Hy-Gain MK2 - Chapter 27: Troubleshooting; Troubleshooting Common Issues

CHAPTER 27
Troubleshooting If you encounter problems with the operation of your TH5/MK2, follow these steps
to isolate the cause of
y
our
p
roblem.
Usually you can isolate problems that occur in either your antenna or feedline/
feedpoint. If you experience high VSWR on all bands, your problem is probably
in the feedline or balun. If you experience high VSWR on some bands but not
on all bands, look for problems in the antenna element lengths or traps or
nearby resonant structures.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES
Consistently high VSWR on all bands. Balun damaged by lightning or excessive power.
Shorted coaxial connector.
Water inside of balun or transmission line.
High
VSWR
dependent upon direction of beam. Resonant guy wires too close to antenna.
Metallic structures or wiring too close to antenna.
Intermitte
nt
high VSWR not dependent on weather Loose connection on feed system, matching
or power level or direction of beam or band system or transmission line.
selection.
High VSWR after a rainshower or with high Trap(s) installed with drain holes up instead of
down
humidity
Tubing-installed with slots up instead of down.
Water inside of balun or coax cable.
High
V
S
WR
with High power, low VSWR with Low Balun damaged or defective.
power.
Low
VSWR,
but only near band edge(s). Loose coaxial connection on transmission line.
High
VSWR
on 10 meters
only
Feedpoint or phasing lines not assembled
correctly.
High
VSWR
on only 20 meters or only 15 and 20 Trap(s) damaged or defective.
meters.
Resonant guy wires or nearby metallic structure.
Another HF antenna too close.
Antenna not assembled correctly.
High
VSWR
at band edges. Inadequate tower grounding system.
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