PDA

View Full Version : CB antenna troubles?

little_red_cherokee
08-02-2008, 01:21 PM
ive got a magnet mount antenna about 6" tall i guess? my CB cuts in and out and only pics up when somebody is really close. IIRC it worked when i had a taller antenna. is there something i can do to make this one work?
RecycledTeen
08-02-2008, 02:18 PM
Have you checked the SWR?

I also noticed you had it set on the back rear corner last week. For a ground plane antenna to work good, it needs a flat surface around it to cut SWR down and to be able to work correctly. Try putting it in the middle of the roof above the interior dome light. That should be far enough ahead of the rack to work better.

Rick
Gordon
08-02-2008, 05:24 PM
I use a 27" magnetic. Mounted on the right rear corner of the hood. I also had the SWR checked & tweaked. Does a real nice job, plus it doesn't knock too many leaves outta the trees.
Steve
08-02-2008, 05:52 PM
Antennas need to be on the same ground as the radio. Look for a ground wire in the base.
little_red_cherokee
08-02-2008, 07:27 PM
Have you checked the SWR?

I also noticed you had it set on the back rear corner last week. For a ground plane antenna to work good, it needs a flat surface around it to cut SWR down and to be able to work correctly. Try putting it in the middle of the roof above the interior dome light. That should be far enough ahead of the rack to work better.

Rick


the way i have the antenna cable routed itd be a pain in the a@@ to move. how do i check the SWR? i'll try that first
belltom
08-02-2008, 08:47 PM
the way i have the antenna cable routed itd be a pain in the a@@ to move. how do i check the SWR? i'll try that first

You can buy or borrow a SWR meter, or if you are lucky like I was, the place I bought my Wilson antannae from adjusted the SWR for free.
Don
08-02-2008, 09:19 PM
--snip--. how do i check the SWR? i'll try that first

If I had known, I would have brought my meter last weekend.
RecycledTeen
08-02-2008, 11:31 PM
I will bring mine this weekend and we'll check it Sat morning if you don't get it checked before.

'teen
little_red_cherokee
08-03-2008, 09:13 AM
I will bring mine this weekend and we'll check it Sat morning if you don't get it checked before.

'teen


sweet that'd be awesome