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REVIEW: BIRD 43, THE LEGENDARY RF WATTMETER WE ALL WANT... IF ONLY IT WEREN'T SO EXPENSIVE 💸🔥

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Source: Radio Bunker
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  • description: #thruline #bird43 #rf #hamradio #wattmeter 00:00 🎙️ Introduction to the Bird Model 43, the reference wattmeter in RF labs. 00:30 🏭 History and construction: Manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio; a 1987 unit still works like new. 01:34 💰 Cost and versions: Between €100-€200 used; this model includes a peak power meter for SSB. 02:39 🔌 The "plug" system (elements): These are interchangeable to define the power and frequency range. 04:05 🎯 Accuracy vs. others: 5% error on half scale, surpassing the 10% error of meters like the Diamond SX600. 06:23 🔄 Interchangeable connectors: Quick Change (QC) system for use with N, UHF, etc., without loss. 07:30 🧪 Practical test: Connection to a dummy load and a Yaesu FT 101 radio (200W). 09:03 📊 Actual measurement: Precise accuracy at 100W, 150W, and 200W with no reflected power. 11:09 ⚖️ Direct comparison: The Diamond SX600 reads 110W while the Bird 43 reads the actual 100W. 13:28 🛠️ Conclusion: A lifetime investment (approx. €600 for the complete kit) for serious radio amateurs. 📡 In this review, we analyze the BIRD 43, one of the most legendary and respected RF wattmeters in the world of amateur radio, telecommunications, and RF power measurement. The Bird 43 is considered by many radio amateurs and technicians to be an almost indispensable tool for measuring forward and reflected power, and for checking the performance of radio equipment, antennas, and transmitters. However, it also has one major drawback: its price. In this video, we'll see why the Bird 43 remains so highly valued, what makes it special, what it's really used for, and whether it's still worth having one in your radio station or RF lab. If you're interested in radio equipment, RF electronics, power meters, SWR/VSWR, and classic amateur radio tools, this video is for you. Follow me on my social media: 👥 - Facebook:   / radiobunker73   📸 - Instagram:   / radiobunker73   🎵 - TikTok:   / lu8mil   🐦 - Twitter:   / lu8mil   Become a member of this channel to enjoy exclusive perks:    / @radiobunker73  
  • title: REVIEW: BIRD 43, THE LEGENDARY RF WATTMETER WE ALL WANT... IF ONLY IT WEREN'T SO EXPENSIVE 💸🔥
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  • updated_at: 2026-05-27T19:09:26Z
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