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TROUBLESHOOTING WORKSHOP

SWR too high?

Separate measurement setup, cable and antenna before changing antenna length.

Switch the transmitter off before working on the RF path. Never connect a VNA to a transmitting output. Consult each device’s manual for permitted power and SWR limits.

YOUR NEXT USEFUL TEST

Verify the measurement range first

An unsuitable or incorrectly connected power meter can give a misleading SWR reading.

  1. Consult the manual for frequency range, minimum/maximum power, connection direction and any calibration procedure. Do not assume a universal test power.
  2. Repeat only with a suitable load and within every connected device’s limits. If specifications are missing, identify the instrument first.

What to look for next

Then compare the setup against a suitable known matched load.

Related learning & practice

Technical sources for this check

Background and model-specific guidance; the check sequence is editorial. Match menu names against your own model’s manual.

Show check record
HB3YAQ · Check record: SWR too high?
Your answers; no automatic measurement.

1. Do cable, connectors and antenna connection look sound?
→ Yes, nothing visibly wrong
2. How are you measuring SWR?
→ With an SWR/power meter
3. Is the power meter suitable for this measurement?
→ No, or I do not know the range

Verify the measurement range first
An unsuitable or incorrectly connected power meter can give a misleading SWR reading.
1. Consult the manual for frequency range, minimum/maximum power, connection direction and any calibration procedure. Do not assume a universal test power.
2. Repeat only with a suitable load and within every connected device’s limits. If specifications are missing, identify the instrument first.
Then compare the setup against a suitable known matched load.

ARRL / Darrin Walraven · Understanding SWR by Example: https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/q1106037.pdf

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