Arduino version mW meter
AD8317 at Aliexpress.com
AD8317 Datasheet
Downloads: AD8317_mWmeter.zip Note: This file contains 2 versions: one for a 2×24 character LCD and one for a 2×16 I2C display. I add the Bounce2 lib).
In version 1.3 the Error values are updated according the datasheet. This error value is displayed.
The schematic of the mW meter ( 2×24 version). The 2×16 character display is controlled by I2C on pin A4 (SDA) and A5 (SCL)
After many years of using the OZ2CPU HF meter, I switched to the Arduino and the AD8317. This had two reasons: the PIC compiler was no longer efficient enough to compile the software without errors and I wanted to be able to take measurements up to 10GHz. This resulted in a new design in the Arduino Nano but using the display layout of the OZ2CPU HF meter.
In first instance I used the sketch of Joost Breed because he uses the average of a lot of measured samples in a second to display the power. That gives an accurate and stable display as well.
Secondly I added a calibration method to calculate the SLOPE and INTERCEPT by two measurements on -10 and -40 dBm. By this method you get a much accurate measurement over the complete dynamic range. For details please read the AD8317 datasheet. The calibration is done for 8 bands (HF, 4m, 70cm, 23cm, 13cm, 9cm, 6cm and 3cm) and the calculated SLOPE and INTERCEPT is stored in EEPROM.
Note: To be able to measure more accurately, it is wise to leave the input between -10 and -40 dBm. Add additional attenuators to the input of the meter if necessary.
Menu functions:
– Set attenuation to 0, -10, -20, -30, -40 and -60 dB (stored in EEPROM)
– RF Power meter (default function)
– Calibration -10 and -40 dBm for each band (stored in EEPROM)
– Read calibration data
– Zero All Calibration data (Reset calibration)
Calibration procedure
- Select the band you will calibrate
- Push the Menu button
- Select Menu item 7
- Set your RF generator to -10 dBm
- Push the Select button
- Set your RF generator to -40 dBm
- Push the Select button.
- Calibration completed.
- Check the calibration and if not OK do it again.
Hardware:
As you can see on the picture below the hardware is pure and simple.. It consists of (from left to right) the 5V power supply, the Arduino Nano, the AD8317 module and a 2×24 character module.
For the 2.048 Volt reference you can use every reference chip you like. Some parts do need a serial resistor, some do not.
Insight view