I finally got to test my antenna, a cut to tune 4' Firestik. On channel 1 I get 1.4, channel 20 2.0 and channel 40 about 2.9. How much should I trim this by?

Thanks

 

I would do a little at a time, maybe in 1/4" increments re-checking as you go

 

Thanks!


10char

 

Ok, I don't now what is going on with this install. I could have sworn I tested the antenna correctly, but when I went to re-check it to trim it, I can't even get the needle adjusted up for the reference point and when I switch the meter to the forward position, the needle pegs into the red. I double checked all my connections. The power is straight to the battery with the ground on the inner passenger fender with some other grounds. I have good continuity between the antenna mount and the frame, the antenna is mounted in the license plate mount on a homemade mount made out of 16 g steel. Everything is brand new. I am using a 4' Firestik and a Midland 75-822. Any ideas? I seem to be getting good reception, not much local truck talk but I seem to be receiving a lot of long distance chatter, especially on 16 and 6.

 

Anyone?

10c

 

The only things that come to my mind are things you've probably already tried - I ran into that issue when I was testing, but for me, I just found that the coax wasn't attached all the way into the SWR meter (it felt tight so I thought it was in, but it was actually sitting on the edge at a slight angle).

Aside from that, I'd just re-check all the connections, namely grounds; and just to throw it out there, make sure that the plastic washer on the antenna mount it on the right side (should be on the top).

 

The washer is in the correct place. I did notice when checking continuity that with the cb connected, antenna to ground measured 4.7k ohms, and open with the cable unhooked from the cb. I assume this is just internal resistance from the cb circuitry.

It's almost as if the Fwd/Ref switch on the SWR meter is backwards. I'll re test and make sure the cables are inserted all the way.

Thanks

 

I'm beginning to think that my swr meter is crap. Everything checks out ok with my install. All continuity checks are good, all connectors firmly seated and attached, meter still pegs when switched forward. I need to find another meter locally to compare to.

 

4.7 ohms seems high. you want it to be as low as possible, try running a ground wire to your ant mount.

 

Antenna mount to ground is already 0 ohms. I was talking about the reading through the radio. I'm planning on taking in to a local shop, maybe got a bad swr meter.