1. FIELD STRENGTH
METER
4S6GGS
This simple field strength meter is ideal for testing if your
antenna or handheld radio is working. The sensitivity
depends on the sensitivity of the meter you use, so try a few
www.4s5gs.gayan@gmail.com different meters if you have a few available. I have found
that level meters out of old tape decks have good sensitivity.
If you are going to buy a meter, get a 1mA (milli-amp) meter.
2. FIELD STRENGTH METER
This simple field strength meter is ideal for testing if your antenna or handheld radio is working. The
sensitivity depends on the sensitivity of the meter you use, so try a few different meters if you have a few
available. I have found that level meters out of old tape decks have good sensitivity. If you are going to
buy a meter, get a 1mA (milli-amp) meter.
4S6GGS Gayan E mail. 4s5gs.gayan@gmail.com
4. FIELD STRENGTH METER
To use
The length of antenna is not a critical at all.
Length = 0.95 x 300/(4 x freq) <= (freq = Mhz)
1. Turn on transmitter and meter; adjust R2 for peak reading. Turn off transmitter. Turn on
transmitter (with no audio modulation) and go to your monitor point(s) and take readings. Your
monitor point(s) should be many meters/yards away from your antenna,
After taking a set of readings, you can experiment with your antenna or transmitter system, then take
another set of readings and determine whether your signal strength was increased or diminished. Keep
your readings in your book. Make note of whether it’s been dry or rainy in recent days; moist soil might
give slightly better propagation.
2. Your meter can measure the low levels of radio frequency (RF) generated by a radio transmitter. You
can use these measurements to map the transmitting direction and coverage pattern of your antenna, or
to compare your radio and antenna's efficiency before and after an adjustment. You do not need to
connect the meter to the antenna or the radio to measure field strength.
It takes two people to measure field strength. For an accurate measurement, you will need to map the site
around your antenna. Then, while someone presses the radios transmit key, you will need to walk around
the site around your antenna with the meter, marking the readings you see.
Hints: In addition to the meter, we recommend you use the following items to help you measure field
strength:
Several photocopies of the template
36 objects such as rocks or weighted pieces of paper
25 feet of rope or strong cord
Calculator
Pencil
Compass
Make sure there is at least 25 feet of open space in all directions around your antenna.
4S6GGS Gayan E mail. 4s5gs.gayan@gmail.com
