I’m having a problem with my CB install. I’m using the Cooltech Antenna mount with a Cobra 75wxst radio.

As far as I can tell, I’ve installed everything as per instructions, but when I test the SWR, all my reading (channels 1, 19. 40) are in the red (way above 3). So I have a short somewhere. I checked that all the connectors are good. I checked that the Cooltech mount is grounded to the body. What am I missing?

 

If you got the firestick antenna it can be tuned by turning the tip of the antenna. Try adjusting the tip to see it tha helps.

 

I have the exact same setup and had exactly the same problem (twice). Both times were caused by issues with the coax.

To tell for sure, I printed out Firestik's continuity help page (http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/Te...Continuity.htm) and tested between every point that was shown.

The first time there was a short, but the 2nd time there was an open between the mount and the threaded connectors on the coax. I believe this can all happen if you tighten the connection on the stud too much.

 

I'd do precisely what he said..pull your coax back out, and use a multimeter to test the continuity of the coax. make sure you don't have a cut in there somewhere.

 

Thanks, guys.

I'm sure I have a short or an open since the needle on the meter barely moves when I test the SWR. I'll try reassembling with less tightness and see if that helps. I don't have a multimeter to test the connections so I'll be off to radio shack tonight.

 

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So I just installed mine...the SWR on channel 1 is between 3 and the infinity marker on the Radioshack SWR meter. On channel 40 it is above infinity. This is with the tunable tip all the way up on the Firestik. Otherwise, all channels read above infinity with the tip screwed further down into the antenna. What should be my next move? I hear people on my Cobra 18 WXST but afraid to transmit.

 

check for a short or grounding issue. Gotta be one of those...

 

I am going to check for grounding issues in the morning, but as a side note, I do get a lower SWR when tuning the tip. It just doesn't get low enough to be out of the red. Is this stearing towards a grounding issue?

 

Oh, also, I noticed that when I went to tune the tip of the FireFly, I got a shock. I just passed it off as static electricity from rubbing of my jacket but I'm supposing this is from the antenna? I was not transmitting at the time though. Anyhoo, I'm checking the grounding in the morning.