Mine isn't tunable as you know but what would I have to do to drop the numbers that much?? It needs to drop almost 2 full points

 

If you can get it under 2.0 it would useable. 1.5 or lower is better of course. Don't know if a tuneable tip would make that much difference but it would probably be my next step. Mine dropped almost a full point from where it started. I'd also double check to make sure the coax isn't pinched and the connections are tight.

 

So ya think cutting this down would help? Or what about a spring? At this point it can't hurt I guess. I did double check my connections they are good. I can recheck my cable for kinks...

 

I've heard that adding a spring can sometimes make it worse, but it may not hurt to try. I don't run with one because my Firestik is already flexible enough and a spring would just make it too floppy.

 

Well then I guess I'll retrace my coax and then start trimming the antenna. Only mother thing I can think of is higher quality cable maybe, I'm getting annoyed...

 

Does your meter also have forward and reflected power readings? Sometimes SWR readings can be misleading <long technical story>. But if your reflected power is reasonably low then you'll know the antenna is working satisfactorily (e.g. 5 watts forward, < .5 watts reflected).

 

I'd say get a tuneable antenna. The only difference between by setup and yours is that mine always employed an antenna that was tuneable. If you could mail order that Sirio I told you about you'd at least know you have a good antenna. Alternatively, the Wilson antennas work well but their best ones are not spring loaded.

 

Not sure what all the switches are on my meter... Here is a picture of it? Not sure if it helps or if it's capable of doing what your talking about....

 

So I stumbled across something in a different thread that may be causing my problem. I think the hole in my bracket is a little too small and I'm getting contact from the stud on the connector to my bracket. Is it possible that is what's causing my problems?

 

Ok so I reamed the hole out bigger so the mount stud for sure didn't make contact to the bracket. I also had to move the bracket down to the next set of screws in the third taillight due to the top screws screwing into plastic (it felt like it was loosening up). I drove out hooked up the meter and 1 was 2.5 and 40 was 3. So I went back tightened all my connections up and double checked my readings.
1-1.2
20- 1.3
40- 1.5
I will take that with a non tunable tip. Took the meter off hooked it back direct and away I drove. All sorts of chatter while scanning.