Power Meter

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zael
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Power Meter

Post by zael »

Hi, I'd like to know how to use a Volt meter to measure the output power in the MAXPRO 1, since I don't have a SWR meter for adjusting the transmitter, or another suggestion.
Thanks.
znight
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woa

Post by znight »

umm.

I'll say it before and i'll say it again. I'm no electronics genius, but I don't think that's possible.

-Z-
zael
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Post by zael »

oh yes it is my friend, it´s a power meter/dummy load, I saw a little information about it in other site, and seems it works, I just wanted to know how to use it more exactly with the MAXPRO1.
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pcs
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ok

Post by pcs »

You need a SWR meter to align your antena.

MAX PRO I does have a crude "power meter",
but this is merely for tuning the output stage
and is not suitable for tuning your antena.

You need a true SWR meter.

The 5W booster does, however, have a SWR bridge onboard
and you can use this to measure SWR and power.
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A. Wizard
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SWR metering

Post by A. Wizard »

See if you can locate an average CB SWR meter and a 50 ohm dummy load. Test the meter on the dummy load. If you get a reflected reading of 1:1 or close to it, the meter is probably reliable enough for FM work. Most of the meters I have work up to at least 150 MHz (2m ham band), even one real cheap one. Used CB equipment is pretty easy to come by.

To use a voltmeter to measure output power, you need to make a simple RF probe (a diode and capacitor)and use a high-impedance voltmeter (not the $10 little black box type). Once you know the voltage, some simple algebra (Ohm's law) will calculate the wattage. If you need more details, let me know.
zael
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Post by zael »

ok, I knew it was something like that, I'm just trying to know when I have higher output in the MAX1. Thanks.
daniel
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a link

Post by daniel »

here's a link that tells you more about how to measure wattage with a volt meter

http://braincambre500.freeservers.com/wattmeter.htm
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