What is an acceptable SWR reading?

What is an acceptable SWR reading?

What is a good SWR reading? The best reading possible is 1.01:1 (46dB return loss), but usually a reading below 1.5:1 is acceptable. Outside the perfect world a 1.2:1 (20.8dB return loss) is spot on in most cases. To ensure an accurate reading, it is best to connect the meter at the base of the antenna.

What is a bad SWR reading?

SWR 2.5 – 2.9: Performance in this range will be noticeably decreased, and you might even damage your radio if you transmit frequently and for extended periods. We advise you not to operate your radio in this range.

How high is too high SWR?

For instance a SWR too high (over 3:1) all over the band can be an indication of a bad part or junction, poor ground or poor location. An SWR too low over the whole band (1:1 for all 40 channels) can indicate a low efficiency antenna or lossy component. Safe operation of your CB should be with an SWR of 2:1 or less.

What does an SWR reading of 1 1 mean?

What does an SWR reading of 1:1 mean? The best impedance match has been attained. An antenna for another frequency band is probably connected. No power is going to the antenna. The SWR meter is broken.

Is a 1.8 SWR bad?

SWR Range Explanations. SWR 1.0-1.5: The ideal range! If your SWR is under 1.5, you’re in great shape. SWR 1.5 – 1.9: There’s room for improvement, but SWR in this range should still provide adequate performance.

Is low SWR good?

SWR 1.0-1.5: The ideal range! If your SWR is under 1.5, you’re in great shape. Occasionally, due to installations or vehicle variables, it’s impossible to get SWR lower than than this. You should try to get it lower, but performance should still be acceptable in this range.

Is 1.5 SWR good?

SWR 1.0-1.5: The ideal range! If your SWR is under 1.5, you’re in great shape. SWR 1.5 – 1.9: There’s room for improvement, but SWR in this range should still provide adequate performance. Occasionally, due to installations or vehicle variables, it’s impossible to get SWR lower than than this.

Is 1.0 SWR good?

How does a SWR meter really work?

A directional SWR meter measures the magnitude of the forward and reflected waves by sensing each one individually, with directional couplers. A calculation then produces the SWR. Referring to the above diagram, the transmitter (TX) and antenna (ANT) terminals connect via an internal transmission line.

What does your SWR meter tell you?

SWR meter helps to determine how much of radiofrequency energy is reflected back to the transmitter compared to the amount of RF energy that is been sent out during operation. This ratio should not be high and the ideal rating is 1:1 such that the power reached the destination and reflects no power.

Do I need a SWR meter?

The SWR meter is very important for setting up a CB radio. The meter shows you how well the signal is going through the antenna. The maximum and the ideal value of this indicator is 1:5. As long as you tune the antenna, your task is to lower (or increase) the readings to reach this value.