Bird 4314C – RF Wattmeter with Peak Envelope (PEP) Measurement Function

• Similar to Model 43, but adds circuitry to measure peak envelope power (PEP)

• Elements required for operation / sold separately – see below for selection information
• Modulation: CW, AM, FM, SSB, analog TV, and pulsed signals
• Measurement: Peak envelope, peak pulsed, average RF power
• RF power range: 100mW to 10kW (element dependent)

The Model 4314C Thruline Wattmeter is an insertion‐type RF wattmeter designed to measure power flow and load match in 50 ohm coaxial transmission lines. It is intended for use on CW, AM, FM, SSB, TV, and pulse signals only.

The Model 4314C Thruline Wattmeter is a portable unit contained in a die cast aluminum housing. The unit is equipped with a plastic strap for carrying, four rubber shock feet on the base, and four rubber bumpers on the back which allow the unit to stand vertical or lie flat in a horizontal position when used. For additional protection, the meter is specially shock mounted. A slotted screw is provided on the lower front face of the meter for zeroing the pointer.

The RF line section face below the meter protrudes slightly from the wattmeter housing with the Plug‐In Element socket in the center. The circuit module is mounted on the line section inside the housing. It has an attached phosphor bronze spring contact finger, which protrudes through a lateral hole and into the Plug‐In Element socket on the RF line section. The finger has a button on its end which makes connection with the contacts of the Plug‐in Element. The silver‐plated brass RF line section is precision‐made to provide the best possible impedance match to the coaxial RF transmission line in which the wattmeter is inserted. At each end of the line section are Bird Quick‐ Change type RF connectors, which may be quickly interchanged with any other Bird “QC” connectors.

To make measurements, insert a Plug‐In Element into the line section socket and rotate it to either stop. Point the element arrow in the source to load direction of power flow and the meter will display a reading of forward power. Rotate the element so that the arrow is pointed in the opposite direction to obtain a reflected power reading. With known values of forward and reflected power the load match can now be determined by calculating the VSWR or by using the graphs supplied in the manual.

Setting the front panel toggle switch to PEAK mode gives the wattmeter the capability of indicating peak pulse or envelope power.

The Bird 4314C is compatible with a large number of elements, covering a wide range of frequency and power ratings.

Compatible elements can be viewed by clicking here and viewing tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13 and 14.

Please note, elements are sold separately.

All Bird plug-in elements are calibrated in accordance with meticulous Bird calibration procedures supported by a long history of mean deviation values to assure adherence to advertised specifications of current instruments, as well as field interchangeability with equipment purchased, used, and trusted in all the years since its introduction.

At each end of the line section are Bird Quick-Change RF connectors that may be interchanged with any other Bird “QC” connector. The wattmeter housing does not interfere with connector changes. The Bird 4314C is normally supplied with Quick-Change Female N type connectors.

The chart below contains descriptions and part numbers for many types of optional QC connectors.

Bird offers several versions of the 43 series wattmeter. The chart below provides a brief overview of the main differences in each. Please click here for more detailed information on Bird’s power meter line.

*An asterisk in the chart above for RF power and frequency range indicates that this value is dependent on the Bird element being used.