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 |
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1.0 to 1.5 | Excellent | The antenna cable and the |
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| antenna length match the |
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| transmitter’s output require- |
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| ments almost perfectly. |
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1.5 to 2.0 | Very good | The antenna, the cable, and |
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| the transmitter operate very |
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| efficiently. |
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2.0 to 3.0 | Acceptable | The antenna, the cable, and |
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| the transmitter operate with |
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| some loss. If possible, adjust |
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| your antenna or antenna |
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| mounting system to improve. |
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Above 3.0 | Inefficient | Adjust your antenna or |
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| antenna mounting system to |
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| improve efficiency. |
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8 |
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