When I need to know accurate power readings my best instrument is
either scope and good 50-ohm termination, or using my HP432A mw power
meter. Its about 1/2 dB accurate. But +10mw is the highest scale so
you need several high power coaxial attenuators to measure
power. 40dB will permit measuring +50-dBm (= 100w).
I have a lot of Bird elements and rely on the Bird for day-to-day
measurements, but do realize the Bird's limitation. I measure from
-20 dBm to +62 dBm in my ham shack. The latter is 1500w. I use
2500H, 2500B, 1000A or 1000D elements. 5w is my smallest element.
But for really precise SWR I use directional couplers and calibrated
open, short and 50-ohm terms. They are never subjected to over +10
dBm. Return loss is what is actually measured and one can use a
conversion chart to determine SWR. If I had the money then a VNA is
the optimum instrument. But the average ham does not need that.
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
dubus...@gmail.com
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