WSGC728

Sounds you know your stuff. I appreciate the advice. I’m starting to think my meter may be bad. I use a jumper cable from radio to meter. And the dummy load connected directly into the meter. And you’re right, when I started getting high swr readings with a dummy load, I knew something def wasn’t right.

I have tested it with a dummy load & received the same outcome. Although, if I remember correctly, the SWR was lower, but not by much.. maybe 1.25 - 1.35? The power output was still around 25-28 watts. I checked it on simplex & repeater channels.. now, when using 1 or 2 of my many different antennas, I was able to achieve 40watts on repeater channels, when I “reversed frequencies”, but with much higher SWR of 1.80-2.00.. with all other antennas, to which I use to get 40watts & 1.0-1.1 SWR, I get a max of 25-28 watts with around 1.50-1.65 SWR. Simplex & repeater.

I purchased the Retevis RA87 about a year ago. I was getting a full 40 watts of power with a SWR reading of 1.0-1.1. However, as of late, the most power I can get from it is about 25 watts on high, with a SWR of around 1.50-1.65. Nothing changed except for the radio’s lower power output & SWR. I have tried using different power sources, different antennas, different coax, ground planes etc. What could have caused this sudden change in power output & SWR & what, if anything, can I do about it ?

I have had good luck with my Retevis RA87. According to my SWR meter, it pulls a steady 1.0-1.1 SWR reading & anywhere between 40-45 watts of power with a Larson magnetic mount antenna. It also pulls the same SWR & wattage on a dummy load.