Product Overview
Used Bird 43 RF Wattmeter with Three Frequency Slugs
The Bird Model 43 is a portable RF power meter designed for accurate measurement of forward and reflected power in coaxial transmission lines. This unit includes three plug-in slugs for wide frequency coverage.
Trusted in field kits and test benches for decades, the Bird 43 earned its reputation as the “workhorse” of RF power measurement. Rugged, serviceable, and precise within ±5% of full scale, it remains a go-to tool for radio engineers and technicians. This meter has written its own story across countless RF setups — its next chapter belongs to you.
Product Condition
Used, in clean condition with minor wear from normal use. There is a small engraving near the model plate. Includes three interchangeable slugs: 10C, 10E, and 100D. The unit is fully functional and well preserved.
Product Overview
Bird Electronic Corporation built its reputation on reliable RF measurement gear. The Model 43, introduced in the 1950s, quickly became the industry standard for field-deployable wattmeters. Designed for accuracy and longevity, it uses interchangeable elements for flexibility across frequency bands and power ranges. Its simple, rugged design has made it a mainstay in broadcast, two-way radio, and laboratory testing.
Key Features
- Brand: Bird Electronic Corporation
- Model: 43 Wattmeter
- Accuracy: ±5% of full scale
- Measures forward and reflected RF power
- Includes 3 slugs: 10C (10W, 100-250MHz), 10E (10W, 400-1000MHz), 100D (100W, 200-500MHz)
- Quick-change connectors for fast element swaps
- Minimal VSWR and insertion loss during measurement
- Compartment storage for extra elements
- Portable and field-ready design
Applications
- Testing RF transmitters and amplifiers
- Monitoring power in broadcast systems
- Field service for two-way radio networks
- Amateur radio station power measurement
- Laboratory RF experiments and prototyping
- Educational use in electronics and communications labs
- Maintaining and calibrating antenna systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the accuracy of the Bird 43?
It provides ±5% of full-scale accuracy when used with the correct element.
Can this unit measure both forward and reflected power?
Yes, the Bird 43 measures both forward and reflected RF power with proper element orientation.
Are the included slugs interchangeable?
Yes, the three included elements (10C, 10E, 100D) can be swapped easily for different frequency and power ranges.
Does it add loss to the system during testing?
The wattmeter introduces minimal VSWR and insertion loss, making it reliable for inline use.
Why is the Bird 43 still popular today?
Its combination of rugged build, simple design, and accurate readings has kept it in use for decades across radio and communications industries.
This listing is for one Bird Model 43 Wattmeter in used condition with three element slugs, as described above.