Note
A classic example of "shack jewelry" from the late 90s.
The Workman HP-5000, is an active SWR, power, and modulation meter designed primarily for the Citizens Band and 10-meter amateur radio markets.
The HP-5000 was produced by a common manufacturer (in the Philippines) and rebranded for several different distributors catering to the high-power CB and export radio markets.
Beyond Workman, this exact unit sold was under several other labels:
– Aries: This is one of the most common rebrands in the North American market. It is identical to the Workman version, including the "active" circuitry and the dual-color backlight (green for safe, red for high SWR).
– Zetagi: A major Italian manufacturer.
– KPO: In Europe, particularly in the UK and Netherlands, this unit was frequently sold as the KPO HP-5000. It shares the exact same 5kW power scale and internal audio amplifier.
Features
– Frequency Range: 3 MHz to 30 MHz (sometimes 50 MHz depending on the specific brand's sticker). Not suitable for 2-meters.
– The Three Meters: Unlike standard SWR meters that require you to flip a switch to see different readings, this displays RF Power, Modulation percentage, and SWR simultaneously.
– Special Feature: Built-in "SWR Alert" that turns the backlight Red if the SWR exceeds a safe threshold (usually ~3:1).
– High Power Capacity: The "Watts" selector knob shows a range up to 5kW, which is far beyond the legal limit for CB (4 watts) or even Amateur Radio (1.5kW). This made it a favorite for "export" radios and high-power linear amplifier setups.
– Active Circuitry: It requires a 12V DC power source (hence the "PWR/DIM" and "VOLUME" knobs). The volume knob controls an internal speaker that allows you to monitor your own audio (talkback).
– Built-in Antenna Switch: The knob on the far right allows you to toggle between two different antennas (ANT 1 / ANT 2) without swapping cables.
Controls Overview
– Modulation Set/SWR Cal: These knobs are used to calibrate the meters. You typically key the mic, adjust the needle to the "SET" or "CAL" line on the scale, and then read your percentage or ratio.
– AVE / PEP / SSB: This switch lets you choose between reading average power or Peak Envelope Power (PEP), which is essential for getting accurate readings when using Single Sideband (SSB) modes.
– Built-in audio amplifier with headphone output for modulation
Specifications
– Frequency Range: 3 MHz – 50 MHz
– Power Scales: 5W / 50W / 500W / 5000W (selectable)
– Impedance: 50 Ohms
– Minimum power for SWR measurement: 3 watts
– Accuracy +/- 10% of full scale
– Power: 12 VDC
