PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter
www.arraysolutions.com
Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017
2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Array Solutions PowerMaster II RF
Power/VSWR Indicator. The PowerMaster II represents a breakthrough
in features for measurement of the performance of your transmitting
system. Microprocessor control insures fast capture time and low power
consumption. With the ability to monitor your VSWR and power levels
at all times, you will know that your transmitter, RF source, and load, or
antenna systems are operating effectively and safely. In addition, the
power and VSWR relay alarms can quickly shut down your power
amplifier system and alert you to the alarm condition. This places an
additional layer of protection in your transmitting system to help preserve
expensive tubes and finals. The PowerMaster II also features the ability
to be monitored and controlled from a PC using the software
downloadable from our website, and the unique ability to be monitored
and controlled over a LAN or from the internet. PowerMaster II firmware
updates will be posted for download from the Array Solutions website as
they become available. This means that the user can take full advantage
of features or enhancements just by installing the firmware update. No
need to return the meter to the factory for updates.
There are many features introduced in the PowerMaster II that have not
been seen before – even in the original Power Master that was introduced
back in 2005! We are very proud of our latest product and are interested
in learning about your experiences with this meter. We also want to
know if you have ideas about new features we can develop for the meter.
We think you will agree that this is a totally new concept in an RF
Wattmeter, and one that should extend its lifetime for a long time to
come.
So, what’s new in the Power Master II?
The Power Master II is a refinement of the original Power Master and is not a completely new model. After 5 years of success with the original, it was
difficult to make changes since so much of the original meter is still appropriate and it works almost perfectly as it was originally envisioned. The new
capabilities of the Power Master II enhance the capabilities of the original meter and don’t remove any of the original capabilities whatsoever. There are
four key differences and they are:
1) Larger LCD Display – lower energy use, larger and therefore somewhat easier to read, newest display technology*.
2) Support for two couplers** – two coupler input jacks on the back panel (see page 11)
3) USB Connectivity
4) New Menu Options (these will be covered later in this manual)
There is no difference in performance or accuracy – these defining features of the original are retained.
* The original Power Master was intended to use an LCD display, but at that time, LCD technology was not capable of meeting the requirements for speed and
appearance. The new LCD units are fast enough and look even better than the older VFD technology in the original Power Master.
** The Power Master II can work with any type of coupler – 3kW, 10kW, VHF, UHF, QRP, etc. This is a new capability.
