43, General Purpose RF Wattmeter
Model 43
General Purpose RF Wattmeter
The Trusted Standard in RF Power Measurement.
The Bird Model 43 is a legacy RF wattmeter that’s been trusted for decades in field and bench environments around the world. Its fully analog design provides clear, directional power measurements using a simple, mechanical interface that technicians have relied on for generations. With quick-change elements and a rugged metal housing, the Model 43 continues to deliver lasting value for routine RF testing, tuning, and service work.
Why Choose the 43?
Reliable, Directional Power Measurement
The Model 43 uses a precision directional coupler to measure forward and reflected RF power.
Field-Proven Durability
Built with a rugged metal housing, shock-mounted meter movement, it’s trusted to perform in harsh environments year after year.
Modular and Easy to Use
With Bird’s plug-in elements, you can adapt to different frequency bands and power levels.
How It Works - Simple, Passive, Proven
The Model 43 measures RF power using a passive, mechanical design built around two key components: a directional coupler and an analog meter movement. This architecture provides direct analog readings with low insertion loss, high durability, and consistent performance across a wide range of RF systems.
Passive RF Power Measurement
Sample directional RF energy through a precision coupler and convert it to analog needle movement.
Forward & Reflected Power Detection
Measure power in both directions by rotating the plug-in element ideal for load matching, tuning, and reflection analysis.
Directional Power Sampling
Separate forward and reflected power using a high-directivity coupler trusted by generations of RF professionals.
Enduring RF Measurement Standard
Decades after its introduction, the Model 43 remains a trusted tool across public safety, broadcast, and defense.
Specifications
- Power Range: 100 mW to 5 kW
- Frequency Range: 450 kHz to 1.2 GHz
- Accuracy: ±5% of reading
- Connectors: Type N (F)
