Cobra 29LX and Astatic Road Devil problem

Evening Folks, Forgive me if this has been brought up already and for the long post but I have searched this forum and the internet for two days trying to figure this out myself and I am worn out and frustrated.
Okay, here's the story...I purchased a new "Peaked and Tuned" Cobra 29LX with a Wilson 2000 antenna and an external speaker almost a year ago. The radio and antenna are properly grounded and the 18' coax is not coiled or looped in any way. This setup was great with no problems whatsoever for nearly a year. However, for several months I have been wanting to do some upgrades to get out there a little further. I thought a power mic Astatic Road Devil RD104e would be a good first step. After opening the package I was rather disappointed in the quality of the unit altogether, especially the PTT but I wanted to see if it made a difference anyway. With everything powered off, I installed the mic. Turned everything back on with the mic turned down and keyed it up. Instantly got an antenna warning. I've tried to adjust the swr (which was always 1.2 on 1 and 40) but no matter what it goes right up to 2.2. I have shortened a perfectly fine antenna by an inch, tried a different mic and antenna to no avail. Only twice did I get a reading of 1.2 only for a brief second and then right back up. Please, for the Love of everything good in this world, someone help! Brian

 

I have ordered a better coax 98% shielded and soldered ends along with an external SWR meter. I'm more inclined to believe an analogs precision rather than the internal digital at this point. And yes, it does mimick a ground problem but like I said I've not had one problem with this outfit for nearly a year. I will however be checking all my grounds and such after my new coax is Installed. Right now I'm just uncomfortable turning the unit on for prolonged periods. I did put the original mic back on when I was trying to pinpoint the problem, but with the same results. Ugh, this really has me frustrated!

 

Well, after installing the new coax, grounding the antenna with the proper cable and retuning with an external SWR meter, everything is back to normal. I'm back to a 1.2:1 reading on both channel 1 and 40. No more screwing around with it. Lesson learned...Carry on

 

I agree with you guys on that. Noise cancelling, yes...Power mic, don't believe I need it. That Ranger SRA 198 sure does have good reviews, might just be the one. Thanks guys!