How do I measure? Well simple….with the new Telepost LP-500 Digital Station monitor
The TelePost LP-500 is the latest in a line of signal-monitoring products that began with the LP-100 Digital Vector RF Wattmeter. As a longtime user of the LP-100, I was eager to see how the LP-500 would stack up. The LP-500 is basically a specialized digital oscilloscope and tone generator integrated with a high-quality SWR and power meter.
There are three major screen displays: power/SWR, waveform, and spectrum. The basic power/SWR
screen is the wattmeter and SWR display. Power and SWR are both shown in large numbers. Additionally,
you get bar graphs of peak and average power and SWR that are especially helpful when you’re tuning up your amp or antenna tuner (see the lead photo).
The waveform mode allows you to see modulation in the time domain, like a conventional oscilloscope, but there are numerous useful variations in addition to the simple modulation display.
The LP-500 accepts signals from up to four remote directional couplers via CAT5 or CAT6 ethernet-type cabling. Six-foot shielded cables are supplied, but unshielded cables or longer cable runs “of any practical length” are supposed to work. Several coupler models are available.
Covering HF and 6-meter bands, you can choose a 3 kW or 5 kW model. If you really need more power capability, there is an HF-only 10 kW model.
Summing up Overall
The LP-500 is a fine product that will advance “good engineering and good amateur practice,” providing a lot of information about your transmitted signal and supporting a wide range of station setups.
73s Sascha de PF9Z