Elecraft W2 Watt-meter Manual - Manual (Page 3)

3
Introduction
The Elecraft W2 is a versatile, auto-ranging RF power and SWR meter that utilizes remote sensing. Up to two
remote sensors can be attached, with various power and frequency ranges available (see Sensors, page 19).
Sensors use standard CAT5 shielded or unshielded cables.
The W2 includes adjustable, high-brightness LED bargraphs for both forward power and SWR. These allow you
to keep track of transmitter or amplifier performance at a glance, even in low lighting or across a large room.
The power bargraph's full scale ranges are 2, 20, 200, and 2000 watts, with either manual or automatic range
selection or peak- hold capability.
A PC-compatible serial interface is included, allowing easy firmware upgrading via the internet, as well as
configuration of the W2's advanced features. Your W2 includes an interface cable for connection to our
computer’s USB port or RS232 port, depending upon which cable was ordered with the W2 (see pg 19).
Software applications can use the serial interface to accurately read forward power, reverse power, and SWR
from both sensors. This is ideal for remote control as well as customized meter displays.
Also provided is a general purpose alarm output (open-drain) and amplifier keying input/output jacks. The latter
can be used to interrupt amplifier keying on power or SWR alarm conditions.
Subsequent sections provide full specifications, operating information, and assembly instructions for building
the no-soldering kit version of the W2.
Customer Service and Support
Technical Assistance
You can send e-mail to [email protected] and we will respond quickly - typically the same day Monday
through Friday. Telephone assistance is available from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Pacific time (weekdays only) at
831-763-4211. Please use e-mail rather than calling when possible since this gives us a written record of the
details of your problem and allows us to handle a larger number of requests each day.
Repair / Alignment Service (We want to make sure everyone succeeds!)
If necessary, you may return your Elecraft product to us for repair or alignment. (Note: We offer unlimited email
and phone support to get your kit running, so please try that route first as we can usually help you find the
problem quickly.)
IMPORTANT: You must contact Elecraft before mailing your product to obtain authorization for the
return, what address to ship it to and current information on repair fees and turnaround times. (Frequently we
can determine the cause of your problem and save you the trouble of shipping it back to us.) Our repair location
is different from our factory location in Aptos. We will give you the address to ship your kit to at the time of
repair authorization. Packages shipped to Aptos without authorization will incur an additional shipping charge
for reshipment from Aptos to our repair depot
.