swr plus amp

[19Echo]

Have a PC 68 elite, K-40 3 foot antenna and an Polomar-4.
Question i have is when i hook up my meter, should the amp power be on or off?
sorry for the noob question.

Thanks

[Texas Mobil 219]

The amp should be off. But i check mine both ways.

['Doc]

I think I'd check it both ways. That way you'll know if something changes later. That doesn't tell you if it's good/bad/indifferent, just if something changes. I don't think I'd make a habit out of it, but occasionally it shouldn't hurt a thing (remember to recalibrate that meter if needed).
- 'Doc

[19Echo]

what about squelch, mike gain, rf etc.......? should all that be played with during the initial setup?

[Texas Mobil 219]

what about squelch, mike gain, rf etc.......? should all that be played with during the initial setup?

Turn your mic gain all the way down when checking the swrs. Even a noise canceling mic will pick up something.

['Doc]

Squelch is one of those 'variable' thingys, it can change from day to day or minute to minute. Set it to your preference when needed. RF gain, personally, I leave it all the way up, that's how you hear the most. If there's a particularly strong station you can't understand when it's all the way up, try turning it down a little. Typically, if they're that loud/distorted, just roll the window down and yell at them.
Mic-gain. That's an individual thing. Meaning set it for the user then leave it alone. Some people talk louder than others, then it may need to be adjusted. Other wise it's a set and forget thingy. Something like half way is a fair starting point to determine where it needs to be adjusted from. Unlike most people think, the mic-gain doesn't change the amount of power the radio puts out. It does 'shape' that power in ways that can make it easier/harder to understand. The minimum is the point where you are just understandable. The maximum point is where you are no longer easily understandable. Find the 'right' adjustment spot for you and leave it that way.
- 'Doc