The Truth about SWR: Debunking the Myths and Misunderstandings

What is Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) and how does it impact your amateur radio antenna system? Is there really such a thing as “perfect” SWR and does it really matter? DX Engineering’s Michael Murphy, KI8R, covers the basics of SWR, including reflected power; factors that can influence SWR readings, such as lossy coaxial cables; the importance of measuring SWR at the antenna; and some of the myths and misinformation surrounding this widely used measurement in ham radio. Click on the links below for some great SWR resources, as well as low-loss coax cables from DX Engineering discussed in the video:

ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 25th Edition
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/arr-1762

ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/arr-1588

Understanding SWR by Example
https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/q1106037.pdf

SWR Reference Chart and SWR Calculator
https://www.dxengineering.com/techarticles/verticalantennainfo/swr-reference-chart-and-swr-calculator

DX Engineering RG-213U PL-259 Low-Loss 50-ohm Coax Cable Assemblies
https://www.dxengineering.com/search/product-line/dx-engineering-rg-213u-pl-259-low-loss-50-ohm-coax-cable-assemblies

DX Engineering 400MAX PL-259 Low-Loss 50-ohm Coax Assemblies
https://www.dxengineering.com/search/product-line/dx-engineering-400max-pl-259-low-loss-50-ohm-coax-assemblies