How to Measure a Transmitter and VSWR with a Power Meter

August 27th, 2025

1 min. read

Transmitter connected to directional wattmeter and antenna

How to Measure a Transmitter and VSWR with a Power Meter

Accurate RF measurements are essential to keep your systems running at peak performance. In this video, Bird walks you through the process of using a wattmeter to measure both transmitter output power and VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio).

What You’ll Learn

How to properly set up a Bird wattmeter in your RF chain
Selecting and inserting the correct element
Reading forward and reflected power
Calculating VSWR from your measurements
Common mistakes to avoid and troubleshooting tips

Why It Matters

Prevent costly damage to transmitters and antennas
Ensure maximum efficiency and system reliability
Gain confidence in your RF testing process
Extend the life of your equipment

Who Should Watch

RF technicians working in the field
Engineers maintaining critical communication systems
Trainers teaching best practices in RF measurement
Anyone using the Bird Model 43 Wattmeter or similar tools

Bird’s Expertise

For over 80 years, Bird has set the standard for RF measurement. The Model 43 Wattmeter, featured in this video, is trusted around the world for its ruggedness, simplicity, and accuracy. This tutorial is part of Bird’s commitment to helping professionals measure with confidence.

Ready to take the next step?
Explore Bird’s complete line of RF Wattmeters — including the legendary Model 43 and our latest digital solutions. Find the wattmeter that fits your needs and keep your RF systems running at their best.

Bird Applications Team

Applied RF know-how from Bird engineers—field-tested techniques, measurement methods, and troubleshooting.

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