calibating and swr problem

I'm confused about what kind of antenna you say you're running-are you talking about a Wilson 1000, the magnet mount style? Or are you running a 5foot whip from a Wilson antenna? When you say "I have a good ground" what is it that's grounded?

 

I also am confused by your post. What type of mount do you have? If it's a mirror mount is the plastic ring on top of the bracket?

 

I think what he has is a Wilson 5' fiberglass whip antenna rated at 1000w's...
(least thats what it sounds like)

If thats the antenna, then the reason you may not be able to get the SWR meter to calibrate could be because either you have a short in the coax, or the mount is not properly grounded...Or it could be that you may need to adjust the whip at the top up or down a bit to get the SWR a little closer to where it should be, then try and calibrate the meter...Just move the stinger up or down from where you have it now, and see if the meter will calibrate. If it don't, then check for shorts in the coax or antenna mount.

If it's a mirror bracket install, you may need to check the mirror bracket to see if it's getting a good ground.

 

Also if it is a Wilson FG antenna that little piece of wire don't hook it up.

 

To test coax ONLY place a 50 ohm resistor across the antenna conection at the antenna IN PLACE of the antenna.

Your meter should read 1:1 or close to it

To check ground a ohm meter should show a path to ground from the shell of the pl-259 at the radio end

IF you cant get this to work ..... you do have a problem ....

 

Another thing you could check, being you put it in your pick up.

18'(ft) is the right amount of coax, but if you take the extra slack and
roll in up together that can get your SWR's high.

Take the extra and just run it back and forth either underneath your dash, under your seat, or floor.

I also wouldn't use the meter that is on the radio, your better off with a good one.

 

MYTH ......

"18'(ft) is the right amount of coax, but if you take the extra slack and roll in up together that can get your SWR's high."

TRUTH ....

The right length is what it takes to get from the radio to the antenna other wise your using the coax as part of the antenna ....

 

Agree. If you take the extra coax and roll it up into a coil, that won't do squat for your SWR...What it will do is act like a RF Choke if you place the coiled up coax close to the antenna. (which is a good-thing!) It will help reduce noise in your receive! All my set-ups I use a RF Choke...

There is nothing special about using 18' length of coax from the radio to the antenna.

"Coax Length Calculator"
http://highfields-arc.6te.net/constructors/olcalcs/coaxcalc.htm

 

Yes! I love that calculator!