I don't have that antenna, but I'd think if you had a problem forming, it
would show on all bands. I know my G5RV is like that though and it's close
to some branches, now that leaves are on the trees, any rain at all and it
changes on 40 meters. If all goes well, I'll be changing that soon but I
can't say anything much yet.
----- Original Message -----
From: "tom behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 10:41 PM
Subject: higher-than-usual SWR readings on 40 meters with Carolina Windom
> Hi, folks.
>
> Well, I got my TW1 back from LDG, and they indeed did fix the volume
> control
> with no charge.
>
> I thanked them sincerely for doing this, and told them that we blind hams
> all appreciate a commitment to service like that.
>
> Anyway, I was doing some antenna testing tonight, and noticed something a
> bit strange with my Carolina Windom 160 compact antenna.
>
> Tonight's SWR readings seem to be reasonably in line with what I would
> expect on all bands, except for 40 meters. On 40 meters, they used to be
> around 1.4 to 1 at the bottom of the band, and about 4.7 to 1 at the top.
> Now, they range from around 2.5 to 1 at the bottom of the band, to about
> 7.3
> to 1 at the top of the band.
>
> Fortunately, I have my Alpha Delta DXCC antenna, which tends to do better
> on
> 40 meters anyway, but the change in 40-meter SWR's for the Windom concerns
> me a bit.
>
> Maybe it has something to do with more leaves on the trees than there were
> in the Winter when I took my original readings, but I'm hoping I'm not
> starting with my moisture problem again.
>
> We have had a lot of rain here over the past few weeks, and have had very
> little opportunity for things to dry out.
>
> I have tested all coax jumpers for continuity and tightness, and all looks
> good.
>
> Anyway, I'd be interested in any thoughts that anyone has regarding what
> might be going on here.
>
> Again, I want to emphasize that the antenna still looks reasonably good on
> most other bands and frequencies.
>
> Thanks, and 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
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