digital swr meter

I have used the digital one built into the Uniden BC880... I have also compared it to a external SWR Meter just to see how accurate it was... The digital one seems to be a bit off but not by much.

 

which one? There's several out there...Only one I ever tried was the one sold by Radio Shack...I wasn't very impressed with it either.

 

I don't care too much for a digital meter in such a crazy spot as CB work where every sort of strange thing can be found. A concern of some oddball RF issue or other thing tricking the meter.

 

nope. never used one.

 

Personally, I wouldn't bother. A no-name Shenzhen technobauble usually isn't of the highest quality.

If you want to spend $50-$60 on an SWR/power meter, I'd get this:
http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008975

I know MFJ isn't top quality, but they're pretty good. At least they have a useable warranty.

 

For any wattmeter to be accurate, particularly on a radio that's been "tweaked and peaked" to use the vernacular, by someone without the benefit of a spectrum analyzer, it's important to at put a low pass filter inline before the meter. That will at least make sure that the meter isn't reading harmonics pouring out of a radio that's been "tuned for maximum smoke".
FWIW, if the output is checked both with and without the LP filter inline and a difference is noted, the filter should be left inline while the radio is in use, at least until it gets redone by a better-equipped shop. I've got a full "commercial" bench, and I still run a LP filter on all my gear, just in case something fails in the course of normal operation. It won't stop in-band spurs, but it will stop transmission of most energy on frequencies above the cutoff frequency.
There are lots out there. MFJ has one that's rated up to 200 watts for about $35: http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-702B
They've got two more for over 1,000 watts, but the little one will take care of all legal CBs and most exports. Pretty cheap insurance against interference, and a good way to keep your wattmeter (and your shop) honest.
Hope that helps.
73,
Handlebar

 

With a LPF inline before the meter, most operators would tell you it's faulty and stealing watts.

 

It IS stealing watts watts that do you no good ......