KL 503 Antenna Analyzer needed?

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Super60
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KL 503 Antenna Analyzer needed?

#408114

Post by Super60 »

Just ordered a KL-503 for my base station . Saw a youtube video from a CB tech that emphatically said do not use your swr meters {Dosey,Workman etc] and get an antenna analyzer for a few hundred bucks especially if running an amp. He said they can be off really bad in accuracy. I have a total of 3 swr meters and they all read very close to one another. Do you guys running amps have a antenna analyzer and if so what model and brand? Do you recommend using an analyzer?

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Re: KL 503 Antenna Analyzer needed?

#408115

Post by nosaj »

i recommend a dummy load. An antenna analyzer is more or less to tell you exactly what frequencies your antenna is resonant with. It can also tell you SWR. But the only thing you want to run full power into for testing is a dummy load.
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Re: KL 503 Antenna Analyzer needed?

#408117

Post by MDYoungblood »

Like was said, an antenna analyzer is the way to go to adjust the antenna but if your sure the SWR is good than it really isn't necessary. I use an analyzer (actually went to a NanoVNA, harder to use but cost effective) for that purpose but I have a SWR/Watt meter inline just to keep an eye on things. Just remember those RM Italy amps are all mosfet and a good standing wave will help it live a long and happy life.

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Re: KL 503 Antenna Analyzer needed?

#408119

Post by Super60 »

Thank you for all the replies. I guess my question should have been "Should I not trust any of my consumer grade SWR Meters [because so many are not accurate} and buy an Analyzer? But you answered it. I am rather confident that between my 3 swr meters being so similar in readings with the cheapest one the most different in reading from the other 2 by .2 I have a good chance of success.
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Re: KL 503 Antenna Analyzer needed?

#408122

Post by nosaj »

You can pretty much test or adjust your swr meter by using a dummy load.
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Re: KL 503 Antenna Analyzer needed?

#408124

Post by MDYoungblood »

The accuracy of most CB and ham meters is +/- 10% so figure a 10w radio will show 9 to 11w given the SWR is 1:1 and there isn't any CMC (common mode current) causing a irrational reading. That is the reason nosaj is saying use a dummy load, most are close to 50 ohm load.

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Re: KL 503 Antenna Analyzer needed?

#408125

Post by Super60 »

OK now see now what you all are saying. That makes sense to me now. Thank you all for your patience.
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