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Cobra 25 lx and new antenna = SWR questions.

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by teqntexas, Jan 25, 2013.

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  1. Jan 25, 2013 #1
    teqntexas

    teqntexas Medium Load Member

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    Jan 25, 2012
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    Ok, i recieved a new coil type antenna from my daughter for Christmas and just trying to figure this stuff out. The radio is a stock bare bones cobra 25 lx and i have it installed in a 2009 Volvo.

    From the radio ive got about a foot of coax running to the swr meter then @ 5 feet of coax out to the antenna (most of it just kinda stuffed up into the cubby hole behind the swr meter.) I've adjusted the meter per instructions and below is what i get. in essence at most swr is reading 1. most times the needle barely even moves. I've done radio checks following another company driver and it seems to be reaching @ a mile out. so any recommendations other than changing the radio or getting it tweaked? ( that's in the works, just $$$ is tight right now.)

    The first pic is reading on channel 1. the second is reading on channel 20 the third is reading on channel 40 and the last is reading on channel 19. the last pic is how its currently TEMPORARILY mounted, best i can do for right now.

    Ideally i'd like to reach as far as i can, as is it's MUCH better than the stock Volvo set up that i had been using. I guess whats confusing me is that everything i read says swr should be 1 to 1:5 and i aint close to that.

    Much appreciation to ya'll for any tips or help you can give. THANKS!


    channel 1
    [​IMG]




    channel 20
    [​IMG]

    channel 40
    [​IMG]

    channel 19
    [​IMG]

    install
    [​IMG]
     
    teqntexas, Jan 25, 2013
    teqntexas, Jan 25, 2013
    #1
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  3. Jan 25, 2013 #2
    murph

    murph Light Load Member

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    On my open coil 10K if I put a stock radio on the needle barley moves also. On my Galaxy 95T2 radio which is modified well above the stock 4w the swr on my 10K is 1.5 across the bands.

    I think the biggest concern is why the radio is only showing 2w instead of stock 4w.

    Quick edit, I should mention I'm not familiar with that brand of meter so maybe showing 2w on reflect is normal in that situation.
     
    murph, Jan 25, 2013
    murph, Jan 25, 2013
    #2
  4. Jan 25, 2013 #3
    mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    That factory antenna next to it will effect your SWR also. I can't make my Rat Shack SWR meter work when my Connex is on low power, i.e. about 2 watts. I have to switch it to high to check the SWR. My meter does the same thing yours is doing unless I'm putting out 4 watts or more.
     
    mike5511, Jan 25, 2013
    mike5511, Jan 25, 2013
    #3
  5. Jan 25, 2013 #4
    kor b

    kor b Light Load Member

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    Assuming you are calibrating the meter each time, the swr is better the lower it reads. I'm not sure were you find a problem. With the meter in the power mode, look for forward swing from a dead key to voice modulation. If you are looking for more power. I would suggest an amp in the one to three pill category. A one pill amp will give you about 100 more watts, but the dead key from your radio needs to be adjusted to 1.5 to 2 watts, swinging to 8 to 10 watts. If you get a 2 pill amp, the dead key from your radio should be around 3 to 4 watts with it swinging to 12 watts. If you get a 3 pill (one driving two) your dead key and swing watts from the radio should be the same as a one pill. I have nothing against a good tune job but a lot of truck drivers get there radios hacked up pretty good before they put an amp in line. this is a big waist of money and the result is an over driven amp that sounds terrible.
     
    kor b, Jan 25, 2013
    kor b, Jan 25, 2013
    #4
  7. Jan 25, 2013 #5
    teqntexas

    teqntexas Medium Load Member

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    Thanks for the help/tips. i didn't even think @ taking down the other antenna, will attack that first. as for it only showing 2 watts, just figured that was due to it being an untouched radio. the radio's gauge shows it's pushing 4 watts but dunno.

    Kor b, i'll check into the amps, any suggestions on where to find decent quality/price online?

    Thanks again.

    teq.
     
    teqntexas, Jan 25, 2013
    teqntexas, Jan 25, 2013
    #5
  8. Jan 25, 2013 #6
    EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

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    The East Side Gang,Charlotte,NC.
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    You are calibrating the meter for each channel in FWD mode then looking at reflected?
    Just wondering....:biggrin_25519:

    The fiberglass antenna next to it in the picture can affect SWR readings also as so can the door being open.
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2013
    EZ Money, Jan 25, 2013
    EZ Money, Jan 25, 2013
    #6
  9. Jan 25, 2013 #7
    teqntexas

    teqntexas Medium Load Member

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    if you mean am i re-calibrating between each readings, then yep i am.
     
    teqntexas, Jan 25, 2013
    teqntexas, Jan 25, 2013
    #7
  10. Jan 25, 2013 #8
    EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

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    The East Side Gang,Charlotte,NC.
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    What is the fiberglass in the antenna in the picture?.......if not in use remove it.
     
    EZ Money, Jan 25, 2013
    EZ Money, Jan 25, 2013
    #8
  11. Jan 25, 2013 #9
    teqntexas

    teqntexas Medium Load Member

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    That's the one that came with the truck. Its coming down in the morning before I head out.
     
    teqntexas, Jan 25, 2013
    teqntexas, Jan 25, 2013
    #9
  12. Jan 26, 2013 #10
    EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

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    The East Side Gang,Charlotte,NC.
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    Just take the old one off,that can affect the reading.
    With it showing that low give it a trip and see how she talks.

    Is the new one a MM-9? Nice antenna.
     
    EZ Money, Jan 26, 2013
    EZ Money, Jan 26, 2013
    #10
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