SWR meter with remote head?

[jnojr]

I'm wondering if such a beast exists... I'd like to have an SWR meter next to my radio in my car, but not have to run antenna cable to it. I'd like the main "guts" to be under the seat with the radio, and one small easily-hidden wire to a remote display. Doable?

 

[mmckenna]

There's a few options, but it depends on what bands you are looking for.

But, do you really need an SWR meter in line all the time? Does your SWR change that much? Is this for HF use where you are remotely tuning an antenna?

 

[mmckenna]

Bird 43 remote line section:

4230-006-1, 7/8" RF Line Section | Bird - The RF Experts

Bird's 4230-006-1 is a 7/8

birdrf.com

Drawback is you need a big Bird meter display, and it's expensive.

MFJ for HF, but since they are gone, you may have a challenge finding one:

MFJ-819, IT, FLAT REMOTE, SWR/WATTMETER, MOBILE, HF+6M, 2kW

Just 1 5/8 thick -- easily mounts on your dashboard for easy viewing. Flat mounton wall or shelf in your ham shack for best viewing angle.Remote sensor with 25 feet thin, flexible cable lets you place sensor and coax out-of-the-way.Handles full 1500 Watts, 1.8-60 MHz. LED lighted Cross-Needle...

mfjenterprises.com

Or, build your own. It's not terribly hard.

 

[AK9R]

The Telepost LP-100 and LP-500 meters use an inline sensor with a remote display. They're pricey, though. TELEPOST E-MAIL

 

[vagrant]

I still have a Micronta 21-522 I purchased from Radio Shack in the 70’s. It handles 3-30 MHz and has three meters showing PWR/SWR/Modulation. I’m sure they can be found on eBay. A small wire connects the head unit to the input/output of the coax.

Here’s a link to the paperwork.

https://www.qsl.net/kb7tbt/manuals/radioshack/Micronta-power-mod-SWR21-522.pdf

 

[AK9R]

has three meters showing PWR/SWR/Modulation

Out of curiosity, what does the Modulation meter show on sideband signals?

 

[vagrant]

I don't think I have used it in decades. Previously, always AM with CB. I will dig it out, test and reply. What's funny is while writing that post I thought the same thing about the modulation on SSB and figured I would test it one day. Looks like it will be sooner than later, like tomorrow...after I find it.

 

[K4EET]

I still have a Micronta 21-522 I purchased from Radio Shack in the 70’s. <snip>

I still have that same Micronta 21-522 unit also purchased in the 1970s at Radio Shack. Just saw it the other week while going through some storage boxes. It could possibly fit the OP’s needs if they need it for an HF application. The downside is it is a fairly large unit as one can see in the PDF document of @vagrant’s Post #5 above. Over 8 inches (21 centimeters) wide…

https://www.mercari.com/us/item/m81009611852/

That for sale posting may or may not be the going price. 😳😳😳

 

[W4AXW]

Out of curiosity, what does the Modulation meter show on sideband signals?

Mine showed nothing..........back in the day.

7 3

 

[jnojr]

There's a few options, but it depends on what bands you are looking for.

But, do you really need an SWR meter in line all the time? Does your SWR change that much? Is this for HF use where you are remotely tuning an antenna?

VHF/UHF & GMRS

I've seen that tightening or loosening the antenna just a little can drastically change SWR. And I have yet to find one antenna I can just leave on... if I get decent VHF & UHF, GMRS is >2:1 Right now, I have a Laird GMRS antenna, and I'm sure VHF and UHF would be terrible.

It would be nice to always just be able to tell. No digging out the Surecom, connecting it, dragging the mic over the seat, test test test... I'd like something that's just always there.

 

[mmckenna]

VHF/UHF & GMRS

I've seen that tightening or loosening the antenna just a little can drastically change SWR. And I have yet to find one antenna I can just leave on... if I get decent VHF & UHF, GMRS is >2:1 Right now, I have a Laird GMRS antenna, and I'm sure VHF and UHF would be terrible.

It would be nice to always just be able to tell. No digging out the Surecom, connecting it, dragging the mic over the seat, test test test... I'd like something that's just always there.

Your other post about antennas that will work on 2m, 70cm and GMRS should cover you. Once installed and checked, there'd really be no reason to keep the SWR meter connected anymore.