks now and it's been working perfectly to this point. The meter light works fine (according to other reports I'll keep my fingers crossed) and power measurements in the QRP range appear to be highly accurate when compared to another quality wattmeter I have (OHR WM-2). Plus, it is a nice looking piece of equipment. --Dale, K4EQ
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W4MOP
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Rating: 4/5
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Jul 3, 2005 13:08
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Replaceable Light Bulb
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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It seems to work very well But the back light in the meter stop working after 2 1/2 months. Dose not appear to be replaceable and some friends that have the SX-200 say theirs did the same thing
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VE7REN
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Rating: 5/5
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May 10, 2005 20:52
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very nice meter!!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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have had mine about a week now, and must say it is a nice compliment to the shack. good looking,accurate,and seems to be very well built.cant be beat for the price!! wouldnt hesitate to buy any diamond products at all. very good stuff!!!nuff said!
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W3NRL
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Rating: 3/5
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Jan 28, 2005 06:09
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worked for awhile
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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while it worked was very good lasted for about 14 months, then signs of trouble started showing..
worked once in while then nothing or if the needle did move very inaccurate, it was off and on not sure what the problem is if anyone has some ideas please let me know thank you
de w3nrl
Nick
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