[Elecraft] OT: Checking coax jumpers before soldering

[Edward R Cole]

I have one of the MFJ Antenna Analyzers which can be used to test 
existing coax lines.  SWR can certainly be tested, but its not 
intuitive how to measure line loss on cables connected to antennas.

The standard method is with open coax runs (no load of any kind which 
ensures total reflection at the far end;  the analyzer compares the 
level of reflected signal with the original signal transmitted by the 
analyzer to determine line loss).  The "TRICK" is to tune 
significantly "OFF FREQ" with the analyzer so that SWR is near 
maximum (appears to be open circuit).

Not as handy as a TDR or analyzer like the Anritsu Site Master which 
will show distance to impedance "bump", but still useful for checking 
the "health" of your cables.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
dubususa at gmail.com
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