Need advice Installing and trimming TRAM 1486

[WRYD530]

Just got my TRAM 1486 and would like to get some help on trimming. Obviously don’t want to over trim. I use all GMRS frequencies and repeaters also. Anyone else think they have theirs trimmed perfectly. And yes i do have the instructions but first hand experience is better. Also recommendations on mounting to house.

[WRVQ464]

I recommend you measure per the instructions for your target frequency, my target was 462MHz.  Cut just beyond your measurement mark, leaving a little extra, ~1/16".  I was concerned I might snip off more than desired.  Then use a file to remove the remainder to your mark. My SWR is 1.0 to 1.4 depending on the frequency and wattage, good enough for me.

[OffRoaderX]

I just read the words on the instruction sheet and did what they said.. SWR was 1.01:1 on the first try.

I mounted mine on a 10foot mast side-mounted to the chimney.

[tcp2525]

I cut mine to 467 as I mostly use repeaters. Perfect SWR on 467 and 1.3:1 on 462. I used a NanoVNA to sweep it. Of course, I double checked with the old Bird when done. Simply perfect.

[WRYD530]

Thanks for the advice on the trimming slightly long then filing. Actually i was going to mount mine to the chimney which is at least 20ft plus a 10 ft pole that should be some decent height considering my truck gets 40miles to a repeater. Only thing is if i fall i probably will never work again. Well it is for gmrs so totally worth it. Maybe i can steal a cherry picker for a few hours. Anyway… cable recommendations? 50ft probably. 

[WRYD530]

Got the antenna trimmed and hooked up. 20ft of cable for now. Got a SWR of 1.42. Seems pretty good. Will it improve after I take the meter off? Is there some losses from all the connectors in testing?

[SteveShannon]

Just now, WRYD530 said:

Got the antenna trimmed and hooked up. 20ft of cable for now. Got a SWR of 1.42. Seems pretty good. Will it improve after I take the meter off? Is there some losses from all the connectors in testing?

There are losses from connectors, more in some grades of equipment. I still prefer to leave my swr/power meter connected in-line. If something strange happens it’s sure easier to diagnose. 
Having the meter off should not affect the SWR, unless it’s a really poor meter.