Model 43 RF Wattmeter with Peak Reading Kit Installed
The Bird 43P Thruline Wattmeter is the same as the Bird 43, with the added capability of measuring peak power in AM, SSB, and some pulse applications.
Special elements are not required. However, the element power rating must match the peak power to be measured. For example, if 1000 watt peaks are expected, use a 1000 watt element.
The Bird 43P is portable, with an attached 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 slotted 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.
The RF line section is precision machined to provide the best possible impedance match to the transmission line under test. A formed phosphor bronze spring finger protrudes into the element socket to make contact with the element.
At each end of the line section are Bird Quick-Change RF connectors that may be interchanged with any other Bird “QC” connector. The wattmeter housing does not interfere with connector changes.
To make measurements, a Bird Plug-In Element is inserted into the line section socket and rotated against one of the stops. A small catch in the corner of the socket face presses on the shoulder of the element to keep it in proper alignment. This assures good contact between the spring finger and the element contact and between the lower edge of the element and the line section body.