Richard,

It would seem a short might reduce some end capacitive effects when
compared with an open circuit. However it would not help in the case of
'minor' frequency dependent changes in coax inductance.

Thanks,
Dan

Richard Clark wrote:
On Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:37:28 -0700, dansawyeror
wrote:

The reference coax is coiled on the floor. Is it possible this created
an inductance which affects phase?

Hi Dan,

There is a vastly simpler way:
1. Measure to a short circuit.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC