DIY Simple SWR Bridge
An SWR bridge, or voltage standing wave ratio bridge, is used to determine the difference between the source load and the transmission line in telecommunications wires. These are commonly used to determine the effectiveness of the impedance-matching efforts in CB radios. Building your own SWR requires an SWR kit, and some basic knowledge and experience in soldering connections. Select an SWR kit that is rated for the watt capacity you need for your application.
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Instructions
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1
Wrap the supplied enamel wire in the kit five times around the metal core. Twist together a 1-inch loop of the wire, then continue wrapping the wire around the core until it goes all the way around to the other side.
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2
Cut the start and end wire about 3/4 inch from the core with wire cutters. Burn the enamel coating off the cut ends of the wire with the solder gun. Cut the loop you made off the core, leaving about 3/4 inch of twisted wire. Solder the twisted wire ends together by heating the connection with the solder gun, then pushing the rosin core solder onto the connection until it melts around the wires.
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3
Insert the PCB in the PCB vise and tighten the vise to secure the board. Insert the core's start wire into the "C1" terminal in the board. Insert the end wire into the "D2" terminal in the board. Insert the twisted wires into the terminal facing the "S2" side of the board. Solder all three of the connections.
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4
Insert the supplied cap from the kit into the two terminals marked "C1," and solder the connections. Insert the smaller diode into the terminals marked "D1," and solder the connections. Insert the larger diode on the terminals marked "R4," and solder the connections.
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5
Loosen the vise and remove the board. Turn the board over and install it back in the vise.
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6
Insert the three supplied resistors into the terminals marked "R1," "R2" and "R3," and solder the connections.
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7
Insert the switch's terminals into the six holes in the board and solder the connections.
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8
Insert the LED light into the two empty slots between the two diodes and solder the connections.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice soldering connections using spare wire until you master the technique.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
