I would like to add a Bird Watt Meter to my radio room setup. I have been looking around at various web sites that sell them but I must admit that I am a bit confused. I would like a meter that will read average and peak power for both AM and SSB. There seem to be quite a few different meters to choose from and I'm not really sure which model fills the requirements for what I am looking for.
A few other questions I have regarding these meters is.....
Slugs - What do I need for AM and SSB? Do I need to get a specific frequency slug or do certain slugs cover any channel in the listed bands.
Also, ATM my largest amp is 500w. Do I need a 500w slug? To be honest, Im not really sure of how these slugs work.
Is this type of meter something that can be left inline all the time? Will it cause any SWR problems or interference on the coax being inline at all times?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I see that these meters are not cheap. The ones I have been looking at are $400-$800. I just want to make sure I'm getting the right meter for what I want before I make such a large investment. Thanks.
A few other questions I have regarding these meters is.....
Slugs - What do I need for AM and SSB? Do I need to get a specific frequency slug or do certain slugs cover any channel in the listed bands.
Also, ATM my largest amp is 500w. Do I need a 500w slug? To be honest, Im not really sure of how these slugs work.
Is this type of meter something that can be left inline all the time? Will it cause any SWR problems or interference on the coax being inline at all times?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I see that these meters are not cheap. The ones I have been looking at are $400-$800. I just want to make sure I'm getting the right meter for what I want before I make such a large investment. Thanks.