Hello Jonbah:
A very good question. Hope this is a good answer.
The way a antenna is tested, can make ya or break ya. Its the easiest thing in the world to take bad antenna measuring data. And the measurement method needs to be adheared to closly.
The first thing that will be needed of course is have the antenna on a mount that will allow easy access to tune and adjust for testing. I use a 30 foot push up TV Mast, attached to a chain linked fence post, kind of simple.
I have a 10 foot step lader that allows me to have the antenna analyzer setting on the top ladder step, and allows me to reach the antenna tuning areas. And if the antenna needs to be accessed in higher areas, the Mast can be hinged down to allow access to the high areas. I have a old BBQ on wheels that the Mast rests on, when I hinge the mast down.
A real important thing to keep in mind is when your adjusting the antenna or tuning adjustements, that a written record be kept showing the antennas and tuning dimenitons as compared to the antennas SWR. On a chart, I just use a simple chart made from the kids school lined paper. You will save your self tons of time doing is it the right way, taking notes and swr measurements. The easy thing is that if I just change this little tuning adjustement thing it will tune in, and don't need to write it down. NO document it !!!!!!!! As one, to two, to many more adjustements become undocumented, and the SWR gets better or worst, and your now lost, and don't have a record of how you got there. So now you get to start over. Documenting the antenna adjustements will also allow you know what works and what doesn't, this ain't in the books, this is the hands on knowledge Doc is talking about.
DO NOT become frustrated!!!! Everyone who has tuned or adjusted a antenna has probably wanted to shoot it at one time or another. Have a mind set that things may not fall into a properly tuned antenna the very first hour. When things get difficult, take time to review your documented measurement and results. Double check you antenna lengths, as just a few inches off in a antenna element will throw you off, especially the tuning assebly stuff.
Jay in the Mojave
www.a1antennas.com
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