SWR Meter

[Dubkor]

I just bought a used SWR meter. It's made by Atari, I do believe. It's the SWR-7, measuring power and SWR. Now I just have one problem, I thought it would be relatively easy to figure out, but apparently not. I was wondering if someone could give me a bit of point in the right direction?

I have the impedence set for my coax, but then there is another switch for "10W FWD" or "REF 100W". I'm guessing I go with 10W? Then there is a switch for SWR or power, set to SWR. Then there is a analouge dial that switches between Set and ADJ, and quite a bit of area in between. It's giving me different readings all over the place, between .5 and 10. I was just wondering if someone could tell me what the deal is? I'm guessing it has to do with the Set and Adj knob?

[BigBopper]

The following assumes that your SWR meter has a standard set of switches, knobs and meters. That is, there will be at least one switch with the marking Forward (FWD) in one position and Reference (REF or SWR) in the other. There will also be a knob or sliding controller marked "Set" or "Adjust". Most meters come with full instructions. If the common configuration does not match your meter you will need to rely on the meters manual for assistance.

With the radio on the lowest channel (1 on CB) and the SWR meters switch in the Forward (FWD) position, depress the transmit switch (key up) located on the microphone. While holding the unit in this transmit mode, adjust the meter needle to the set position using the Set or Adjust knob on the meter. As soon as the needle is in alignment with the corresponding mark on the meter face, flip the switch to the Reference (REF) position. The meter is now showing your SWR on channel one. Note the value and quickly release the microphone switch. Record this reading on your paper to the nearest 1/10th. i.e. 1.8, 2.3, 2.7, 1.4, etc.

Now, switch your radio to the middle channel (19 on CB). Place the meter switch in the Forward (FWD) position, depress the microphone switch and adjust the meter to place the needle on the Set position of the meter face. Once in the set position, place the meter switch in the Reference (REF) position and note the reading. Release the microphone switch and write this value down to the nearest tenth of a point. Note: If your antenna system is closely matched to the radio you may get little or no movement from the meter needle on this channel. This is normal.

Finally, place your radio on the highest number channel (40 on CB). Place the meter switch in the Forward (FWD) position, depress the microphone switch and adjust the meter to place the needle on the Set position of the meter face. Once in the set position, place the meter switch in the Reference (REF) position and note the reading. Release the microphone switch and write this value down to the nearest tenth of a point.

[Dubkor]

Sorry, I'm guessing that you pulled that from an old post. Sorry to ask a repeat question. I'll look a little harder next time I need newbie information.

Thanks for posting it again for me, it was very helpful. My SWR is a touch higher on 40 than 1, but it's below 1.5 on 1 and 19 and around 1.5 on 40. So I don't think I'll adjust anything. I'll just stick to 30 and below.

Thanks again.

[BigBopper]

No problem we all are here to help,,many people have helped me over the years