FJ Cruisers of Northern California
CB antenna tuning
I decided to install a CB antenna for my Midland 75-822; however, I've been running into problems. I'm using a Boztec mount, Vanco antenna mount, Vanco springs, and Vanco 18' coax with a Firestik II 3' tuneable antenna. When I tune it through my SWR meter, it's giving me a reading of 3ish (along the middle of the red). I know this is bad, but I can't figure out the problem. I calibrate it and everything. I'm new to CB radios and was wondering if I made a bad choice in buying Vanco products. I've never heard of this brand before. Everything was bought new and I sanded down the Boztec mount and hinge very well so I don't think that's the problem. It appears to be grounded pretty well, but I could be wrong. I sanded again even more today and still the same problem. I've been tuning it on my driveway so I don't know if there's any interference. Has anyone experience a similar problem? Maybe I should switch all of my Vanco (Fry's Electronics) parts to Firestik to ensure compatibility? That's the only solution I can think of at this point. Thanks.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by FJ luvr on
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I bought the same CB & Boztec mount, but used Firestik for everything else. I tuned mine in my driveway & got swr readings between 1 & 1.5. I watched a YouTube vid & the guy said to tune it away from buildings & other obstruction. Make sure you don't have a pinch in your cable & that it's a high quality. Firestik's website & other sites talks about the importance of a good cable. Hope this helps.
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Permalink Reply by SJFJ 4x4 on
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Hmm, interesting. I think it is my cable. I saw the YouTube video as well and I even tried tuning near a ballpark with nothing around me, but it still had the same reading. Thanks for the advice.
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Yup, checked it carefully and thoroughly yesterday. I even took the whole thing apart and put it back together, but still the same. The connections to the SWR meter, radio, and antenna were good, too.
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Permalink Reply by DWH on
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Are the connectors you used screw on, solder on or pre-attached? When I did mine I used the solder type. I ended with SWRs really high. Turns out there was one stray strand of wire touching where it was not supposed to. Once I corrected that, it was golden at about 1.5 or so. I have the same CB and I cannot remember what brands the other components were.
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I used the screw on type. I did took a piece of plastic washer out since it seemed to get in the way. I'll try putting it back on to see if that's the problem. Thanks for the advice. These things are trickier than I thought.
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Permalink Reply by Aeon on
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Hey SJ,
I've got the same exact problem with my 4' Firestik. SWR is around 3, and tuning the tip doesn't do much.
The interesting thing is that with my 102" whip antenna my SWR is extremely low.
I am running a boztec mount (with plastic properly oriented), a firestik stud mount, firestik spring, and firestik quick disconnect.
One thing I figured out is if I remove the quick disconnect I can drop the SWR a bit, but it's still much higher than it should be. (cant remember exactly, was weeks ago).
Firestik has a troubleshooting list and I've gone up and down it with no improvement. Interested to know if you make any progress.
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Permalink Reply by rotorhead on
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It's very uncommon but there could be a short in the firestik. If you have a multimeter, do a continuity check from the antenna threads to the tip.
Check this page for more troubleshooting information.
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To add, you could also test the coax for shorts as well. But since you're 102" whip gets good SWR's than that shouldn't be a problem.
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I'll try connecting it with a Firestik coax, stud mount, and spring to see if that's the problem. I will update my progress and let you know how it goes. Time to go shopping online again! :o) Always addicting when it comes to FJ parts, even if it's just for a bolt or something.
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