At
Clay's we do more than slap a meter in line, check the SWR
and call it good. We perform a thorough Antenna System evaluation.
If the Antenna is or stud mount is removed locktite is installed when re-assembled.
Antenna
System analysis includes: Checking
the antenna for breaks, checking the antenna for proper calibration,
checking the antenna height - (Diesel Trucks), check for adequate
ground, checking the antenna for proper mounting location, checking
the stud mount for corrosion and proper duty, check
the coax for breaks, check the coax for proper impedance.
Setting
the antenna SWR with an amplifier can get involved. The antenna SWR
is calibrated at the back of the amplifier with the amplifier in
line and turned off. Once the antenna is properly tuned the meter
is removed and re-installed at the radio with the amplifier in line.
The antenna SWR level is then measured with the amp off and then
with the amplifier switched on. The SWR level must be correct on
all power levels of the amplifier at the radio with the amplifier
switched to the on position.
Most shops don't check the SWR match
at the radio with the amplifier turned on. This is a critical mistake.
We measure the SWR level with a Bird 43 watt meter
for a very accurate SWR measurement.
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