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The SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, Washington 98005 USA
P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Tel: (425) 746-6310 Fax: (425) 746-6384
© 1997 SGC Inc.
The field strength meter is a small handheld meter that is used to determine the strength of the signal (in
microvolts per meter) as it is being transmitted from the antenna. Field strength meters are typically very simple
radio circuits with a meter and a tuner.
The frequency counter is somewhat like a a field strength meter in the sense that
they are both handheld and contain radio circuits. With some frequency counters, you can
walk near an operating transmitter, push one button, and the exact frequency of the
transmission will be displayed. Frequency counters can be used to calibrate a transceiver.
If you don't have a frequency counter, you can exactly tune in to one of the WWV broadcasts(with the receiver in
SSB). You can then see how closely the receiver is on frequency.
An impedance bridge is used to determine the impedance of a circuit. An impedance can be handy when
operating an HF radio station because you can determine the impedance of an antenna that you are using and if you
need to match the system differently.
An S-meter shows the strength of the signal that is being received (in decibels).
The specifications for S-meters vary from one type of receiver to another, so the signal
ratings aren't terribly useful, except for your own personal use. As a result, some
newer receivers use a more linear system of LEDs or LCDs to show the signal rating (usually 0 to 10).
Frequency Counters can
be used to calibrate a
transceiver.
FIELD STRENGTH METER
FREQUENCY COUNTER
IMPEDANCE BRIDGE
An S-Meter shows the
strength of the signal
being received.
S-METER
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