Owner's manual

921-4030 7/13/05 Page 1 of 3

Introduction

The Bird 4030 Relative Field Strength Element is used with Bird 43, 4430 or 4431 Wattmeters. It plugs into

the line section like a standard element, however applying RF power to the line section is not necessary. The

4030 is a self-contained unit that transforms a wattmeter into an ultrasensitive broad-band instrument for

checking relative RF field intensity. Its nonreactive solid state circuitry is sensitive enough to detect even low

level RF signal emission.

The primary use of the Model 4030 is tuning antennas and output stages of base or handheld transceivers. It

can also be used to adjust the output of garage door openers, radio control transmitters or other transmitting

devices with frequencies within the 1 to 1000 MHz frequency range.

Installation

The Bird 4030 is compatible with and may be used in all Bird THRULINE

Wattmeters with a 30 µA meter

movement and that use standard or peak type elements. If a peak-reading wattmeter is used, the wattmeter

must not be in peak mode.

Insert the 4030 in the wattmeter line section so that the text on it is upright, with the locating pins against

the steps in the socket. When fully inserted, it will not rotate.

CAUTION

No RF line connections are required for the Bird 4030.

Do not apply power to the RF section.

Instruction Sheet

Bird 4030 Relative Field

Strength Element

Do not connect

to RF line

PAGE 1
Instruction Sheet Bird 4030 Relative Field Strength Element Introduction The Bird 4030 Relative Field Strength Element is used with Bird 43, 4430 or 4431 Wattmeters. It plugs into the line section like a standard element, however applying RF power to the line section is not necessary. The 4030 is a self-contained unit that transforms a wattmeter into an ultrasensitive broad-band instrument for checking relative RF field intensity.
PAGE 2
Theory of Operation Normally, field strength meters have resonant reactive networks where the RF signal is detected and then rectified to a half-wave current. This signal is then indicated on a sensitive microammeter. This method, of course, is limited and not very useful for weak signals. The Bird 4030 Field Strength Element uses a broad-band nonreactive solid state circuit. This circuit amplifies the detected RF signal and delivers a dc voltage to the microammeter proportioned to the signal magnitude.
PAGE 3
Maintenance The only maintenance the Bird 4030 requires is occasional battery replacement. To replace the batteries: Requirement: Three 3 volt Lithium cells, Bird P/N 5-1475-1, or equivalent 1. Hold the 4030 with both hands and “break off” the gold plated battery cup - it is a tight snap fit. Don't try to pull the battery cup straight off! Do not lose the insulating sleeve that lines the cup. 2. Replace the three cells with their negative sides toward the bottom of the cup.