| G8JNF |
Rating:  |
2007-05-26 | |
| Bye Bye Bird |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
There isn't any more that can be said for the Powermaster thats not already been said.
Six months ago if you had said to me that I was about to shelve my trusty Bird 43 for something else I would have laughed at you.
But its true. The Powermaster is SUPERB! Its not the cheapest swr/power meter on the market but its the best and worth every penny. It should be given a 10 rating not a 5.
Well done Array Solutions. I bought mine from Vine Antennas Ltd the UK distributor |
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| K6AK |
Rating: |
2007-05-13 | |
| The five star rating should be doubled for the PowerMaster |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Hi Jay
It was really nice to chat with you! Array Solutions customer service is outstanding. You did a fantastic job designing the Power Master. It is a "must have" cool necessity for any Ham Shack. I always enjoy watching the display as well as using the perfectly designed "menu and mode select" buttons. It is very intuitive, easy to use, and it's outstanding accuracy is comforting.
I use an older linear tube amp which does not have internal protection for excessive grid current. I have not been able to get the amp's ALC working to my satisfaction. My 13 year old "General Class" son and I both worry about forgetting to check the transceiver RF power drive level before transmitting, and damaging the amp's expensive tubes. The Power Master easily ended our worries, with it's PTT in / PTT out / relay feature. We set the "High Power Alarm" to open the relay, which interrupts the PTT activation of the amp. To reset the Power Master, press the "mode select" button and the flashing Power and VSWR leds extinguish. It's time to work DX! Another "good bye worry" feature is to set the VSWR alarm to trip the same relay when the VSWR goes above the selected value. Yea, problems solved in less than a minute, now I can sleep, dreaming about DX, instead of buying tubes or another amp!
A five star rating is an insult to the Power Master, when the star rating is doubled, give me a call!
73 de K6AK |
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| WB6Q |
Rating: |
2007-04-28 | |
| Lab Instrument in the radio room |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| There is the finest Wattmeter available at any price. QST said in their review it a lab quality wattmeter and they are right. I tested the output of my new Yaesu FT2000D at 170 watts on the Power Master. When I called Yaesu they said "how did you know that?" Told them that I tested the output on a Power Master lab grade wattmeter. They acknowledged that they set the output of the radio at 170 watts when shipped rather than 200 watts. I assume they want to reduce the potential for blown finals. You know it's a good meter when your friends want to borrow it to calibrate their bird meters! |
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| K3KV |
Rating: |
2007-04-08 | |
| Such a pleasure to use! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
The powermaster by Array Solutions is the best wattmeter I have ever owned and I have owned some that were supposed to be good.
Without knocking the other brands, I must say that this piece of equipment is in a league by itself.
Wonderful, useful features, beautiful display, I cant say enough good things about it.
Tuning is actually something I look forward to.
I wish I had known about Array Solutions and their products before I wasted money on inferior manufacturers products.
If you want a high quality reasonably priced wattmeter that is right on the money, this is it. I hope Ill never have to use a cross needle meter again. With Array Solutions and the powermaster wattmeter, I wont have to. Thanks for reading my review. Sincerely, Greg Sarris |
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| WB4OOA |
Rating: |
2007-04-03 | |
| Professional Quality Wattmeter |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have owned two PowerMaster wattmeters for over a year now. One is used on my Service Bench and has replaced my Bird Wattmeter. My servicing is faster, more efficient, more enjoyable, and more accurate using the PowerMaster. My second PowerMaster is used in the Ham Station.
I have just upgraded my PM Lite software to the latest version and upgraded the PM Meters to the latest firmware from the Array Solutions web site. I am finding that the added features are very handy.
I highly recommend the PowerMaster meter and find that is worth it's weight in Gold so to speak. You will not regret buying one.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by WB4OOA on 2005-08-26
ArraySolutions First PowerMaster FirmWare Update
One Promised Feature of the PowerMaster was that you could download “FirmWare” upgrades from the ArraySolutions web site, onto your computer, and then install the upgrade into the PowerMaster meter using PMLite. You then would instantly have a modified meter with the new features installed.
Could they deliver on this promise? Well, I can tell you that they delivered BigTime and with very neat graphics too boot.
I removed PMLITE Version 1 from my computer via Windows Control Panel Add remove programs.
Then I downloaded the new PMLITE Version 2 and installed it. I ran PMLITE Version 2 and it ran perfectly with my PM meter.
Next I downloaded the new: PM01002FWUpdate.zip file. When I unzipped this file it created: PM01002.exe When I ran this file it created: PM01002.CRH in my Programs list on the computer.
Next I found the UpDate button in PMLITE Version 2. When I pushed this button the Update started, a beautiful picture of the meter was shown with a moving data streem entering the meter. A progress bar was shown in real time below the picture of the meter. The meter display announced what was happening in real time.
What, a fantastic show. This was beautifully implemented and displayed.
This was the most enjoyable FirmWare download I have ever experienced.
************ Bottom Line ************
Now, my PM meter can show True Forward power or Net Forward Power, plus Two other fine features.
Thanks Jay and Team for another job well done.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by WB4OOA on 2005-08-08
ArraySolutions PowerMaster Model: PM003 S/N: 0051
1. This PowerMaster meter was difinately worth waiting for. The Warranty is for TWO years from the date of purchase. Jay Terleski states in his cover letter: “We want this to be the one piece of gear you will not ever sell” This company is serious about Quality, Service and Support.
2. My first impression was “This meter is really well built” The quality of construction is extremely good and the attention to detail is very impressive. The case is painted Black with a Tough Powder Coating and has a Dull finish. The Silk screening is in white. The very thick Anodized Aluminum chassis has a top cover which can easily be removed. The four stainless 6x32 screws thread into steel InCerts mounted in the aluminum chassis. The whole meter can be easily disassembled for servicing.
3. I like the display Lense with the wide white border slightly raised off the front panel giving the look and feel of a bezel around the display. The lense is thin but includes a protective plastic cover for shipping. This assures that you receive a perfectly clean lense with no scratches.
4. The white MENU and MODE SELECT buttons have an excellent feel when operated.
5. The two front panel handles are very useful when rotating the meter onto its front panel.
6. The Vacuum Fluorescent, AlphaNumeric, Digital display is large and very easy to read. The complete display assembly is one Printed Circuit Board that mounts to the front panel on 4 standoffs that are staked into the front panel. The PCB uses all SMT components. The brightness is reduced to level 1 after 2 minutes, and turns off after 10 min with no RF applied. This increases the display longevity. It will normally last for 35,000 hours at maximum brightness, then reduce to 50% brightness. The display will probably outlast most of us.
7. The main board inside is made of Glass Epoxy and has a good quality solder mask applied. The components are standard on the main board.
8. No AC Adapter or DC power cable is supplied. The meter can accept + or – Voltage polarity without damage. This is very helpful feature. A round 2.1mm coaxial Power Plug is needed for DC power.
9. The RF COUPLER, is larger than most and is aligned to the meter. It is constructed of very thick Gold Anodized Aluminum. The Teflon SO239 connectors are mounted with four stainless screws and have Gold plated pins. A good quality Glass Epoxy PCB is used. The outside case is well marked SOURCE (input) and ANTENNA (output). The coupler can only be used remotely with the supplied 6’ cable, which plugs into the coupler and the meter using ¼” Stereo plugs and jacks.
10. The Software "PM Lite" is supplied with each meter on a CD or You can always Download PMLITE from the web site to make sure you are installing the latest version of the software.
11. You will need a DB9 Serial cable connected from the meter to your computer. If your computer does not have a Serial port you will need a special adapter cable from Serial to USB. The web site has instructions on how to find and install this adapter cable.
12. The software CD has a very nice opening page with buttons that make it easy to install the software. The manuals are also provided on this CD in .pdf format.
13. When I click the “BROWSE MANUAL” button, Windows closes the action with (DEP) Data Extension Prevention. Rather than change my Windows security I click the “BROWSE CONTENTS” button then I can double click the manual .pdf files and open them.
14. PMLite works well, looks great, and is a pleasure to use.
You can download “FirmWare” upgrades from the ArraySolutions web site, onto your computer, and then install the upgrade into the PowerMaster meter using PMLite. You instantly have a modified meter with the new features installed.
************ Bottom Line ************
This is the Ultimate meter for all DIGITAL meter lovers. It has large easy to read bargraphs and digits. It has Quality Construction, very high Accuracy, and is such a pleasure to use.
I definitely will NOT sell my PowerMaster.
Thanks Jay and Team for a job well done.
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|
| W2ATO |
Rating: |
2007-03-20 | |
| Very pleased |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| Suggest you read their web site for complete information. This equipment works as advertised and I am very please with it. |
|
| KE0XS |
Rating: |
2007-03-19 | |
| Fantastic |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Wow...this is a fine piece of equipment. Jay is fantastic to deal with and answered every question and returned every phone call. Exceptional people there at Array Solutions. I own a palstar antenna tuner AT 1500DT with the peak hold watt meter. When the palstar reads 500 watts output the power master 3K says 350 watts output which is 7% inaccuracy on the palstar. On the high end, the palstar reads 1250 watts and the power master reads 1550 watts for a 19% discrepancy. While the Palstar is only used as a relative reading, it's important to point out if you want accuracy there's nothing like a Power Master. This unit is so simple to set up and the display is bright/crisp...no sqinting to read the numbers!
As far as tuning my LK-550 the Power Master gets me there quicker with maximum output than any other method I've tried.
I mentioned to Jay they should add a metal tab on the front/back of the coupler to make mounting the unit easier. No sweat, I took a couple of "L" brackets from the hardware store and mounted one on the front side and back side using the exisiting screws on the cover. Then mounted the coupler underneath my table for an "out of sight" installation.
All I can say is Sweet....Sweet....SWEET!!! |
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| PA3DUV |
Rating: |
2007-03-09 | |
| First class RF engineering, great 20 kW SWR Power Meter |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Just tested my recently purchased Array Solutions 20 kW Power Master.
As for the 10 kW model (see my previous review) this unit is one masterpiece of RF engineering. The calibrated directional coupler consist of 2 huge toroids, 1/2" Heliax is used to get the RF through the toroid.
Obviously Jay used 7/16 DIN connectors on the coupler, no flimsy PL connectors here.
I gave the 20 kW PowerMaster a good workout @ 6 kW and measured the toroid temperature with my Fluke IR temp gauge and the RF envelope, using a 20 kW Rohde & Schwartz Daempfungsglied and my trusty Tec 465 scope. As far as the toroid temperature increase concerns: this was neglectible (5 degrees C) and the RF output measured was right on the money.
So here you have it: a 20 kW professional RF VSWR/Power meter with all sorts of safety features and remote control options for less than 1 grand. That price is a joke and the PowerMaster a superior tool!
No slugs, no calibrating, no pep-boards, just the coupler and the remote head.
Jay and his crew keeps on adding new features to the firmware and improving the already impressive computer software, offering full support to older PowerMaster models too.
73, Dick
PA3DUV
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Earlier 5-star review posted by PA3DUV on 2005-09-24
Just like previous speakers in this forum I was in the market for a top quality SWR-Power meter.
I've checked them all like the Bird, Coaxial dynamics, the shiny Alpha etc etc.
One of the requirements was the ability to deal with power levels of max. 10 kW.
For detailed features check www.arraysolutions.com
The PowerMaster was the only meter matching all my requirements.
The 10 kW coupler is of superior quality. Bench testing with my Emtron DX-4 amp showed no issues in the coupler @ 6 kW out into a Palstar DL5K dummyload. The ferrites in the coupler barely got warm. Accuracy is better than the specified 5%. All couplers are individually calibrated. Calibration data is submitted with the meter. Jay keeps record of the calibration data of all his PowerMaster meters.
The price is a joke, compared to above mentioned competing meters.
Get one before Jay learns that the price is too low!
Cheers, Dick Knol
PA3DUV
http://www.qsl.net/pa3duv
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emtrondx15/ |
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| HB9CIP |
Rating: |
2007-02-19 | |
| Accuracy first ! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| Just purchased a PowerMaster after reading reviews and comments. I appreciate first the simplicity and accuracy. The free delivered software also gives a nice tool. Not to forget the nice support and fast delivery of Jay's team. Congrats for the nice job. |
|
| K8RA |
Rating: |
2007-02-13 | |
| Great Product |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have owned many many wattmeters including the Alpha 4510, Bird, Coaxial Dynamics, RF Applications P3000 and VFD, Drake, Diawa etc. The PowerMaster is, hands down, the best one I have ever owned. Each wattmeter sensor is individually calibrated for exceptional accuracy. In use, I am confident that readings are right on the money. The meter comes with software that allows you to throw the display up on your computer screen. There are all kinds of options in the display that allows the user to configure the display the way that best suits his/her eye. The SWR measurements also are right on the money. I have tested it with a host of non-inductive resistors and 200 ohms give you a 4 to 1 SWR, etc., just like it should. Also, the wattmeter can be kept up-to-date with the latest firmware over the internet. As new features become available, you can download the software off the Array Solutions web site and upload it into the wattmeter through the RS232 port. It is a simple process. It also has a relay break for your amp vox line for low power, high power or high SWR. The limits are adjustable in the menus.
I do not hand out product reviews unless deserved and this is one great product. It is a top end wattmeter that is worth every dollar. Jay at Array Solutions also will take the time to answer questions and provide user support. Buy with confidence.
GUYS, I REALLY LIKE THIS PRODUCT. |
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