I have installed a Uniden Pro520XL, firestik fire-ring coax, firestik 4' whip. I am getting power from the aftermarket cd player's constant power source and grounding to the metal frame behind the cd player area. I have the antenna mounted to the stock roof rack using a firestik fire-ring stud mount.

When I connect the SWR meter I calibrate (set to cal, rotate dial 'till needle is on cal). I then switch over to the SWR setting and key the mic. It pins the needle to the right side, off the scale.

I am new to this cb radio stuff and would love some advice. I'm planning a solo road trip this summer where I'll have NO cell signal, so the cb is a must for safety reasons. I'm willing to try any ideas!

 

try moving the coax cable around a little bit, mine is so touchy it sucks. that did it for me

 

It might not be grounding good on the rack. If you have a lot of extra coax that is coiled up tightly it can cause a higher reading. A coax with a small center conductor will cause higher readings. getting the ground and center switched at the ant ,will definitely cause it to read high if it is the type of ant connector that has them separate. And any large object close to the ant can cause reflection and a high reading.

 

take it off the rack and put it on the body.

P.S. Don't get power ground and RF ground mixed up, they are two different things. RF ground on a rack is gonna suck regardless of what type of coax is used etc etc.

 

Not to hijack the thread, but you did ask for advice...

A CB radio is not gonna help you safety-wise. Their range is short unless you have a "perfect" antenna (most can't achieve this) and/or an amplifier (which is illegal).

You are better off getting your amateur radio "tech" license (easy), installing a 2m/440 rig and getting a repeater handbook (locations/frequencies) for the USA. Much greater range and more helpful people (many are emergency management volunteers) listening to the repeaters. Some repeaters have telephone patching capability that you could, in an emergency, make a phone call from your 2m/440 radio!

IMHO, CB radios are only good for wheeling with a group that is together on a trail. Beyond that it's just static and endless yacking amongst truckers when on the interstate & highways.

FYI, YMMV, IMHO, etc...

 

@ trd taco: that's what most of us use the cb's for anyway, so there's really no need for an expensive radio. however, amateur radio is fun, and i'd like to get me a radio someday