[TowerTalk] FA-VA5 question

[Dave Sublette]

I have one of these which I use to check SWR and measure component values.
I love it.  I know it is capable of doing more.  I just haven't had a need
to use it any other way.  What I am wondering is, will the thing act as a
TDR?

I have a 200 foot run of half inch Superflex cable buried in a PVC pipe.
Thanks to a recent lightning strike, It measures shorted at one end of the
run and open at the other.  If I could get some Idea where the problem is,
perhaps I could dig it up and repair it without trying to pull and replace
it.  A fault like this implies to me that there is a clean break somewhere
and a short somewhere else. With a TDR, I could find the break and repair
it, then find the short.

Any other thoughts?  Sure would be nice if I could get this repaired before
winter sets in.

Thanks & 73,

Dave, K4TO

ps -- I know there is a manual for this.  Please don't suggest that I read
it.  I have nine pieces of equipment to repair and I am up to my ears in
alligators!