Is Your ant Closet to the Cab? If So that is part of The Problem!
That was my first thought also until I read over the post again. He said it’s next to the tailgate.
Is Your ant Closet to the Cab? If So that is part of The Problem!
Yes continuity from antenna to truck.
After digging and doing more research. Coax cable that I have is too long in length. The other coax cable that I used was too short. I found the formula to correctly measure length of coax which takes into account the velocity factor. I have 30 feet of LMR 400 and the new cable that was ordered will be 9 feet shorter. I am running a 2:1 swr Because that cable is a full wavelength with a quarter wave antenna. The new stud mount will be here Friday and we will see what happens after I put it all back together. Everything else checks out owned metered tested this is the only variable that I can think of
Also, the bible of Mobile Amateur Radio Installation is:
www.K0BG.com
Deals with every aspect.
My first post in your thread mirrors my use of this resource: be willing to keep untying the knot by mentally starting over.
Going over one’s install via his categories is the lowest-effort approach (believe it or not). Each category heading is a potential start over point (is how to approach it).
— The categories refer to each other, as each has a bearing on the other. One can go in circles.
There’s a beginning and an ending. End of Phase One (where you are) is that the equipment is installed and nothing’s blown up or caught fire.
Phase Two is verifying componentry is correctly installed, and (indeed) something or several somethings is off.
— RF BOND
— ANTENNA GROUND
are what I’d suspect from this distance.
Thus,
ANTENNA MOUNT
is where I’d open that mighty tome and make notes during the second reading. One might wander around with links the first go-thru, but go back to the DIRECT wording of this section.
Maybe it’s the most important section.
.
I am wondering if maybe the bed is aluminum? They are building car/truck bodies that are aluminum so it could be a factor.
Bed is steel. I agree. I’m not in a rush I want it done right. Not half assed. I have gained patience. Worked outside in the Texas heat for 12 hours so I’m not touching it today. Yes I will get some pics tomorrow. Mount arrives tomorrow. Canceled coax order. Coax tested good.
REALLY APPRECIATE THE HELP