[TowerTalk] slightly OT - Wattmeter suggestion?

[K0DAN]

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 at TheGallos.com>
To: <towertalk at 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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>
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