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Ham Radio for Beginners Ep. 11 | SWR Explained (The Simple Guide Every New Ham Needs)
Get the SWR Meter I reccommend: https://www.gigaparts.com/intellitron-wm-1005d-digital-swr-and-watt-meter-1-6-60-mhz-300mw-300w-300w-1200w-so239.html?srsltid=AfmBOorKQe3fiWt1gp2OyZYOkAzy7dQVU68-2t7tFg5V2OrAGY3SsA9H
SWR is one of the most talked-about topics in amateur radio—and one of the most misunderstood.
In Episode 11 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains Standing Wave Ratio in plain English. You'll learn what SWR actually measures, what causes high SWR, what's considered a good reading, whether high SWR can damage your radio, and why chasing a perfect 1.0:1 isn't necessary.
Whether you're setting up your first antenna or trying to troubleshoot your station, understanding SWR is an essential skill for every amateur radio operator.
In this episode:
What SWR actually means
Why reflected power happens
Water hose analogy
What causes high SWR
Good vs. bad SWR readings
Can high SWR damage your radio?
SWR meters vs. antenna analyzers
Common myths about SWR
Why perfection isn't required
If you're enjoying the Ham Radio for Beginners series, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and share these videos with someone who's just getting started in amateur radio.
Live. Learn. Transmit.
🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY!
GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj
🛒 Shop My Amazon Link
https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon
***Gigaparts***
Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More!
Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout.
📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way
Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV
https://HamRadioPrep.com
🌍 Join World Radio League
Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV
https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh
ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS)
https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv
Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off
👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html
🔌 Digirig Interface
Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast:
https://digirig.net/p/8/
🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & More
Crystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops:
https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh
🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch
From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style:
https://hamshacktv.printify.me/
📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear
Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7
https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx
🌐 Explore Meshtastic
Get started with off-grid comms — click here:
https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e
🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive Content
Get member-only videos, badges & more:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join
🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store
My curated picks in one place:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv
Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it:
💬 Chat with Us on Discord
Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9
📘 Follow on Facebook
Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV
🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
View all episodes
By HamShackTVGet the SWR Meter I reccommend: https://www.gigaparts.com/intellitron-wm-1005d-digital-swr-and-watt-meter-1-6-60-mhz-300mw-300w-300w-1200w-so239.html?srsltid=AfmBOorKQe3fiWt1gp2OyZYOkAzy7dQVU68-2t7tFg5V2OrAGY3SsA9H
SWR is one of the most talked-about topics in amateur radio—and one of the most misunderstood.
In Episode 11 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains Standing Wave Ratio in plain English. You'll learn what SWR actually measures, what causes high SWR, what's considered a good reading, whether high SWR can damage your radio, and why chasing a perfect 1.0:1 isn't necessary.
Whether you're setting up your first antenna or trying to troubleshoot your station, understanding SWR is an essential skill for every amateur radio operator.
In this episode:
What SWR actually means
Why reflected power happens
Water hose analogy
What causes high SWR
Good vs. bad SWR readings
Can high SWR damage your radio?
SWR meters vs. antenna analyzers
Common myths about SWR
Why perfection isn't required
If you're enjoying the Ham Radio for Beginners series, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and share these videos with someone who's just getting started in amateur radio.
Live. Learn. Transmit.
🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY!
GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj
🛒 Shop My Amazon Link
https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon
***Gigaparts***
Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More!
Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout.
📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way
Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV
https://HamRadioPrep.com
🌍 Join World Radio League
Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV
https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh
ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS)
https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv
Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off
👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html
🔌 Digirig Interface
Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast:
https://digirig.net/p/8/
🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & More
Crystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops:
https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh
🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch
From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style:
https://hamshacktv.printify.me/
📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear
Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7
https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx
🌐 Explore Meshtastic
Get started with off-grid comms — click here:
https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e
🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive Content
Get member-only videos, badges & more:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join
🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store
My curated picks in one place:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv
Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it:
💬 Chat with Us on Discord
Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9
📘 Follow on Facebook
Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV
🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.