Re: W2 Wattmeter

Posted by NZ0T on Jan 03, 2010; 1:51am
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/W2-Wattmeter-tp4242517p4244535.html

I'm very happy with my W2.  There was an issue with an intermittent in the sensor cable but that was quickly resolved.  It seems accurate enough to me on a subjective basis - I have no Bird to compare it to.  As far as resolution goes the computer display resolution does rely on LED's and is a continuous bar with a switchable peak indication.  This is only the 2nd version of the diplay software and I'm sure it will continue to improve.  I have a friend that has the LP-100A and it's a really nice meter but I'm not sure I want to pay $120 more for it.

73 Bill NZ0T

Phil & Debbie Salas wrote

"Those are good points about the trigger and perception of accuracy of the
W2.  I have yet to see field test data of the W2 in regards to accuracy of
the
Wattmeter and SWR indications."

According to the manual the W2 has an accuracy of +- 0.5dB typical (nothing
about worst-case).  This is 10-12% accuracy.  Not as good as the
PowerMaster/LP-100A/Telepost class of wattmeters that use NIST-traceable cal
equipment (which should get you more like 3-5% accuracy).  Of course, those
are $100-$150 more expensive than the W2.  If you use the W2 LED display,
your perceived error could be greater than the 10-12%.  As an example, if
you really have 100 watts and the W2 reads it 1/2-dB low, then possibility
only the 80-watt LED would light.  So this would give you a 20% reading
error.

Maybe the ARRL will do a review sometime soon.

Phil - AD5X

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