ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- Taking a look at the K-PO DG-503 digital SWR/power meter. I’ve selected this as my all-in-one meter as it covers HF, VHF & UHF frequencies. I specifically want it for the 2m band when working /P with a linear amplifier, but widened my search from just VHF and analogue, so I have other options covered in future if I need them. I’ve also searched for a meter that uses N sockets at VHF and above, which this one does. Note other similar models branded by other manufacturers have SO239 sockets for all bands.
To date, I’ve used the built in meters on both the Yaesu FTDX5000 MP Limited and the Yaesu FT-991A and not found it necessary to have an external SWR meter.
There are other amateur/ham radio-related videos on this channel. Feel free to browse and subscribe 👍🏻
Thanks.
Ian.
Very useful demo, including showing the unit in operation in SSB.
Paul Tuddenham Thanks Paul!
@@ianxfs You're very welcome Ian. Seeing it actually working was hugely helpful. Paul, G3XFF.
Avery good .Concratulation
Thanks!
To the people saying it looks like this one or that one, do they work the same. They are all the same, except for the name. Sellers buy these in bulk from China (usually on Ali Baba) and the factory in China puts any name you want on the box and the meter. But it's the same one that MFJ sells for $100 more...lol. btw, this applies to most stuff that comes out of China.
Thanks. This one uses N connectors, which seems to be not standard on other models I’ve seen.
Looks good, another piece of kit for my list. Thank you.
John Buck Seems to do the business John. Thanks. Will try in anger when my amplifier arrives!
@@ianxfs I'll keep an eye on the horizon for a cloud of smoke. Seriously, looking forward to your report with the new amp.
Hi Ian, I have just got the DG-103 (Nissei) from ML&S and it's very similar but does 1.6 to 60 MHz and up to 1200W. Nice bits of kit.
Good one Tom! Mine’s less power, but higher frequency range. They do look nice mind 😀
I had to return 2 x DG-103 to Martin Lynch as they were both way off on HF with SWR readings.
Check yours against a known working SWR meter & you'll probably also see astronomically incorrect readings on some bands.
EG - A SWR of 1.7:1 tested on a few accurate meters showed around 1.04:1 on the Nissei - NOT GOOD.
I wonder how many they have sold now because of your video, thanks for great review, im about to order mine !!!
Ha ha! Yes Andy, I should be on commission. These, Diamond antennas and DX Commanders.... 😁
@@ianxfs im just wondering which version to get, i mean should i go for the model with the N types or pl259 type connector....
Hi Andy. I just wanted N sockets as they are less lossy at VHF/UHF and all my other connections are N type at those frequencies. It cost me a little more for this model. If you’re not that concerned and/or use PL259s in your set-up, then two more PLs aren’t going to make much more difference? Hope you get sorted 👍🏻
Thanks nice clear video
Thanks Niko 👍🏻
Thanks
Thanks for watching & commenting 😀
Its been several years now since you've done this video. Do you still have this meter and what do you think of it?
Would you buy again? If not, why, What would you buy instead?
Yes still have it and always use it when /P contesting on VHF with an amplifier in-line. If just rig on its own, home or /P, I use the internal meter. Yes, I’d buy again.
Cpuld you add a cigarette lighter plug to use in mobile locations??
Yes. An easy mod and uses very little power 👍🏻
@@ianxfs how long is the cable on the swe meter do I just need a short cig plug
This one is 70cm. Easy to extend and/or add plugs etc. 😀
@@ianxfs so close to 3 feet American that’s enough
Hi,
Could this be connected to an antenna to give its SWR of the antenna (with or without the coax)?
Thanks.
Doug Loughren Hi Doug! I’m not sure what you mean? Yes, when transmitting the bottom right figure in the display is the antenna SWR. You will need some sort of run of coax to connect to the antenna. Hope this helps. Ian.
Hi Ian, I did not make myself clear. Like the MFJ269, it is an analyzer which you can tune your antenna. Can this device also do that?
Doug Loughren ah right. This is just a standard Watt/SWR meter Doug. The MFJ is an analyser, so will show reactance and all sorts of advance features...If you want the full analyser features then the mfj and other analysers are the way to go. In terms of an in-line digital SWR meter and measuring SWR points on an antenna, then I’m happy with this, plus it’s a Watt meter. Hope this helps...
Lots of reviews about these being innacurate with SWR readings on HF - and both of mine were (DG-103 & DG-503).
Check it out Vs any other SWR meter on various frequencies & you'll see it's way off on some frequencies.
A SWR of 1.7:1 on 4 different working meters showed as 1.04:1 on these.
Please check them compared to another SWR meter before your refund entitlement ends!
Ok Harry, hadn’t heard that before. I can compare against the rig meter or borrow someone’s to try. Thanks.
@@ianxfs
They look great & seem to work fine on VHF/UHF, but on HF the readings are all over the place.
Please check a few different bands on HF, then report back your findings.
@@harrybatt998 ive had nothing but problems with my 103.. my recent video shows how bad these meters are on HF.. they are a nice meter design but after all the various checks i did found the meter to be useless on HF.
@@DeltaXray444
I've relied to your video mate.
The problems you've encountered, I have too.
The Nissei DG-103 I had was wildly inaccurate & gave odd readings like yours, so I returned it for a full refund.
I've read numerous reviews similar to ours, so how people that still use these haven't noticed the flaws is beyond me; the only thing I can think, is that they don't have any reference meters to compare it to.
@@harrybatt998 hi Harry.. I have seen your comment thank you and will reply to it as soon as I get home, (it's a bit tricky when traveling)
Don't see how we can test modulation with this meter ?
Jimmy That’s not something I’ve looked at Jimmy. I could try some AM tests...
where did you get that from ian ??, i can see that on my desk too :)
kevin matthews Yes Kevin, it was from PJ Box (£119.95). For some reason it’s not under the Amateur Radio menu, so Google PJ Box K-PO and you’ll find it! Have fun!
Kisaran berapa harganya bos?
Around £100 in the UK.
Ianxfs How stable is it when 4 cables are connected up - does it have a tendency to tip back please?
Philip Bedford No Phil, and that’s with four Westflex 103 leads connected. At first I thought it might slip as two of the four feet are a harder plastic/rubber than the other two, but turns out it sits nicely on top of the 991A and doesn’t move. Just enough room for my Microset amp (yet to use in anger!) next to it 👍🏻