Dave Guimont wrote:
It is a Byrd model 4304A...it covers from 25-1000 MHZ with enough accuracy for my use on L band..
Telewave also makes nice "multi-band" wattmeters, no slugs.
Again, I think they're rated only to 1000 MHz, but might work "okay" at L-band. You'd have to dig into the specs or ask Telewave.
Just thought I'd mention it.
Their meters are good, and you can get them with a -40dB injection port (basically a built in coupler with a calibrated insertion loss) that allows for a nice way to do usable sensitivity tests with the antenna connected, while also measuring power output on the meter at the same time going the other direction -- if you have another signal source on the band you're testing that you can use for injecting into the port on the meter.
I would have bought a Telewave if I didn't run across a really good deal on my Bird. Now I'm in "buy more elements" mode... just buying them as I need them, just like everyone else using a Bird 43. They're the "gold standard" but there are some nice alternatives out there, like the Telewave.
New Telewave's are not cheap, but neither are the Birds when you buy them new... and sometimes "brand new and shiny" can bring a smile to your face when you get a new radio toy. :-)
Most used Birds look like they were run over by a truck and hit with an ugly stick...
Nate WY0X