SWR problem

[Nick23]

I am having a few problems with my Wilson silver load fgt 4 foot. When sitting still I have an swr of 1.4 then when driving at 60 mph it jumps to 2.5-3.0+ what could be causing this?

Thanks

 

[222DBFL]

While driving the whip is not straight and will show different readings. Look at how far your whip bends when at that speed if possible. I don't take swr readings while driving at 60 mph, so I may be wrong, but I would be willing to put my money on the bending of the whip and the effect it has on swr readings. Normally swr readings should be taken while the vehicle is parked and at least 50-100 ft from any surrounding objects. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and also turn your mic gain all the way down as well to avoid any modulation. Hope this helps and god bless.

 

[Nick23]

Its rigid fiberglass not Wilson flex so I don't think it bends that much. Why would it matter sitting still or moving? It is still an unacceptable swr reading. I use the radio while driving not sitting in my driveway and the swr is varying a lot.

Thanks guys

 

[vkrules]

!.4 to 3 is a huge difference, aerial shouldn't change that much with flex. Check all your connections and make sure you have a good ground connection.You could try adjusting the aerial a little short , 1/4 to 1/2 inch and see what happens. But I think we need more information on your install before further comment.

 

[222DBFL]

I am not saying it's acceptable in any way. As posted by vkrules, check all connections and coax for any damage. Just trying to help. God bless.

 

[Nick23]

I wasn't trying to be harsh in any way thanks for your help 222dbfl. You to vkrules... I am going to the store in a few minutes and I will put up my 10-K, see if it also has this problem.

 

[222DBFL]

Good deal, yeah now that vk has mentioned it, connections may be the issue. What type of mount are you using? If it is one that has a so-239 connection, take your coax and use a multimeter and check and ohm it out. That way you don't chance blowing a radio if there is a bad connection or coax, next check your mount as well to ensure it's not loose. Good luck and hope you get it resolved, let us know what you find. God bless.

 

[GnG8d]

!.4 to 3 is a huge difference, aerial shouldn't change that much with flex. Check all your connections and make sure you have a good ground connection.You could try adjusting the aerial a little short , 1/4 to 1/2 inch and see what happens. But I think we need more information on your install before further comment.

I'd say the antenna wind load is putting stress on the mount somehow causing a problem.

 

[Nick23]

I screwed on my 10-K, didn't touch anything else. The swr stayed the same from stop to 60mph. I think 359 hit it, that Wilson is top loaded and really heavy compared to the 10-K. Is there anything I can do to run my Wilson?

Thanks so much

 

[Nick23]

Nothing???

 

[w9cll]

You could tie a rope to hold it upright when moving.

 

[GnG8d]

I think the wind drag is effecting the base, I don't think it's the antenna itself.

 

[GnG8d]

You could tie a rope to hold it upright when moving.

On second thought, use some mono-filament or string and pull the antenna back while sitting still.

It seems to me the force is effecting the mount.

 

[Nick23]

So you think it is this specific mount. If and when I upgrade to a heavy-duty puck mount it could possibly work fine?

 

[GnG8d]

*shrugs* don't know, I haven't seen it. I'm just guessing based on your description, you are in the drivers seat when it comes to trouble shooting.