I did see in the reviews on amazon people having to return theirs because of an unknown high SWR issue.
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SWR on new radio but already tuned antenna QT-60 PRO
- Thread starter Zjdre
- Start date
slowmover
Active Member
slowmover
Active Member
Probably/Possbly. But inadequate AWG size, connection and inferior antenna means be systematic as it’ll have to be done anyway.
Yes, you are correct. However they were not made by an idiot with a wholesaw in his driveway. though I will have to drill a hole eventually so we shall see.
slowmover
Active Member
This idiot put it off awhile. Not home much being a truck driver.
Measure & Drill Pilot
Drill plate bolt holes
Use Radio Punch to cut through.
Mount.
A lot more work than an NMO.
As you’re on RR, you’ll find that a search of posts by @mmckenna will solve the problem re NMO. Tool choices, methods, cautions.
Several pro mechanic friends describe vehicle work as
The tool is the job.
His posts are also a resource of Where to Mount Antenna if other radios will come into play in future.
As well as advice on coax & wiring.
I started here before being at this forum:
The Bible of Mobile Radio Installation.
Before you hit the parts store, read the section on “Wiring”.
All that you learn and employ benefits all whom depend upon you. And you become a man experienced (even if only a little) as those around you decide to try their hand.
Experience as a truck driver with a great radio system means to me a confidence that I’ll Hear, and Get Heard. I can’t overemphasize how much that can matter.
.
Last edited:
707ways2Sunday
Member
Do you have anyway to try the radio elsewhere. Like on a friends base or mobile?
I do not sadly. trying to talk to friends about radio stuff brings long stares and little interest.
robertwbob
KE0WRU
my q 6666 i tried in 1 truck.factory wireing is too light. keyed mic n blanked screen out but came back on saying low voltage. its not my truck n im not rewiring it . ran good heavy wires to console in my cadallac esclade,hooked it up and it worked just fine. never got to the swr issue in the truck. used antenna anylizer and its dead on for 11 meters using a wilson mag mount that looks like hell but works great.
They do make NMO mounts in 3/8. that does not require a hole saw and is alot stronger than the 3/4 in my opinion
niceguy71
Active Member
Is the RF Gain turned to max??..... Sometimes it gets turned down on mine and I don't notice it until I notice I'm not hearing anyone......If not you will not hear much.....
Are you checking SWR on AM???? You cannot check SWR on sideband... It will not work it has to be on AM
Are you on BAND D?????
I've never had a firestick actually work worth a damn.... They do tune up nice and easy... But I never have had anyone talk more than a few miles with a firestick .. and the 3 foot ... They honestly are terrible
And finally
just so people know this is actually me....
For cheap money try a $55.00 Tram 3500 on the center of the roof ...if you have a metal roof (hard to find these days).. but for $55.00 with free shipping it would be cheap to play with and see how it does....I've set up quite a few on people's vehicles and they tube up easy and work pretty good ....
Tram® 3,500-Watt 26 MHz to 30 MHz Heavy-Duty Trucker CB Magnet Antenna Kit in Silver
Read reviews and buy Tram® 3,500-Watt 26 MHz to 30 MHz Heavy-Duty Trucker CB Magnet Antenna Kit in Silver at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.
www.target.com
I agree, isolate the problem to
On these radios FM is best for checking SWR, if you make any noise in the mic on AM the power will fluctuate.Is the RF Gain turned to max??..... Sometimes it gets turned down on mine and I don't notice it until I notice I'm not hearing anyone......If not you will not hear much.....
Are you checking SWR on AM???? You cannot check SWR on sideband... It will not work it has to be on AM
Are you on BAND D?????
I've never had a firestick actually work worth a damn.... They do tune up nice and easy... But I never have had anyone talk more than a few miles with a firestick .. and the 3 foot ... They honestly are terrible
And finally
just so people know this is actually me....
For cheap money try a $55.00 Tram 3500 on the center of the roof ...if you have a metal roof (hard to find these days).. but for $55.00 with free shipping it would be cheap to play with and see how it does....I've set up quite a few on people's vehicles and they tube up easy and work pretty good ....
Good luckTram® 3,500-Watt 26 MHz to 30 MHz Heavy-Duty Trucker CB Magnet Antenna Kit in Silver
Read reviews and buy Tram® 3,500-Watt 26 MHz to 30 MHz Heavy-Duty Trucker CB Magnet Antenna Kit in Silver at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.
robertwbob
KE0WRU
i know i hear bad but a good quality mag mount will work. im using 2 diffrent 1s on my pickup n cadallac esclade. location on roof is best centered and run coax in where it wont get crushed
Yes I have the RF gain turned to the max(as in I can hear the static) also all the squelch turned off,
Yes, I moved the pin inside the radio and have it on band D and I was on AM. I figured there was no point of even fiddiling with side band till I got it antenna tuned,
It seems like it picks up better than my Wilson lil wil but only just a bit
I have been eyeing up a Hustler IC56 but I am not sure if that would be a good antenna option. I have a 2012 crew cab dodge so it does have a steel roof.And finally
just so people know this is actually me....
For cheap money try a $55.00 Tram 3500 on the center of the roof ...if you have a metal roof (hard to find these days).. but for $55.00 with free shipping it would be cheap to play with and see how it does....I've set up quite a few on people's vehicles and they tube up easy and work pretty good ....
Good luckTram® 3,500-Watt 26 MHz to 30 MHz Heavy-Duty Trucker CB Magnet Antenna Kit in Silver
Read reviews and buy Tram® 3,500-Watt 26 MHz to 30 MHz Heavy-Duty Trucker CB Magnet Antenna Kit in Silver at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.
I did not try to put the radio on FM while tuning. I will give it a try when I get the heavier leads for the radio
You can also turn the higher power radios down to about 10w in FM mode when doing SWR checks in case your battery or cigarette lighter feed is not so good for higher power.
Nothin' wrong with being frugal!
It is definitely your calling card
slowmover
Active Member
A 102” on my 2004 Dodge is just above 15’ clearance
Not only too tall, but whips around at speed
There are a number of 7’ that will keep you to 14’ or lower depending on roof height. Flexible whip atop a base load or mid-coil which will remain steadily upright.
5’ a minimum, 6-7’ ideal depending on the rest of the antenna system.
.
Davidbt
Member
The Tram 3500 has been working great for me on ssb. Don't have much traffic around me on am so far.
robertwbob
KE0WRU
long lower rod on hustler blue center load top stinger spring mounted on fender mount on my 1991 ram 150. not ideal but coil is above cab. actually works decent too. shot skip mobile many times lately
