Don't beat yourself up over it, we are all green to it all at some point.
I wouldn't transmit on that antenna until you get the SWR down below 1.5. The output transistor will get fried if you don't have a proper SWR reading from the antenna.
im not even turning it on. now i bought the new whip, the right one. when i put it in and i switch to calibrate, then I have it the needle on the calibrate arrow on the gauge. I'm using the built in meter gauge.
as I'm still holding it i switch to swr and then the needle should drop to 1-2? am i understanding right?
because it still transmits and I'm getting a reading my radio is still fine?
Thanks for dealing with me, I hate being a noob lol. also sorry for my grammar, I'm usually on my cell phone on the forums and I'm usually messing words up.