Need help on How to test transmission line
 

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Hi fellow amateurs,
I am using 746Pro for 6M with direct coax to my 5 el antenna. I used to
get 1:1 SWR but recently, the SWR runs a little over 1:2 and my output
drops to 30W.When stations in FN20 were working EU, I could hear
nothing. My signal can still be received because I was able to make
contacts despite 1:2 SWR as far as FM5AA. But I know something is wrong
with the line or the antenna. I checked all the connections and they
seemed to be ok.

Can someone help by directing me to a source where I can read about
troubleshooting transmission line? Or can someone who has experience in
this give me step by step instruction on how to diagnose the problem,
e.g., is it the PL 259 at the rig side, or the antenna side, or
somewhere along the line, or is it the antenna altogether. I have an
ohm meter and a small swr/pwr meter box.
Thanks in advance.

73, steve

I presume this is a CushCraft with a Gamma match, and an SO239 connector for
the feed. I have a CC 2meter antenna where the SWR shot up. Turned out to
be the shell of the SO239 not making good contact with the Gamma bracket.
Could also be something loose in the match itself.

If you are using the original 9913, it could be full of water.

It would also be useful to find out if you still get maximum gain off the
front of the antenna. Do a 360 on one of the beacons, and record the S meter
readings

Before doing anything at the antenna, I would look at the coax and see if
there is any visible damage, like from squirrels. The next easiest thing to
do is to whack off the PL259 on the radio end, and very carefully install a
new connector.

Ignore the crap about high SWR being OK. It's not OK for a 6m beam that used
to work.

Tam/WB2TT