View Single Post
Old 20-Jan-2012, 8:38 PM   #13
GroundUrMast
Moderator
 
GroundUrMast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Posts: 4,773
I agree with @ghz24, SWR of a receiving antenna is not as high a priority as is a transmitting antenna. The power reflected back toward the transmitter can cause damage to the equipment at some point. Receive power levels are in the micro-watt and less range, hardly capable of damaging passive antenna components.

If measurement of SWR is needed, you'll find yourself in the market for some expensive test gear. Antennas Direct indicated they used an HP8510c to do the testing reported in their CS2 VSWR graph. (You can find one on E-Bay for less than $4000. ) Given that SWR is not an indicator of antenna gain or directivity, I'm not in the market for a lab grade RF network analyzer.

For the DIY'er, side by side performance comparison is usually the most cost effective testing available. As, you have already stated in your own way, if it works for you, who cares if the home-built or store bought antenna will work for someone else. (But that it works for one, is not proof it will work for another.)
__________________
If the well is dry and you don't see rain on the horizon, you'll need to dig the hole deeper. (If the antenna can't get the job done, an amp won't fix it.)

(Please direct account activation inquiries to 'admin')

Last edited by GroundUrMast; 20-Jan-2012 at 8:46 PM. Reason: Format & grammar
GroundUrMast is offline   Reply With Quote