FullCircle
Well-Known Member
I would like to borrow one to check out my antenna installation.
Thanks.....
Thanks.....
Anyone got a SWR meter for 156Mhz use/25w?
- Thread starter FullCircle
- Start date
PaulGooch
Well-Known Member
I have one on the boat Jim, which is in Shotley. Hopefully be down next weekend or the one after if not. Not sure how much help that is, but you're welcome to a loan.
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Cheers Paul, appreciated.
As the distance is at the long end of the scale, I will see if there is something a bit closer first, cheers.
As the distance is at the long end of the scale, I will see if there is something a bit closer first, cheers.
Gargleblaster
Well-Known Member
I was hoping by reading this thread that I would understand the Header. No such luck - I still don't know what SWR means.
And where has the question mark icon disappeared to?
And where has the question mark icon disappeared to?
PaulGooch
Well-Known Member
SWR = Standing Wave Ratio.
You connect your VHF antenna to it, then a patch cable to the VHF. Key the mic and look at the needles. The readings can tell you if your antenna is OK and give the power output from the VHF (if it includes a power reading).
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Sometimes also seen as VSWR, which is Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. Same thing.
The ham community still argue about it constantly, but in rough measure it tells you that *something* is possibly amiss with your antenna setup or radio output.
The ham community still argue about it constantly, but in rough measure it tells you that *something* is possibly amiss with your antenna setup or radio output.
Wunja
Well-Known Member
Some SW aerials can be tuned to give the highest or lowest reading (can't remember which is desirable), though I've not seen a marine VHF aerial that can do this.
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Any set at any frequency with an antenna and antenna tuner can be adjusted for a decent null.
The point with the test for me is to see if the reflected power is within specification, and you can test the actual power output of the transmission.
So, at least you can have some clue if the PL259 connectors, or the quality of your coax insulation is good, and you can then know whether you problem is upstream or downstram of where you have inserted the SWR meter.
It is an indicator of condition rather than having any ability to change the tuning on the antenna.
As you know, in a perfect world each channel would require a retune of the length, but the VHF antenna is designed to be a good compromise of the marine band spectrum.
I have spent 2 days constructing a Yagi for transmission from a field outside thetford for HF comms long distance. Don't think we need to go that far with this!!
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shmoo
Well-Known Member
Do tell...
Is this to push Wikileaks clandestinely into somewhere it's not allowed?
Near where the A14 joins the A1 there used to be a fabulous-looking huge steerable log periodic on a big tower. As I drove past I would imagine that it was sending signals over the iron curtain about Manolo Blahnik shoes and the ready availability of decent port.
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FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Ah yes, I know the site - fantastic piece of engineering. However, there is similar quite a lot closer on the coast near Aldeburgh....
