Shakespeare ART-3 Antenna Tester

[BrentB]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190357981300
Shakespeare ART-3 Antenna Tester NEW
ART-3 Tester

No need to call for a radio check when you have this compact, easy to use, unit on-board. Unlike other meters in its class, the ART-3 tests receiver function as well as output power and VSWR (antenna efficiency). It is powered by an internal battery or can be connected to ships 12 VDC with the supplied power cable. Battery level can be checked at the flip of a switch. No serious boater should be without an ART-3.

Specifications:

1. Frequency Range: 155-158 MHz
2. RF Power Scale: 0 to 30 watts
3. Impedance: 50 ohms
4. Accuracy: 10%
5. Connectors: SO-239
6. Signal Generator: 3 KHz Deviation
7. Tone: 1000 Hz
8. RF Level: -115 dBM (approx.)

Die-cast aluminum construction

I just purchased at this very low price

[journey on]

What I would like is a good S-meter, one that measures the received signal from the antenna. Know of any?

The Art-3 generates an input for the receiver side of the radio, and measures the transmitter output. I'd like to see what signal the radio is receiving. BTY, that device costs $85 at Boatersworld, so it's certainly a buy.

Boris

[thataway]

Not exactly "new" since Panbo (Ben Ellison) reviewed this on April 26 2006. Plus and minus on the gadget. I sent Ben a private message at that time about my thoughts. The price is good. It is a bit more than a swr meter, but not a full blown antenna analysizer (these cost a great deal more--but give a lot more information about an antenna) There are many things which can give a high SWR, including bad coax and fittings.

As for the tone--at 1000 hz on channel 72--I prefer to hear a voice transmission for reception--both volume and clarity. Same for transmitted power. There is nothing which measures modulation--again voice is what counts. You can put out power, but have a signal which is not understandable. I don't do "radio checks". If I have any question, I check with someone who comes on a channel other than 16.

You do not leave this device in line--that would seriously degrade your signal. You can test it and then remove it. You also have added two more PL 259 fittings which will give signal loss at each juncture, plus the possibility of a bad connection.

Certainly worth having --and slightly better than a stock SWR meter--but basically does about the same things.

[seabeagle]

10-4 good buddy check-check radio check.