Operating the Power + SWR Meter
As soon as power is applied to the meter, it will be in the “on” state and the display screen will be as
below:
The top line of the display gives the true output power in watts being supplied to the antenna. This is a
value dependent on both the forward and reverse power flows through the meter. In the extreme
incidence of an open circuit or short circuit load, the meter will read 0.00 Watts. This is the true value
reaching the load. It does not mean that the transmitter is not producing power. It means that any power
being produced is totally reflected back to the transmitter, where it may be doing harm.
The second line of the display indicates the standing wave ratio. This value is also dependent on the
forward and reverse power flows through the meter. When the numbers are replaced with dashes, it
means there is insufficient power to calculate the SWR. A perfect match would produce a value of 1.00:1,
which would be seldom seen in practice. However a value of less than 1.50:1 is considered satisfactory. The
backlight color of the display is normally a light blue and it remains this way while the SWR is in the safe
range below 1.50:1. When the SWR rises above 1.50:1 the display starts to turn slightly pink. It becomes
pinker as the SWR rises. By the time the SWR reaches 3.00:1 it will be bright red.
