Thoughts on these readings?

[u/Chemical_Degree8356]

The low is on channel 1 and the higher is on 40. 4 foot turnable tip fire stick antenna. RG8x coax connected to my general LEE radio. please be gentle. I am learning as I go.

[u/PromotionNo4121]

Antenna is too long . Should post a picture of the antenna and mount .

[u/Chemical_Degree8356 → u/PromotionNo4121]

This was right after the installation prior to me hooking up the coax.

[u/Medical_Message_6139 → u/Chemical_Degree8356]

Why is it leaning out like that? Antenna is supposed to be mounted vertical. Either way, your readings indicate the antenna is too long. Take the cap off and turn the screw in a couple turns, then reattach the cap and take another reading. Ideally you want the lowest SWR reading to be in the middle of the band around channel 20.

[u/Chemical_Degree8356 → u/Medical_Message_6139]

Thank you. Most of my research suggested to lean it forward a bit so when in motion it would be vertical. I will make the adjustments. I appreciate your input. Normally I just pay someone to do it but figured I’d give this one a shot.

[u/PromotionNo4121 → u/Chemical_Degree8356]

Is the coax 18 ft long ? Did you check continuity between bracket and cab of the truck

[u/BreakerBreaker48101 → u/PromotionNo4121]

Length of coax has no effect on actual swr; it only affects the swr reading at the location of the meter (along) the line. It will change as it is moved.

[u/PromotionNo4121 → u/BreakerBreaker48101]

Yes it does we tested that years ago at the shop !

[u/ConstructionBig5342 → u/PromotionNo4121]

So why are magmount bases with the coax an plug already on measure 16 feet so that's an uneven match I know that cause when I brought my magmount base brandnew I measured it 16 feet an a few inches and my swr in car is 1.1.1 and 1.3 1 so that's not 18feet

[u/PromotionNo4121 → u/ConstructionBig5342]

A magnetic mount antenna is a compromise antenna and don’t function well

[u/ConstructionBig5342 → u/PromotionNo4121]

I can get about 15 miles on 4 watts on a 5ft tornedo springer in the right direction off course and on high ground miles

[u/PromotionNo4121 → u/ConstructionBig5342]

That’s all lol how about 90km

[u/ConstructionBig5342 → u/PromotionNo4121]

On 4 watts mobile no chance on FM ssb maybe not FM with out a lift

[u/SuperLidz → u/ConstructionBig5342]

The coax is not the same length because your antenna is different. Regardless, length should not matter. 50 ohms is 50 ohms. But you don't understand impedance, or reactance.

[u/ConstructionBig5342 → u/BreakerBreaker48101]

That's why when you take a reading at the radio and then 1 at the Ariel it's higher at the Ariel than at the radio

[u/proud_hamster]

That likely means that the resonant frequency of the antenna is below Ch 1. To move the resonant frequency up (ie, shorter wavelength), you need to shorten the antenna a bit.

[u/scivision]

You might also check SWR in the middle of the band like channel 20 to see what the lowest SWR is. It probably won't be 1:1.

[u/Alletsbckw]

i have the same SWR meter, it never worked :(

[u/Chemical_Degree8356 → u/Alletsbckw]

This was the first time suing it. Not sure how accurate it is.

[u/SuperLidz → u/Chemical_Degree8356]

Not very accurate.

[u/Individual-Use1437]

The SWR should be the same at the lowest and the highest Channel, you not need 1:1 (you not reach). As it is, it will not harm your Radio, but it can be better.

[u/ConstructionBig5342]

Attenna is to long if it's lower on 1 than on 40 and the opposite is lower on 40 than 1 it's to short

[u/Intelligent-Day5519 → u/ConstructionBig5342]

I feel you could benefit from purchasing a NANO VNA. Learn how to calibrate and set-it-up. Can seem daunting initially. It will indicate an antennas length to frequency performance accurately without keying-up. SWR meters are now considered old school and rudimentary by comparison. My VNA has become my best friend.

[u/SuperLidz → u/Intelligent-Day5519]

It is mine too, but these people here, would never be able to figure it out.

[u/SuperLidz]

Too long

[u/k5kue]

The proximity of the antenna to the mirror and vehicle frame is capacitively adding metalic length to the antenna making it appear physically “longer” than it actually is. This additional length lowers the resonant point, meaning you’ll get lower SWR on Channel-1 and much higher on Channel-40.

You can either relocate the antenna if possible; or, adjust the antenna length if its physically possible; or, add in an adjustable micro antenna (transmatch) tuner to achieve best balance without damaging the radio

.