Video: Bird 43 Directional Wattmeter

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From W2AEW, an overview and how-to use:




Who would of thought, interwebs and video could be a useful learning tool?

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Too small for me only know how to use 3.5 inch line sampler and 20 kw slug

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From W2AEW

This video shows how easy it is to add a peak-reading adapter to a Bird 43 wattmeter

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There are not many economical methods to obtain very accurate peak ssb power readings - the "regular" power watt meters with peak reading function dont appear very precise.

While not exactly cheap, Bird 43 with peak kit may be a good options - well under the $500 + for the new digital ones

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Expensive yes, but they are good.
Long time ago i got a 43 second hand cheaply, but its meter movement has been troublesome. I have repaired it many times as it jumps out of its bearings when going to radio sites, tower job sites etc.
Fortunately ebay is our friend here and for about 80 bucks (delivered) a replacement 30uA exact replica meter is available. Search ebay for bird replacement meter movement.
These are more rugged than the original, but are a bit slower to react. Fitting a peak reading kit may not give an accurate power reading. But, for runnning a carrier up heliax and seeing whats going on up there its a very good replacement for the original.
73 Dave jds