Power Meter 430A

Hewlett-Packard, (HP); Palo Alto, CA

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  • Year
  • 1948
  • Category
  • Service- or Lab Equipment
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 202368

 Technical Specifications

  • Wave bands
  • - without
  • Power type and voltage
  • Alternating Current supply (AC) / 115 Volt
  • Loudspeaker
  • - - No sound reproduction output.
  • Material
  • Metal case
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Power Meter 430A - Hewlett-Packard, HP; Palo Alto
  • Shape
  • Tablemodel, slant panel.
  • Dimensions (WHD)
  • 12 x 9 x 9 inch / 305 x 229 x 229 mm
  • Notes
  • First generation of power meter using a self-balancing bridge and an audio voltmeter.
    5 ranges 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3 and 10 mW. External tunable Bolometer connected to one arm of the bridge: 475A (0,3-1 GHz) and 475B (1-4 GHz).
    The Microwave Power Meter offers completely automatic, instantaneous power readings direct in decibels or milliwatts. No tedious calculations, no troublesome adjustments. And it can be used at any microwave frequency.
    The hp430A consists of an audio bridge, one arm of which is a power sensitive element. The bridge is initially balanced with no rf power in the element. As rf power is applied, an equivalent in audio power is automatically removed, so that the bridge remains in balance. The change in audio power level indicates directly on the front panel vacuum tube voltmeter. This meter, calibrated in milliwatts and dbm, then gives direct indication of the rf power in the sensitive bridge arm.
    This instrument is special because of its automatic operation. Measuring an unknown rf is achieved by connecting the hp430A to the 200-ohm bolometer. Power can be read directly in milliwatts from .02 to 10 mW, or dbm from —20 to+ 10 dbm. Higher powers can be measured by adding attenuators or directional couplers to the microwave system. Any of 5 ranges are selected on a front panel switch.

    SPECIFICATIONS
    Power Range: Full scale readings of: 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3 and 10 mW. Also calibrated in db to give continuous reading from —20 dbm to + 10 dbm. (0 dbm = 0.001 watt). Power range can be extended with attenuators or directional couplers in microwave system.
    External Bolometer: Frequency Range depends on bolometer mount. Bolometer must be 200 ohms at power level of approximately 15.3 mW and have positive temperature coefficient. Suitable bolometers include: 1/100 ampere instrument fuse; Sperry barretter 821. (Bolometer and mount not supplied.)
    Accuracy: ±5% of full scale reading.
  • Net weight (2.2 lb = 1 kg)
  • 17 lb 0 oz (17 lb) / 7.718 kg
  • Mentioned in
  • -- Original prospect or advert
  • Author
  • Model page created by Otto Frosinn. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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