ETHERNET Access for Bird 43 wattmeter Remote Sensing

Now, for the first time on EBAY, we offer the ETHERNET version of Glentek's popular USB Watcher for BIRD WATTMETERS. Simply plug into your Ethernet jack and monitor RF power from anywhere in the world. This is so new, I don't even have pictures of it yet (pictures shown are of the USB version ... but it's hard to see the difference anyway). All viewing software is included. NO COMPUTER IS NEEDED AT A REMOTE SITE. Full DHCP or Static IP support. Windows XP and/or Vista (32 bit) needed for viewing locally. Included WEB SERVER facilitates setup. Open a TCP forwarding port in your router and you have Internet access too.

I only have one of these for now and am introducing it at an extraordinarily low starting bid price.

Introduced for the first time at the Dayton Hamvention, Glentek's USB "Watcher" for the Bird model 43 wattmeter was a smash hit. Here is an auction for one Ethernet unit at an extraordinary price!

You can view details of this amazing adapter at Glentek's website: http://www.GlentekCorp.com

http://www.K9SO.net

 WE SUPPORT WHAT WE SELL !    AS SEEN IN QST MAGAZINE!     SEE AUGUST, SEPT., and OCT 2009 issues of QST.

You get:

• An ETHERNET and peak reading (SSB) computer adapter  board that fits on the model 43 meter terminals. Installation couldn't be easier. No soldering and completely reversable! So advanced it can read peak RF power from a single "dit" or average to simulate a real analog meter.
  
• A Peak (PEP) reading adapter that functions WITHOUT a computer attached
• An "element stretcher" function that works WITHOUT a computer attached too.
  
• A quick and complete bypass switch to return to the original, unpowered state accessible without removing the back cover.
• No batteries to run down!
  
• Software that displays a LINEAR analog meter scale on your computer. No more difficulty in reading the cramped physical meter scale at the high end.The secret and the value is in the professional software. So advanced, it will still display while other software is running in the foreground. So advanced that multiple copies can run simultaneously without interference. So advanced that it requires minimal processor time ... you need that for other functions such as rig control,  sound processing, and digital modes which can be run simultaneously with the Copyrighted Watcher software.
  
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• Digital reading right on the computer screen too (see screen capture shot)
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• Both the physical and the computer display simultaneously. They agree to an amazing 2% accuracy over the full meter scale using Glentek's proprietary 4th order correction polynomial.This gives a continuous, smooth response ... unlike  jagged lookup table correction used elsewhere.
  
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• Simple side-mounted bypass switch puts the meter back into its original operating configuration without the need for removing the back cover.
  
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• Computer display peak reading adapter that can capture power readings with single CW "dits" ! No more slow decay when using the virtual meter.
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• Powered from  a separate 12V supply (not included) . NO BATTERIES ARE REQUIRED!  Always ready when you need it. Can also be configured to operate as a PEP adapter from a 12vdc supply (not included) when no PC is available. .. and when no power is available at all, the entire board is bypassed with a simple flick of the side mounted bypass switch.
  
• Displayed meter scale can be run in a separate window (see picture above with the Watcher software running in the background alongside HR Deluxe). Complete your computerized operation by including a simultaneous RF power display.
• User selectable scales to match the slug in use.

• No cheapie op amps in this design. The op amps used have less than 1/10 the input offset error of the lower cost LM358N used in many low cost PEP-only adapters. Designed for unparalleled accuracy over the full operating temperature range.

• All adjustments and calibrations are made with infinite resolution CERMET TEN TURN potentiometers. These are more expensive than single turn trimmers, but long term stability is achieved so you won't need to recalibrate every time you use it. This allows us to ship FULLY CALIBRATED. But just in case, we include the calibrator function too.
  

• Gold plated switching contacts in the meter loop to handle the extremely small signal currents without developing long term contact resistance errors.
  

• Realistic analog meter movement  on the computer screen that can be used for tuning, etc. with or without the peak reading feature activated. 
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• Software is included: Requires Windows 2000, XP, or Vista and a free USB port.

But wait:

You also get a 2x element extender function too! Factory adjusted for 2x expansion, it can also adjust it for 2.5x. Convert a 500 watt slug into a 1000 watt slug for example.We won't let you blow up your slug diodes by claiming 4X extension. You're protected against dangerous advertising claims.

 

and there's still more!

You get 4 independent optically isolated control outputs that you can use to switch on/off additional "stuff" (40mA max at 80v DC). Pull-down control of "Output Pins" that can be renamed in the config file.

and remember,

the peak reading and element stretching features operate without the computer attached too (external power required). A single switch reverts the configuration beck to the original, unpowered state for portable operation as if nothing were attached.

FAQs:

Do I have to replace the analog meter?

No, and that's the whole idea...you use the existing analog meter and choose original functionality whenever you want it.  With a flick of the bypass switch you can use the Model 43 meter in its original, non-powered condition for portability as if nothing were attached. The watcher is an enhancement to the wattmeter and it doesn't eliminate the origianl portable functionality. Digital format is displayed on the PC when it's connected. The software Analog meters are great for tuning, and the computer view maintains this analog feel too.

Can I run more than one Watcher at a time?

Absolutely. Both will be displayed on the computer screen in separate windows.

Can I run my rig control program at the same time?

Absolutely. The professional meter software runs in the background even while other programs are active and doesn't hog the processor time. So you can resize your windows to display Rig control software and any number of meters simultaneously. That means you can key your transmitter from the rig control software and the meter will respond without re-clicking on the meter screen.

How do I change meter scales?

The scales can be changed from the pull-down SCALE menu on the main screen. You can adjust what scale shows up on start-up and even make your own scales. Remember though that the scale should match the slug inserted into the 43.

Does the model 43 physical meter still function when in computer mode?

Yes. Both the computer and the original meter will show your RF power.

Can I go 4x  or 5x in the element stretcher mode?

No. There is potential slug damage if you try and push the elements that far. Some will work, but some will sustain damage to the internal slug diode. There is no problem at 2 or 2.5x so that's where we limited the functionality of this feature. 

Can I use the features without a PC attached?

You can use the peak reading and element stretching features without a PC. You will need to supply 9-16 V DC via the power jack . Remember, you can operate the bypass  switch and use the 43 meter as originally designed without any power attached.  

Can I read both forward and reverse power?

Not directly, since there is only one sensor (line section) built into the Model 43. But there is versatility built into the Watcher! If you have another Bird sensor unit (or another Model 43), you can choose which sensor you connect to the Watcher unit via a (user provided) external relay. You can control this external relay using one of the remote control output ports on your Watcher interface. So simply by adding a SPDT relay and another pickup unit (sensor and slug), you can remotely read both forward and reverse power on the Watcher software (of course, not simultaneously). If connected, the physical meter would also switch reading between pickups.  Simultaneous display will require two separate Watcher units.

How do I operate the remote/isolated outputs?

Simply by clicking on the associated button in the pull-down menu on the computer display. You can rename the buttons in the configuration file too.

The fine print:

Sorry, the Bird 43 wattmeter or its sensor, slug, and meter are NOT INCLUDED. You must supply the complete model 43 or a sensor/line section and appropriate slug. This is an add-on PCB assembly with the software needed to operate it.

You use your existing wattmeter "slugs". No enhancements are made to frequency ranges, etc. The reading direction is determined by the wattmeter slug direction.

The required Ethernet cable is not included. No power supply is included . However, it accepts 3.5mm power plug (12v@20mA) too.

Full 90 day limited Glentek Corporation warranty is included

Full calibration instructions included. Except for the element extender feature (if 2.5x is desired), no calibration should be necessary. A precision 30uA calibration source is included

14 day FULL refund if not delighted (see refund details)

NOT A KIT! Fully assembled and calibrated to the standard Bird 30uA meter movement.

All Watchers will function with just the sensor (RF pickup or line section) attached too. No need for the physical meter or housing except for a convenient mounting location. Use with stand-alone line sections.

Can be positioned anywhere. No more fighting RG-213 cables to get the right positioning of the meter.

The amazing software has been designed so that it can be viewed with remote desktop or VNC software. Smooth analog meter movement with no needle flicker. Adjust the virtual needle weight for more realism or more speed as desired. Remote locations can now see their output RF power. Great for remote repeater monitoring without a remote computer.

We are not affiliated with Bird Electronic Corporation