SWR and bonding

FreightlinerBob, your swr readings are actually pretty good. Personally, I would leave well enough alone but that is just me. How much is your time worth in chasing after perfect swr numbers?
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Not to nag but before you go spending a bunch of money, can you borrow for testing purposes a KNOWN GOOD antenna from a friend and see if that makes a significant change in your swr readings. Just a suggestion.
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For the record, if your swr numbers were in the 3's that would indicate a connection problem and bonding would probably be a very good place to start. Bonding is the practice of interconnecting the large metal components of the vehicle to create a large ground plane for RF [radio frequency] purposes. It has nothing to do with electrical grounding.
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If your swr numbers were in the 3's or higher, first check your resistance between the antenna mount and the bolts that connect the door to the door hinge. It should be zero. Next chck your resistance between the antenna mount and the bolt that connects the door hinge to the cab. This should also be zero. Finally, check the resistance between the antenna mount and the vehicle frame. This should also be zero.

 

If your swr numbers were in the 3's or higher, first check your resistance between the antenna mount and the bolts that connect the door to the door hinge. It should be zero. Next chck your resistance between the antenna mount and the bolt that connects the door hinge to the cab. This should also be zero. Finally, check the resistance between the antenna mount and the vehicle frame. This should also be zero.




OK, I'm gonna show my stupidity here. HOW does one go about checking the resistance as listed above?

 

Hayseed, that was my mistake by not clearly stating you need to use a multimeter [volt ohm meter] to check the resistance value on the lowest scale. You could buy an inexpensive multimeter at Walmart for less than $10, I believe. It does not have to be an expensive piece of equipment. I apologize for not being clearer.

 

Xcis,

Thanks, I thought that is what you meant, but not sure. I know just enough to be dangerous !!

Thanks for the reply

 

Freithtlinerbob,

Been hearing a lot of dx out of your area this week. Haven't heard you though. The west coast can be heard here everyday.

east coast is spoty. Heasd some chatter in Europe yesterday.

 

Cant do much to improve that... great job.
An old radio guy(now retired) told me, with a good antenna and decent radio will do a good job. The best radio in the world is nothing with a mediocre antenna. He was an excellent radio man and i never forgot that advice.

 

Yeah I'd say you can live with that!

Very true!

 

I'd rather have a mediocre radio with a good antenna than a good radio with a mediocre antenna!