NEw truck....

[earthbrown]

New truck and I bought one of those antenna mounting studs for the volvos. It replaces one of the mirror mounting bolts.

Also bought a antenna mount. I installed it on the truck, and have IMPOSSABLE SWR readings.

Way in the red with the 9ft cable.


Into the red with the 18ft cable but a little better.



Antenna is adjusted to the lowest possable screw setting. GOing to attempt to take mirror apart tomorrow, and see if hooking it directly to the mirror mount is better.

K

[kc0rey]

Before you do anything drastic............run a large wire to it from a good ground (Frame).

ou need to check your SWR on Channel 1 and on Channel 40. That will help you to find the problem and tune your antenna.

I went and found some guides. All are from Firestik's website and are in laymans terms. They are not the most technically accurate, but are very good and you will not get into trouble using them:

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The link above is the page with all of the guides.

Here are the ones I picked out pertaining to SWR: All are a recommended read.

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[earthbrown]

Improper Installation Location
Transmit antennas need free space around them if expected to perform properly. If more than 30% of the antennas overall length is parallel to the side of the vehicle and within twelve inches of that surface, SWR problems are probable, i.e. between truck cab and shell, corner of truck bed near cab, low mount position on motorhome, etc. Relocate the antenna to a position of performance (versus convenience or appearance) and retest.


Think I found the problem, this stupid mounting bar is only 5-6 inches long, and is probably not far enough away from the side of the truck.

K

[earthbrown]

I think I will buy a second firestik and use 2 with the stock coax and locations. I have these stock antennas pretty tuned in after trimming the wire a bit. IDK maybe i will stick with the stock.


K