What does a high SWR reading typically indicate?

A high SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) reading indicates that there is a mismatch between the antenna and the transmission line, which can lead to inefficient energy transfer. This mismatch often results from issues such as a poorly tuned antenna, a faulty connector, or an incorrect feedline length. When the SWR is high, it means that a significant portion of the energy is being reflected back towards the transmitter instead of being radiated by the antenna. This can lead to potential damage to the transmitter over time and can reduce the effective communication range. Therefore, a high SWR is generally a sign that there are antenna-related issues that need to be addressed to ensure optimal performance of the ham radio setup.