43 Wattmeter

The trusted standard in RF power measurement.

The Bird Model 43 is a legacy RF wattmeter that’s been trusted for decades in field and bench environments around the world. Its fully analog design provides clear, directional power measurements using a simple, mechanical interface that technicians have relied on for generations.

With quick-change elements and a rugged metal housing, the Model 43 continues to deliver lasting value for routine RF testing, tuning, and service work.

Buy Now View Manual

Why Choose the 43?

Reliable, Directional Power Measurement

The Model 43 uses a precision directional coupler to measure forward and reflected RF power.

Field-Proven Durability

Built with a rugged metal housing, shock-mounted meter movement, it’s trusted to perform in harsh environments year after year.

Modular and Easy to Use

With Bird’s plug-in elements, you can adapt to different frequency bands and power levels.

How It Works - Simple, Passive, Proven

The Model 43 measures RF power using a passive, mechanical design built around two key components: a directional coupler and an analog meter movement.
This architecture provides direct analog readings with low insertion loss, high durability, and consistent performance across a wide range of RF systems.

Learn How to Read Your Meter Get Expert Help

Passive RF Power Measurement

Sample directional RF energy through a precision coupler and convert it to analog needle movement

Forward & Reflected Power Detection

Measure power in both directions by rotating the plug-in element—ideal for load matching, tuning, and reflection analysis.

Directional Power Sampling

Separate forward and reflected power using a high-directivity coupler—trusted by generations of RF professionals.

Enduring RF Measurement Standard

Decades after its introduction, the Model 43 remains a trusted tool across public safety, broadcast, and defense.

43 Model Specification

Model Number

43 Buy Now

450 kHz to 1.2 GHz

100 mW to 10 kW

± 5% of full scale

Buy Now

Swipe for more

Analog Power Display

Real-time needle movement for clear, reliable RF power readings.

The Bird Model 43 uses a suspended coil meter movement to display power as a smooth, continuous needle deflection across a calibrated scale. This fully analog design provides technicians with immediate, visual feedback—ideal for quickly assessing both forward and reflected power in the field or on the bench.

Displays forward or reflected power in watts (based on element orientation)
Available full-scale ranges: 25W, 50W, and 100W
Manual zero-adjust screw for stable long-term accuracy

Need help reading forward and reflected RF Power?

Learn How to Read Your Meter

FAQs

Have more questions? Get Expert Help

How often do I need to calibrate my Model 43 wattmeter?

What plug-in elements (slugs) are available for the Model 43?

Table	Frequency Range	Power Range	Element Type
Table 1	2 – 1000 MHz	5 –1000 W	Standard Elements
Table 2	25 – 1000 MHz	1 – 2.5 W	Low Power Elements
Table 3	950 – 1260 MHz	1 – 5000 W	High Frequency Elements
Table 4	0.45 – 2.5 MHz	1,000 – 10,000 W	Low Frequency Elements
Table 6	72 – 1000 MHz	100 – 500 mW	Milliwatt Elements
Table 14	50 – 1250 MHz	1,000 W	Directional Coupler Elements

Will the Model 43 wattmeter read digital modulations?

Need Calibration?

Bird Calibration Services

Keeping equipment calibrated is the number one way to ensure performance and longevity. A Bird Calibration means we fully test your equipment and adjust it as needed to ensure it’s meeting specs.

Get a Calibration Quote

A Legacy of Trust. A Future of Simplicity.

For decades, Bird’s element-based wattmeters have set the standard for accuracy, durability, and technician-trusted performance. That legacy continues—but so does the evolution.

Whether you prefer the familiar reliability of plug-in elements or you're exploring the ease of new generation RF power measurement, Bird is here to support your journey.

Our expanding lineup of RF power measurement tools offers options for every workflow—rooted in accuracy, built for what’s next.

Because in RF, confidence doesn’t come from guessing. It comes from Bird.

calm middleaged amateur radio operator at his station-1