Amateur radio
Daiwa CN-501V VHF/UHF SWR & Power Meter — Cross‑Needle Bench Unit
Reviews
4.9/ 5
- 5 stars 6
- 4 stars 1
- 3 stars 0
- 2 stars 0
- 1 star 0
- Brand
- Daiwa
Product description
The CN‑501V is a bench‑style SWR and power meter built around a cross‑needle analog meter that displays forward power, reflected power and SWR simultaneously. That design lets you read all three parameters at once without changing modes or performing extra calibration steps — the two needles’ intersection gives an immediate SWR indication.
Designed for VHF and UHF work, the unit covers 140–525 MHz and offers two selectable forward power ranges: 20 watts and 200 watts. SWR detection remains useful down to approximately 4 watts, allowing checks while transmitting at low power. The meter’s RF ports are 50‑ohm SO‑239 input and output connectors to match common coaxial setups.
The enclosure includes anti‑slip edge bumpers to keep the meter steady on a bench, and an LED‑lit scale for reading in dim conditions; the lighting is powered via the 12 V DC input (2.5 mm DC jack). Mechanically the CN‑501V measures about 5″ wide × 3″ high × 4″ deep (roughly 155 × 80 × 100 mm) and weighs about 1 lb 8 oz (≈670 g). What you get is a compact, practical instrument for antenna tuning, duplexer adjustment, transmitter output checks and other routine VHF/UHF maintenance tasks.
Pros
- Simultaneous display of forward, reflected and SWR
- Wide 140–525 MHz coverage with two power ranges
- LED‑illuminated meter and rubber edge guards
Cons
- Analog display lacks logging or digital output
- Limited to SO‑239/50‑ohm systems
- Not intended for advanced spectrum analysis
VerdictThe CN‑501V is a straightforward, no‑frills SWR and power meter aimed at radio hams, repeater builders and RF techs who need clear, simultaneous readings. Its cross‑needle layout eliminates mode switching, the two power scales handle low and high outputs, and the sensitivity down to roughly 4 W makes it useful for tuning at modest transmit levels. Built to sit on a workbench with anti‑slip bumpers
Reviews
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Al G. 5/5
Solid value
Works as stated.
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M Craft 5/5
Good value
Fair price.
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Dave L. 4/5
Performs as expected
Daiwa unit operates as expected.
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Joe 5/5
Reliable readings
Works well; accurate.
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Audomaro Gutierrez C. 5/5
Excellent device and fast service
Excellent meter from a known brand with quick delivery — highly recommend.
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Kevin J. Darrah 5/5
Accurate and straightforward
Very accurate and easy to use; readings matched my reference meter.
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AJ 5/5
Well made
Solid construction, helpful backlight, and readings appeared consistent across a few antenna/coax combos.
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