I just purchased a Bearcat 880 to install on my 97 Jeep Wrangler. After the install the radio fails antenna and rf out on channel 40 but passes on channel 1. When the vehicle is running, it passes on all channels with flying colors. I also am getting a lot of noise from the engine. I tested my power leads and there was no noise coming off of them, I tested the antenna by taking it off and the noise went away. This leads me to believe that the antenna is picking up the noise. Could I have a ground issue?
First off,
Welcome to Radio Reference!
As for your issue, I think you are saying that power out and SWR are both OK with the engine running. With the engine off, on Channel 40 both power out and SWR readings fail but on Channel 1 they both pass.
Are you using the meter on the rig to make those readings? If you are, those meter readings tend to be very inaccurate. Two things that you need to adequately test your rig is a "Dummy Load" and a "SWR/Power Meter" between the rig and the dummy load. Can you find those from perhaps a friend or a CB Club in your area?
As for the noise, it is not clear to me if you are hearing "Atmospheric Noise" or "Alternator Whine" or some other noise. Can you turn the "Squelch" control knob clockwise and have the noise go away (with the antenna connected)? That is the concentric ring marked "SQ" on the left side of the rig where the Volume and On/Off knob is located. Can you describe the noise or attach a short audio clip (WAV or MP3/MP4) for us to hear?
Please let us know the answers to these questions and we will go from there. Thanks!
Cheers! Dave
