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Topband: re:bird 43 wattmeter

To: <topband@contesting.com>
Subject: Topband: re:bird 43 wattmeter
From: w8ji at contesting.com (Tom Rauch)
Date: Thu May 1 07:28:42 2003
> below 2.0 Mhz.  Is this slug close enough as to be accurate on 160
meters???
> What say you low band tech afficianodos???

The guaranteed performance range of a new properly calibrated slug is
2-30MHz, but they still work OK for amateur  use at 1.8.

Keep in mind the Bird meter is NOT perfect. The rated accuracy of a
calibrated 43 meter and slug is + or - 5% of full scale anywhere on the
scale. That means a 2500 watt slug is + - 125watts at any power level you
measure with it.

Outside of band or if your slug and meter has not been calibrated, accuracy
is less than that. Low power slugs are more sensitive to frequency, as a
general rule. Outside of expensive high accuracy meters which can be 1 or 2%
of scale reading, the Bird is a pretty good one. Many of the better amateur
grade meters have similar performance, however.

73 Tom

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