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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

Compare resonance position and installation

A shifted SWR minimum can relate to installation or tuning. SWR alone does not establish efficiency.

  1. Measure the antenna in its intended operating position. Compare nearby metal, height, radials/counterpoise and cable routing with its design instructions.
  2. Only make small reversible adjustments on a design intended for tuning, following its instructions. A length calculator gives a starting point, not a universal instruction to cut.

What to look for next

Compare the minimum’s frequency and target-band SWR before and after each change. Good matching does not prove good radiation.

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 a VNA or antenna analyser
3. Is reflection measurement calibrated for this setup?
→ Yes, at the intended measurement plane
4. What does a suitable known matched load show?
→ Near 1:1, within measurement accuracy
5. How does SWR vary with frequency?
→ A clear minimum is outside the target range

Compare resonance position and installation
A shifted SWR minimum can relate to installation or tuning. SWR alone does not establish efficiency.
1. Measure the antenna in its intended operating position. Compare nearby metal, height, radials/counterpoise and cable routing with its design instructions.
2. Only make small reversible adjustments on a design intended for tuning, following its instructions. A length calculator gives a starting point, not a universal instruction to cut.
Compare the minimum’s frequency and target-band SWR before and after each change. Good matching does not prove good radiation.

ARRL / Darrin Walraven · Understanding SWR by Example: https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/q1106037.pdf
RigExpert Stick 500 · User manual: https://old.rigexpert.com/products/antenna-analyzers/stick-500/users-manual/

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