High SWR reading on my mobile CB

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joseywales44
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High SWR reading on my mobile CB

#408592

Post by joseywales44 »

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
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB

#408593

Post by Bozo »

@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?
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joseywales44
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB

#408594

Post by joseywales44 »

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.
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joseywales44
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB

#408595

Post by joseywales44 »

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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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB

#408596

Post by Bombero »

Hey..

I suggest you arrange the excess coax into a figure 8 and put a plastic wire tie in the middle.

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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB

#408597

Post by Bozo »

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?
Maybe a Wilson 1000. Drill a hole and get a Monkeymade antenna... 😂
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB

#408601

Post by jessejamesdallas »

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.
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB

#408602

Post by Bozo »

@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
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Re: High SWR reading on my mobile CB

#408621

Post by KOA4705 »

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???

Can you post a photo of your antenna installation?
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