Metropwr FX1 Vector Digital Wattmeter User Manual

: June 15, 2024
: Metropwr

Table of Contents

Metropwr FX1 Vector Digital Wattmeter
Product Usage Instructions:
Introduction
Description
MENU
SETUP
POWER MODE
CALIBRATION
RESET
FW UPGRADE
REMOTE SW
ACCESSORY
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Metropwr FX1 Vector Digital Wattmeter

Specifications

Model : FX1
Version : 1.0.5
Power Sensor Compatibility : FX3 (max 3kW peak in SSB mode), FX5 (max 5kW peak)
Display : OLED
Power Input : 13.8V
Ports : FX7, Micro/USB, Sensor A, Sensor B

Product Usage Instructions:

Handling and Care
Handle your FX1 with care to prevent damage from drops, burns, punctures, or contact with liquids. Do not use if damaged.

Repairs
Avoid opening the FX1 for repairs as disassembly may cause damage or injury. Seek professional help for repairs.

Power Limitations
Do not exceed the maximum power limits of the sensors. FX5 sensor max is 5kW and FX3 is 3kW peak in SSB mode.

Sensor Modifications:
Avoid modifying or tampering with the sensors. Power limitations vary based on usage mode, such as CW/RTTY/FM/AM/FT8.

Overheating Protection
If the sensor overheats, reduce power and turn off the instrument. Avoid transmitting with high SWR. Use appropriate RF cables for power levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I calibrate the power and SWR on the FX1?
To Calibrate Power

1. Disconnect the power cord and reconnect while pushing the POWER button.
2. Connect the Coupler to a 50 Ohm dummy load.
3. Transmit a precise power of 80W in CW mode.
4. Save the measurement with the SAVE button.
5. Repeat the operation for all bands from 160 to 6mt.

To Calibrate SWR

6. Disconnect the power cord and reconnect while pushing the MODE button.
7. Connect the Coupler as instructed.
8. Transmit power of 30/50W in CW mode.
9. Save the measurement with the SAVE button.
10. Repeat the operation for all bands from 160 to 6mt.

Note : Transmitting with precise power levels is crucial for accurate calibration. Be cautious to avoid damaging the radio without an antenna.

Q: How do I reset the FX1 device?
To Reset Device

1. Disconnect the power cord and reconnect while pushing the SETUP button.
2. Confirm EEPROM deletion by pressing the MODE button.
3. After the reset, recalibrate the wattmeter.

Note : Resetting the device involves the loss of all calibration parameters stored in EEPROM

www.metropwr.com

VECTOR DIGITAL WATTMETER FX1 3/5 kWatt

USER MANUAL

Handle your FX1 with care. It may be damaged if dropped, burnt, punctured or broken, or if it comes into contact with liquids. Do not use FX1 if it has been damaged.
Handle your FX1 with care. It may be damaged if dropped, burnt, punctured or broken, or if it comes into contact with liquids. Do not use FX1 if it has been damaged.
Repairs. Do not open FX1 and try to repair by yourself. Disassembly may damage the device or cause you injury.
Do not exceed the maximum power of the FX3 or FX5 sensor. All powers shown are P&P (peak). FX5 sensor max 5kW and FX3 3kW peak in SSB mode .
Do not try to modify the sensors or tamper with them. In case of use in CW/RTTY/FM/AM/FT8 the permitted power decreases in percentage with the passing power.
If the sensor overheats, reduce the power and turn off the instrument. Do not transmit with high SWR. Use RF cables well sized for the power applied.

Disposal of Electrical & Electronic Equipment. This symbol indicates that this RAEE product should not be treated as household waste. Instedhand it over to the appropriate collection point for recycling of electrical and electronic equipment which will conserve natural resources. If it is not possible to deliver to a collection point, it can be disposed of through your local retailer.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Read all the operating instructions, safety tips and warnings in the instruction manual. Identifying potential hazardous situations and observing the appropriate safety rules will avoid accidents.
Dangerous situations to avoid in order to prevent all risks that are shown above. Never use the FX1 inappropriately, but only as described in the user manual. Not responsible for incorrect measurements or calibration problems. The Manufacturer reserves the date the technical information contained in this manual without notice.

Introduction

The Metropwr FX1 Wattmeter is designed for amateur radio use. It is a very useful tool for monitoring the power of a radio or linear amplifier. It is managed by a powerful 32bit microprocessor and also has a USB port to interface it with the computer. All the parameters are displayed on a large, very fast and bright 3.1″ OLED display. The update frequency of the measurements is very high and they are all in real time. The FX1 has an internal EEPROM memory where all the parameters are stored calibration parameters. Through a service menu it is possible to update the fw and recalibrate the wattmeter in a very simple way. We can connect an FX7 (optional) Antenna switch and two sensor FX5 or FX3 3 or 5 kWatt. The FX1 can measure:

Autoranging Power FWD/REF mode P&P / AVG / dB
SWR
Impedance Z
Resistance R
Reactance |X|

All measurament are displayed simultaneously and can be shown graphically on the display.

Tha FX1 can be interfaced to PC via USP port and through proprietary software it is possible to view all parameters. Each function can be modified and upgraded through a simple firmware update.

A convenient menu allows the user to recalibrate the instrument at any time using a simple reference wattmeter.

It is possible to combine up to two sensors, even with different power, and a 1 x 4 position switch antenna. It allows you to switch up to 4 antennas directly from the wattmeter menu and external software. This function is ideal for remote control of the instrument.

The Manufacturer reserves the date the technical information contained in this manual without notice.

METROPWR FX1

Description

Attention don’t connect PC or LAN Switch, use only to connect Antenna SWITCH FX7 (optional) .

MENU METER

FWD Power, SWR and Active Switch.

Impedance, Resistance, Reactance, SWR displayed.

SETUP

Adjustment of the screen saver time of the display. After the set period the screen saver starts

BEEP ON/OFF

Disable the function key beep.

POWER MODE

The display shows:

forward power
forward power
reflected power (default)

USB ON/OFF

Enable or disable the USB port. If the FX1 is interfaced to the PC, set USB ON.

SWR ALARM

SWR alarm protection intervention threshold. Once the set threshold is exceeded, a BEEP is heard and the Alarm LED lights up.

FW VERSION

This menu shows the installed firmware version.

CALIBRATION

POWER CALIBRATION

To CALIBRATE POWER

Disconnect the power cord and while reconnecting, push the POWER button
Connect the Coupler as in the figure to a 50 Ohm dummy load
Transmit a precise power of 80Watt in CW
Save measurement with SAVE button
Repeat the operation for all bands 160 to 6mt.

Be careful transmit with precise 80Watts. A different power compromises the accuracy of the calibration.

SWR CALIBRATION

To CALIBRATE SWR

Disconnect the power cord and while reconnecting, push the MODE button
Connect the Coupler as in the figure.
Disconnect the antenna or dummy load from OUT port of the coupler
Transmit power of 30/50Watt in CW
Save measurement with SAVE button
Repeat the operation for all bands 160 to 6mt.

The transmission power is not critical and can be between 30 and 50 Watts

Be careful transmit for a few seconds, the radio can be damaged without antenna.

RESET

To RESET device

Disconnect the power cord and while reconnecting, push the SETUP button
Confirm EEPROM deletion with MODE button
After the reset, recalibrate the wattmeter.

SCHEMATIC

Connect the Couplers respecting the colors of SMA connectors as in the photo.

NOTE

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s : Metropwr di Ferrule Antonio & C.
Address: Via Cap.Locorriere 32 70025 Grumo Appula (Italy)
Product Model : Metroprw FX773
Date 1/1/2024

Crossed-out Wheeled Bin Symbol
Equipment marked with the Crossed-out
Wheeled Bin Symbol complies
with council directive 2002/96/EC
(the “WEEE Directive”) in European

REFERENCE N.	TITLE	EDITION DATE
EN 61326.1:2006	Radio disturbance	2006
EN55011 class B	characteristics – Limits measurement test	January 2017
EN61000-4-2	Electrostatic discharge	April 2011
immunity test
EN61000-4-3	Radiated, radio-frequency	April 2007
electromagnetic field
immunity test

FW UPGRADE

NodeMCU PyFlasher utility

UPGRADE FIRMWARE

SET Baudrate 115200
Flash mode Quad I/O
Erase Flash No
Set your SerialPort
Browse –> LIBUS.BIN
Push button Flash NodeMCU
Reboot FX1

Do not disconnect power while updating firmware.

REMOTE SW

Software X64 for Pc
The FX1 Wattmeter can be completely remoted via USB through its software. It is compatible with Windows X64 and soon also with Mac OS. It is possible to view all parameters except the frequency and the buttons of the second antenna switch. The port is compatible with a micro USB connector. The same software is compatible with the FX773 and FX775 series Wattmeters.