homebrew SWR meter?

[joseph2020]

does anyone know of a (cheap, easy, accurate) SWR meter I can build with minimal cost?

I don't need anything fancy, just needs to work on the 2 meter band. I have advanced electronic skills, and all the tools...I just need a schematic.

I will look on the web, but if anyone has any personal experience with this, please let me know if
Is there a "quick and dirty" SWR meter I can build? I have access to any parts I want, but the simpler the better. Thanks in advance.

 

[K9WG]

Google is your friend...

Homebrew SWR meter for VHF, UHF and SHF (including Wifi ISM Band)

VK5AJL - Build your own micro-stripline SWR meter - the only way to measure SWR.

Wideband SWR meter

73

 

[joseph2020]

Thanks for your reply.

 

[Skypilot007]

Great to see someone willing to build something instead of instantly buying one. Good luck with the project and let us see the finished product when its done.

 

[joseph2020]

Skypilot007, thanks for you reply

After looking around on Ebay I see a few SWR meters for less than $10. These all seems to be for the CB band ( 10 meter, I think(?)).

How hard would it be to modify one of these to work in the 2 meter band? Thanks in advance

 

[K9WG]

Skypilot007, thanks for you reply

After looking around on Ebay I see a few SWR meters for less than $10. These all seems to be for the CB band ( 10 meter, I think(?)).

How hard would it be to modify one of these to work in the 2 meter band? Thanks in advance

It depends on the meter. I have a couple of "CB" meters that work quite well on VHF. Some of the real cheap ones don't. It is a gamble if they will work at VHF or not.

 

[joseph2020]

K9WG, thanks for your reply.

Is there any way to modify these CB SWR meters to work with 2 meter?

 

[K9WG]

Not really. Problem with meters designed for low frequencies is that the diodes and capacitors don't handle VHF very well. The HF meters I have that will work on VHF are very touchy at those frequencies. It is just better to buy one made for VHF then to try to modify one. At least in my opinion.