HamShackTV
HamShackTV
HamShackTV
Ham Radio for Beginners Ep. 11 | SWR Explained (The Simple Guide Every New Ham Needs)
8 minutes Posted Jun 29, 2026 at 2:03 am.
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 meansWhy reflected power happensWater hose analogyWhat causes high SWRGood vs. bad SWR readingsCan high SWR damage your radio?SWR meters vs. antenna analyzersCommon myths about SWRWhy perfection isn't requiredIf 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 Linkhttps://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 WayHam Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTVhttps://HamRadioPrep.com🌍 Join World Radio LeagueTrack QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTVhttps://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=joshABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS)https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktvUse 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 InterfaceYour all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast:https://digirig.net/p/8/🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & MoreCrystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops:https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh🧢 Official HamShackTV MerchFrom shirts to mugs — support the shack in style:https://hamshacktv.printify.me/📡 BetterSafeRadio GearSave 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx🌐 Explore MeshtasticGet started with off-grid comms — click here:https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive ContentGet member-only videos, badges & more:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon StoreMy curated picks in one place:https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktvLet’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it:💬 Chat with Us on DiscordJoin the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9📘 Follow on FacebookDaily 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 MusicThe Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
0:00
8:35
Download MP3
Show notes
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=AfmBOorKQe3fiWt1gp2OyZYOkAzy7dQVU68-2t7tFg5V2OrAGY3SsA9HSWR 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.