Tom,
You can't I don't think get reliable readings with the power meter in that
kind of configuration. You have the power meter connected after the
auto-tuner.
Therefore, you still get a reading with a higher reflected power than you
would normally expect. The only way, I think, that you can get accurate
readings with a rig with an internal tuner is to use the rig's own SWR
meter.
Steve, K8SP
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 8:27 PM
Subject: Strange Power Readings With LDG TW1
> Hi, folks.
>
> Maybe I ought to go back to basic antennas 101 class, but I just found out
> something with my Carolina Windom 160 compact that doesn't quite make
> sense
> to me.
>
> I am testing out the antenna to see if water got back into it after the
> week
> of rain we have had here, and I discovered some strange power readings
> with
> my LDG TW1 talking watt meter.
>
> Right now, my Carolina Windom, such as it is, seems to be resonant on the
> lower end of 80 meters--right around 3.600 MHZ.
>
> As expected, then, when I go to the upper phone part of the band, say
> around
> 3.976 MHZ, my sWR rises dramatically to a blistering 6.0 to 1.
> (ouch!!!!!!)
>
>
> Interestingly, though, the auto tuner in the TS590 tunes the antenna,
> which
> was a bit of a surprise to me.
>
> I then took some forward and reflected power readings with my TW1, and
> was
> told that the forward power was 102 watts, while my reflected power was 52
> watts.
>
> Again, this is with the auto-tuner engaged.
>
> Can someone tell me what is going on here?
>
> To be honest, I'm still a bit hesitant to use the Carolina Windom, given
> the
> water problems I have had of late.
>
> Would this antenna be safe to use on the top part of 80 meters, since the
> auto-tuner clearly tunes it, or am I just kidding myself here.
>
> And, could I safely use this antenna on the upper part of 75 meters with
> my
> Tentech 238A manual tuner and Ameritron
> AL811H amplifier?
>
> I guess I'm now a bit gun shy.
>
> 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
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