Interpreting SWR Readings
An ideal SWR reading is 1.0, but this reading is usually possi- ble only under laboratory conditions or with a dummy load. Ac- tual antenna installations have higher readings. The in- formation below will help you interpret the readings you get.
SWR | Efficiency | Interpretation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0 to 1.5 | Excellent | The antenna cable and the |
|
| antenna length match the |
|
| transmitter’s output require- |
|
| ments almost perfectly. |
|
|
|
1.5 to 2.0 | Very good | The antenna, the cable, and |
|
| the transmitter operate very |
|
| efficiently. |
|
|
|
2.0 to 3.0 | Acceptable | The antenna, the cable, and |
|
| the transmitter operate with |
|
| some loss. If possible, adjust |
|
| your antenna or antenna |
|
| mounting system to improve. |
|
|
|
Above 3.0 | Inefficient | Adjust your antenna or |
|
| antenna mounting system to |
|
| improve efficiency. |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|