SWR Meter

Technically speaking, you do not need a SWR Meter to operate a radio set. In fact during normal operations, the meter should be disconnected. However, you do need a SWR meter when you are first setting up a radio system, or when you subsequently test the setup.

What a SWR Meter does is compare the signal your antenna is transmitting with what should be transmitted. If you look at the section above on the Antenna you will see that it has to be a specific size to work correctly. The SWR Meter gives you a 'Signal to Wave Ratio' reading for your antenna. In other words, when your SWR meter reads 1:1, you antenna matches exactly the wavelength, and your system will work fine.

Make sure when you get a SWR meter it is suitable for the frequency range of the set. Normal C.B. SWR meters will not return a true reading for the P.M.R. set. Also, because the SWR meter goes between the radio set and the antenna, you have the same compatibility problem with the plug as you do with the co-ax cable.