HUMMER INVESTMENTS
[o O IIIIIIII O o]
- Messages
- 3,518
- Location
- Black Hawk, SD
I have it installed on my rig, but I can't seem to get in contact any more than around 100-200 ft. Something must be wrong:huh:
-
Welcome to H4O! For a reduced ad experience, please login or register with the forum.
102" Wip antenna on roof rack
- Thread starter HUMMER INVESTMENTS
- Start date
HUMMER INVESTMENTS
[o O IIIIIIII O o]
- Messages
- 3,518
- Location
- Black Hawk, SD
1. Whats a band
2. I don't have a tuner, but can get one
3. SWR is on the CAL when I press the button
4. Im sure hte radio has good connectivity, antenna is connected
2. I don't have a tuner, but can get one
3. SWR is on the CAL when I press the button
4. Im sure hte radio has good connectivity, antenna is connected
- Messages
- 10,677
- Location
- Scottsdale
Sounds like you have a radio with a built in SWR meter, like the full size Cobras. Is that correct?
Every antenna needs to be tuned the get a proper or acceptable SWR reading. To do this, you first calibrate the signal (CAL) and then you get an SWR reading. Look at your instructions for your radio and here: http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/Setting_SWR.htm
The antenna mount must be properly grounded. Just because it may be attached to a roof rack or even some parts of the truck does not mean you have a good ground. Also, if the antenna is improperly set up to the mount you can short out the radio.
102's usually have the best low swr, being a fraction of at least 11 meter/CB. I always use a meter rated for the band or freq range you are using. A dummy load on the meter first to calibrate then attach the antenna. If using a built in meter that could work also.
Better not be shorted or high swr because reflected RF can smoke a radio's finals.
If you are maxed on cal with no dummy load but instead using the ant. Best check for a ground in the wrong place.
Are you sure the radio does not have some sort of sequence to first check cal and then change something to check ant?
I had a 102 mounted up high on the backside of my LandCruiser in the body metal. That thing would whack every tree and some metal bridges. I kept it folded over to the gutter rail clip when off-road and it still worked well.
Better not be shorted or high swr because reflected RF can smoke a radio's finals.
If you are maxed on cal with no dummy load but instead using the ant. Best check for a ground in the wrong place.
Are you sure the radio does not have some sort of sequence to first check cal and then change something to check ant?
I had a 102 mounted up high on the backside of my LandCruiser in the body metal. That thing would whack every tree and some metal bridges. I kept it folded over to the gutter rail clip when off-road and it still worked well.
Just want to echo what's been said by others already:
Read your radio's manual and make sure you are using the calibration and SWR meter correctly.
Then measure SWR on channel 1, 20 and 40.
Can you describe, in detail, how your whip is connected to the coax from the radio? -And how the whip is attached to the truck?
Read your radio's manual and make sure you are using the calibration and SWR meter correctly.
Then measure SWR on channel 1, 20 and 40.
Can you describe, in detail, how your whip is connected to the coax from the radio? -And how the whip is attached to the truck?
- Messages
- 10,677
- Location
- Scottsdale
Thanks Hunner. I haven't used a 102 so I don't know if there's tuning though I would suspect they may not. But with range as low as he's getting I suspect it is a mount or ground issue.
Another thought is if you installed your PL259 make sure a stray shield strand is not grounding the connector to center conductor. If is a pre-installed fitting and you have a tight bend right at the connector there could be the same problem. If it is an old cable assembly it could be suspect after exposure to the elements.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!