Interpreting Swr Readings - Radio Shack 21-533 Owner's Manual

Interpreting SWR Readings

An ideal SWR reading is 1.0, but this reading is usually possi-
ble only under laboratory conditions or with a dummy load. Ac-
tual antenna installations have higher readings. The in-
formation below will help you interpret the readings you get.
SWR
1.0 to 1.5
1.5 to 2.0
2.0 to 3.0
Above 3.0
8
Efficiency
Excellent
Very good
Acceptable
Inefficient
Interpretation
The antenna cable and the
antenna length match the
transmitter's output require-
ments almost perfectly.
The antenna, the cable, and
the transmitter operate very
efficiently.
The antenna, the cable, and
the transmitter operate with
some loss. If possible, adjust
your antenna or antenna
mounting system to improve.
Adjust your antenna or
antenna mounting system to
improve efficiency.