Where should an in-line SWR meter be connected to monitor the standing wave ratio of the station antenna system? [T4A05]
A. In series with the feed line, between the transmitter and antenna
B. In series with the station’s ground
C. In parallel with the push-to-talk line and the antenna
D. In series with the power supply cable, as close as possible to the radio
OK, lets put on our “common sense” caps and come up with the answer. A lot of times the exam questions are like this, painfully obvious. If you’re not ready for them, they can throw you off.
In series with the station’s ground? Why would you do that? It doesn’t even make sense. Neither does in parallel with the PTT line and the antenna. How would you even wire that up? In series with the power supply cable? The only meter you would want there, is a DC ammeter, to measure the current going into your radio.
Therefore, the answer is A. In series with the feed line, between the transmitter and the antenna. The SWR or Standing Wave Ratio meter shows how much of your signal is being reflected back from the antenna. The only way you will know this, is by placing the meter in the signal path from your radio to your antenna.
