Hi Joseph,
I'm not sure they make them anymore, but I've had mine for years.
It is a Byrd model 4304A...it covers from 25-1000 MHZ with enough accuracy for my use on L band..
It covers the following power levels 5/15/50/150/500 watts (switchable) and all of the above with one slug!!!
And less expensive than buying individual slugs for all that coverage. A chart is available for accuracy at the lower freqs, but I rarely use them anymore for anything....
Of course, Bird, will tell you if they are available...
73, Dave wb6llo@amsat.org Disagree: I learn....
Pulling for P3E...
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
Please check out nm3e.com for good deals on Bird meters, slugs, and accessories.
Dave Goncalves W1EUJ
On 11/23/06, Nate Duehr nate@natetech.com wrote:
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 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
participants (3)
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Dave Guimont -
David Goncalves -
Nate Duehr