RayPowerMeter
A next-generation 4-channel RF power and SWR measurement system designed for accuracy, speed, and seamless station integration. RayPowerMeter pairs with RayCoupler sensors and a companion desktop app for powerful visualization and control.
Overview
RayPowerMeter is an advanced, multi-channel RF measurement and monitoring instrument designed for modern amateur radio stations, test benches, and high-power amplifier setups. Built around the ESP32-S3 platform, it supports up to four external RayCoupler sensors for forward/reflected power measurement, real-time SWR calculation, and configurable protection trips.
RayPowerMeter also includes an onboard frequency counter input (from the coupler’s prescaler/square‑wave output) so the system can report live RF frequency alongside your power/SWR telemetry — ideal for validating tuning, logging tests, and driving spectrum displays.
- Continuous, high-speed sampling to power the modulation scope and FFT/spectrum views
- USB/Serial and Wi‑Fi/HTTP connectivity with a JSON API for Postman + automation
- Desktop app with save/load customizable layouts so you can build your own meter panels and workflows
- In-app updates for the desktop application, plus OTA firmware upgrades over Wi-Fi/HTTP
- Aux analog inputs and Aux digital I/O for station sensors, interlocks, and custom automation
Key Features
4 Independent RF Channels
- Monitor up to four RF paths simultaneously using RayCoupler inputs.
- Real-time forward power, reflected power, SWR, and PEP per channel.
- Ideal for amplifier testing, antenna evaluation, and multi-stage RF chains.
High-Speed, High-Fidelity Measurements
- Continuous high-speed ADC sampling for accurate RF envelopes.
- Optimized for CW, SSB, and dynamic modulation analysis.
- Clear live and last-known readouts for stable, trustworthy measurements.
Advanced Calibration Engine
- Per-coupler calibration including slope, intercept, and dB offsets.
- Supports wide power ranges from QRP through high-power amplifiers.
- Calibration changes applied live—no firmware reflashing required.
Spectrum Analyzer & Modulation Scope
- Continuous sampling feeds real-time modulation scope views.
- FFT-based spectrum analyzer for signal purity and bandwidth analysis.
- Built for serious RF testing, not just average power readings.
Frequency Counter
- Integrated RF frequency counter using coupler prescaler input.
- Displays live RF frequency with validation logic.
- Optional rig-based frequency via Hamlib with automatic fallback.
Protection & Interlock Control
- Configurable protection for high power, high SWR, and reflected power.
- Onboard solid-state relay rated 2.5A @ 60V for lockout and inhibit control.
- Designed to safely integrate with amplifier interlock systems.
Aux Analog & Digital I/O
- Three auxiliary analog inputs for voltage, current, or temperature (thermistor).
- Four digital I/O lines configurable as inputs or outputs.
- Perfect for external sensors, relays, alarms, and control signals.
Customizable Layout Widgets
- Drag-and-configure widgets tailored to your station or test bench.
- Available widgets include Power Bars, SWR panels, Mini Scopes, Aux I/O, Frequency, and Gain.
- Save multiple layouts for different operating and testing scenarios.
Cross-Platform Desktop Application
- Powerful Qt-based application for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Dockable panels, dashboards, and real-time plotting.
- Designed for long test runs, bench work, and station monitoring.
Modern API & Connectivity
- USB Serial and Wi-Fi/HTTP access using a unified JSON API.
- Postman-friendly endpoints for testing and automation.
- Easy integration into custom logging and monitoring workflows.
OTA Firmware & In-App Updater
- OTA firmware updates initiated from the desktop app (device downloads and applies the update).
- In-app update checker with direct downloads for Windows/macOS/Linux.
- Linux downloads support both x86_64 and aarch64 builds.
RayCoupler Integration
RayPowerMeter is designed from the start to integrate with the RayCoupler product line. Each coupler provides a stable, wide-band forward and reflected RF sample, giving the meter clean inputs for high-accuracy calculations.
Up to four RayCoupler units can be connected at once, enabling:
- Input and output monitoring of an HF amplifier chain.
- Multiple antenna feeds or switching systems.
- Drive vs output gain measurements for linearity testing.
- Real-time comparison of different antenna paths or bands.
Technology & Design
Core Platform
- MCU: ESP32-S3 DevKitC-1 with USB-OTG and Wi-Fi.
- ADC: High-speed continuous sampling path designed for scopes and FFT/spectrum analysis.
- Time-coherent sampling across all channels.
- Firmware tuned for RF measurement, peak logic, and SWR protection.
Desktop Host Application
- Live dashboards, time-domain scope, and FFT/spectrum analyzer views.
- Dockable panels and JSON-driven, user-configurable layouts.
- Hardware configuration UI for couplers, thresholds, and aux I/O.
- Optional Hamlib rig integration for frequency display and source selection.
- Built-in updater that checks for new releases and launches the correct app download for your OS/CPU.
- OTA firmware update workflow with progress and automatic device reboot handling.
Use Cases
- HF linear amplifier monitoring and protection.
- Multi-antenna station and SO2R systems.
- SSB drive optimization using gain graphs and peak tracking.
- Antenna tuning with live SWR visualization.
- Bench testing couplers, filters, amps, and RF modules.
- Remote/Internet-controlled stations via Wi-Fi.
- Large contest or multi-op stations using multiple RayPowerMeter nodes for full-path visibility.
- Long-term power and duty-cycle logging for development or contest stations.
Availability
RayPowerMeter is in active development as part of the RF StateSide ecosystem. New firmware and desktop app releases are published regularly, with an in-app updater for downloading the latest desktop builds and an OTA firmware update workflow for devices connected over Wi-Fi/HTTP. If you want to follow progress or participate in early testing, please reach out.
Gallery
PCB 3D render and desktop app screenshots. (More photos and screenshots will be added as the hardware and UI evolve.)
PCB Board
3D PCB render of the RayPowerMeter main board (fabrication rev). The board is designed to fit a Hammond aluminum black enclosure (4.72" L × 4.06" W) and includes connectors for up to four RF coupler channels, auxiliary analog inputs, digital I/O, display interface, and protection lockout control.
Desktop App — Dashboard / Live Telemetry
Live station view showing forward/reflected power, SWR, frequency, and system status. Designed for at-a-glance monitoring on the bench or in the shack.
Desktop App — Modulation Scope
Time-domain modulation scope driven by continuous sampling. Useful for visualizing CW envelope behavior, SSB dynamics, and transient events during tuning and testing.
Desktop App — Spectrum Analyzer / FFT
FFT spectrum analyzer for examining signal cleanliness, bandwidth, spurs, and harmonics—ideal for amplifier validation and station troubleshooting.
Desktop App — Hardware Configuration (Couplers / Aux I/O)
Hardware setup and calibration screen for coupler configuration, auxiliary analog sensors, and digital I/O. Settings are stored on the device and automatically restored on power-up.
Interested in RayPowerMeter?
If you're developing or operating a high-performance HF station and want multi-channel power, SWR, and gain visibility tied directly into your amplifiers and RF chain, RayPowerMeter is being designed for you. Reach out if you'd like to follow development or participate in early testing.