I need some help with my CB install. (Pictures)

[jlightning]

Hey all.

I am having some problems with my Cobra 29 LTD Classic. I installed it in my pick up, with a Camper on it. I powered the radio right to the battery. I am running a 10' connected to a 20' coax cable to mount the antenna to the aluminum ladder on the back of the camper (Witch I grounded)

I am running a Peterbilt pre-tuned antenna.

This is my SWR on channel 40



And my SWR on channel 1



Antenna Light on when truck is running.


Power and ground right to the battery.


I have to use this jumper to connect my to coax cables, 10' and 20'.


This is how I grounded my aluminum ladder. With a 10 Gage wire to the frame.



And from the ladder to the bracket to make sure I had a Good Ground.



And how the antenna sits on the camper/truck.


So last night I ordered a Firestick FS CB Antenna in 3'. So I can use this antenna to adjust my SWR by moving the screw up or down. I also ordered a new 3-way mount, and medium duty spring.

With the new Firestick FS Do you think I can get my SWR to the right place?

Should I mount the Antenna to the hood of the truck so I can run a smaller coax? But then I would get poor performance with the location?

When I checked the ground at the ladder with my meter I was getting .1 and .2 OMS. So I dont think I have a grounding problem?

What do you all think, any help would be great! This is my first time installing a CB set up. All my work trucks have had them in all ready.

Thanks again, James.

[jlightning]

I just placed a order for a workman swr meter, Firestick Adjustable hood mount, 5' adjustable FS antenna and Belden 9' RG8X (Mini Coax.

I will post up pictures of the install, and a review after I finish!

Looks like tomorrow I will be removing all that old stuff, coax, and antenna.

[Turbo-T]

Move your antenna on top of the roof of the cab. That will assure you get out 360 degrees and not have the waves reflecting back into the radio making the SWR jump up.

Also the SWR meter on the radio is not all that great. An external meter should always be a plus when setting SWR.

[rookietrucker]

Possible solution, If your still using the factory cobra mic, that could be your problem. Mine did that for the longest time in my pickup and I thought it was my antenna. Until one day I bumped the mic cable and it momentarily fixed my problem. I opened the ends and the white wire was broken from its solder. Replaced the mic with a noise canceling mic and have had no problems since then.

[jlightning]

Originally Posted by rookietrucker

Possible solution, If your still using the factory cobra mic, that could be your problem. Mine did that for the longest time in my pickup and I thought it was my antenna. Until one day I bumped the mic cable and it momentarily fixed my problem. I opened the ends and the white wire was broken from its solder. Replaced the mic with a noise canceling mic and have had no problems since then.

What is a good mic you recommend? I am looking at this mic,
Astatic CB Microphone - Chrome 636L

[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

What do you think about that mic?

[Red Fox]

Turbo T took the words right off my keyboard. Good thing going to better cable too.
You'll love astatics, and the 636 is clear as crystal. I use a powered 636M6B myself.
Cheap as dirt on Fleabay right now.

[jlightning]

Thank you Red Fox. Looks like I will be ordering a 636L Chrome!

[Turbo-T]

I actually like my Skythumper ST65DX mic. You can get them for around $35 at Sparkys. They're said to surpass the Astatic and Road King mics, and they do look alot like a Road King.

[FriedTater]

The case is the exact same as the RK's
The 65DX is the best of both units.I cant verify,but it was mentioned the
hole in the voice cone of an RK/56 has been drilled out and therefore
adding audio clarity similar to the 636L.Until I can get ahold of one and break it down there is no telling what the actual differences are between all three mic's.

Anyone with all three care to break all down with supportive pics etc.

Originally Posted by Turbo-T

I actually like my Skythumper ST65DX mic. You can get them for around $35 at Sparkys. They're said to surpass the Astatic and Road King mics, and they do look alot like a Road King.

[Red Fox]

It's always a bit disconcerting to open a mike and see just how little there is to it. I have a crystal mike at home I'd never use in a vehicle (too much noise) and the element is only 1/4" around! Even the astatic looks small, although I think it has one of the bigger diaphragms around. I'm real curious about that hole rumor for the RK.