DAIWA CN-501H2 Higher Power Swr Meter Swr/power 1.8-150 15/150/1500W

( Brand: Daiwa ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: CN-501H2 ), ( Compatible Brand: Universal ), ( Custom Bundle: No ), ( Band: Hf, Uhf, Vhf ), ( To Fit: Ham Radio Transceiver ), ( Type: Meter ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year ), ( Country Of Origin: Japan )

Review DAIWA Cn-501h Higher Power Swr/power Meter 1.8-150 Mhz 15/150/1500w Lighted

The **DAIWA CN-501H2** and its predecessor, the **CN-501H**, represent a refined evolution in portable SWR/power meters, designed to cater to the needs of both amateur radio enthusiasts and professional operators who demand precision, versatility, and durability in their field operations. This high-performance meter stands out as a compact yet powerful tool, engineered to deliver accurate measurements of standing wave ratio (SWR), forward and reflected power, and total power across a broad frequency range, making it indispensable for antenna tuning, transmitter testing, and troubleshooting on the go. With an impressive frequency coverage spanning from **1.8 MHz to 150 MHz**, the CN-501H2 ensures compatibility with nearly all amateur radio bands, from the low-end HF spectrum to the upper reaches of VHF. Its robust construction, featuring a rugged aluminum housing, is built to withstand the rigors of field use, whether deployed in a mobile setup, portable operation, or during outdoor antenna installations. The meter s **three power measurement ranges 15 watts, 150 watts, and 1500 watts **accommodate a wide spectrum of transmitter outputs, from low-power QRP rigs to high-power linear amplifiers, ensuring flexibility for users with varying power requirements. The **SWR measurement range of 1:1 to 10:1** provides granular feedback for optimizing antenna performance, while the **high-power handling capability** (up to 1500 watts) makes it suitable for serious operators working with amplified signals. Beyond its technical specifications, the CN-501H2 and CN-501H are celebrated for their **intuitive design and clarity of display**, featuring a large, backlit LCD screen that presents readings in real-time with minimal ambiguity. The inclusion of a **peak hold function** allows users to capture and analyze maximum SWR and power values, aiding in the identification of transient issues during transmission. Additionally, the meter s **compact and lightweight form factor** ensures ease of transport, fitting seamlessly into a field case or vehicle setup without compromising functionality. Whether you're a seasoned ham radio operator fine-tuning your station or a newcomer looking to build confidence in antenna work, the DAIWA CN-501H2 and CN-501H offer a blend of **accuracy, reliability, and practicality** that elevates the performance of any radio setup.

The **Daiwa CN-501H2** and **CN-501H** are popular SWR/power meters designed for amateur radio operators, particularly those working with higher power levels (up to 1500W). Below is a detailed breakdown of their pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros of the Daiwa CN-501H2/CN-501H**

1. **High Power Handling**

- Both models support up to **1500W** (CN-501H2) and **150W** (CN-501H) on 1.8 30 MHz, making them suitable for high-power HF operation. The CN-501H2 is the better choice for serious transmitters.

- The CN-501H2 also includes a **150W/1500W** range, allowing flexibility for different power levels.

2. **Wide Frequency Range**

- Covers **1.8 150 MHz**, which includes all HF bands and some VHF bands, making it versatile for most amateur radio applications.

3. **Accurate SWR and Power Measurements**

- Both meters provide precise readings for **SWR (Standing Wave Ratio)** and **forward/reverse power**, which are essential for tuning antennas and protecting transmitters.

- The CN-501H2 includes a **power meter function** with a digital display, while the CN-501H uses analog needles for SWR and power.

4. **Durable and Reliable Construction**

- Daiwa is known for building robust, long-lasting equipment. These meters are built to withstand frequent use in field conditions.

- The CN-501H2 has a more modern design with a backlit display, improving readability in low-light conditions.

5. **Compatibility with Coaxial Connectors**

- Both models use **N-type connectors**, which are standard in amateur radio and provide a secure, low-loss connection.

6. **Affordable for Their Capabilities**

- Compared to some digital alternatives, these analog meters offer excellent value, especially the CN-501H2, which provides both analog and digital readings.

7. **Easy to Use**

- The controls are straightforward, and the meters are designed for quick setup and operation. The CN-501H2 s digital display simplifies reading power levels.

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### **Cons of the Daiwa CN-501H2/CN-501H**

1. **Analog Limitations (CN-501H)**

- The **CN-501H** relies on analog needles, which can be less precise for fine-tuning SWR or power levels compared to digital meters. This may be frustrating for operators who prefer exact readings.

2. **No Built-in Antenna Tuner**

- Neither model includes an automatic antenna tuner. Users must rely on external tuners (like the **Daiwa AT-100** or **MFJ-989**) for matching antennas.

3. **Limited VHF/UHF Coverage**

- While they cover up to **150 MHz**, they do not extend into higher VHF/UHF bands (e.g., 220 MHz, 432 MHz, or above), which may limit their usefulness for operators working those bands.

4. **No Bluetooth/Wi-Fi or Remote Monitoring**

- Unlike some modern digital meters, these do not offer wireless connectivity or remote monitoring capabilities. This can be inconvenient for setups where the meter is not easily accessible.

5. **Potential Calibration Drift**

- Analog meters (especially the CN-501H) may require occasional calibration to maintain accuracy, particularly if used in harsh environments or with high power levels over time.

6. **Bulky for Portable Use**

- The physical size of these meters makes them less ideal for portable operations where space is limited. They are better suited for fixed stations.

7. **No Built-in RF Exposure Warning**

- There is no automatic warning for high RF exposure levels, which could be a concern for operators working near sensitive equipment or in environments with strict safety regulations.

---

### **Conclusion**

The **Daiwa CN-501H2** and **CN-501H** are excellent choices for amateur radio operators who prioritize **accuracy, durability, and high-power handling** in a traditional analog or semi-digital format. The **CN-501H2** is the superior model due to its **1500W capability, digital power display, and backlit interface**, making it ideal for serious HF operators. The **CN-501H** is a more budget-friendly option but lacks the high-power and digital features of its successor.

If you need **precise SWR and power measurements** for high-power operation and do not require advanced digital features or VHF/UHF coverage, these meters are highly recommended. However, if you work with **VHF/UHF bands, need remote monitoring, or prefer fully digital readings**, you may want to consider alternatives like the **Daiwa AT-100 (tuner with meter)** or dedicated digital power meters (e.g., **MFJ-989D** or **Rigol DSA815-TG**).

For most **HF-focused operators**, the **CN-501H2** is the best balance of performance, reliability, and value. If budget is a concern and you primarily work with **lower power levels (up to 150W)**, the **CN-501H** remains a solid analog option.

- **Buy the Daiwa CN-501H2** if you need **high power (up to 1500W), digital readings, and a durable analog/digital hybrid meter** for HF operation.

- **Consider the CN-501H** only if you are on a tight budget and work with **lower power levels (up to 150W)**.

- **Avoid if** you require VHF/UHF coverage, remote monitoring, or fully digital features.

Details:

The Daiwa CN-501H Higher Power SWR/Power Meter is a versatile unit designed for ham radio transceivers in the UHF, VHF, and HF bands. Compatible with various brands and easy to use, this power meter is a must-have for maintaining optimal performance in your radio communications setup. Made in Japan by Daiwa, this meter offers reliable readings for power levels ranging from 15 to 1500 watts . With a manufacturer warranty of 1 year, this lighted meter is valuable tool for any ham radio enthusiast looking to monitor their signal strength.

part #: cn501h2 prices

• $125.00-$150.00

specifications hamamateuradio:

• brand: Daiwa
• mpn: Cn-501h2
• compatible brand: Universal
• custom bundle: No
• band: Hf, Uhf, Vhf
• to fit: Ham Radio Transceiver
• type: Meter
• unit type: Unit
• manufacturer warranty: 1 Year
• country of origin: Japan

offer hamamateuradio:

• options: Ship-to-home
• availability: In Stock
• sold: 0
• quantity: 1
• started: May 4, 2026

general hamamateuradio:

• Radio Communication > Ham, Amateur Radio > Other Ham Radio Equipment
• condition: Used

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• wallet: Paypal

shipping hamamateuradio:

• service: UPS Ground Saver
• class: Economy
• type: Calculated
• cost: $8.43
• transit: 4-11 Days
• carrier: UPS

seller hamamateuradio:

• rating: 100.0%
• city: Vallejo, California
• # reviews: 178

returns hamamateuradio:

• policy: No Returns

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