SWR meter for 2m/70cm?

[K7AZV]

Does anyone have a SWR meter that covers 2m/70cm that I could borrow/rent?

I've built the Copper Cactus J-Pole (http://www.n7qvc.com/amateur_radio/copper.html) to mount as a base antenna at my house. I have a Radio Shack SWR meter (model 21-533) that has been used for tuning CB radios. I thought I could use that, but when hooked up to my j-pole, I was getting readings that were very high and as I adjusted the connection up and down, it didn' improve the SWR readings. I got looking at the manual (http://support.radioshack.com/support_electronics/doc62/62236.pdf)closer and now saw that this meter is rated for 3Mhz-30Mhz. I'm of course trying to test the antenna on 144-148Mhz and 430-450Mhz.

Am I right that this SWR meter is causing my readings to be off since it's rated lower than the frequencies I was testing or do you think something else might be wrong with the construction of my antenna. I've followed the directions closely and am sure my measurments are correct. When testing the antenna, it was closer to ground level than where I intend it to be eventually mounted on my roof, but I don't think that should throw the SWR that far out of whack.

Thanks

[jporvaz]

I did a Google search for SWR meters and I believe the one you have (same as the 2 I have) is not the proper unit. There are units for the various Mhz ranges (i.e. http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/meters.html). I can't help you other than to agree that I think your meter is the wrong type to measure what you're trying to measure.
Good luck.

[K7AZV]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I need a SWR meter that covers above 30Mhz. Problem is, I don't have the money to spend $100 or so on a new SWR meter right now to set this antenna.

[jporvaz]

I heard that!!!!!!

[Antman]

You are right. You need a vhf/uhf vswr meter.
But some Ham should have one down there in the valley. Check on some of the repeaters to see if someone can help you.


K7ANT

[corwyyn]

I know I have one but it is buried in one of the (many) boxes in my storage unit. I'm sure one of the other hams on here has one, but if not then as mentioned hop on one of the active repeaters and see if someone can help you out.

[rvisokey]

You can use a CB meter as an SWR meter on VHF. It's not very accurate but it will work. Plug the SWR meter in BACKWARDS. It's an old trick and can work in a pinch. Read more here... http://www.eham.net/forums/VHFUHF/7192

[K7AZV]

Update:

I found a friend that had a SWR meter that covers up to 150Mhz and got my JPole dialed in. After that, I mounted it to the house. Those of you on the net last week heard me talking on it. The JPole starts where you can see the coax. I used the mast to mount a few other things.

http://www.silhanek.com/linked/DSCF1451E.jpg

[jporvaz]

Very nice Virgil. I used my tv antenna mast as the mast for my base antenna also.

[K7AZV]

It's a whole new setup. I'm tired of being ripped off from Cox cable. The value for their TV channels just isn't there and I didn't want to get any of those dish contraptions. I'm actually making an attempt at going to a TV free household. Also bought my wife the little weather station for Christmas and finally got that mounted where it can get accurate windspeed/direction.

The peak of my house is 25 feet up, so my antenna base is about 28-30 feet putting the top/tip at about 35-38 feet in the air. I'm really happy with the setup so far. Recieve and transmit sound great.

[rvisokey]

P.S. If you are still looking for an SWR meter for 148/440... I have one.