[Elecraft] High SWR problem

[Edward Kenworthy]

I'm a newbie, so please feel free to state the obvious :-)

I've installed a 20m long-wire - on the basis that it was an easy way to get
on the air. Problem is, I simply cannot reduce my SWR below "infinity" :-(

I'm using a manual ATU and following the instructions I started at the
suggested settings then adjust the transmitter and antenna knobs (I assume
these are capacitances) with a fixed, recommended, inductance. But the SWR
doesn't budge

My house is a single storey and the longwire is attached at one end to the
base bottom of the pole on which my VHF/UHF vertical is sited - so the
long-wire is about 8' above the ground. It runs for about 5m near one side
of the house (it's an L-shaped house) and by near I mean 1 foot or so away,
and the far end is attached to a branch of an oak tree. Both ends are
insulated and attached using some kevlar cord.

My RF earth is a 4' copper rod wired to my ATU and transmitter using
*braided* tinned copper wire.

The ATU manual says, in essence, my RF earth is crap. 1 rod and using
braided is bad idea it says. OK fair enough, but isn't the point of a long
wire that it's easy - if I have to install an ultra-efficient earth system
with multiple rods etc then that rather defeats the point.

So, anyone have any suggestions ? Is it the location of the long wire (I'm
wondering if running it near the house is the problem) or is it my rf earth
?

If the latter - then is the long-wire a waste of time and should I just go
for a dipole (I believe I don't need an RF earth for a dipole - is that
right ?

HELP!

Edward