[Elecraft] QRP (maybe QRO?) wattmetters

[kc4kgu@ENTERZONE.NET]

Ron,

I've compared it side by side with my Bird.  It's dead on and MUCH easier
to use.  Not that the Bird is hard.  The VFD gives you everything you need
in one display that is easy to read, day or night.  Beyond that, it has a
built in SWR alarm that can be user selected to 1.5:1, 2.0:1, 2.5:1 or
3.0:1.  If SWR reaches or exceeds the level you have indicated, it will
display a SWR alarm *and* if you have it wired the way I have mine wired,
it will shut down your AMP.  (I have mine in line with my AMP keying
circuit.)

Since I run wire antennas and have 170...er...169....er...168 (you get the
picture) mature trees on my property, and my shack is in my basement, if I
have an antenna damaged while I'm in the middle of a QSO running the AMP,
the VFD will save the AMP, instantly.

If you want more numbers, contact some of "big gun" contesters who use
VFDs.  It's accurate, it's easy, it's cheap insurance against cooking your
equipment in the event of catastrophic failure on the antenna or feedline
system.

73 de John - KC4KGU
K2 #2490
VFD #2010002

On Fri, 5 Apr 2002, Ron D' Eau Claire wrote:

>=20
> I'd be a little more impressed with the device if they didn't limit their
> Product "Specifications" to this statement:
>=20
> "Compare it side by side with your Bird (or other quality) wattmeter. You=
=92ll
> be amazed how accurate it is."
>=20
> So is it half as accurate as a Bird, 90% as accurate? Why not some number=
s,
> perhaps since this is what they call their "specifications"...
>=20
> Ron AC7AC
> K2 # 1289
>=20
>=20
>=20
> > The one I have says "VFD HF WATTMETER" in the "model" space on the disp=
lay
> > and "P-3000-D" on the sensing remote.  It is the 3Kw model and won't
> > display anything less than 7w drive.  Since the vast majority of my
> > operating is QRO, it was the best choice for me.
> >
> > You can find them at http://www.arraysolutions.com/Products/VFD.htm
> >
> > * - I have no affiliation with RF Applications or Array Solutions.  I j=
ust
> > love my VFD!
> >
> > 73 de John - KC4KGU
> > K2 #2490