On Tue, 26 Sep 2000 13:35:36 -0700, Jim wrote:
>For our business I just tried to buy a watt meter from RF Applications. We
>wanted their VFD watt meter. They have a three week or better waiting time.
>Their dealers have no stock. I don't understand how they run a business
>that way, but many do. We had the same problem when we ordered amplifiers.
>No one had stock. All quoted a long wait. Any recommendations other than a
>Bird for a QRO watt meter that can read peak output?
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If you don't mind analog meters, I like the Autek WM-1. Like the VFD,
it self-calibrates for SWR readings (no CAL knob), which I like very
much. It has two meters so it reads power and SWR simultaneously. It
does not have an alarm like the VFD, but costs only about half as
much. Also it's not illuminated, a feature I wish it had.
It has three power ranges, 20-200-2000 watts, and a switch for either
average or peak reading.
I only have one real complaint about it: It uses coax connectors
which mount by a single nut rather than four small nuts and bolts. I
have never been able to keep them tightened and I keep saying the next
time they come loose I'm going to replace them with the other kind.
There just isn't room to get a wrench in there and do a proper job, so
I have to use needlenose pliers and that doesn't work very well.
Other than that, it has performed perfectly.
There is one other possible issue. Autek considers the design highly
proprietary and will not furnish a schematic so you could repair it
yourself. Mine has never failed, but this might be a consideration.
73, Bill W7TI
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