terryb

Channel 1 is 1.03 and channel 22 is 1.31. Can you explain your calculation regarding gain and power. Went completely over my head.

Just got my dummy load and now I’m totally confused. With the dummy load I get 3.0 watts on channel 1 and 9.5 watts on channel 22. With the antenna with good swr readings as listed above I get 3.66 watts and 15.06 watts respectively. I verified the results with my buddies swr meter. Shouldn’t I get max output with the dummy load?

Yes I did already change the cable, just out of ideas. I agree on the meter issue other than it did read 4.37 before. Also, and I have no clue how accurate the bars on the radio are, but I got full bars on channel 1 before and now only get partial bars. This would tend to confirm the meter reading. Edit 6/7/2020: I ordered a dummy load and will be able to test the accuracy of the meter once I get it.

Just for grins I went back to the Midland antenna and got the same results as with the Laird. So the only difference is the mount, which I can't see making any difference, and the antenna cable which dramatically improved the SWR. I did check ground on the new mount and it was fine. Also checked ground at the cable and verified no shorts between the cable copper wire and copper mesh. Should I order a new cable? Or any other thoughts.

Wanted to follow up on my results after installing new equipment. Laird BB4505CS - 32 inch 450-470 MHz Laird cable Fender mount from Right Channels that installs between below the start of the O on Rubicon Channel 1 PWR 3.59 Ref 0 SWR 1.03 Channel 22 PWR 15 Ref 0.3 SWR 1.31 Interestingly enough replacing the cable gave me the largest improvement in SWR. From 1.72 to 1.03 and this was after the new mount and the antenna was cut for the GMRS frequencies. I'm curious why the Channel 1 power dropped from 4.37 when the SWR was 2.43 to 3.59 when I've got a great SWR. On the other hand the high power channels went from 8.01 to 15.

Excellent point, but I did run a ground strap and verified with meter. I noticed during installation that on the JL the mounting bolt is going into a nut which is installed in a piece of plastic so there is no ground unless you run your own. Honestly, it's a pretty ill-conceived product. Kind of surprised out of Rugged Radios. Interesting you see little ref. Could the fact you're using a quarter wave make that big a difference? Not asking you specifically, just wondering out loud.

Nice JT. I'll get a new mid-sized antenna and try moving my mount forward. If that doesn't do it, I'll go with one of the mounts you recommended. How low did you get your swr with that setup? Thanks a lot Marcspaz!

Thanks for the fast responses. Here's a photo of the mounting. I was afraid of that. I could move the bracket to the mounting screw that is farther forward in the photo. That would provide about 9" separation at the bottom of the antenna. Would that be sufficient? Marcspaz, what antenna and cable would you recommend? https://surfinjeepsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_1318.jpg

I've previously used a CB on my Jeep and am switching over to GMRS, which I know nothing about and there doesn't seem to be a lot of tuning info on the Internet. I'm getting high SWR readings and not sure how to fix since it's unlike readings I've ever seen on CB's. Here's my setup. Midland MXT275 15W Midland MXT26 6dB gain antenna Midland MXT24 6m antenna cable My antenna is mounted on the drivers side window cowl (not a lot of options on a soft top Jeep). The bottom of the antenna is about 2" from the driver's window support beam (whatever it's called), 8" in the middle and 15" at the top. The bracket I bought goes into a nut which was mounted in a piece of plastic so I added a ground strap (verified ground with DMM). The cable is ran away from electronics as much as possible and the extra is tied in a figure eight pattern. No kinks and tested for continuity. I'm testing with a Youmei RS-50 SWR meter. I can't find any decent directions but it seems pretty simple, although I could be misreading it. Here's the readings I get and any confirmation that I'm reading this properly would be great. Channel PWR REF SWR 1 4.37 1.26 2.43 7 4.34 1.22 2.43 15 8.01 2.45 2.48 Looks to me like I'm getting horrible SWR. I have not cut the antenna but since all the readings are close together would that do any good? I'm used to a CB where you adjust the antenna based on whether the bottom or top channel is lower or higher than the other. The only thing I can think of is the position of the antenna being so close to the metal window surround. Any input is appreciated. P.S. - Why am I only getting 8W on channel 15?