DESCRIPTION:

The Bird 43 RF Wattmeter is a field-proven, insertion-type directional RF wattmeter that has been an industry standard for decades. It is designed for measuring forward and reflected continuous-wave (CW) RF power in coaxial transmission lines by sampling directional energy via Bird plug-in elements. Its rugged metal housing, analog needle display, and simple mechanical operation make it highly reliable for both bench and field use; the meter requires no external power supply and provides real-time visual power readings. 

The meter utilises Bird Quick Change (QC) type connectors and accepts a wide range of Bird plug-in elements, allowing users to tailor frequency coverage and power ranges to their application. Elements determine the frequency range and power scale, enabling flexible deployment from low-frequency VHF through UHF bands. Standard Bird elements span frequencies from hundreds of kilohertz up to multiple gigahertz, and available full-scale ranges include 25 W, 50 W, and 100 W options for smaller scale readings beside larger power ranges. 

Typical applications include transmitter tuning, antenna system verification, VSWR checks (via forward and reflected readings), maintenance tasks, and general RF power diagnostics in communications, broadcast, industrial, and amateur radio environments. 

Typical Use Suitability:
Ideal for analog RF power monitoring and tuning, especially where quick field or shop diagnostics are needed without the overhead of digital interfaces.

Key Specifications

• Frequency Range: 450 kHz to 2.7 GHz (element dependent) 

• Power Range: 100 mW to 10 kW (element dependent) 

• Accuracy: ±5 % of full scale 

• Connectors: Quick Change (QC) type (Female N normally supplied) 

• Insertion VSWR:  1.05 to 1000 MHz (with N connectors) 

• Display: Analog needle movement 

• Housing: Rugged metal 

• Storage: Space for two extra elements in housing