[TowerTalk] Perplexing Antenna Problem

[Bernard(wtrone)]

    Bob:

        Yep, all confirmed one step at a time.

            73,


            Bernard, WA4OEJ


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob" <rgshauger at myyellowstone.net>
To: "Bernard(wtrone)" <wtrone at comcast.net>; "Tim Duffy K3LR" <k3lr at k3lr.com>
Cc: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 7:07 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Perplexing Antenna Problem


> 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
>