W2PAK
Member
Hi All,
I recently conducted an experiment to determine the potential correlation between Standing Wave Ratio and tidal changes on a vertical antenna. My vertical 6BTV antenna is mounted on my dock over saltwater. While many factors influence antenna performance, the proximity to conductive saltwater and the varying water levels during tidal cycles intrigued me.
Experiment Setup
Here's an example of one of the plots that I got for 20 m. To see the entire experiment I made a video and posted on YouTube.
![[IMG]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d2af90_1461d20b02004f5f9c03195aefaeaa85~mv2.jpg "[IMG]")
Bottom line is, the SWR is affected by the tides. But not by very much, probably because I have 18 radials under the dock.
73s,
Paul
I recently conducted an experiment to determine the potential correlation between Standing Wave Ratio and tidal changes on a vertical antenna. My vertical 6BTV antenna is mounted on my dock over saltwater. While many factors influence antenna performance, the proximity to conductive saltwater and the varying water levels during tidal cycles intrigued me.
Experiment Setup
- Antenna: Hustler 6BTV
- SWR Meter: RigExpert AA 230 Zoom
- Data Logging: RigExpert AntScope 2
- Location: on the Chesapeake Bay over saltwater (well, brackish water)
Here's an example of one of the plots that I got for 20 m. To see the entire experiment I made a video and posted on YouTube.
Bottom line is, the SWR is affected by the tides. But not by very much, probably because I have 18 radials under the dock.
73s,
Paul