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Here is a sheet I used directly for "Firestik" if you check sack one of the items on the list, you'll know if it's a install or ground issue. If everything on the list checks out then start tuning your antenna.
HIGH SWR TROUBLESHOOTING For Standard Firestik Antenna Installations (not applicable to no-ground-plane installations) Compliments of Firestik® Antenna Company Technical Support Team Copyright © 1996 Firestik® Antenna Company The following list shows the most probable causes of high SWR in order from the most common causes to the least common causes. If experiencing SWR problems, check each of the following conditions in the order shown until problem has been uncovered. Shorted Stud Mount Disconnect coaxial cable at antenna mount. Test continuity from mount to antenna coupling nut. There should NOT be any continuity. If shorted, reposition or replace insulators and retest. Improper Type and Length of Coax Single antenna installations require RG-58 type coax and dual antennas require the use of RG-59 type coax cables. We recommend 18 foot long coax leads from the radio to each antenna, especially on installations that are displaying high SWR problems. Shorted Coaxial Cable Disconnect coax at radio end. Test for continuity between center pin and threaded sleeve. There should NOT be any continuity. If shorted, repair and retest. No Chassis Ground at Antenna Mount Test for continuity between the antenna mount and the vehicle's common ground. There MUST be continuity. Repair and retest as required. Open Coaxial Cable Center Lead Disconnect coax at radio end. Test for continuity from center pin to antenna base. There MUST be continuity. If necessary, repair and retest. Open Coaxial Cable Ground Shield Disconnect coax at radio end. Test for continuity from the antenna mount to the coax connectors threaded sleeve at the radio end of the coax. There MUST be continuity. If necessary, repair and retest. Improper Installation Location Transmit antennas need free space around them if expected to perform properly. If more than 30% of the antennas overall length is parallel to the side of the vehicle and within twelve inches of that surface, SWR problems are probable, i.e. between truck cab and shell, corner of truck bed near cab, low mount position on motorhome, etc. Relocate the antenna to a position of performance (versus convenience or appearance) and retest. Insufficient Ground Plane Available Fiberglass, plastic and thin aluminum vehicle bodies lack the reflective characteristics needed for proper antenna performance. On some occasions, running a 12ga or heavier wire from the antenna mount to the vehicles chassis ground will be sufficient. Otherwise, a no-ground-plane antenna system may be required. Low Quality Coax Cable Delivering radio frequency to an antenna via poor quality coaxial cable is the equivalent of watering your lawn with a hose full of holes. The bitterness of low quality will linger long after the sweetness of low price is gone. Use high quality coax only. Antenna Tuned Without Tip If the antenna is tuned without the tip then put on after tuning is completed, the SWR will change when the tip is installed. All readings must be made with the antenna tip in place. Defective SWR Meter Some are made bad and others have been known to go bad. Try to confirm readings with a second meter. Damaged Antenna Aside from apparent damage that is visible from the antenna striking immovable solid objects, you can test for any internal damage by checking continuity from the antenna base to the tunable tip extender or end of wire. There MUST be continuity. If there is no continuity, the antenna must be repaired or replaced. Firestik Antenna Company - 2614 E Adams St - Phoenix, AZ 85034 - (Tel) 602-273-7151 - www.firestik.com Return to Index Go to Home Page |
Originally Posted by firecapt
(Post 3671661)
Here is a sheet I used directly for "Firestik" if you check sack one of the items on the list, you'll know if it's a install or ground issue. If everything on the list checks out then start tuning your antenna.
HIGH SWR TROUBLESHOOTING For Standard Firestik Antenna Installations (not applicable to no-ground-plane installations) Compliments of Firestik® Antenna Company Technical Support Team Copyright © 1996 Firestik® Antenna Company The following list shows the most probable causes of high SWR in order from the most common causes to the least common causes. If experiencing SWR problems, check each of the following conditions in the order shown until problem has been uncovered. Shorted Stud Mount Disconnect coaxial cable at antenna mount. Test continuity from mount to antenna coupling nut. There should NOT be any continuity. If shorted, reposition or replace insulators and retest. Improper Type and Length of Coax Single antenna installations require RG-58 type coax and dual antennas require the use of RG-59 type coax cables. We recommend 18 foot long coax leads from the radio to each antenna, especially on installations that are displaying high SWR problems. Shorted Coaxial Cable Disconnect coax at radio end. Test for continuity between center pin and threaded sleeve. There should NOT be any continuity. If shorted, repair and retest. No Chassis Ground at Antenna Mount Test for continuity between the antenna mount and the vehicle's common ground. There MUST be continuity. Repair and retest as required. Open Coaxial Cable Center Lead Disconnect coax at radio end. Test for continuity from center pin to antenna base. There MUST be continuity. If necessary, repair and retest. Open Coaxial Cable Ground Shield Disconnect coax at radio end. Test for continuity from the antenna mount to the coax connectors threaded sleeve at the radio end of the coax. There MUST be continuity. If necessary, repair and retest. Improper Installation Location Transmit antennas need free space around them if expected to perform properly. If more than 30% of the antennas overall length is parallel to the side of the vehicle and within twelve inches of that surface, SWR problems are probable, i.e. between truck cab and shell, corner of truck bed near cab, low mount position on motorhome, etc. Relocate the antenna to a position of performance (versus convenience or appearance) and retest. Insufficient Ground Plane Available Fiberglass, plastic and thin aluminum vehicle bodies lack the reflective characteristics needed for proper antenna performance. On some occasions, running a 12ga or heavier wire from the antenna mount to the vehicles chassis ground will be sufficient. Otherwise, a no-ground-plane antenna system may be required. Low Quality Coax Cable Delivering radio frequency to an antenna via poor quality coaxial cable is the equivalent of watering your lawn with a hose full of holes. The bitterness of low quality will linger long after the sweetness of low price is gone. Use high quality coax only. Antenna Tuned Without Tip If the antenna is tuned without the tip then put on after tuning is completed, the SWR will change when the tip is installed. All readings must be made with the antenna tip in place. Defective SWR Meter Some are made bad and others have been known to go bad. Try to confirm readings with a second meter. Damaged Antenna Aside from apparent damage that is visible from the antenna striking immovable solid objects, you can test for any internal damage by checking continuity from the antenna base to the tunable tip extender or end of wire. There MUST be continuity. If there is no continuity, the antenna must be repaired or replaced. Firestik Antenna Company - 2614 E Adams St - Phoenix, AZ 85034 - (Tel) 602-273-7151 - www.firestik.com Return to Index Go to Home Page |
Originally Posted by MtraXX
(Post 3671337)
So I just installed the cobra 75 with a 48" antenna and the swr readings were way over 5, almost to 10 actually.
Is this a grounding issue? I grounded the antenna by doubling up 2 #14 awg copper stranded cables bolted to the bolt that holds down the sub box in the rear right of the tub. |
Originally Posted by BubbaJK2012
(Post 3672122)
I actually installed one the other day for a guy and the ring CB cable was bad, new in the box was bad. Bought a new cable in and was all good |
Has anyone used the over head cb mount yet ??
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2 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by Drifterman
(Post 3672318)
Has anyone used the over head cb mount yet ??
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Originally Posted by MtraXX
(Post 3672298)
Ring CB cable? What is this? |
Originally Posted by BubbaJK2012
(Post 3672393)
The one that comes from cool tech. It has the firestick ring on the antenna end. If a person don't install it correctly the plastic separator on the one end can get damaged
When I received my Cobra 75 and Firestick from Cool Tech, the rings and all were already assembled. And, there was no reason to disassemble it. |
Originally Posted by RalphTomaccio
(Post 3672838)
When I received my Cobra 75 and Firestick from Cool Tech, the rings and all were already assembled. And, there was no reason to disassemble it.
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Originally Posted by RalphTomaccio
(Post 3672838)
When I received my Cobra 75 and Firestick from Cool Tech, the rings and all were already assembled. And, there was no reason to disassemble it. I've installed quite a few now, some good some bad I'm outta here!! Good Luck!!! |
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