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KX3 SWR Meter vs MFJ

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KX3 SWR Meter vs MFJ

I decided to do a spot check on SWR readings on my antenna with my KX3 after I tuned it with a MFJ 259C. The results were different between the two devices.
The MFJ on the lower bands read a significantly higher SWR than the KX3.
I guess my question is which would you trust, the MFJ or the KX3? The reading make a difference on how I will tune my antenna. Or do I need to get a third meter in the mix and go 2 out of 3?

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: KX3 SWR Meter vs MFJ

What's the SWR? Anything under 2:1 won't make a difference in
performance.

Using two 50 ohm dummy loads connected in parallel, either instrument
should show a 2:1 SWR.

Be sure the dummy loads are actually 50 ohms and not just labeled such.
I have one of those "gallon" type loads that measure 58 ohms cold and 64
ohms hot. The label on the bucket says "50 ohms".

A man with a watch will always know the time. A man with four watches
is never sure of the time.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 2/23/2018 8:34 AM, Roger Meadows via Elecraft wrote:

> I decided to do a spot check on SWR readings on my antenna with my KX3 after I tuned it with a MFJ 259C. The results were different between the two devices.
> The MFJ on the lower bands read a significantly higher SWR than the KX3.
> I guess my question is which would you trust, the MFJ or the KX3? The reading make a difference on how I will tune my antenna. Or do I need to get a third meter in the mix and go 2 out of 3?
>
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Alan Bloom

Re: KX3 SWR Meter vs MFJ

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Most SWR meters accurately read 1:1 with a 50-ohm resistive load but may
not read accurately at higher SWR. That normally isn't a problem: when
you're tuning an antenna you are aiming for lowest SWR. The exact SWR
isn't important as long as it is minimum.

Alan N1AL

On 02/23/2018 06:34 AM, Roger Meadows via Elecraft wrote: