Finding a good setup

Alrighty Folks,

I bought a Stryker 447HPC2 w/ a Firestick Antenna (4') (Not Firestick 2). The location of the mount is on the side mirror of the passenger window. (Pictured) The mount location is 8'6" tall + 3-4 Ft Antenna. Antenna tip is right around 11' from level ground.

I have a dedicated ground wire going from one of the antenna mount screws to inside of door. (Just for peace of mind). UPDATE: This also reduced the SWR by 0.3 or so.

The wiring for the radio is straight to the batteries.

I'm getting 3.4 SWR reading on the radio on Ch 40 / 3.1 on Ch 1 (With door open) / Door closed I get 3.1 SWR on Ch 40 / 2.8 on Ch 1.

I'm thinking I need a longer antenna.. However, I do not know.

1) Is it worth purchasing a longer antenna vs taking it to a shop?
2) Am I thinking wrong?

 

Thanks for replying,


When I added the ground wire it knocked the SWR down 0.3-0.5. Would I use the braided straps in addition to? Screw one side in with the ground wire and the other side of the braided strap to the door hinge? Or how do you mean?


Thanks

 

Looking at other posts. I assume that you mean by the way it’s pictured here



Would I remove my ground wire?

Folks can hear me pretty clearly, I cannot rightly hear them much at all.

 

Will do, I’ll update tomorrow. Thanks bud