Need help with sending...

Like I said, radio checks are hard to come by these days. Alot of truck drivers rarely ever have them on, or even run one for that matter.

The reason I say to move your antenna back from the sunroof, you want the most metal under the antenna you csn get.They can become directional depending how they are placed on a vehicle, and where the most mass of metal is. For example; If had an suv, if you placed the antenna on the roof, at the rear, it would be more directional to the front. Placed at the front it would be more directional to the rear. Not that it wouldnt work in all directions, it would just be stronger one way or the other depending on how it sees the ground plane.

Base antennas like that shop was most likely useing, can not be compared to mobile antennas. Just because it reached 30 miles on a base antenna, doesnt mean your mobile will do the same.

Read up on bonding on that website.
Its one of the most imformative sites that I have read, about mobile setups.

 

The longer the antenna, the better it will work. I have a Wilson 1000 (5ft) on the roof of my pickup. The best way to check your radio is with a buddy. Either in another mobile or even on a base station. That way you know you are getting honest radio checks. Even a stranger on a base station, if you can find one anymore, will be more likely to give you an honest report and hang on the channel as you drive further from them and give you periodic checks. Why? Because folks that go to the trouble to put up a base station are usually a little more "in to" radio and don't mind helping out. If you are hoping for the CB to help you out as far as the ol' "Smokey Report" goes, I'm afraid you will be disappointed.

 

From your picture; bottom switch is the pre-amp, that amplifies the receive signal; the middle switch amplifies your transmit signal; the top switch is for sideband or regular AM signal. You want the middle switch just as the radio guy said.

Does the LED come on when you flick the middle switch on? It should.

TA

 

I've got an RM Italy KL300......I run less than 2 watts into it to drive it. It is good and clean and I've had it in my PK for years with no problems. You might be overdriving that little amp????

 

A - this new generation spends all their time texting and rarely bother to answer a radio check. Never base your opinion of performance unless working a station who is at least partially competent in operation of their gear (which is itself a decent total system with good range and efficiency), and experienced helping another test range and performance.

B - you said 3 foot antenna which is a serious handicap when trying to transmit a reasonable distance. Get a Wilson 1000 or 5000 magnet mount, set the SWR. All your troubles will go away. OK maybe not ALL, but hopefully at least this one.