Earlier this year I installed a Cobra 75 CB with a mounted antenna on my AEV Tire Carrier post. While it does work to some degree I'm not sure it's working optimally. Does anyone have any suggestions for someone to assist in the DFW area? I'd like to make sure I'm receiving everything cleanly and sending clean as well.

 

What part of Dallas do you live in... I have a SWR meter and can help you out.

 

I'm in North Carrollton, Hebron/Josey area.

 

Definately need to tune your antenna with a swr meter. Another good idea is to use a continuity tester to check for shorts between the pin and shield on the connecter. Then keep it on 19 ( busy trucker channel ) and ask for a radio check.

 

Which end do I want to do the continuity check on? or both or does it matter? I can probably do that on my own but I'll need help with an swr meter and tuning I think.

 

Check the cb end so you know there's no shorts in your antenna connection. You could pick up a swr meter for pretty cheap. Is your antenna cut to tune or have a screw at the end? Tuning is easier tan you think.

 

There's no screw I don't think, I bought the antenna used. It's a 4ft firestik.

 

Remove the boot off the top of the antenna, there should be an adjustable screw.

 

Sorry... I posted to this thread offering to help and then I forgot to check it. I am busy this weekend but if you PM me later next week maybe we can figure out a time/place to meet up and I can look at your setup. The most common problem I have seen is people not running a ground wire. If you are using a tailgate mount and didn't run a ground wire your SWR is going to be very bad, though in my experiance most Jeeps in this area have horrible set ups so on the trail you will be about equal.

My SWR is not good by any strech of the imagination (1.4 to 1 range) but with the ground wire properly run people have accuesed me of running an illegal amp while I was on the trail. Also I try to tune my antenna to be best for the channels between 1 - 12 since those are the channels most commonly used on the trail.

I never run my CB except when I am out wheeling so my set up isn't ideal but I do have a HAM radio license and know how to get a system up an running.