| N7GCO |
Rating:      |
2018-10-10 | |
| Outstanding Product and Customer Service! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
The WN-2d is a very accurate and helpful SWR/Wattmeter. It also has an excellent computer visual interface that can be customized to fit your preferences. I use the meter with three sensors (80 meter Inverted V, 60 meter Inverted V and 80/40 meter Inverted V). You can use up to four sensors at once.
There are many features I am still learning to use. It is a very robust system.
Alan at WaveNode gives incredible customer service. I had a problem (caused by me) and Alan helped me work through it. Their customer support is tremendous.
I would highly recommend the WaveNode WN-2 to anyone wanting a quality and accurate SWR/Wattmeter, especially if you have multiple antennas.
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| K6BRN |
Rating:      |
2018-04-10 | |
| A GREAT Product |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
The Wavenode WN-2 and WN-2d digital watt-meters are incredibly versatile tools for any “ham shack” and are able to monitor and display average/peak TX watts and SWR for up to four antennas simultaneously, on the HF, VHF, UHF and SHF amateur bands to 1.3 GHz, with good accuracy. No other wattmeter on the market can make or deliver on that claim. And they and their sensors are reasonably priced.
But they are so much more than just watt/SWR meters. Like the much more expensive Telepost LP-500 and LP-700, the WH-2/WN-2d is able to display a rough plot of TX spectral components as well as peak and reflected power via the supporting PC software. It also provides calculations and plots of amplifier gain and TX power over time, and SWR over frequency at the actual power levels you run. High SWR alarms (they literally speak “High SWR”) are provided and are linked to an SPDT relay that can open the TX keying line automatically if desired. Four analog inputs can be useful for monitoring of voltage and/or temperature levels of shack equipment.
Even more interesting is the (optional) ability to control up to two Yaesu rotators via a point and click interface. While this interface provides four “memories” per rotator, they are almost redundant as the software control panel displays a customizable compass card showing both direction and a world map. Just point-and-click on the map/compass card and the rotator automatically slews to the right position. Bang! You’re there. The graphic compass pointer, which normally displays direction in degrees, switches to TX power upon transmit. Most 3rd party digital rotator controls cost more than the WD-2d, by itself and are half as useful.
Then there is the (optional) RFview port BNC tap for the sensors, which allows direct connection of a lab oscilloscope or (with an in-line attenuator) spectrum analyzer to see exactly how good or bad your TX waveform is in fine detail. And it is also designed to be used with transceivers and amplifiers that can use active feedback to improve spectral purity/IMD (“IMpure”).
Many different sensors are available, with up to 8KW capacity, and there are also specialty sensors for QRP, AM broadcast stations, FM police/fire and more. No shortage of choices. Each sensor is individually calibrated inside the sensor itself, with only relatively low-frequency measurement outputs, so they are pretty insensitive to line length and can be mounted pretty far away.
What do I find most useful? First is the ability to monitor multiple antennas on multiple bands, exciter power and amp power all at the same time. Currently, my WN-2d monitors drive power from my Yaesu FTDX-3000 HF rig and output power from my Quadra amp, along with output power from my 2M/1.25M/70CM radios all at once ( I use a combiner to merge VHF/UHF outputs into one antenna). Second is the point-and-click rotator control – easy to set up and use. WAY faster than the Yaesu 800DXA control box. Third is the concerned “High SWR” voice that politely points out when I’ve selected the wrong antenna for a band, fourth is the amplifier gain graph, which tells me pretty quickly when I’m going into compression and to back off on drive power. And the list goes on…
What about quality, service and availability? I have two WN-2 boxes, one WN-2d box and eight sensors (HF-1 x 4, UHF-1 x 3, LP-1 x1), most equipped with RFview ports. They’ve been in use at my two QTH’s and on the road for several years. All but the WN-2d and one HF-1 sensro were purchased new. The WN-2d was purchased from a friend who did not know the USB port was damaged. Alan at Wavenode (he’s the owner and chief engineer) simply took the unit back, repaired it and updated it’s firmware at no charge, other than outbound shipping to Wavenode. Later, when I had some problems with frequency response amplitude “tilt” with a few early RFview port equipped sensors, we compared test results and possible causes, then Alan identified and fixed the affected sensors free of charge. He has never “slammed the door” on me when I’ve had a question or issue, has always listened carefully and he is VERY effective in addressing them (email is best, but we’ve talked quite a bit by phone, too). But that said, these were minor issues and most of the gear and software simply worked fine out of the box. I like that. Note that I also have the Telepost LP-700 and have encountered a calibration issue with that unit (quickly fixed by Telepost). In terms of availability, I’ve been able to get the wattmeters and sensors in short order, usually in a few days, compare to the many months of wait for the Telepost unit. I’m still waiting for the Telepost VHF/UHF sensor to be available.
Which do I prefer? Telepost LP-700 or WN-2/WN-2d? I think this is a personal choice. The Telepost unit is newer and has a much bigger and functional screen. A “Rolls-Royce” among amateur watt-meters. Very impressive when sitting atop your equipment rack. It is slightly more accurate on some portions of the HF bands than the Wavenode gear, in my particular collection of equipment – this may vary by sample. But the Wavenode equipment is smaller (about the size of a paperback book), significantly less expensive, readily available, has MUCH better software, does a LOT more (the “Range Rover” of wattmeters – goes anywhere and does many things) and has decent accuracy. I can live without the Telepost unit. I can’t live without the Wavenode units. That’s my choice.
Hat’s off to Alan at Wavenode. I’m a comms engineer by profession, am very picky about equipment (i.e. it has to work and have good accuracy) – and I like his product. And his service. While neither is perfect, they’re both very good in my experience. The Telepost LP-700 is very good too – in both product and service - but needs better software and more sensor choices. Its evolution is still in progress.
73 DE K6BRN - Brian
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| W3BIG |
Rating:      |
2018-03-12 | |
| Incredible and Indispensible |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
The Wavenode WN-2d digital RF SWR/Wattmeter provides an incredibly accurate and convenient system for monitoring SWR and RF power. It incorporates a stand alone meter with LED bargraph displays of both RF power and SWR as well as an LCD display that reads peak and average power and SWR. The meter can use 4 separate sensors for different transceivers and is easily interfaced to a computer for real-time large screen displays of power, SWR, spectrum and modulation envelopes. The unit can also be used as a controller for Yaesu type rotators.
This is a precision unit designed and built with care and craftsmanship. The meter is attractive, easy to read and is a perfect size to fit into station cubbyholes or on an equipment shelf. The LED bargraph display is professional in appearance and will add a touch of class to any station. The software is well-designed and a snap to install and use. Power levels can be scaled to your need, whether QRP or QRO. Audible alarms as well as announcements can be used. I have the WN-2d interfaced to a second computer and use it to monitor digital transmissions with a Yaesu FTdx3000. With one quick glance, I can monitor the antenna and RF parameters without the need to constantly toggle through the meter settings of the transceiver.
The Wavenode WN-2d is an indispensible station accessory! |
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| WD4ELG |
Rating:      |
2018-02-24 | |
| Must-have station accessory |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| Simple to use, lots of features. Outstanding customer support. |
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| N0YK |
Rating:      |
2018-01-21 | |
| Fantastic! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I recently was looking for a solution to monitor power output remotely on the 1296 MHz band and get away from the Bird 43 spot checks. I already had the real time capability on lower VHF bands and was just lacking the 1296 band. Everyone operating remote can attest that it's always an added benefit to see your station work properly from a remote operating position. After a few Google searches, I stumbled across the WaveNode website and I couldn't believe my eyes. There was actually a solution available to Hams to monitor the 1296 band among other VHF+ bands remotely at the same time. I then contacted Alan at WaveNode with questions and had an immediate response (it was over the weekend and on a holiday!). The next day I put an order in for a WN-2d meter and sensors for 144/222/432/1296 bands. The package arrived in a few days and I had it up and going in no time. I now can monitor power output on 144/222/432/1296 with one meter and one software package on the PC at the same time. It has so many features but the one I like the most is the small condensed power display. In a small rectangular box, I have separate indications for all four bands. The data is Power Out, SWR and the active band at the time is highlighted with color. It's all you need to know when operating high power amplifiers remotely! Also, Alan has been great to work with and provides excellent support. A fantastic product! A+++++++++++++++++ |
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| WA4SCA |
Rating:      |
2017-07-22 | |
| Easy setup, great support |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| My trusty conventional SWR meter, used for 30+ years, finally died. After research and recommendations, I purchased a WN-2d with four sensors for use on: HF, 2m, 70 cm, and 24 cm. Each checks well within specifications compared with a Bird. The software is easily configured, and can be minimized to a small bar for normal operations. The use of a computer interface is optional but convenient since the unit has an excellent, readable display. Definitely qualifies as a "bucket list" checkoff for monitoring your signal and antenna system. I have not needed support in the sense of a problem, but I have had a couple of questions which were answered quickly, in detail, and clearly. |
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| W8PWU |
Rating:      |
2015-10-24 | |
| EXCELLENT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| ALAN PROVIDED ME HELP IN SETTING UP THE METER, I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS HIGHLY. GOOD WATT METER AND GREAT COMPANY SUPPORT |
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| VK4SX |
Rating:      |
2015-08-15 | |
| Solid product |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have been using the WAVENODE WN-2D for some time now, a couple of years at least, great gadget, Rotator control, multiple sensors, makes for a very handy shack addition, the supplied Software is stable and accurate, excellent support as well,
all in all, Excellent Job, it replaced a MACAW & a AKIGAWA Auto, sure freed up some room.
Cheers
Dennis vk4sx |
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| VE2XX |
Rating:      |
2014-10-13 | |
| Excellent product |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Bought WN2d plus several 2kw sensors, hf & 6, 2, 220, 432, 1296
for my vhf contest station, most of the ones I bought have RF view ( a rf tap in the -40db range) which I can use with a spec an , freq meter, or Anan psdr Pure Signal .
Their product line extends from qrp to very high power sensors for those QRO stations The beauty of these units they will read any power level from abt 1w to 2kw without having to do a thing.I am now able to read transverter power, driver power or final PA power with the same sensor.
I have to say Alan at Wavenode has given me top notch customer service. I asked him many questions plus dozens of emails he was always been there for me. I looked at many different vendors of similar products and decided for me with the range of sensors they had available Wavenode was the way to go.This product replaced several Bird 43's and an assortment of slugs
You will not be disappointed
Stu
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| W0QC |
Rating:      |
2012-06-06 | |
| Perfect |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I purchased oa WN-2d with the rotro interface and two sensors. It was a plug and play set-up
Works better than my expectations |
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