On Mar 22, 2005, at 10:37 AM, Gary Smith wrote:
> Accurate or not, the Bird 43 is the accepted standard.
The FCC does not measure power at amateur radio stations with a Bird 43.
> Although there are devices available with more accuracy when that
> power out readings are taken with something other than a Bird, the
> question might pop up: "Oh. Is that a good as... ")
> Have not asked, see no need to, but I'll bet you could order a slug
> (oddball) made-to-order that would read any power level (1 watt up)
> across the narrowest of frequencies. I do not know of any other outfit
> that offer the same in an acceptable $$ range.
> And now I will let my one dollar and ninety five cents on this issue
> drop.
> 73,
> Gary... wa6fgi
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Paul Whatton
> To: amps@contesting.com
> Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2005 1:44 AM
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Bird Element Calibration?
>
>
> Gee guys this Bird 43 accuracy debate is so sad. And it misses the
> point. In countries around the World radio amateurs knew they were
> buying the best. The certainty that Bird 43 with a 2.5kW slug in the
> feeder brought them made their station better and actually helped
> them
> work that DX!
>
> And now you are trying to destroy all those dreams! Have you all no
> shame?
>
> The 43 comes from the modernist school of design, a time when things
> were right, shouldn't be questioned and there was no uncertainty.
> Just
> look at it, that big round meter and grey industrial case just oozes
> authority. It is irrelevant whether a Bird 43 works or not, it is an
> icon, symbolising certainty and American greatness. Anyone who owns
> one
> has the best, no question.
>
> I love my Bird 43 for those reasons. Just as I love my British 1959
> Acoustical Quad II tube audio amplifiers. They too were the "best"
> you
> could buy, a symbol of a Great Britain. The designer of the Bird and
> the
> Quad II must surely have been the same person? Hey! They are even
> both
> painted military grey.
>
> I paid GBP60.00 (about $100) for my secondhand Bird 43 at a hamfest.
> Of
> course I could have bought a new SWR/power meter for that price, and
> it
> would have been junk. Instead I have an art artifact that I'd be
> proud
> to put on my mantlepiece.
>
> Anyway I suppose the good thing that will come out of this debate is
> that lots of previously content Bird owners will realise that they
> don't
> own the best any more. I guess anyone who can't live with the
> uncertainty will now have to rush out and buy an Agilent to be sure
> they
> really have 2kW and not actually 1.8kW. Then they'll be sure their
> station is up to spec and they can work the DX in the future.
>
> So, if you are about to trash your 43 please let me know. I need a
> load
> more slugs. Those of us who truely understand what a BIrd 43 is will
> be
> delighted to take your junk off your hands.
>
> 73 Paul G4DCV
>
>
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>
Richard L. Measures, AG6K, 805.386.3734. www.somis.org
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