Having a hard time getting my swr in check. I ran new coax out to a side mirror on my 2016 Cascadia and replaced the antenna with a 4 foot Wilson glass antenna. The antenna now ‘passes’ on the diagnostics but swr is still way too high. (5.1 on channel 1 and 2.45 on channel 40). Not sure what to do now to be honest. Any help would be appreciated as it seems to me that with a number that high trimming the antenna is not gonna do it…. Any help would be appreciated…
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Mobile Getting SWR under control
- Thread starter Luvzlivin
- Start date
Wow that's way off.
I'm going to assume that's a 4ft CB antenna not a CB/10meter antenna which these have a much longer whip and adjustment point. The fiberglass CB antennas typically have a real short whip(if you can call it that) for fine tune adjustments only. CB antennas are usually factory tuned to be close.
In this case you should rule out things by switching with known working parts. Just because it's new doesn't mean it can't be defective. Try temporarily running a different coax, then CB antenna and recheck using each one then both together.
Also what are you using to check it with, your radio? Did it give you better readings before with another antenna in the same truck?
A good external SWR meter (preferably an antenna analyzer) with a short jumper coax at the antenna if possible should be used to check the SWR then check it again at the radio's end of the main coax and note the differences.
Are you using those bird perch antenna mounts designed for Freightliner truck mirrors? These are solid mounts that will provide a good D.C. ground which is necessary for mobile antennas.
I'm going to assume that's a 4ft CB antenna not a CB/10meter antenna which these have a much longer whip and adjustment point. The fiberglass CB antennas typically have a real short whip(if you can call it that) for fine tune adjustments only. CB antennas are usually factory tuned to be close.
In this case you should rule out things by switching with known working parts. Just because it's new doesn't mean it can't be defective. Try temporarily running a different coax, then CB antenna and recheck using each one then both together.
Also what are you using to check it with, your radio? Did it give you better readings before with another antenna in the same truck?
A good external SWR meter (preferably an antenna analyzer) with a short jumper coax at the antenna if possible should be used to check the SWR then check it again at the radio's end of the main coax and note the differences.
Are you using those bird perch antenna mounts designed for Freightliner truck mirrors? These are solid mounts that will provide a good D.C. ground which is necessary for mobile antennas.
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Cascadia Mount: Wilson brand double-bolt, not single replacement bolt type mount.
— The coax old, maybe used before, and got pinched? Only takes once. When — not if — if trying to pass thru window.
Ran coax thru air line panel or thru door wiring harness?
Parts swap easiest start. Coax first.
.
— The coax old, maybe used before, and got pinched? Only takes once. When — not if — if trying to pass thru window.
Ran coax thru air line panel or thru door wiring harness?
Parts swap easiest start. Coax first.
.
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Not a mobile antenna. Start new thread indicating BASE (or search for old thread with title of brand/model to wake it up ).
What Slowmover said above. Also use an Ohm meter to check for continuity between coax center conductor and outer shield. There should be no continuity at all.
Make certain antenna mount is well grounded. Mirror mounts do not always get an adequate ground through door hinges in newer trucks. I always bonded mount to ground using tinned braid strap. Had no SWR issues in half a dozen different Cascadias after bonding.
And like Slowmover also always says: www.k0bg.com is the mobile install bible.
73
Make certain antenna mount is well grounded. Mirror mounts do not always get an adequate ground through door hinges in newer trucks. I always bonded mount to ground using tinned braid strap. Had no SWR issues in half a dozen different Cascadias after bonding.
And like Slowmover also always says: www.k0bg.com is the mobile install bible.
73
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(4) total hinges = (4) braided copper weave. Get powder coat off under bolt heads.
First type (beehive) goes with aluminum bar mounts.
Second type stud goes with two center STEEL examples above. XHD for big antenna.
And all the above is why your an "Elmer"
Slow!!!
Slow!!!
Just so long as we restrict that to, “late model big trucks”, I’ll thank you, sir. With the further understanding it’s my desire to share the little I know: some gear, supply & installation.
That “little” can go a long ways in performance however.
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Crawdad & fourstringburn are bang on the button too, helping out the new folks with their radio woes....
We get by with a little help from our friends....
We get by with a little help from our friends....
You just didn’t know......his name is really Elmer!! LOL
Mr Indian sir,
At your earliest convenience, please enjoy two fingers of real Irish Whiskey on the rocks for me. It's the finest kind of stuff.
73