CB Radio Set Up Advice

[tfisher63]

Did you run the ground from the radio? or from the antenna mount? Is your vehicle out in the open, away from buildings, fences etc? I have a Silver Load on a trunk mount that I had to add a spring to to get the swr down. It appears from the pic that the antenna is high enough above the cab though. Is the swr higher on 1 or 40?

[americanmadeford]

The SWR is the same on all channels.

I think I may have figured out the problem(s) though. I first added rubber washers in between the antenna adapter and the mounting bracket. That brought it down some.

My other problem seems to be metals too close to the coax. When I lay the coax under the carpet or let it get too close to the metals in the seat the SWRs go crazy. Im going to try some sheilded tape or better coax I suppose.

[BUZZSAW]

Good quality coax CAN really make a difference ! I use the RG8x for mobiles . Preferably S.I.W. (brand name) or Belden , the difference is in the shielding !
Also on the Wilson Silverload ( a good antenna BTW) it has a short wire lead to ground , if the ground is less than good. Remember, if you use the wire lead you must set the SWR with it connected. And , if you have already set the SWR without the lead when you connect it you will have to reset it.

[americanmadeford]

Thanks Buzz.

I finally picked up some good coax. I went to the new FlyinJ in Dothan, Alabama (TERRIBLE location BTW. Looks like a pain in the arse for you guys) and got some Wilson labeled Beldin brand. SWR now sits at 1.7.


EDIT:

One mroe question.

According to my SWR meter, my radio is putting out 2.5w.... Seems like im missing a watt or two? IS there something I can do to fix this?

[BUZZSAW]

Originally Posted by americanmadeford

Thanks Buzz.






One mroe question.

According to my SWR meter, my radio is putting out 2.5w.... Seems like im missing a watt or two? IS there something I can do to fix this?

IS this the dead key wattage? ( in other words , is the 2.5 read on your meter without a voice modulating the carrier signal of your radio)? If so .....two things could be going on here.
# 1) Your dead key wattage could be adjusted low & swings forward when the signal is modulated . which is not necessarily a bad thing if tuned properly.
or, # 2) The dead key wattage could be too low. To check this , we would need to use a modulation meter or an oscilloscope. A peak reading watt meter also should show if the radio is modulating ; using your voice (on a quiet channel or a "dummy load" ) key the mic, read the scale, then with an "aaaaaaahhhhhh" sound see if the meter swings forward . If it does & after you get a radio check from a trustworthy indidvidual and both these come back positive ; I would think you are "ROAD READY "
B-S out !!

[americanmadeford]

Thanks BS. The needle got up to 4 with a nice "ahhhhh". Thanks for the help! I guess I can finally sit back and enjoy this durn thing.