SWR Meter

[CampDavid]

Suggestions as to a SWR meter that might work for both SSB and VHF testing, cost and make?

Fletch

[Paul Elliott]

I use the MFJ-872 for testing HF and low VHF antennas. The frequency range is 1.8 to 200 MHz, so it covers the marine VHF band. It's not lab-grade, but it's going to get you close enough. Cost at Ham Radio Outlet is $80.

[S/V Pearl]

I have a Diamond SX-200 meter that does power and swr 1.8-200Mhz. Cost $90 at HRO.

73,

Keith

[Andrew A]

How about an MJF-812B...again not a lab test set but still $40 buckeroos

MFJ Enterprises Inc.

[justlearnin]

I have an old cb radio era swr meter from radio shack and tested it on ham 2 meter (146 mhz) a few years ago against a vhf unit I borrowed. The guy that owned the vhf meter swore the cb meter was going to be useless on 2 meter. I found they were EXACTLY the same. It wasn't rated for vhf but seemed to work ok. I also checked another meter (different brand) same thing. Who knew. The other guy ...didn't believe me. Apparently (with him) only the exact right thing, was exactly the right thing.

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by Andrew A

How about an MJF-812B...again not a lab test set but still $40 buckeroos

MFJ Enterprises Inc.

The OP asked for SSB and VHF coverage, but the MFJ-812B only covers VHF (it says 144 through 220 MHz).

I've used other SWR meters beyond their published frequency limits, and they often perform well enough. It's hard to predict without seeing the inner workings of the unit.

[Teknav]

On the outside, SWR meters look alike but their internal circuits are different for different frequencies.

[goboatingnow]

I would suggest the Daiwa range of crossed pointer meters

Dave