That in-the-red VSWR, reading on the ART-3 tester confirmed my suspicion that while the old VHF antenna attached looks okay, it must be fried internally. VSWR stands for “voltage standing wave ratio,” but Shakespeare reasonably calls it “antenna efficiency.” The ART-3 can also test transmission wattage (only 17 with this particular antenna, but a full 25 with a decent one) and can generate a tone on channel 72 for a simple reception check. It can be used portably with an internal battery or rigged permanently with a wired 12-volt power source, but you do need to provide your own short patch cable. $90. Shakespeare; 803-227-1590, www.shakespeare-marine.com
