High SWR reading on my mobile CB
- joseywales44
- NEW DUCK
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- Joined: January 17th, 2022, 9:16 pm
- Handle: Alabama Horse Thief
- Real Name: Mike
- Call Sign: KCA3647
- Antenna: Silver Bullet 40"
- Radio: Cobra 75 WXST
- Contact:
High SWR reading on my mobile CB
OK, brand new on here and I have a problem. I have just installed a Cobra 75 WXST radio in my 2006 Ford Expedition with a 40" Silver Bullet top loaded fiberglass antenna. It is mounted with a Ford hood mount on the left side of the truck. I have EXACTLY 18 feet of RG8X coax and the coax is installed correctly. The excess coax is VERY LOOSELY coiled inside (under the console) in about a 14" coil. NOW, the problem I have is that the SWRs are ABOVE 2:1 on chan.1, chan. 20 and chan.40. I understand how to adjust the antenna to set the SWRs, NOTHING has worked so far. This is not the first CB that I have installed, I've been into CBs for 40+years. I'm stumped, I don't know what else to do/try. Can A Man Get A Little Help Here???
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Bozo Verified
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB
@joseywales44
Have you tried running an extra ground wire from antenna mount directly to vehicle frame?
My experience the hood mounts are not a great location to mount antennas. Have you considering mounting center of the cab or using Wilson mag mount?
Have you tried running an extra ground wire from antenna mount directly to vehicle frame?
My experience the hood mounts are not a great location to mount antennas. Have you considering mounting center of the cab or using Wilson mag mount?
- joseywales44
- NEW DUCK
- Posts: 0
- Joined: January 17th, 2022, 9:16 pm
- Handle: Alabama Horse Thief
- Real Name: Mike
- Call Sign: KCA3647
- Antenna: Silver Bullet 40"
- Radio: Cobra 75 WXST
- Contact:
Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB
The antenna mount is stainless steel and it is mounted to a bolt under the hood and it also has a self-tapping screw that has been screwed into the quarter panel/front fender...it should be grounded, but I'll attach another ground wire to it in the morning.
- joseywales44
- NEW DUCK
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- Joined: January 17th, 2022, 9:16 pm
- Handle: Alabama Horse Thief
- Real Name: Mike
- Call Sign: KCA3647
- Antenna: Silver Bullet 40"
- Radio: Cobra 75 WXST
- Contact:
Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB
That may be the next step...I've already considered doing that (a magnetic mount)... any suggestions for a good magnetic antenna?
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Bombero Verified
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB
Hey..
I suggest you arrange the excess coax into a figure 8 and put a plastic wire tie in the middle.
Bombero
I suggest you arrange the excess coax into a figure 8 and put a plastic wire tie in the middle.
Bombero
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Bozo Verified
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB
Maybe a Wilson 1000. Drill a hole and get a Monkeymade antenna...joseywales44 wrote: January 17th, 2022, 11:21 pm That may be the next step...I've already considered doing that (a magnetic mount)... any suggestions for a good magnetic antenna?
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jessejamesdallas Verified
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB
Could just be your antenna is too short and picking up too much reflect off the cab of the truck...Might try moving it to a different location or try a taller antenna....anything under 5' just won't tune well with 11 Meter.
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
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Bozo Verified
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB
@jessejamesdallas is the antenna whisperer and you should also try another location of longer antenna. 102" steel whips are good antennas also are tree smackers. You just have to learn defensive driving. LOL
- KOA4705
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB
Can you post a photo of your antenna installation?joseywales44 wrote: January 17th, 2022, 10:05 pm OK, brand new on here and I have a problem. I have just installed a Cobra 75 WXST radio in my 2006 Ford Expedition with a 40" Silver Bullet top loaded fiberglass antenna. It is mounted with a Ford hood mount on the left side of the truck. I have EXACTLY 18 feet of RG8X coax and the coax is installed correctly. The excess coax is VERY LOOSELY coiled inside (under the console) in about a 14" coil. NOW, the problem I have is that the SWRs are ABOVE 2:1 on chan.1, chan. 20 and chan.40. I understand how to adjust the antenna to set the SWRs, NOTHING has worked so far. This is not the first CB that I have installed, I've been into CBs for 40+years. I'm stumped, I don't know what else to do/try. Can A Man Get A Little Help Here???