[Elecraft] [K3] SWR - Numerical Indication

ANDY DURBIN a.durbin at msn.com
Sun Dec 2 15:13:21 EST 2018


"Is this 1.0:1 SWR across the entire 40 meter band curious or remarkable?"

I'd guess that it's improbable and likely the result of measurement error.  The reflected voltage will be zero for low or high power if the antenna system is a perfect match .  However, the (measured) reflected voltage will also be zero for an imperfectly matched antenna system when there is not enough power for the reflected voltage to be above the detection threshold on the measurement device.    The Elecraft SWR meters that I have (KPA500 and KAT500) will indicate SWR 1.0:1 with no forward voltage and also with some forward voltage and no reflected voltage.   You have to know when to believe the reading and that may be only when the reading is not 1.0:1.

Running the sweep with higher power may give quite different results, but running high power antenna sweeps may be considered anti-social.    An antenna analyzer will probably give a much better indication of your antenna system characteristics.

Andy, k3wyc



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