Read forward and reflected power on the cross-needle meter¶
View RF forward power, reflected power, and SWR simultaneously on an analog-style cross-needle meter display, with optional digital readouts for precise values.
Before you start¶
- The radio must be connected and transmitting or receiving a signal to show meaningful readings.
- The Cross-Needle Meter applet must be open. Open it from Applet panel > Cross-Needle tile.
Steps¶
- Open the Cross-Needle Meter applet (if not already visible).
- Observe the two crossing needles:
- Forward power — indicated by the right needle.
- Reflected power — indicated by the left needle.
- The point where the needles cross indicates the SWR on the curved SWR scale.
- (Optional) Read the numeric values below the meter face:
- Forward power in watts.
- Reflected power in watts.
- SWR as a ratio.
- (Optional) Click Peak hold to freeze the needle at its highest deflection — useful for reading SSB voice peaks.
- (Optional) Use the Meter face theme combo box to change the meter face style.
What each control does¶
| Control | Type | Default | Setting key | Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward/Reflected needles | indicator | — | — | Dual-needle analog display: forward power (right needle) and reflected power (left needle) crossing to indicate SWR. |
| Peak hold | toggle button | Off | — | Holds the peak needle position for easier reading during SSB voice peaks. |
| Digital readout | indicator | — | — | Numeric forward power, reflected power and SWR values displayed below the meter. |
| Meter face theme | combo box | — | — | Select from preset meter face styles (classic black, white, military, etc.). |
Tips¶
- The cross-needle meter is most informative during continuous carrier (CW, AM, FM) or steady SSB speech. On SSB, use Peak hold to capture voice peaks.
- For precise SWR measurements, transmit a steady carrier and read the crossing point of the two needles.