18-04-2020, 02:32 PM
Pete
I am not familiar with the ACORN radio equipment but what the 3:1 SWR rating usually applies to is a measure of the ability to provide maximum output into a matched load, eg 50 ohms. (Many radios have the same maximum SWR rating - around 3:1.) If the load Z is between 16 and 150 ohms, then it should produce near the rated maximum power on transmit.
In practice, it is almost always better to run through an ATU (automatic preferred) even though the introduction does cause some in-line power loss. What they do is synthesise a load impedance close to 50 ohms so the radio can output maximum power regardless of the SWR reflected by the antenna at any given frequency. They do not improve antenna efficiency, just provide an approximate match.
Me - I'd use the AutoATU all of the time, amp in line or not (within ATU power ratings).
You can always put the ATU between the Acorn amp and the radio. If the amp isn't on, the ATU matches the antenna Z. If the amp is on, it matches the input Z of the amp. Win-win !
Better still, improve your basic antenna SWR.
I am not familiar with the ACORN radio equipment but what the 3:1 SWR rating usually applies to is a measure of the ability to provide maximum output into a matched load, eg 50 ohms. (Many radios have the same maximum SWR rating - around 3:1.) If the load Z is between 16 and 150 ohms, then it should produce near the rated maximum power on transmit.
In practice, it is almost always better to run through an ATU (automatic preferred) even though the introduction does cause some in-line power loss. What they do is synthesise a load impedance close to 50 ohms so the radio can output maximum power regardless of the SWR reflected by the antenna at any given frequency. They do not improve antenna efficiency, just provide an approximate match.
Me - I'd use the AutoATU all of the time, amp in line or not (within ATU power ratings).
You can always put the ATU between the Acorn amp and the radio. If the amp isn't on, the ATU matches the antenna Z. If the amp is on, it matches the input Z of the amp. Win-win !
Better still, improve your basic antenna SWR.
Doug VK4ADC @ QG62LG51
http://www.vk4adc.com
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http://www.vk4adc.com
This Forum is only going to be as interesting as the posts it contains.
If you have a comment or question, post it as it may trigger or answer the query in someone else's mind.