Crazy high SWR

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by jammer910Z, Jan 19, 2017.

  1. Kevin83165

    Kevin83165 Light Load Member

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    Nov 24, 2011
    Herrin Illinois
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    I know that this thread is older than dirt, but I’ve been struggling with high SWR for several days now on this international and I read this thread where it says grab the base of the antenna and if it goes down it’s a grounding problem and that’s exactly what is happening with me. My SWR’s go all the way down to 1.2 when I grab the antenna base with my hand. Does anybody know what I can do to make a better ground on this mirror mount? It’s a 2007 Pro Star
     
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  3. jammer910Z

    jammer910Z Road Train Member

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    May 28, 2015
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    If it's the same set up you've had all along and didn't previously have a high SWR or ground problem I'd first check to see if you've got a bad piece of coax, connectors, cracked coil, loose mount.. something simple.
    I doubt seriously that your truck ground just went to pot all of a sudden.
    I had the same issues... because I'm the OP on this thread... and it ALWAYS comes down to something simple and obvious.
    Start at the back of the radio and work to the antennae.
    Don't over think it. I'm the world's worst for it.
    If all else fails.. try running a separate ground to the antennae from the frame.
     
  4. NightWind

    NightWind Road Train Member

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    Nov 11, 2006
    Sunny South, AL
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    I took a braided ground strap from antenna bracket to a self tapping screw and a braided ground strap from the door to the door frame/hinges frame. My radios are powered directly from the batteries with inline fuses.
     
  5. Kevin83165

    Kevin83165 Light Load Member

    144
    106
    Nov 24, 2011
    Herrin Illinois
    0
    Yeah, I just about lost my religion fooling with this danged thing, but I had systematically replaced every item one by one. I started with the antenna mounting bracket, then the antenna itself and the coax.

    I had it reduced to just a bare minimum basic setup, and still had crazy high swr. I was to the point of “just how bad do I want a radio in my rig anyway”.

    Shortly after I replied here, I called our shop mechanic and he verified it’s been an issue, and he parroted what you said,,,,,,, run a ground wire from the mirror to the hinge and all will be well.

    I plan on doing this after Thanksgiving. Happy turkey day to all you guys and hope to see you in dx land
     
    jammer910Z Thanks this.
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