What reading on an SWR meter indicates a perfect impedance match between the antenna and the feed line?

A reading of 1:1 on an SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) meter signifies a perfect impedance match between the antenna and the feed line. This means that all of the power from the transmitter is being radiated by the antenna and none is being reflected back toward the transmitter.

An SWR of 1:1 indicates that the impedance of the antenna system matches the characteristic impedance of the feed line, typically 50 ohms for most amateur radio installations. A perfect match ensures optimal performance, reduces losses, and minimizes the risk of damage to the transmitter that can occur due to reflected power.

In contrast, other readings indicate varying degrees of mismatch. A reading of zero is not possible in practical scenarios, as some power will always be present in the system. A reading of 50:50 is not a standard way to express SWR and doesn’t convey the matching status effectively. Full scale would suggest a significant mismatch, typically a high SWR value, indicating that a significant portion of the power is being reflected rather than radiated.