It is perfectly safe.
The K3 cuts back power when it sees the equivalent reflected power of a 2:1 SWR at 100
watts. So it will operate normally at a 1.8:1 SWR. If the LOWEST SWR is 1.8:1, then it
probably exceeds 2:1 somewhere in the band, where you will not be able to get a full 100
watts.
I suggest you check the SWR at various points (an antenna analyzer is helpful, but you can
just transmit at different frequencies and record the results). Once you find the point of
lowest SWR, you can determine how much to lengthen or shorten the antenna to move this
point to the center of the band or your favorite spot.
As another writer said, it is unlikely that you will get a 1:1 SWR from a coax-fed dipole
under most circumstances. The K3 will be happy as long as it is under 2:1 (and you can
still operate with reduced power if it is over 2:1).
On 12/8/2012 11:16 PM, Jay Krishna wrote:
Just completed assembling my new K3/100; I am completely new to this rig, and
just getting used to it. In initial transmitter power calibration into a dummy
load, I saw an SWR of ~1:1. However, into my 20M mono-band dipole, I see it is
~1.8:1. I am wondering if anybody can help answer these questions:
1. Is it safe to operate the K3 with an SWR as high as 1.8:1 (just eager to test the new K3 on the air)?
2. Do I need to check if there is a problem with my dipole antenna (wet coax,
etc.)?
Thanks,
Jay (KD6AMA)
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Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
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