HELP!!!

This forum provides help with antenna installation, as well as guidance on selecting the right antenna for your radio or mobile setup.
Post Reply
User avatar
Mr Gote

HELP!!!

#23034

Post by Mr Gote »

I run an Antron on my base and the SWRs mysteriously shot over the top. They are over 3:1 on all freqs. in the standard 11m band. I checked the coax and replaced the ends, yet still they are very high.

Anybody have any suggestions so I can get back up and talking again? I am going through withdrawals... :8_ROFL:
User avatar
blackjack

#23038

Post by blackjack »

you don't have any coils wrapped up on your coax do you. check your tuning rings. i have had the wind move mine before. check all your connections make sure theer tight. just my 2 cents
User avatar
Mr Gote

#23041

Post by Mr Gote »

coils are good and the coax isn't coiled at all either...all connections are good and tight.
User avatar
231

#23044

Post by 231 »

How long has it been installed?

Could be alot of things. I typically start with the simpler things first though. Pull everything out of line except the radio and external meter, and start with the coax ends like you have done. What did the coax look like? Any signs of corrosion?

;)
User avatar
Mr Gote

#23045

Post by Mr Gote »

no signs of corrosion, i have done all the basics.

I do have a stupid question, if the sections have somehow become unthreaded, that would cause an swr problem...am i correct?
User avatar
231

#23048

Post by 231 »

Mr Gote wrote:no signs of corrosion, i have done all the basics.

I do have a stupid question, if the sections have somehow become unthreaded, that would cause an swr problem...am i correct?
Yep...that would do it. Any part of the elements not making good contact would be just like shortening the antenna...therefore changing it's resonating properties. I can't say I've ever seen that happen before on a normal installation...but I guess anything is possible.

How long has it been installed?
User avatar
Punkin Head

#23051

Post by Punkin Head »

the last antron I had up I had for 6 years and all of a sudden the swr's went up I checked everything and the fiberglass on the antenna had cracked and water got in the antenna or maybe the center wire broke not sure which I had to replace the antenna and all was good again. I hope you have a simple fix but it might need replacing depending on age
User avatar
Mr Gote

#23056

Post by Mr Gote »

the antenna is about 12 years old...so I'm thinking the age may have something to do with it too
User avatar
Phaze91460

#23066

Post by Phaze91460 »

Also look at ( And you probibly did ) where the cable goes into your shack and see if the cable has rubbed. You can check the cable with an ohms meter to make sure the center has not made contact with the shield.
User avatar
231

#23083

Post by 231 »

I hadn't even thought about that...the moisture inside the fiberglass housing. That is a very good possibility. With movement, weather, expanding/contracting with temperature, I can see where that indeed could be a good thing to check.

Good thought Punkin Head! :Peace!:
User avatar
Mr Gote

#23088

Post by Mr Gote »

So all in all....Time for a new antenna...LOL
User avatar
Phaze91460

#23097

Post by Phaze91460 »

The good thing about the A-99 is that they are cheep.
Post Reply