On Wed, 05 Sep 2007 08:04:32 -0700, Andiroo
wrote:

1) its just the way the antenna works and the ATU cant do any better?

Probably.

2) the ATU is not working properly (but it seems to get a decent match
elsewhere)?

Too complex an answer for a non-problem, no.

3) there is a problem with the plugs (would this appear to make a
difference only on some frequencies)?

Not as you describe things.

4) somehow the stell balcony / balustrade is causing a problem even
though i am keeping the ladder line approx 12 inches away from it.
Also would this only cause a problem on 20M?

Nope, 12 inches is fine.

5) running the coax along the steel balustratde and into the house is
causing a problem (is this possible)?

Only if the "problem" changes with moving the coax.

Confounding factor is that it seems to be working ok even with the
high SWR and i have made some decent contacts on both 40 and 20
metres.

Well! that certainly sucks big time.

I thought i should start with the plugs but any other thoughts welcome
- all very odd!!

Actually, given you can receive and transmit, the plugs was probably
the worst guess. All in all this is a case of losing your keys in the
road at night, and spending all your time searching under the street
light.

Are you, perhaps, under the impression that a G5RV (or any variation
thereof) "should perform better?"

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC