You can carry out a simple check on your SWR meter so that you know that
it is working properly.
Connect a dummy load to the aerial side of the SWR meter and the transmitter
to the other. Set the transmitter into transmit (but only leave it like this
for a few seconds enough to make a reading) and if it is FM the SWR meter
will show forward power but should show show zero reverse power. If you are
using SSB then you will need to talk into the microphone and again you will
see the same results but this time the needle will be swinging about in time
to your voice. However this is not good practice and frowned upon by many
radio amateurs.
It is better to use CW or FM mode for a SWR test.
Now you have the confidence to try it with your aerials,
but remember "Use the lowest amount of power
possible to make a reading and for the shortest time". |