[Elecraft] High SWR problem

[Edward Kenworthy]

One of the RF rigs at the club uses the same atu as the one I've got, was
planning to check that out if all else failed.

On 17/8/03 9:19 pm, "Bud Rogers" <budr@netride.net> wrote:

> On Sunday 17 August 2003 14:29, Edward Kenworthy wrote:
>> I'm a newbie, so please feel free to state the obvious :-)
> 
> Hi Edward,
> 
> I'm no expert by any means, but I'll share with you how I would attack
> the problem.
> 
>> 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
> 
> First be sure you have the transmitter, SWR meter, and ATU connected
> properly as Greg mentions.  Assuming you're past that, my first suspect
> would be the ATU itself.  Adjusting the ATU should produce some change
> in reflected power and SWR, no matter how poor the antenna or ground.
> I would substitute another ATU, borrowing one if necessary, and see if
> the symtoms change.  If you haven't already, try different bands and
> frequencies.  
> 
>> My house is a single storey and the longwire is attached at one end
> 
> I've put up some pretty crappy wires over the years.  I've never seen
> one that wouldn't tune at all.  A 20' piece of wire draped across the
> room will tune, at least on the higher bands.  It won't be much of
> antenna, but it will tune.
> 
>> 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. 
> 
> Again, I've never seen a ground so bad that it wouldn't work at all.
> Try substituting a piece of insulated wire a bit longer than a quarter
> wave, lying on the floor.  It won't be ideal, but it should at least
> change the symptoms.
> 
>> 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 would prove the ATU before I gave up on the long wire.  Try a
> different ATU or take your ATU to another ham's shack.  Make sure all
> the connections from the transmitter to the tuner are OK.  I once spent
> longer than I should have finding a bad preformed connector on a coax
> jumper.
> 
> Good luck and 73.