Portable CW Wattmeters
Bird® offers a wide selection of portable insertion-type instruments for measuring forward and reflected power in coaxial transmission lines. Thruline instruments can be left in the line for continuous monitoring of either the transmitter power output or the amount reflected by the antenna.
These two qualities are actually the most important transmission parameters: Tuning for the minimum reflected power results in a good match of the load (antenna) to the line, and adjusting the transmitter for maximum forward power into a matched antenna approaches ideal design goals, These optimum system adjustments result in a low Voltage Standing Wave Ratio.
43 | Bird® Model 43 RF Wattmeter - The Industry Standard
The 43 Wattmeter is a field-proven portable, insertion-type instrument designed to measure both forward and reflected CW power in coaxial transmission lines under any load condition. With a full-scale accuracy of ± 5%, it accurately measures RF power with low added VSWR and insertion loss. QC (quick change) type connectors and a full range of plug-in elements provide a wide choice of frequency ranges and power levels giving the Model 43 amazing flexibility. Two extra elements can be stored in the housing, one on each side.
Features
- Accurate CW field power measurement over 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz and 100 mW to 10 kW
- Uses industry standard Bird elements with space to store 2 additional within the meter housing
- Rugged metal housing for the most demanding environments
- Quick Change (QC) connectors to minimize the need for adapters when making critical measurements
| product specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item No | 43 |
| Item Name | General Purpose Wattmeter |
| Power Range | 100 mW to 10 kW (using Bird® Plug-in Elements) |
| Frequency Range | 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz (depending on element) |
| Insertion VSWR | 1.05 max. to 1000 MHz (with N Connectors) |
| Accuracy | ± 5% of full scale |
| Connectors | QC Type (Female N normally supplied) |
| Finish | Light Gray Powder Coat |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.88 in x 5.13 in x 3.63 in (175 mm x 130 mm x 92 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs. (1.4 kg) |
43P | 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz, RF Wattmeter with Peak Reading Option
The 43P is a Model 43 Wattmeter with a Peak Reading Kit installed that allows true peak power output at ± 8% of full scale, QC (quick change) type connectors and a full range of plug-in elements provide a wide choice of frequency ranges and power levels giving the 43P amazing flexibility. Two extra elements can be stored in the housing, one on each side. The 43P is easy to use and simple to service in the field.
Features
- Accurate CW field power measurement over 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz and 100 mW to 10 kW
- Uses industry standard Bird elements with space to store 2 additional within the meter housing
- Rugged metal housing for the most demanding environments
- Quick Change (QC) connectors to minimize the need for adapters when making critical measurements
| product specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item No | 43P |
| Item Name | General Purpose Wattmeter with Peak Reading Option |
| Power Range | 100 mW to 10 kW using Bird® Plug-in Elements |
| Frequency Range | 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz (depending on element) |
| Accuracy | CW, AM, FM, SSB and analog TV |
| Modulation | Normal voice audio; or (Peak Mode) Rectangular Pulses; Duty cycle: 2% (min); Repetition rate: 100 pps (min); Pulse width: 200 µs (min) |
| Connectors | QC Type (Female N normally supplied) |
| Battery Life | 48 hours typical |
| Finish | Light Gray Powder Coat |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.88 in x 5.13 in x 3.63 in (175 mm x 130 mm x 92 mm) |
| Weight | 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) |
4304A | 25 to 1000 MHz, 5-500 W, Fixed Element RF Wattmeter
The Bird 4304A Wattmeter is an in-line sensor that measures RF power and load match in 50 Ohm coaxial transmission lines. It can be used with CW, AM, FM, and analog TV, but not pulse modulation. It is supplied with a special broadband element with a frequency range of 25 to 1000 MHz. It can measure up to 500 W, depending on the frequency, and has a maximum VSWR of 1.07 with the standard “N” connectors. A range switch allows the full scale power to be reduced for greater accuracy.
The wattmeter is portable, with an included carrying strap. It has an aluminum housing and an easily removed back cover, with bumpers on the base and back that allow the meter to stand or lie flat. For additional protection, the microammeter is specially shock mounted. A screw on the lower front face of the meter is used to zero the pointer. Below the meter face, the RF line section protrudes slightly from the wattmeter housing with the element socket in the center
| product specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item No | 4304A |
| Item Name | Fixed 25-1000 MHz 5-500 Watt Element, Wattmeter |
| Power Range | 5, 15, 50, 150, 500 W, with no scale limitations except power limited to 150 W from 800 to 1000 MHz |
| Frequency Range | 25 MHz to 1.0 GHz |
| Insertion VSWR | 25 to 521 MHz, 1.05 max. (with UHF female conn.); 512 to 1000 MHz, 1.07 max. |
| Accuracy | 25 to 100 MHz, ± 7% of full scale, using correction charts; 100 to 512 MHz, ± 6% of full scale, no correction needed; 512 to 1000 MHz, ± 7% of full scale, no correction needed |
| Insertion Loss | 25 to 512 MHz, 0.10 dB max. (with UHF female conn.); 512 to 1000 MHz range, 0.13 dB max. |
| Connectors | Two Type-N (female) QC; Two UHF (female) QC |
| Finish | Light Gray Powder Coat |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-7/8 in x 5-1/8 in x 3-5/8 in, including connectors (175 mm x 130 mm x 92 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs. (1.4 kg) |
| Note | (1) 4304A-1 Element supplied with unit |
4305A | 450 kHz - 2.3 GHz, 50W - 25 KW, High-Power RF Wattmeter
The 4305A RF Wattmeter is a field-proven portable, insertion-type instrument designed to measure both forward and reflected CW power in coaxial transmission lines under any load condition. With a full-scale accuracy of ± 5%, it accurately measures RF power with low added VSWR and insertion loss. QC (quick change) type connectors and a full range of plug-in elements provide a wide choice of frequency ranges and power levels.
Features
- Accurate CW power measurement over 450 kHz to 2.3 GHz and 50 W to 25 KW
- Uses 4305A and 1-5/8" elements
- Constructed with a 1-5/8” line section for higher power measurements
- Quick Change (QC) connectors to minimize the need for adaptors when making critical measurements
| product specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item No | 4305A |
| Item Name | High-Power Wattmeter |
| Power Range | 50 W to 25 kW using Bird® Plug-in Elements |
| Frequency Range | 450 kHz to 250 MHz (depending on element) |
| Insertion VSWR | N Connectors 1.05 max. |
| Accuracy | ± 5% of full scale |
| Connectors | QC Type (Female N normally supplied) |
| Finish | <-constructionLight Gray Powder Coat|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.31 in x 5.13 in x 4.25 in, including connectors (161 mm x 131 mm x 108 mm) |
| Weight | 3.25 lbs. (1.5 kg) |
4314C | 450 kHz - 1.2 GHz, 100 mW - 10 kW, PEP RF Wattmeter
The 4314C, RF Wattmeter is similar to the model 43 Thruline Wattmeter but also contains electronic circuitry to accurately measure peak envelope power which is present in amplitude modulated signals such as AM broadcast, single sideband and analog TV. The circuitry operates from 2 standard 9V alkaline batteries or an optional A.C. adaptor.
Features
- Accurate CW and Peak Envelope (PEP) field power measurement over 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz and 100 mW to 10 kW
- Uses industry standard Bird elements with space to store 2 additional within the meter housing
- Rugged metal housing for the most demanding environments
- Quick Change (QC) connectors to minimize the need for adapters when making critical measurements
| product specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item No | 4314C |
| Item Name | PEP, Single Element, Wattmeter |
| Power Range | 100 mW to 10 kW using Bird® Plug-in Elements |
| Frequency Range | 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz (depending on element) |
| Insertion VSWR | with N Connectors 1.05 max. to 1000 MHz |
| Accuracy | ± 5% of full scale CW, ± 8% PEP |
| Pulse Parameter (min.) | Pulse width 0.4 µs (100-2300 MHz), 1.5 µs (26-99 MHz) and 15 µs (2-25 MHz), repetition rate 30 pps and duty factor 1 x 10⁴ min. |
| Connectors | QC Type (Female N normally supplied) |
| Power | 120 VAC, 60 Hz or 220 VAC, 60 Hz (using Bird® adapter) |
| Battery | Two 9-Volt Alkaline Transistor Batteries |
| Finish | Light Gray Powder Coat |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-7/8 in x 5-1/8 in x 3-5/8 in (175 mm x 130 mm x 92 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs. (1.4 kg) |
4391A | PEP-Dual Element, RF Power Analyst
The 4391A, RF Wattmeter monitors Peak Pulse Power, Peak Envelope Power, or CW Power during normal equipment operations in the forward or reflected direction. Designed for air navigational aids DME, ATC and other pulsed RF systems such as telemetry, radar, command and control, etc. They need no attenuators, directional couplers or charts.
Features
- Frequency: 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz. Power: 100 Mw – 10 kW
- Reads forward and reflected CW or FM power in watts or dBm, Peak Envelope Power of SSB/DSB and symmetrical AM in watts
- Calculates SWR, return loss in dB and 5 modulation
- Shock-resistant keyboard and range switches. RFI protection. Built-in international power supply/charger
| product specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item No | 4391A |
| Item Name | PEP-Dual Element, Power Analyst |
| Power Range | 100 mW to 10 kW using Bird® Plug-in Elements |
| Frequency Range | 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz |
| Insertion VSWR | with N Connectors 1.05 max. to 1000 MHz |
| Accuracy | Power Readings: ± 5% of full scale CW, ± 8% PEP; VSWR: ± 10% of reading; % Modulation: (CW power 1/3 or more of full scale) ± 5% (0 to 90%), ± 10% (90 to 100%) |
| Usuable Over Range | to 120% of scale (CW, PEP, SWR and Return Loss) |
| Modulation | 25 to 10,000 Hz (Audio) |
| Pulse Parameter | Pulse width 0.8 µs (100 to 2700 MHz), 1.5 µs (26 to 99 MHz) and 15 µs (2 to 25 MHz), Repetition Rate 25 PPS and Duty Cycle 1 x 10⁻⁴ |
| Connectors | QC Type (Female N normally supplied) |
| Power | 100-130/200-260 V, 50/60 Hz, 6 W |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (rechargeable) |
| Sampling Rate | 2 to 3 readings per second |
| Return Loss | ± 0.3 dB to corresponding SWR value |
| Display | 3.50 digit, 0.3 in LED strobed |
| Finish | Blue vinyl with silver anodized side panels |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.56 in x 5.22 in x 4.31 in (243 mm x 158 mm x 110 mm) |
| Weight | 5.75 lbs. (2.6 kg) |
| Elements | Select (2) elements in a 10:1 power ratio (See Compatible Devices below) |
| Note | Quoted accuracy only when used with other Bird® Products. |
4410A | Multipower RF Wattmeter with ±5% Reading Accuracy
The 4410A RF Wattmeter has the basic principles and “look and feel” of the Model 43 but transforms it into a highly accurate high dynamic range instrument. The meter has two scales, a 0 to 1 scale and a 0 to 3 scale.
Power is read as a multiple of the value indicated by the pointer, the decimal point location depending upon the range switch position and the factor printed on the plug-in element. Power ranges covered by individual elements are 300 mW to 1 KW and 2 W to 10 KW, full scale. For most elements, accuracy is +/-5% anywhere above 20% of full scale. The circuitry operates from a standard 9V alkaline battery.
Features
- Temperature-compensated accurate CW and FM power measurements from 200 kHz to 1 GHz and 300 mW to 10 kW
- Uses special 4410-series wide-range elements
- Wide-range accuracy over a 37 dB dynamic range
- Quick Change (QC) connectors to minimize the need for adapters when making critical measurements
| product specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item No | 4410A |
| Item Name | Multipower Wattmeter |
| Power Range | 100 W, 1,000 W or 10,000 W in single plug-in element |
| Frequency Range | 200 kHz to 1.0 GHz |
| Insertion VSWR | with N Connectors 1.25 max. to 2300 MHz |
| Accuracy | ±5% of reading for any reading above 20% of the Power Range selected for FM or CW signals without AM. This accuracy is maintained for a full 37 dB dynamic range with each 4410 Element (except No. 4410-1, 200 kHz to 535 kHz, which is accurate to ±10% of reading, to 2.3 GHz, which are accurate to ±8% of reading.) |
| Usuable Over Range | To 120% of nominal full scale |
| Protection | (i.e. 12 W, 120 W, 1200 W, or 12,000 W). No damage or degradation to the unit will result, regardless of the Range Selector Switch position |
| Connectors | QC Type (Female N normally supplied) |
| Battery | 9V Alkaline Battery |
| Operating Temperature | Ambient Temp Range Elements 4410-1 through -8 and -10 through -14 are temperature compensated for rated accuracy from 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) |
| Finish | Gray Powder Coat |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) with connectors | 6.88 in x 5.13 in x 3.63 in (175 mm x 130 mm x 92 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs. (1.4 kg) |
4412A | Multipower RF Wattmeter with ±5% Reading Accuracy
The Model 4412A RF Wattmeter uses the basic principles and “look and feel” of the Model 43 but transforms it into a highly accurate high dynamic range instrument. The meter has two scales, a 0 to 1 scale and a 0 to 3 scale.
Power is read as a multiple of the value indicated by the pointer, the decimal point location depending upon the range switch position and the factor printed on the plug-in element. Power ranges covered by individual elements are 300 mW to 1 KW and 2 W to 10 KW, full scale. For most elements, accuracy is +/-5% anywhere above 20% of full scale. The circuitry operates from a rechargeable battery.
Features
- Temperature-compensated accurate CW and FM power measurements from 200 kHz to 1 GHz and 300 mW to 10 KW
- Uses special 4410-series wide-range elements
- Wide-range accuracy over a 37 dB dynamic range
- Quick Change (QC) connectors to minimize the need for adapters when making critical measurements
| product specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item No | 4412A |
| Item Name | Multipower Wattmeter |
| Power Range | 300 mW to 1 kW or 2 W to 10 kW full scale in one single Plug-in Element |
| Frequency Range | 200 kHz to 1 GHz CW or FM |
| Insertion VSWR | with N Connectors 1.25 max. to 2300 MHz |
| Accuracy | ±5% of reading for any reading above 20% of the Power Range selected for FM or CW signals without AM. This accuracy is maintained for a full 37 dB dynamic range with each 4410 Element (except No. 4410-1, 200 kHz to 535 kHz, which is accurate to ±10% of reading, and 4410-15, 1.0 to 1.8 GHz and 4410-16, 1.8 to 2.3 GHz, which are accurate to ±8% of reading.) |
| Usuable Over Range | To 120% of nominal full scale |
| Protection | (i.e. 12 W, 120 W, 1200 W, or 12,000 W). No damage or degradation to the unit will result, regardless of the Range Selector Switch position |
| Connectors | QC Type (Female N normally supplied) |
| Battery | 9V Rechargeable Battery |
| Operating Temperature | Ambient Temp Range Elements 4410-1 through -8 and -10 through -16 are temperature compensated for rated accuracy from 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) and 4410-20 through -27 from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) |
| Finish | Light Gray Powder Coat |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.88 in x 5.13 in x 3.63 in (175 mm x 130 mm x 92 mm) |
| Weight | 3.33 lbs. (1.5 kg) |
4431 | Variable Tap, RF Wattmeter
The 4431 RF Wattmeter is the same as the model 43 General Purpose Wattmeter with the addition of an RF signal sampler probe. This RF probe provides a low power sample of the signal being measured and is available at the female BNC connector on the right side of the housing. The signal level can be adjusted with a control knob on the front of the meter. The sampled output can be connected to any RF signal monitoring device such as a frequency counter, spectrum analyzer, or oscilloscope.
Features
- Accurate CW field power measurement while providing a variable RF tap for signal analysis or monitoring
- Uses industry standard Bird elements with space to store 2 additional within the meter housing
- Rugged metal housing for the most demanding environments
- Quick Change (QC) connectors to minimize the need for adapters when making critical measurements
| product specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item No | 4431 |
| Item Name | Variable RF Tap, Wattmeter |
| Power Range | 5 kW max. 2 to 30 MHz, 1 kW max. 30 to 1000 MHz |
| Frequency Range | 2 MHz to 1.2 GHz |
| Insertion VSWR | with N Connectors 1.07 max.** to 1000 MHz |
| Accuracy | ± 5% of full scale |
| Insertion Loss | 0.1 dB max. (2 to 512 MHz), 0.2 dB max. (512 to 1000 MHz) |
| RF Sample Output | Variable -15 to -70 dB from BNC (Female) port |
| Connectors | QC Type (Female N normally supplied) |
| Finish | Light Gray Powder Coat |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.88 in x 5.13 in x 3.63 in (175 mm x 130 mm x 92 mm) |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs. (1.6 kg) |
| Elements | Within power/frequency range limits stated above |
| Note | *Quoted accuracy only when used with Bird® Products; **Applies only when coupling is less than 30 dB |
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