[TowerTalk] SWR is what SWR meter measures

[Gene Bigham]

I hate to sound stupid, but at that risk here goes.

When I was in school for psychology one course on IQ and testing said, "IQ is what an IQ test measures."  I have transliterated that into, "SWR is what an SWR meter measures."  There are some pretty basic designs to measure SWR using diodes to detect voltages.  There are also some more sophisticated designs and instruments to measure SWR which yield (relative) impedance.

But can I ask, "What is the difference in perception at the receive end of a HF wireless signal transmitted with an antenna measured that has a 2:1 (impedance either high or low) SWR versus an antenna that has a measured SWR of 1:1.2 or so - given you are working with the same antenna AND given your modern rig does not power reduce prior to 2:1 SWR?"

I suspect the perception is negligible and that any efforts at reducing SWR lower than 2:1 are futile, a waste of time, and fruitless other than for personal satisfaction.  Is this a correct observation or largely in error?

Let the flames begin.