Is it possible to have very good SWR readings (all below 1.3) and have a bad ground? I borrowed a multitester for all my readings during install and everything is in good working order. I rana ground wire from the mount to a spot on the frame in the tub.

I'm getting a fair amount of "static" on alot of transmissions, but I don't know from how far they're coming or if this is otherwise normal. Some transmissions come in very clear. Anyway, in my research I found out I should have tested the ground on the antenna mount WITHOUT the coax connected, as the coax connection can provide a ground coming from the radio up front. Now I don't know if I have a "real" ground on my mount.

I've since returned the multitester and am wondering if it's worth it to borrow it again and retest everything. So my question: is it possible to get very good SWR readings with a bad ground or can I assume my ground is good since me SWR's are good?

 

There is a good chance that the "static" you are hearing on some of the transmissions, is just because they are barely in range. It might just be "air noise" coming in with their week signal. And of course the clear stations are probably real close. Probably 95% of high swr is "related" to a bad ground. So if everything you measured with the meter showed good, then I wouldn't worry about it. It sounds like, from the way you described it, the ground is good, as long as there is nothing "nonelectrical" beween the tub and the frame keeping a good contact from being made.

 

AM radio IS very noisy. You will be able to hear lightning, Neon lights, Buses and all sorts of other stuff. You may also be hearing electrical noise from your jeep. Sometimes a torrid coil on the power wires helps, but ultimately AM just is full of noise and you have to learn to tune some of it out.