Vectronics SWR-584B - Manual (Page 9)

SWR-584B Instruction Manual HF/VHF SWR Analyzer
9
THAT ARE EASILY DAMAGED BY EXTERNAL VOLTAGES OVER A FEW
VOLTS. BE SURE THE POWER SUPPLY IS CORRECT, AS DESCRIBED IN
SECTION 2.0, BEFORE OPERATING THIS UNIT.
A basic understanding of transmission line and antenna behavior and terminology is very important in
understanding information provided by the SWR-584B. Most explanations are available in the ARRL
Handbooks, and they should suffice for amateur applications. Avoid relying on popular rumor, or unedited,
poorly edited, or self-edited handbooks or articles.
4.1 General Connection Guidelines
The “ANTENNA” connector (SO-239 type) on top of the SWR-584B provides the RF measurement output
connection. This port is used to measure SWR or perform other RF impedance measurements, with the exception
of the Frequency Counter mode.
WARNING: NEVER APPLY EXTERNAL VOLTAGES OR RF SIGNALS TO THE ANTENNA
CONNECTOR.
Remember to use proper RF connections. Keep leads as short as possible when measuring components or any
system or device that is not a 50 ohm coaxial system. When measuring 50 ohm coaxial systems or antennas,
interconnecting transmission lines may modify impedance and SWR. Use properly constructed 50 ohm coaxial
cables of known quality to avoid errors.
4.2 Antenna SWR
To measure SWR of an antenna or antenna tuner input:
a.) If the antenna does not use a dc grounded feed system, momentarily short the antenna lead from shield to
center. This prevents static charges from damaging the SWR-584B’s zero bias detector diodes.
b.) Immediately connect (in the case of a non-dc grounded feed system) the antenna lead to the SWR-584B
“ANTENNA” connector.
c.) Set the “FREQUENCY” knob to the proper frequency range.
d.) Turn the SWR-584B “POWER” switch on, while watching the display. Battery voltage should be “OK”, and
indicate more than 11 volts and less than 16 volts.
e.) The main or opening mode opening menu displays frequency, SWR, resistance, and reactance on the LCD,
along with SWR and impedance on the analog meters. In this mode, the resistance (real part) and reactance
(imaginary part) of the system impedance is displayed in ohms.
f.) Adjust the “TUNE” knob until the counter displays the desired frequency, or until you find the lowest SWR.