I once had a new installation that I could not figure out why I could not get the SWR down, it drove me crazy !! ( or at least that is the excuse I use). After much trouble shooting, even asking some pro's to help me .... I finally figured it out myself when I checked the continuity from the base of the antenna to the the adjustable tip. It was open !!! The new antenna had the wire broke somewhere between the base and the tip. Because it was a new antenna, it was replaced w/o charge. The replacement worked great. But it was an odd one that only rarely happens.
I would not want to use your radio very much, if have that much reflective power coming back to your radio, it could possibly do damage to it over time.
I only use it a few times a year, when wheeling, so im not too concerned about damaging my CB with that limited use. However it still bugs the hell out of me! Never thought of checking the continuity in the antenna.... will have to check that out thanks!
Checked my antenna... continuity is good.
Does the size of the grounding wire make a difference? I'm using 18 gauge which I figured was plenty for a CB, hell it only has 4 watts of output. But wondering if the grounding wire maybe needs to be a larger gauge for some reason, possibly due to reflecting waves as opposed to electricity flow...
Some say 12 gauge or better. I have used the wide battery grounding straps before. Most of my problems have been with the coax cable. I also ground all my radios, etc etc..I have to leave the hotel in a few minutes to go to work so I don't have time for more details at the moment. The continuity check of the antenna was a long shot ...but..... So Here is a link for a few easy quick checks , hope one of them helps... http://firestik.com/Tech_Docs/swr-trblshoot.htm
Wow how did i miss that! I have some 10ga in my electronics drawer... going to throw that on to see how it changes!
That's the ONLY thing on that list I havent checked off
Just swapped in some 10gauge wire and it definitely helped... both Ch1 and Ch40 SWR's are below 2.5 now where before Ch40 was just about into the 3's.
Still not as good as i'd like... but better nonetheless.
Last edited by Matt; 08-19-2012 at 11:54 AM.
my mount is bolted directly to the body, that may very well be your problem.
'07 Commander 3.7 V6
2" Rough Country Lift with Vision Warriors and Goodyear Duratracs 245/75R17
BajaRack Mega-Mule with KC Daylighters
http://s624.photobucket.com/albums/t...cpZZ1QQtppZZ20
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