I ended up making my antenna tip shorter when tuning it but I also have a quick disconnect on the antenna.

I started with large adjustments (half turn or more) and couldn't get it below 2.0. I then realized I needed to make smaller adjustments to get it dialed in just right.

I would think 50 yards from any obstructions should be fine. I have trees everywhere where I'm at but found a parking lot at a golf driving range that was good to use.

 

Originally I was going to run a spring but the only ones I could find were heavy duty and I figured that wouldn't help. I am going to make sure the first found is solid and run the second one and double check my readings. I won't get to run the second one till maybe Sunday night. I'm not sure what else to try. I just know 3+ is not good!! What else can I try??

 

Had any luck, trouty?

 

Have not got a chance to mess with it at all!! Finally have a day off tomorrow so hope to run the second ground and retest then!

 

LOL! I can feel your frustration from this side of the pond!

 

Ok so I got the second ground ran. I connected it to the gate on the same bolt the first ground was run too, ran it behind the molding out behind the gate seal at the bottom. Then up through the farm to the bolt for the brake line bracket. Now hopefully after baseball practice I can hook up the SWR and all my troubles will be gone...

 

Well I am officially waving the white flag... Both grounds are ran and solid. On channel 1, 20, & 40 still over 3. It came down the slightest bit and all 3 channels would be within 0.1 of each other which would be great if I was that close on the other end of the scale. So here is the question what is the next step to drop my readings that far and keep the readings that equal???

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles. If it were me, I'd do one of two things. Either try a different antenna (one with a tuneable tip), or head to a cb shop and see what they recommend. There aren't many left around my area, but a truck stop can probably recommend one.

 

The closest CB shop is about 1:45 away I think.... And from what I've heard the guy is kinds shady! My local truck stops are useless too. The staff there are clueless, I needed up asking a few truck drivers for input on antennas cause the employees could barely point out the CB equipment in the shop...

 

Firestik Firefly? Tuning my Firestik really made a big difference.