hey everyone my name is Chris. I am somewhat new to radio communications. I've been in the game now for just about a year. I've built a base station successfully with a homemade 5/8 wave aluminum telescoping monopole. I've read all I can read about radio and antenna theory. I successfully made a contact in Chicago Illinois yesterday afternoon (I'm in Wilmington North Carolina). My swr seems to be pretty stable and acceptable however the matching device on my antenna is only working by accident. Of all there is to read it seems to be the only thing I can't quite grasp is impedance matching and how to tell when its necessary or when its fine as is. Or when a balun or choke is appropriate and how to decide how many turns and what diameter. So if you experienced guys want to coach me a be it would be greatly appreciated.