[TowerTalk] Perplexing Antenna Problem

[Bob]

Have you verified the Orion into a dummy load?  The antenna switch into a
dummy load?  Antenna end of the coax into a dummy load?  One step at a time.

Bob W7KD


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bernard(wtrone)" <wtrone at comcast.net>
To: "Tim Duffy K3LR" <k3lr at k3lr.com>
Cc: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 3:03 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Perplexing Antenna Problem


>     I have also measured the SWRs with a completely different set of coax
to
> eliminate coax and/ or connector problems.  No difference.
>
>             73,
>
>
>             Bernard, WA4OEJ
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Tim Duffy K3LR" <k3lr at k3lr.com>
> To: "Bernard(wtrone)" <wtrone at comcast.net>
> Cc: <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 4:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Perplexing Antenna Problem
>
>
> > Hello Bernard!
> >
> > Given the your information I would suggest that the PL259 on either end
of
> the cable is bad (does not show up until you have more 1 watt or more
going
> into the coax). The PL259 on the far end would be the best place to start.
> It may be intermittent, as when you have the 50 ohm load at the antenna
end
> all looked OK.
> >
> > You could have a problem with the SO-239 at the SteppIR as well.
> >
> > Or, the coax could be crimped somewhere along the line (less likely).
> >
> > Please let us know what you find!
> >
> > 73,
> > Tim K3LR
> >
> > "Bernard(wtrone)" wrote:
> >
> > >     I posted the following message on the Yahoo SteppIR board and
> thought that I might also get some ideas on this board.
> > >
> > >  I have an interesting problem for all of you antenna experts out
there.
> If you have been reading this thread (Yahoo SteppIR board), you know that
I
> have been having problems with my new SteppIR 3 element beam.  I was able
to
> borrow a MFJ-259B this morning and made a relatively extensive set of
> measurement, which taken as a whole, just do not make sense.
> > >
> > >         In summary (2 measurements on 20, 1 on 17, 2 on 15, 1 on 12
and
> 2 on 10M for each series of readings):
> > >
> > >             1. Set of measurements using the MFJ with a 20" length of
> coax to the SteppIR.  Measured from 20-10M SWRs of from 1.5:1 to 1:1 (also
> have the R and X measurements but won't go into those just yet).
> > >
> > >             2. Set of measurements using the MFJ in the shack using
the
> full length of cable to the SteppIR.  Measured from 20-10M SWRs of from
> 1.4:1 to 1:1.
> > >
> > >             3. Using MFJ to measure Coax Loss from 20-10M showed 1.3
to
> 1.6 dB.  Probably about 135 ft of cable.
> > >
> > >             4. Put the cable in the shack directly on the antenna
> connector of a Daiwa NS-660PA SWR and Power Meter, and the SWR is 5:1 from
> 20-10M.  The reading on the TenTec Orion is high VSWR.  Take the PL-259
off
> the SteppIR and put it on a 50 ohm dummy load and the SWR is a flat 1:1
> across 20-10M both on the Daiwa and Orion.
> > >
> > >             5. Tried varying the "tune" power of the Orion from about
1
> watt to 50 watts.  No difference.
> > >
> > >             6. Tried taking the Daiwa out of the circuit.  No
> difference.  Orion still reads high VSWR.
> > >
> > >             7. Swapped out a complete set of coax cables to insure
> nothing was common.  No difference.
> > >
> > >     Anyone out there in radio land have any ideas?  I am going to talk
> to Jim on Monday, but this is really a STRANGE set of data.  I am a bit
> perplexed with what I am seeing!
> > >
> > >                 73,
> > >
> > >                 Bernard, WA4OEJ
> > > _______________________________________________
> > >
> > > See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers",
"Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
any
> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > TowerTalk mailing list
> > > TowerTalk at contesting.com
> > > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> >
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk