Cascadia CB antenna mirror mount grounding

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by TimeTorn, Mar 17, 2018.

  1. TimeTorn

    TimeTorn Bobtail Member

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    Apr 14, 2015
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    I've got my 5ft Firestick2 mounted using one of those U shaped brackets. My SWR reading is showing just barely above 2.

    I noticed that it goes down to below 0.5 when I have the door propped open.

    I thought maybe since my cable is running through the door gap, the cable is getting pinched somehow, but it looks fine to me. Then I thought maybe it's just changing the position of the antenna as I'm opening the door and it's reflecting less off the cab, but the SWR doesn't go up and down gradually, it actually drops right when that catch mechanism locks in, the one that keeps the door from closing on it's own.

    This leads me to believe that maybe the door doesn't have a very good ground connection to the rest of the truck, and this catch mechanism is improving the ground from the door to the body of the truck.

    Does anybody have any thoughts or suggestions to keep my SWR lower with the door shut?
     
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  3. Meteorgray

    Meteorgray Heavy Load Member

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    Your enhanced-grounding theory sounds plausible. Try applying more ground for the door-to-body connection, such as a copper strap.
     
    rabbiporkchop Thanks this.
  4. TimeTorn

    TimeTorn Bobtail Member

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    Can you elaborate? What does one of these straps look like, and where can I get one?
    Attached 2 photos showing SWR with door closed, and door open. Quite a big difference.

    IMG_20180318_212534.jpg IMG_20180318_212457.jpg
     
  5. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Post a pic 1st of where and what its mounted to......
    Most door hinges have plastic bushing in them and that causes an issue...
    Look up braded grounding straps...Then go buy a cpl and connect from door side to cab side on each door hinge..8" or less in length..Start there..
     
  6. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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  7. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Whats the ohm meter testing for??
     
  8. cwmsdm

    cwmsdm Bobtail Member

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    Can I ground my CB antenna to the hung where it bolts to the cab
     
  9. cwmsdm

    cwmsdm Bobtail Member

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    May 30, 2021
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  10. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Show us a pic so we all can see what your set up is like..
     
  11. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Connect door side of hinge to cab side of hinge via the bolts....
    Depending on how mirror bracket is attached to the door,the bracket is likely grounded..
    Bonding
     
    mike5511 Thanks this.
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