[TowerTalk] Trying to test out my old 40 meter cushcraft

[Ed Sawyer]

I don't find that the "point the beam skyward" method works that well on 40M
beams for doing the initial SWR test.  The typical 40M beam is a loaded
element and on a boom that is usually 20 - 24 ft long.  24ft high is not
enough to have the DE up and away from the ground.

 

It will tell you its not shorted or open but as to whether its tuned right,
it needs to be in the air.30 to 40 ft up is usually a minimum and even then,
the SWR low point will shift by another 20 - 50khz by the time its up at 70
- 100 ft in my experience.

 

Ed  N1UR