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SWR Just Wont Behave

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Bluethunder1, Aug 24, 2022.

  1. Aug 24, 2022 #1
    Bluethunder1

    Bluethunder1 Bobtail Member

    1
    1
    Aug 24, 2022
    0
    Hello - we are trying to mount an antenna on a 2015 Ford f150 which has an aluminum frame and non metallic body. I am using a front hood mount, new coax, an external SWR bridge and a Bearcat 980 SSB. When we try using any center, or low, type coil antenna (Hustler or Wilson), we just can not get below 2.0. We tried a 3' fire stick and got a 1.1 match. Any ideas what we may be doing wrong or is this a characteristic of the Ford aluminum bodies?? Appreciate any advice/help...
     
    Bluethunder1, Aug 24, 2022
    Bluethunder1, Aug 24, 2022
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  3. Aug 25, 2022 #2
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    18,797
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    Dec 18, 2011
    Michigan
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    You need to mount the antenna onto the body, it is aluminum or build a mount that extends through the slot between the box and the cab.

    here is a little info about it

    Ford Super duty Installation Notes
     
    Ridgeline, Aug 25, 2022
    Ridgeline, Aug 25, 2022
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    Neverready and Another Canadian driver Thank this.
  4. Sep 1, 2022 #3
    RockinChair

    RockinChair Road Train Member

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    the sparkling city by the sea
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    If you're mounting it onto a non-metallic body panel then you may be dealing with all kinds of problems with both RF and DC ground. Perhaps running a ground strap to the frame would help.
     
    RockinChair, Sep 1, 2022
    RockinChair, Sep 1, 2022
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  5. Sep 1, 2022 #4
    Naptown Muduck

    Naptown Muduck Light Load Member

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    Jul 30, 2018
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    I thought the fords had aluminum bodies. Aluminum is metallic but not magnetic, so you can’t use a mag mount antenna. You can do a through hole mount, but you have to follow specific installation procedures to prevent corrosion between dissimilar metals.
     
    Naptown Muduck, Sep 1, 2022
    Naptown Muduck, Sep 1, 2022
    #4 + Quote Reply
  7. Sep 4, 2022 #5
    craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Sep 5, 2013
    novascotia,Canada
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    Top loads will be a better choice anyways..
     
    craig_sez, Sep 4, 2022
    craig_sez, Sep 4, 2022
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