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Reviews For: Diamond SX-600

Category: SWR & Wattmeters & Dummy Loads

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Review Summary For : Diamond SX-600
Reviews: 16MSRP: 179.95
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.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.rfparts.com/diamond
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00164.3
EA1AWY Rating: 2023-05-11
Whoever takes a lot of space, the less he tightens up. OK Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Mine is a Telecom SX600 but it looks the same and is not reviewed, so I prefer to write here.
Pro: It takes up half the space in my cluttered shack as two separate meters for HF and V-UHF.
Against: if I calibrate the measurements of sensor 1 (1.8 to 160MHz) at 144MHz (putting it in series with sensor 2 and making it measure the same), it measures more in HF. If I calibrate it in HF, it measures less in VHF. So I would not say that its frequency range covers what is indicated.
Against: if I transmit with 100W CW for a long time at 1.8MHz (sensor 1), the indicated power decreases as the toroidal cores of the voltage transformers heat up (the current ones remain cold). in 3.5MHz it also happens but after more time. These voltage transformers seem to have little inductance for the low bands, a result of the compromise to try to reach 144MHz with the same sensor.
I deduct two points for the two problems reflected above. Still, seeing what's out there, it's not bad and I think I'd buy it again, knowing its limitations.

Javier Muriedas
G7HFS Rating: 2017-12-21
Very impressed. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Love this meter.... If you need a meter from Topband to 70cms then look no further.👍
PA7DX Rating: 2013-10-25
After using 40 pieces used in my technician group Time Owned: more than 12 months.
For my job we bought more than 40 pieces SX-600 for my technicians.
Afther using them for about 2 yaers we all putted them in the trash.
New from the box there is a lot of difference if you check them. Way more than 10% accuracy.
It is a cheap meter but it is sure low quality and untrusted performance
STAYVERTICAL Rating: 2012-08-20
Diamond in more than name Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have had the usual assortment of SWR meters over the years and finally decided to buy a Diamond SX600N.
This is the most expensive SWR meter I have ever bought, and I was apprehensive that it was more hype than reality.

However, after using it for six months, it has performed flawlessly, and has a very smooth and accurate movement.

Having the dual sensors is also a nice touch and very convenient.
The quality of the finish and connectors is reflective of the price, and I am not disappointed.

If this is indicative of Diamond's products, then this meter will not be my last purchase.

This Diamond is certainly this ham's best friend.
CR7000 Rating: 2012-04-09
Diamond Quality Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Dont get these confused with the ones that look the same - The diamond ones are true quality

This reads spot on, exactly as it should

When i bought this from my local ham store he compared it to his professional bench test equipment, we set it up side by side and it read the same, so it should be accurate for me.

An all in one meter for HF to 70cms, not the cheapest, but you do get what you pay for
K9DTH Rating: 2011-08-02
Nice Meter Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I purchased a used SX600 at a ham fest. Got home and found that it needed calibration. Sent it to RFParts for repair. Rob in the service dept. did a good job. Now the meter is working as should and RF Parts service was excellent.
KB6HRT Rating: 2011-03-02
TOP NOTCH Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The Diamond SX-600 is actuate, well dampened an very easy to read an use, I traded for this meter from a good FRIEND for sure!
KB6HRT
NP3JP Rating: 2010-01-20
Excelent SWR & Wattmeter Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Very good meter
K0TW Rating: 2009-10-06
Meter lamp failed Time Owned: more than 12 months.
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.
VK3TCT Rating: 2008-04-25
Excellent intstrument, doubtfull service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
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.