SWR and TX power output questions.

[WRCC711]

I have a question or two for people who are way more knowledgeable than me about GMRS base radio set ups. I have a Midland MXT 400 40w GMRS radio paired with a Pyramid ps15k.5 power supply hooked up to a Retevis GMRS base antenna 7.2 dbi uhf repeater antenna mounted on a telescopic 30ft flag pole (because of terrain) , that's my base station set up. I've measured my SWR on lower channels 1-5 at 1.1 the upper channels including repeater channels are measuring 1.81 . Is that an acceptable range for SWR readings? Second question my radio is supposed to have a maximum tx of 40w my meter was showing a maximum of 38 to 37w on the high side.  My radio is a few years old so not new. Is that an acceptable reading? I am using a surecom gam3gear SWR meeter.  

[SteveShannon]

Yes, that’s an acceptable SWR range.

Yes, that’s an acceptable power output. 

[Socalgmrs]

7 minutes ago, WRCC711 said:

I have a question or two for people who are way more knowledgeable than me about GMRS base radio set ups. I have a Midland MXT 400 40w GMRS radio paired with a Pyramid ps15k.5 power supply hooked up to a Retevis GMRS base antenna 7.2 dbi uhf repeater antenna mounted on a telescopic 30ft flag pole (because of terrain) , that's my base station set up. I've measured my SWR on lower channels 1-5 at 1.1 the upper channels including repeater channels are measuring 1.81 . Is that an acceptable range for SWR readings? Second question my radio is supposed to have a maximum tx of 40w my meter was showing a maximum of 38 to 37w on the high side.  My radio is a few years old so not new. Is that an acceptable reading? I am using a surecom gam3gear SWR meeter.  

Swr below 2 is fine.  Sorry to here about the midland but yes on most radios the actuall wattage is less buy 10% or more then advertised 

[WRCC711]

27 minutes ago, Socalgmrs said:

Swr below 2 is fine.  Sorry to here about the midland but yes on most radios the actuall wattage is less buy 10% or more then advertised 

Thanks for answering my questions. I've been wondering if im getting out when I do a radio check . Yeah I would like to upgrade from the Midland. 

[nokones]

2-3 watts is nothing to worry about. How did you check your RF power output? With a meter in-line with an Antenna connected or a Power Terminator connected? If you're using a Power Terminator make sure it measures out at 50 ohms for an accurate reading. Having an antenna connected is not the most accurate method because of the reflected power.

[WRCC711]

2 hours ago, nokones said:

2-3 watts is nothing to worry about. How did you check your RF power output? With a meter in-line with an Antenna connected or a Power Terminator connected? If you're using a Power Terminator make sure it measures out at 50 ohms for an accurate reading. Having an antenna connected is not the most accurate method because of the reflected power.

I did use a meter with a 50 ohm termination load on the end. I wanted to make sure all my readings were OK on my setup.  I wasn't too sure my signal was getting out. Thanks for replying, the missing wattage did have me woried a bit.