Back in a T680...

Since I'm in one of these again, I've been tackling the SWR problem (sky high). I can't modify the truck permanently, but I've tried a bunch of antennas - factory, Wilson 2000, Firestick I & 2, Predators, etc. Both 3' and 4'. But none of them brought down the SWR out of the red.

So tonight I screwed on a Road Pro 1000 watt 'Helical Coil' 54" cheapo, and it brought down the SWR to below 1.5 on ALL channels. This is just on the driver's side. The other side doesn't matter. But I can't believe this antenna. I'm getting a lot better reception now. I'll have to test it more tomorrow, but if you're having the same problem, you might want to try it.

Now the next problem: I acquired a General Lee at a truck stop for $150 off a driver a while back. Anyone know where and how you can mount that thing without Super Glue or drilling holes? The stock hole is not going to work. Any tricks or ideas?

 

I guess you're talking about that guy that works from his personal vehicle and not the dude in the CB shop inside the Petro there?

Also, the Firesticks are top loaded, aren't they?

 

That's what I was thinking. I am not a bit impressed with the Firestiks on this thing. I can't find any of them taller than 4' at the truck stops I've been through lately but I see 5' Firestiks online.

That's all custom or what? What kind of range does it get?

At any rate, I went ahead and installed a matching cheapo antenna on the other side last night. @wolverine11 is right about it being co-phased. My last 680 wasn't. I am really liking these antennas though. I was hearing a guy about 30 miles out last night, but he either wasn't hearing me or just didn't want to bother with me. I had no problems talking to guys at a truck stop about 5 miles away and this is in the mountains.

The coils on these antennas stick up about 5" above the tops of the mirrors. The tips are about trailer top level.

The SWR is right at 1.5 (just a tad lower on 1 than 40). A problem I did notice before sticking on the matching antenna was that for some reason the SWR jumped up after starting up the truck than it was with the truck off. The ANT light on the 29 also started coming on once the engine was running. It never ends....