As others have suggested there's lots of nice new gear out there if you want
to buy a new wattmeter toy. And a few others have suggested you don't need a
new mater at all. If you want to keep money in your piggy bank, use your
existing Bird. Tune at lower power and if you have low SWR with 10-20 watts,
you should have low SWR at QRO. If the SWR is different, something in your
antenna network is having troubles (connectors, balun, traps, coax, etc.). I
have had this problem before, and when I ignore it, something eventually
burns up. If I don't ignore it, I find a trouble spot and fix it and all is
well. A peak + average wattmeter might be handy to have but is not mission
critical.
GL es 73
Dan
K0DAN
----- Original Message -----
From: "Charlie Gallo" <Charlie@TheGallos.com>
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 5:48 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] slightly OT - Wattmeter suggestion?
> Hi Gang,
> Over the next couple of weeks, my shack (including tower/antennas) will be
> getting a MAJOR upgrade
>
> Right now, I've got a A-D DX-EE for 10-40m, an SB-230amp, all being driven
> by an FT-1000 MkV field (and an at-1000pro tuner)
>
> Well, the radio and tuner are staying the same, but that's it
>
> Antenna wise, there is a Glen Martin going on the roof (I live on a small
> lot), and a C3SS and DX140 going on that (antennas will be delivered on
> Friday)
>
> Anyway, the other big change - a freshly re-tubed/caped an Alpha 78 - for
> those bands where I don't need the tuner (or turned down for when I do)
>
> Think is, everyone says "You MUST have a peak reading watt meter to safely
> tune them".
>
> OK - No problem, I buy a meter. I love the Alpha meter (friend has one),
> but no way is that in the budget at a grand. I could get a peak reading
> kit for my bird 43, but
>
> So, what do you guys think?
>
> I'm thinking the Array Solutions looks good - others? Just put a peak kit
> in the bird?
>
>
>
>
> --
> 73 de KG2V - Charles Gallo
> Quality Custom Machine-shop work for the radio amateur (sm)
>
> My Website: http://www.thegallos.com
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
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