bird model 43 thruline wattmeter help

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fineshot1

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Sep 17, 2004
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2,532
Location
NJ USA (Republic of NJ)
won at a ham meet and not sure what load i need? i have a dual band keenwood radio

I think you are referring to the frequency range elements. Is that correct?

If so it would depend on the output wattage of your radio.

Generally though if you have the 50E(400-1000Mhz 50W)
and the 50C(100-250Mhz 50W) that should get you started
in the right direction.

Elements are not to be confused with dummy loads.

If you are referring to a dummy load then a good quality
50W dummy load would suffice.

Telewave and Celwave dummy loads are quite abundant on ebay
and sometimes you can get them for a good price.
 

K3DC

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Joined
Oct 20, 2011
Messages
5
Location
Florida East Coast
First off, congratulations on winning that Bird- it's a GREAT meter. As for what to use it with, it's an In-Line meter, so it goes between the transmitter and the load, whatever that may be. Use a short piece of coax from the radio to the meter, and then either connect it to your antenna feedline OR to a dummy load with another piece of coax.

Since the Bird is a 50-Ohm instrument, you should be sure the load it "sees" is 50 Ohms, and non-reactive- that is, purely resistive. That can be either a dummy load, or a properly tuned resonant antenna. Most commonly, the Bird is used to check the output of your rig into a dummy load, so you''re not radiating while testing (unless you properly identify the transmission, of course) :)

It's also important to be sure the "slug" is the proper one for the power level and frequency range of the transmitter, so the results are correct and the slug and meter aren't damaged.

I'm sure someone in your club can advise you- just ask at the next meeting.

73, Bill K3DC
 
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