[Antennas] How can I tell if my signal is getting out?

[Joe Falcone]

Hello everyone.   If you recall, I put up a 40 meter dipole along the =
railing on my deck. =20

Well, I hear a lot of signals, and from all over the country.  I am =
working CW, and in the evenings I hear the W-7's in Washington State, =
for example.  I did make a couple contacts a few weeks ago, but that was =
it.=20

The problem is that I call CQ and never get a reply now for about a week =
or so.  I am using my FT-101, and I have a outboard power/SWR meter that =
shows about 100 watts out, with about 1:1.5 SWR.=20

How can I tell if I have some sort of a signal actually going out over =
the air?  I have an signal strength meter, but I really don't know the =
"correct" way to use those things. Assuming that I can enlist my 8 year =
old son to key the radio on my direction, (by yelling through the =
window), how would you do this? =20

Perhaps even one of you guys could listen for my signal if we coordinate =
by email.  I usually can get on the radio around 10:30 p.m. Eastern =
time.=20

Regardless, could you all still give me some advice on the signal =
strength meter.  I have both an army surplus one and a very new =
Lafayette meter.=20

Thanks a lot.=20

Joe N8TI.=20


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