Meter scale.

[sureshot]

This might sound a daft question, but on an SWR /PWR meter I recently bought, I might have been reading it wrong. I know the SWR scale when setting, but was using the scale on the same bar across for the 10 - 100 watt scale. I think I've got it wrong. Not wanting to over drive anything would I be right in thinking the bottom lowest scale with FS is 10 watt. And the scale above the SWR is 100 watt scale ? I know it sounds daft, I'm just not 100% sure.
Thoughts appreciated

[ch25]

FS is not a Watt scale. It is field strength. It is oem scale, your meter does not measure that.
BTW it is junk meter.
Chris

[NightProwler]

Yep it's for field strength readings Dave. Might be a cheap meter but it will be fine for what you want it for.

[paulears]

Use it for VSWR, and treat the Watts readings as a gauge of everything working - real power meters that are accurate are very expensive, compared to this one that's just a few quid.

[sureshot]

Ahh ok i see, its the line above the SWR scale that's the power scale then. Yes I'd only use it as a rough guide until i get something a bit better quality.
Thanks for the replys guys.

[ch25]

SWR readings with that meter are very inaccurate.

[sureshot]

SWR readings with that meter are very inaccurate.

Its not far off the radios SWR menu reading, very close. And yes i know that's not super accurate. Although i don't have another power meter atm i do have a trusty 10 year old SWR meter as a spair. The readings are the same.
So I'm happy with the SWR reading the same from three sources. Can't all be wrong.

[NightProwler]

Dave that meter is fine for what you need. Just because it's not a gold plated Yaesu meter does not mean it wont do the job

[ch25]

Meter showing swr 1.4 instead of 2.0 indeed does the job xD
I never had Yaesu meter, but Zetagi could be accurate after calibration.
Chris

[Kaliphan]

Main reason meters are inaccurate is cos the reverse sensor isn't matched to the forward sensor, it throws the ratio off, there is a way to get an accurate reading of SWR as long as the forward reading is the same every time you key up.

I've explained this before I think but:

Set the left switch to 10W FWD and the right switch to SWR.

Adjust the control so you get the needle to the 'SET' marking on the curved scale.

Without moving any of the switches or controls swap the patch lead from the TX socket and ANT socket over so your radio is on the ANT socket and your antenna is on the TX socket.

The reading when you key up on the meter is your SWR and it should be at least as accurate as using the meter 'the correct' way round and probably more accurate.

Power readings will be gibberish unless you connect the meter back the right way round.

[The Collector]

...but that then reads your RWS

[Kaliphan]

Well obvs, that's why the Rewop readings are gibberish too.

[MrWeetabix]

Pretty sure the op said that this meter gave the same SWR reading as another meter and the meter in his radio, so despite being labelled as 'junk', it seems to be working just fine to me.

On a budget, a cheap meter is still better than no meter. Also just giving blanket statements of 'its crap', it's junk', 'blah blah blah' helps nobody. Be constructive or be quiet, there's no need to put people down for the sake of it.

[ch25]

Pretty sure the op said that this meter gave the same SWR reading as another meter and the meter in his radio,

It does not prove anything.

On a budget, a cheap meter is still better than no meter.

Sure. Useful when you need to check if you still have an antenna without looking through the window. Nothing else.
Chris

[MrWeetabix]

On a budget, a cheap meter is still better than no meter.

Sure. Useful when you need to check if you still have an antenna without looking through the window. Nothing else.
Chris

again, in this instance, his cheap 'junk' meter is reading the same as another meter and the meter in his radio.... so I'd say that whilst you may regard it as junk, it's giving a decent indication of SWR. You can't argue with facts.