SWR Meter Dancing when talking.

Dave · March 2019

On some bands I noticed my SWR meter tends to dance when I talk, this does not happen when using the TUNE button. Antenna tuner shows perfect match. Any thoughts?

Oxford English · March 2019

When you press the tune button, the radio transmits a continuous carrier at what power you have set, e.g. 10 watts.

When you stop the tuning cycle, the radio drops back to whatever mode you are wanting to use. If your TX power is set to 100 watts then it is quite possible for the SWR to dance a little, more power = more possibilities for reflected power which is of course SWR.

I would not worry unless, for example the 'tuned' value of SWR is 1.2:1 at 10 watts and the 'dancing' SWR is, for example 3.8:1. In this case I would start by checking all plugs, connectors and the antenna itself.

Tim

Kevin · March 2019

I think Paul has it right. But it is not clear from your post whether the SWR swings higher during voice operation than it does while tuning. That would be something to fix. SWR is a ratio. The amount of power wouldn't directly affect SWR but it could be getting back into your rig and causing problems.

If the SWR while talking dances well above the SWR while tuning, I'd consider it something to work on. If not, you're probably good.

Before going through all the RF controlling techniques I'd try the easy stuff. Have you moved equipment around lately? Even nearby non-ham equipment. Sometimes just moving around equipment or rerouting cables can make a difference. Dummy loads help with troubleshooting too. Is it happening with CW or digital with the mic disconnected?

Good luck,
Kev K4VD

SWR Meter Dancing when talking.

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