Looking for good meter

[sparkplug549]

I am trying to figure out which meter to buy, can you folks give me some help? I would like to keep it in the $100 range if I could. I have been looking at the Astatic 700 is this a good meter or is it just another piece of junk. I would like something for watts/swr/mod. I don't expect performance from these $100 meters as I would a top end one just want one that is a good buy for the money. I would like one also that gives me close to accurate readings while checking the peak, not one that just will swing to make you feel good.Thanks in advance.

Sparkplug549


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[Moleculo]

The only thing (other than price) about using a Bird43P is that they're a pain in the a$$ to use for tuning a tube amp or using with an antenna tuner. It's hard to beat a good Cross Needle meter for that. The Diawa line has some pretty good meters, but like most meters are not sensitive enough to give accurate peak readings, especially under voice conditions. I've found using a whistle or a tone into the radio on the Diawa helps give the meter a steady enough signal to give "close enough" readings compared to my Bird 43P.



Moleculo


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[hossless]

The Bird meters are awfully pricy, but I guess you get what you pay for.

The Diawa cross needle meters are great, so are the MFJ meters.



Hossless


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[KD5VHF]

My next one will be a VFD. About 1/2 the price of a bird, easier to use and about the same acuracy.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=""> www.arraysolutions.com/Products/VFD.htm


<hr />73, Mike

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