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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

Treat the measurement as provisional

Without a suitable reference, a measurement-chain error cannot be ruled out. That is no reason to shorten the antenna on a guess.

  1. Obtain a load suitable for impedance, frequency and, where relevant, transmit power, or arrange comparison with a suitable verified instrument.
  2. Meanwhile note instrument, frequency, connection point and cables in use. Treat the existing value as an unverified observation.

What to look for next

Return here once a reliable reference is available.

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?
→ No suitable reference available

Treat the measurement as provisional
Without a suitable reference, a measurement-chain error cannot be ruled out. That is no reason to shorten the antenna on a guess.
1. Obtain a load suitable for impedance, frequency and, where relevant, transmit power, or arrange comparison with a suitable verified instrument.
2. Meanwhile note instrument, frequency, connection point and cables in use. Treat the existing value as an unverified observation.
Return here once a reliable reference is available.

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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