RF Power Meters - Rent & Buy Certified Used

RF Power metres, also known as wattmeters, are devices used to measure the strength of radio frequency signals. Important in designing and troubleshooting RF equipment such as transmitters, amplifiers, and antennas, digital and analog power metres can be used to test various types of signals including continuous wave and modulated RF signals.

Here at Electro Rent, we offer a range of RF power metres to rent or buy pre-owned, with a variety of financial solutions to suit your budget and needs. With models from leading brands such as Keysight Technologies, Anritsu, Rohde & Schwarz, and more, you're sure to find a power meter or wattmeter that works for you from our selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do RF power metres work? 

RF power metres measure a radio frequency signal's voltage and current and use this to calculate the power. The user carries out the test by connecting the power meter to the equipment under test, such as an antenna, transmitter, or RF amplifier, using an RF connector such as a coaxial cable. The power metre displays the signal strength in watts or decibels relative to the reference power level. 

Some RF power metres may allow you to also measure modulation, distortion, or other parameters. Some also may support frequency tuning or triggering for pulsed RF power.  

What's the difference between an RF power metre and a spectrum analyser? 

Both RF power metres and spectrum analysers are types of test equipment used for the measurement of radio frequency signals. The main difference between the two is that power metres measure the overall signal strength across the entire frequency range while spectrum analysers measure how signal strengths vary between different frequencies in the range.  

What features should I look for when choosing a power metre? 

Key features to consider when choosing an RF power metre include: 

• Power range: This needs to be suitable for the power levels you will be measuring. On the whole, most power metres measure power within the range of -60 dBm to +20 dBm. 
• Frequency range: Like power range, the power metre also needs to be appropriate for the range of frequencies you will be measuring.  
• Portability: If you need to take the power metre to the equipment test or for testing in the field, its size and weight are important to consider. For portable units, remember to check the battery life to ensure it can operate for as long as you require.   
• Resolution: A higher resolution will allow for more accurate measurement of power, especially for measuring very small changes in power levels.   
• Display: A clear and intuitive display helps you take and interpret measurements more easily. 
• Features: Depending on your application, you may want additional features such as waveform capture or modulation analysis.  

Why buy pre-owned RF power metres? 

Opting for a certified pre-owned RF power metre can save a significant portion of the the cost, making buying used a cost-effective and sustainable option for your business. Carefully selected then thoroughly tested and calibrated by our in-house team, you can feel confident that all our pre-owned RF power metres from leading brands are top quality. For your added peace of mind, we also offer a 14-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your pre-owned power metre.  

Why should I rent a power metre? 

RF power metre rental is a great way to access top-of-the-line test equipment for the duration of your project at a fraction of the price of buying. For organisations working on a tight budget, managing tight CapEx requirements, or which need test equipment at short notice, rental can be the fastest and most cost-effective solution. Rental allows you to avoid all the hassle of calibration, maintenance, and upgrades as we will take care of this all on your behalf. In short, it's the most budget-friendly and convenient solution for many organisations, whether they need short-, or medium-, or long-term access to these high-end test instruments.  

Is it better to rent or buy a power metre? 

The decision between purchase and rental of a power metre depends on your specific project requirements and budget. For short-term projects or immediate starts, RF power metre rental can be a great option because of rapid shipping and lower costs. While we also offer low cost, flexible rental plans for long-term use, buying a certified pre-owned power metre can also be a cost-effective solution for your needs. If neither of these options work for you, we also offer a range of flexible financial solutions to help you spread the cost of purchase.  

What are the best RF power metres? 

The best radio frequency power metre for you will depend on the specific requirements and budget of your organisation. Some of the most popular manufacturers of power metres include Keysight Technologies, Anritsu, Rohde & Schwarz, and VIAVI.