I can't say for certain, but have you checked the antenna prior to putting it on the tower? I have a high gain antenna ion a twoer, need to get the heliax connected to it, but i tested in on a post before I put it on the twoer
Also, LMR400 is not recommended for full duplex use. that type of cable can cause noise problems under full duplex conditions. I sometimes test cables as well, connecting them to a good dummy load, and test several ways. I have an analyzer, actually 2 of the, one only for the 70 centimeter band, and also check with a Bird 43 watt meter looking at reflected as well as forward power. matter of fact, I have some coax assembled by Cable Expertys taht turns out some has fare more loss than another, both 100 feet About 65 watts from a GE Mastr II repeater on the 440 band shows about 4 watts at the other end, and one less than 1 watt. Something not right there. So it is possible the coax and/or connectors have a problem By mounting my antenna low and using a known good jumper from my 440 analyzer. I determined the SWR was very low on the antenna. And testing cables will show you where the problem might be. Also, where are you inserting the meter? That can make a difference I tested my loss in my duplexer by testing watts before it and watts out. Found good for the rated insertion loss. And little reflected power on the transmitter side of the duplexer. the word is, test, test and test. test each part of the antenna system to locate where the problem really is... Wayne WA2YNE On Sat, May 23, 2009 at 8:17 PM, agrimm0034 <[email protected]> wrote: > > > Currently just upgraded my home built GMRS Maxtrac repeater to a new 6.5db > Gain Tran-Max antenna. Says SWR should be 1.5 - 1 or less and I have a > reading of 2.5 - 1. I'm using LMR 400 ultra low loss cable at 40 ft putting > in 40 watts of power. The antenna is mounted on 40 ft tower old 3 legged > style. Nothing is around the antenna and check cable to make sure it wasn't > shorted and everything seems to be fine. Any ideas on how to make the > Standing Wave better? > >
