Watt Meter for Mobile Set Up?

[70cst]

When I get my radio and amps back from BOO...I want to install a back lit Watt meter in my mobile set up. Are these all made the same or are there some Meter Manufactures that are a better value? Thanks in advance.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

[W5LZ]

I think your best bet would be to find a fairly simple to read meter of a size to fit where you want to put it, and is lit up. In a mobile, that 'size' thing will be the determining factor probably. One way of making that 'size' smaller is to use one of the 'cross-needle' meters. They are also simpler to read once you become accustomed to them, which doesn't take long at all. The 'best' thing about them is there are no calibration adjustments. Maybe a range scale, but that's it.
There are a number of manufacturers that make them, pick the one you like the best and can afford.
- 'Doc

 

[70cst]

I think your best bet would be to find a fairly simple to read meter of a size to fit where you want to put it, and is lit up. In a mobile, that 'size' thing will be the determining factor probably. One way of making that 'size' smaller is to use one of the 'cross-needle' meters. They are also simpler to read once you become accustomed to them, which doesn't take long at all. The 'best' thing about them is there are no calibration adjustments. Maybe a range scale, but that's it.
There are a number of manufacturers that make them, pick the one you like the best and can afford.
- 'Doc

What would be some of the mfg names? (so I can google) It has been a while scince I have been in radios and I am get back into the hobby. Thanks

 

[GnG8d]

Look at the Palstar, it has a remote hookup which can make installation a little more simple.

 

[dxhound]

How much power do you plan to run? If under 500 watts. Find an Aries ASWR460. They are a Numerical readout of both power and SWR simultaneously.

Or If your running big power, look at the LP-100A or Power master from array solutions!

 

[project]

You could always buy a bird meter.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

 

[CamoRedneck]

palstar or diamond sx-100

 

[pro151]

I use a Palstar PM2000AM in my Envoy and am very pleased with it. In fact, I have a spare that has been run on base for about a month and would part with it for $100.00 shipped. Paid $159.95.

 

[n0zna]

get a Diamond

they are small and good...73s de n0zna/John

 

[70cst]

Thanks all...

 

[Toll_Free]

I almost hate to recommend them, but MFJ has a 3Kw mobile meter with a meter assembly that rivals the Dosy and Blackcat meters....

I like either NO meter in my mobile, or something big enough that I can see whats going on via my peripheral. No meter is typically how I run mine, though. Volt meter on the alternator(s), that's about it.


--Toll_Free

 

[GnG8d]

I like either NO meter in my mobile, or something big enough that I can see whats going on via my peripheral. No meter is typically how I run mine, though.

Agreed. I set my mobile up with my Bird and then get a baseline on my RatShack. I carry the RatShack and a jumper for spot checks, or if something just doesn't seem right, but I don't leave it in line.

 

[Toll_Free]

I do the same, but use a Field Strength meter from Radio Shack lol.... They pretty much accomplish the same thing, and once you KNOW what your near field is, it's pretty easy to pull it out of the center console and take a reading.


"Great Minds".... A wattmeter only introduces loss via connectors and internal components. Just a simple fact of life.

--Toll_Free