DOSY METERS ANY GOOD??

[EAGLE3836]

I am looking into buying a Watt Meter, Ive seen the ones made by DOSY, for around $99.00+ shipping.......that has a SWR, Watt and MOD Meters......

Are these good quailty meters, or can you suggest another........

I currently have a Radio Shack swr/power meter, its just to small .......or Im just to old and Blind........

Thanks.................Rick
EAGLE3836

[Foxhunter]

I know what you mean sometimes small sized meters don't cut it for some people. I have the Dosy TFC-3001 and it works relatively fine. Some models don't have the "F" in the model # and means it doesn't have the frequency counter. If it's around $95 then I'd imagine it's the "plain" Dosy TC-3001. Astatic and other companies make similar all-in-one "test center" 3-meter combinations too I believe.

You didn't mention a particular model Dosy but the one I referred to above works pretty well overall. I never seemed to have much luck (or faith) in the one modulation meter or setting that many of these type units have, but I guess that's no big deal. Last in my station I was using another type altogether, a large cross-needle meter. Sometimes they can be a pain in some ways, yet handy at times.

The Dosy type meters will show PEP wattage readings with modulation on voice peaks and a kind of basic "average power" reading if you just key the mic without modulating (speaking). While not a Bird most of these medium level meters are fine and give a reasonably accurate indication of your wattage and swr.

I take it you're going to be using it in a base setup, as it's intended for fixed stations and has an AC plug. They make a nice large faced DC mobile meter too the Dosy TR-1000 . I have them both so can say I've used them and they worked fairly well. If you could swing it I'd opt for the one with the ferquency counter. Be sure to check our Sponsors and inquire about any CBRT member discounts or specials.

Foxhunter 351 NJ

Dosy base meter


Dosy mobile meter (looks great with blue LED)

['Doc]

How about an MFJ-868? More than $99, but if you can't see that thing, you really do need glasses! No 'Mod' function, but who needs it anyway?
- 'Doc

(Pick the one you like the best. Not enough difference to make any difference.)

[721HACKSAW]

I have had several meters the Dosys, an Astatic, and Radio Shack. When I got my HAM ticket I needed a meter that would do more than just 11m. The one I have now is an Autek WM-1, it has 2 seperate meters, 1 for power and 1 for SWR. There are no calibrating steps, it does it all, just choose the proper power range 20-200-2000 and go. At $150 it is expensive but I should never need another one.

[TheCBDoctor]

Hi EAGLE3836

Dosy meters are not bad, they do the job, but they are not built the same way today as they were back in the Day, but then nothing is.

Respectfully,

[Alien Abductor]

cheap junk

sure if something major goes wrong with your setup you will notice with one, but there not very accurate or reliable.

If you dont want to go bird, try a palstar or diamond.

[EAGLE3836]

Hi EAGLE3836

Dosy meters are not bad, they do the job, but they are not built the same way today as they were back in the Day, but then nothing is.

Respectfully,

I wanted a Decent watt meter, I have the RM meter that goes to 600 watts on the Lenier, but i wanted a Good one for the base........

I learned about buying inexpensive stuff,like the base antenna I bought off e-bay (Pat-12)
I couldent get it to SWR in worth a Crap.......I called the Makers, and they had a Thousand reasons why it wouldent SWR in below 1.8, and wanted me to do a Hundred different things in order to make it work.........was not worth the $59.00 price+ shipping, after all the Hassles....

My buddies Gift of the 36 year old, New in box, 5/8 wave Astro-Plane is working better than anything i pervious owned over the years.............

I wonder if i can find a Meter, as good as back in the Days,like this Astro-Plane, when they made the Best and stood behind it.............Like Snap-on tools do.........

Thanks...............Rick
EAGLE 3836

['Doc]

SWR/watt meters haven't changed much in a lot of years, wouldn't worry about that aspect, unless you just feel like it. Find a meter you can deal with, size, price, etc, and go with that. As for size, that MFJ meter is the largest I've seen (with or without my glasses) in a long time. It's about as accurate as any other meter, but it does cost more than what you specified. If size is the biggy, then I'd have to say that's the one to get. If size isn't that big a deal, it probably isn't worth the additional expense. Pick something else.
- 'Doc

[EAGLE3836]

SWR/watt meters haven't changed much in a lot of years, wouldn't worry about that aspect, unless you just feel like it. Find a meter you can deal with, size, price, etc, and go with that. As for size, that MFJ meter is the largest I've seen (with or without my glasses) in a long time. It's about as accurate as any other meter, but it does cost more than what you specified. If size is the biggy, then I'd have to say that's the one to get. If size isn't that big a deal, it probably isn't worth the additional expense. Pick something else.
- 'Doc

I SEE what you mean......Yes I can see that Easyly........even if im adjusting the SWR's on our Tractor/Trailers at work, this should be an easy meter for me to use.....

Do any of our CBRT Sponsers carry it and Who they are......???

Thanks for the MFJ Meter Answer DOC...........

Rick......

[TheCBDoctor]

Hi Guys,

The early Dosy meters were made of metal and the controls connected directly to the board. Today, they are made of a very light metal and the controls are connected to the board by a long plastic extension shaft. The theory has not change. It is a switch between two diodes in forward and reverse bias modes connected to a meter.

The biggest problem with them is the plastic shafts break or wear down after a time. Like anything today it is made on the cheap. They are accurate enough for most users. If you want Mil Spec you have to pay. In a pinch you can measure the SWR indirectly by measuring the radio's current draw. The lower the current draw the lower the SWR. A high SWR will cause the radio to draw more current.

When I get a driver that is worried about whether he has a 1.3 SWR or a 1.5 SWR because two meters are giving a slightly different reading I just want to wrap duct tape around my head to keep it from exploding. It is amazing how quickly the driver's curiosity disappears when I tell him I can measure it with my meter for $10. I do get an occasional driver that really wants to know. I take my meter and I get a 1.4 SWR. I also get $10, the driver gets more confused. The differnce is insignifacant.

I look at it this way. Do you want to spend $225 for a perfect measurement or $99 for one that is close enough to let you know the radio will not be damaged and you will get out? I am in the business and I own a couple of radios and some nice test equipment. I go to some operator's house and I see 60 radios, 20 different meters, and more cable and parts than any person may need. No wonder their wife left them. It is like the Twilight Zone. When I get a call at 11 pm because some operator's SWR went from 1.1 to a 1.3 to 1, I remind them that I would like to stay married, so call me in the morning. Okay, but will it hurt my radio?................Break out the duct tape.

Respectfully,

[127]

SWR/watt meters haven't changed much in a lot of years, wouldn't worry about that aspect, unless you just feel like it. Find a meter you can deal with, size, price, etc, and go with that. As for size, that MFJ meter is the largest I've seen (with or without my glasses) in a long time. It's about as accurate as any other meter, but it does cost more than what you specified. If size is the biggy, then I'd have to say that's the one to get. If size isn't that big a deal, it probably isn't worth the additional expense. Pick something else.
- 'Doc

I SEE what you mean......Yes I can see that Easyly........even if im adjusting the SWR's on our Tractor/Trailers at work, this should be an easy meter for me to use.....

Do any of our CBRT Sponsers carry it and Who they are......???

Thanks for the MFJ Meter Answer DOC...........

Rick......

There is a whole list of retailers at the bottom of the page.

[11mOutlaw]

Go with a Diamond or Palstar

[EAGLE3836]

Go with a Diamond or Palstar

Hi All.........After looking at all the Wattmeters around and Manuals..........

I Decided to buy the Palstar PM2000A, will be delivered by UPS shortly.........

Hopeing its as good as they Brag about, and I like the Fact its made in the USA.........

1 year warrenty, seem easy to operate by the Manuals...........

will see......

Thank you for all your Imputs and suggestions on this topic.......

Rick
EAGLE3836

[11mOutlaw]

Eagle you'll love it. I use the same meter.

[Alien Abductor]

Go with a Diamond or Palstar

Hi All.........After looking at all the Wattmeters around and Manuals..........

I Decided to buy the Palstar PM2000A, will be delivered by UPS shortly.........

Hopeing its as good as they Brag about, and I like the Fact its made in the USA.........

1 year warrenty, seem easy to operate by the Manuals...........

will see......

Thank you for all your Imputs and suggestions on this topic.......

Rick
EAGLE3836

Very good choice, excellent quality, customer service, and made the the United States. Im waiting on some palstar gear to arrive myself

[outlaw0814]

i myself have a 4001 model and its a good meter in my opinion havent had any problems with it --- ok i will admit it aint no bird or drake like we used at the shop when i was a kid

[No Handle]

I have a DOSY TC-4001-P bought new about 15 years ago (maybe longer) and is still doing good. Meter is big enough to make it easy to read.

[linx]

I'm not a fan of DOSY meters. To each their own, but I don't like the inaccuracy.