Need some tuning help
 

Ok Jeeple I need so help. I hooked up my CB last week with the hardtop off & everything was great 1-1.4 across all the channels. I had to put the hardtop back on for a trip I took last weekend & put a 90 degree adapter on for a better fit behind the cb, a heavy duty spring & a quick disconnect on the antenna (so I can get in the garage). I try to retune the antenna to accommodate the added length & now can't get anything lower than a SWR of 6-8. Any idea what could be the problem. I've also tried taking the disconnect & spring off the antenna & starting over with the tune. Didn't work. Should I add a ground wire from the antenna? I didn't need it before & have read mixed reports about needing one with the spare tire mount. Any help here would be great as I would like to use it for this weekend. Thanks in advance 👍.

Did you check the 90deg adapter? That high of a SWR makes me think that your CB has a poor connection to the coax.

I did. I actually took all the pieces I add off & went back to how it was when I started. Still have a hi SWR. I wonder if the coax is bad, or if the mount or antenna needs to be grounded?

I had a problem with my 90 adapter that the female end of the radio connector would rotate if the 90 moved. I had to resolder the connection inside the radio. SWR that high is almost like you have no antenna. Are you using the radio or a separate SWR meter?

I'm using the SWR in the Bearcat 880. I may go out an get a standalone unit but was trying to avoid that if possible.

If your antenna is mounted to the spare tire carrier...then you need to ground the mount. Also check where your cable is passing through the tailgate to the interior...you may have nicked or kinked the coax...opening and closing the tailgate...but most definitely add a ground strap!

So it turns out it was a bad coax cable. I replaced it & everything is back to normal. Thanks for all the advice.

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The SWR meters in the Bearcats are crap. Definitely get a simple SWR meter and check your calibration.