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Calling the SWR Masters! *

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by BowTieTillIDie2007, Aug 13, 2018.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Aug 13, 2018 #1
    BowTieTillIDie2007

    BowTieTillIDie2007 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 13, 2018
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    Hello All!
    I am an amateur cb guy and just installed a cb/antenna etc all the good stuff to my pickup truck. I go to tune and get about 2.9/3 set on channel 1 and then higher on ch 40. I have a 5’ firestik on my bed toolbox with an extra ground to the bolts holding the box to my bed. I get pretty consistent swr readings. I have adjusted my antenna to higher/shorter and nothing seems to consistently drop or raise the swr readings they stay around 2.9/3 on 1 and 3.3 & up on Ch 40. Sometimes I will adjust and get a slightly lower reading than usual but nothing efficient enough. Took adjustment screw off antenna and kept same. Screwed it all the way out and much in between but it seems pretty consistently high! Should I remove the extra ground? I haven’t tested it with it removed. I’m using a cobra 29ltd chrome with its swr meter. I have a auxiliary swr meter that I will try but just not sure whats wrong! Next stop to cb shop!
     
    BowTieTillIDie2007, Aug 13, 2018
    BowTieTillIDie2007, Aug 13, 2018
    #1
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  3. Aug 13, 2018 #2
    BowTieTillIDie2007

    BowTieTillIDie2007 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 13, 2018
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    Something to note as well though is that I have not tried tuning in an real open area.
     
    BowTieTillIDie2007, Aug 13, 2018
    BowTieTillIDie2007, Aug 13, 2018
    #2
  4. Aug 13, 2018 #3
    rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    rabbiporkchop, Aug 13, 2018
    rabbiporkchop, Aug 13, 2018
    #3
    taodnt Thanks this.
  5. Aug 13, 2018 #4
    BowTieTillIDie2007

    BowTieTillIDie2007 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 13, 2018
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    *SOLVED* Ground issue! Check your grounds!
     
    BowTieTillIDie2007, Aug 13, 2018
    BowTieTillIDie2007, Aug 13, 2018
    #4
    jammer910Z Thanks this.
  7. Aug 14, 2018 #5
    Tensleep440

    Tensleep440 Light Load Member

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    Mar 29, 2018
    NE Corner of Texas
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    I’m guessing this is all installed on a Silverado? My daily is a 2005 crew cab.

    Believe me when I say no matter what you drive, following the Bonding section of K0bg.com, Bonding, will change the entire system for the better.

    Noise floor drops, range increases, radio is a lot happier. Just a little extra time and elbow grease. That site has plenty of good information to read through.
     
    Tensleep440, Aug 14, 2018
    Tensleep440, Aug 14, 2018
    #5
    taodnt Thanks this.
  8. Aug 18, 2018 #6
    Zango606

    Zango606 Bobtail Member

    10
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    Aug 8, 2018
    Hammond ,IN
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    Also i would'nt go by the built in swr meter, their not that accurate ..
     
    Zango606, Aug 18, 2018
    Zango606, Aug 18, 2018
    #6
    SemperFubar and Timin770 Thank this.
  9. Aug 21, 2018 #7
    jammer910Z

    jammer910Z Road Train Member

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    Proper grounding all around.
    QUALITY COAX... repeat, QUALITY coax.. not manufacturer installed flippy thin junk.
    Good solid mounting.

    That will normally fix problems.

    I've learned the hard way to not over analyze things.
    Its usually a very simple issue.
     
    jammer910Z, Aug 21, 2018
    jammer910Z, Aug 21, 2018
    #7
    Timin770 Thanks this.
  10. Aug 22, 2018 #8
    BrandonCDLdriver

    BrandonCDLdriver Road Train Member

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    They guy came back and said he solved it. Bad ground.
     
    BrandonCDLdriver, Aug 22, 2018
    BrandonCDLdriver, Aug 22, 2018
    #8
  11. Aug 22, 2018 #9
    RouteSalesManDFS

    RouteSalesManDFS Bobtail Member

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    Aug 22, 2018
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    Glad you got it fixed, just curious what mount and antenna you are using.
    I use a Newtronics a.k a.Hustler 102 inch stainless steel whip, attached to a their 1&1/2" swival ball mount, and trimmed to approximately 99 inches. It is resonant on channel #1-40, as well as 28.3 - 29.6 mhz. I use an RF switch to toggle between a legal CB radio , and a legal HF/VHF/UHF amateur radio.
    The ball style mounts provide an excellent ground.
     
    RouteSalesManDFS, Aug 22, 2018
    RouteSalesManDFS, Aug 22, 2018
    #9
  12. Aug 22, 2018 #10
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    22,655
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    Michigan
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    How is that?
     
    Ridgeline, Aug 22, 2018
    Ridgeline, Aug 22, 2018
    #10
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