[Decent Cheap SWR Meter?]

5 hours ago, mbrun said:

Yeh, I agree with you. With an SWR that high I would not operate the radio except for a coupe of seconds to do a brief SWR test until your number is down in the 2:00:1 range

Dummy loads are widely available on Amazon and virtually everywhere SWR meters are sold. They are used whenever you are using an SWR or dedicated power meter to confirm the power output of a radio. A quick search on Amazon for “RF Dummy Load, 50 Ohm“ and it will should turn up many results. Make sure you get one with a frequency range that includes the frequency of your radio as well as one, a connector compatible with your equipment, and a power rating equal too or greater than the max power of the radio(s) you might want to test.

Below is an image of one hooked up to SWR Meter and Radio for simple power test. Note the 1.00:1 SWR reading which is what you should have with a dummy load when hooked up as shown.




Once you have a dummy load, and assuming it shows you a 1:00:1 as it should, the odds are better now that the meter is OK and the problem is with Antenna and/or feed-line and/or adapters you’re using. In this case, additional test equipment and procedures will be needed. If you don’t know anyone with test equipment, perhaps look up on the ARRL website for amateur radio clubs in your area. If you can make contact with one of those clubs I am certain that many members will have the equipment necessary and would be happy to assist you.


Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

I found the problem to my high swr on my gmrs radio. I was using the wrong connector connected to my new surcom sw 102 swr meter. it was reading 19.99 swr and now reading 1.4 or 1.5 swr and the watt output seems to be close using my 40 watt radio. Just a amature mistake. I am now so happy I can talk on it and not worry about blowing up my new radio. Now I have to figure out how to use repeaters.

Thanks for all your help

WRMZ 867 Bonner Springs Kansas

[Decent Cheap SWR Meter?]

1 hour ago, mbrun said:

Yes it could be the meter, but it is equally likely you have an issue with your feed-line, antenna, and any adapters you may be using.

Do you have a dummy load available? Putting the dummy load on the SWR meter in place of an antenna and feed-line should give you a 1:1 match. Anything other than that would be a strong indication of an issue with the meter.

Do you have a friend that has a SWR meter that you can contrast yours with? Know of someone with a NanoVNA. Each of these would help you troubleshoot to the next level.


Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

Thanks for your reply.

What kind of dummy load would I need to get? I don't know anyone with a swr meter. I wish I could work out without having to buy another meter but I will if I have to. Can't transmit until I find where the problem is. And thanks so much for your help.wrmz 867

[Decent Cheap SWR Meter?]

On 1/20/2021 at 1:29 PM, WRAK968 said:

I use a surecom SW-102, nice little unit,

https://www.amazon.com/Mcbazel-Surecom-Digital-125-525Mhz-Antenna/dp/B01D86IKIQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2JRVRL343HI8D&dchild=1&keywords=surecom+sw-102&qid=1611170816&s=electronics&sprefix=surecom+%2Celectronics%2C360&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A263LSCPZJCHO0&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFQWUVGVVpLTjBDMUkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2NjE4OTgxNzlPM0M5UEg1WE1QJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5Mzk4NjcyRk4wV1NUTjJNNVFEJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I just set up a new gmrs base station with all things new. Got the surecom swr 102 meter and it is showing 19.99 swr man that is scary. Check for short circuit on antenna and coax today and showed no short. I am not transmitting yet but receives GREAT signal can hear grmrs walkie talkie from 11 miles away.  should I send the swr meter back and get a diffrent one are do think that reading may be correct? I need help please

I have Midland radio mxt 400 antenna is a comet CA-712EFC, coax is from jefa Tech ca-213-UHF-50 RG213U

Thanks

[Comet CA-712EFC 460-470Mhz base atenna review]

Anyone using the above base antenna ? I would like to know how it is working for you. Will be putting it up today as soon as it arrives.

 

Thanks