VINTAGE SADELCO VHF UHF SIGNAL LEVEL METER FS-3C
Unit powers up when batteries inserted , light come on, but no signal.. maybe im not doing something right, but sold AS-IS
| FS-3 was a field strength meter, also known as a signal level meter (SLM), developed and built by Sadelco in Weehawken (New Jersey, USA) in the mid-1970s [1]. The meter was used for several decades by radio and television engineers for adjusting antennas and measuring signal strength in TV and CATV 1 installations. The meters were also used for locating clandestine transmitters. |
| The FS-3 is housed in a sturdy metal enclosure and measures 20 x 12 x 8 cm. The device is fully self-contained, with only the antenna connected externally. Power is provided by internal 9V batteries, or by an external AC mains adapter. The FS-3 is suitable for the reception of AM and FM signals, and has two tuners that are referred to as the LOW and HIGH band tuners. The actual frequency range is determined by the model number The unit shown here is the FS-3CE. |
| It is suitable for 47-230 MHz (VHF) and 470-860 MHz (UHF) and has a separate tuning knob for each tuner. The audio from the intercepted signal can be demodulated and monitored via a small built-in speaker. One 6dB and three 20dB attenuators can be inserted in the antenna path, which can be useful when handling strong signals, or when operating it in close proximity of a station. |
| In the Netherlands, the FS-3CE was used heavily during the 1970s and 80s by the Dutch Radio Monitoring when the country was flooded by illegal CB stations 2 (27 MHz) and by so-called radio pirates, operating music stations in the VHF FM broadcast band (100-108 MHz). The FS-3CE was sometimes used as a Portable unit, but was also used as part of the complete intercept and direction finding (DF) installation shown in the image on the right. In this case, the installation is housed in a small 19" rack, with the FS-3SE clearly visible at the bottom left |
The 19" rack was placed on the passenger seat of the intercept vehicle, in such a position that it could be operated easily by the driver, who was also the law-enforcement officer. For a detailed description of the remaining equipment in the rack, please refer to our page about the RCD.
FS-3 meters are still popular today and can occasionally be found on auction sites such as eBay. They are most useful for locating the source of local interference and can still be used to locate a clandestine radio station (pirate). In the mid-1980s, the FS-3 range was succeeded by the FS-4.
FS-3 meters are still popular today and can occasionally be found on auction sites such as eBay. They are most useful for locating the source of local interference and can still be used to locate a clandestine radio station (pirate). In the mid-1980s, the FS-3 range was succeeded by the FS-4.
All controls and connections of the FS-3CE are at the control panel, and can be accessed without removing the device from its black leather carrying case. The unit is powered by four 9V block batteries that are installed at the rear, or alternatively by an external AC mains adapter that can be connected to one of the sockets on the control panel. The unit is turned ON with the switch at the top left. An antenna should be connected to the 75Ω PL-259 socket 1 at the bottom right. |