Help with Cobra 29 SWR/Antenna Light

The meter serves three different functions. The switch on radio determines the function. In the S/RF positions the needle will reflect the strength of the incoming signal. You are obviously getting some motor noise from the engine when you start the truck, this is normal. Make sure you have the noise blanker switch turned on. In this position you will also see your needle go up when you transmit. The other two positions are only used when you check your SWR.

If you checked your SWR correctly and it is under 2:1, which it appears it is, I wouldn't worry about the light coming on. I believe there is a sensitivity adjustment for that light. If you had the radio tuned up, they may not have re-adjusted that light. Bottom line, if you are sure you checked the SWR correctly and all is good, you are not going to damage your radio by using it.

 

Anytime, hope it works well for you.

 

You would be sensible to have it tested with a suitable SWR gauge. It could be something as easy as a bad surface.

 

the cable could be bad. get that high 8 stuff that seems to hold up pretty good out here