Cobra 29 no range no squelch static

Yes that is correct. Leave the radios switch on the S/RF position. Just go by what the external SWR meter shows. If you can't calibrate the external meter, then you need to fix the RF ground issue.

 

Well unfortunately a speaker won't fix his problem. He says he hears static from his radio when he opens and shuts the door. So it sounds like his speaker is okay. But your right, when you can't get static/noise out of your radio, the speaker could be the problem.

 

Thanks for the update. As far as range goes, the problem isn't you. The problem is these newer trucks that are made with fibre glass bodies. For a mobile antenna to perform properly, it needs the metal of the vehicle to be under the antenna. But since they switch to fibre glass truck bodies, that poses a big problem for mobile antennas. Basically the antenna needs a good RF ground which a thing called bonding helps. They recommend using flat straps 3/4 to 1 inch wide and less then 10 inches long. Here is a website to help you.

Bonding

Hopefully you can still pick up a $30-$40 external SWR meter and jumper coax. At least you will have a good idea how your antenna system is.