[Test-Equipment] Information needed RF meter

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

Jay,

The answer is that more information is needed.  If the RF source is 
something like an exciter, rated for example to output 100 mW into a 50 ohm load, 
and you want to connect an indicator to see whether it works properly or not, 
then how to do that depends upon whether it is connected to its intended 
load or not.  If not, you need a dummy load watt meter (or milliwatt meter).  
If the intended load is connected, you need an RF voltmeter.  The two can be 
substantially the same circuit wise, but component values will differ by at 
least one and better two or three orders of magnitude.

In a message dated 10/20/2009 6:29:47 PM Central Daylight Time, w7ksg at q.com 
writes: 
> I need a meter to measure 100milliwatts of RF.  I was wondering if I 
> connect the RF source to a 0-200Ua DC meter and put a diode in series with the 
> plus of the meter to change it to DC would that work? Would it be sensitive 
> enough to get a reasonable response on the  meter scale?  I know that it 
> will not be calibrated.  I just need an output indication. Any ideas out 
> there?  Thanks.

Robert Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480