I really appreciate all of the responses.
No, I have not had anyone look at my radio. I don't know anyone who is interested in the hobby in my town other than myself, so I don't have a way to get the radio tuned up. I'm stuck with the factory settings for the time being until I find a tech who can improve my radio.
As for my installation being the problem, it could be. I just have it wired to the fuse panel, grounded under the dash. My power cables are not long enough to wire directly to the battery, but I figured since it's a stock radio and i'm not running any power, this is fine for now. I'm also not getting any engine noise in my receive like I was with my Cobra 19 Ultra III that I upgraded from.
as for the antenna being wrong, It's just a mag mount. stuck it to the center of my roof and I'm getting low SWR readings. hard to mess that one up isn't it?
Today I plan to drive out to an elevated spot and try calling CQ on LSB. I'll let you all know if this improves my luck. Generally I try on 38 where it's the busiest, maybe I need to try a less crowded channel. I have noticed that anytime i drive out on the prairie where it's a lot flatter, It's a lot easier to be heard locally. Sounds cleaner too.
No, I have not had anyone look at my radio. I don't know anyone who is interested in the hobby in my town other than myself, so I don't have a way to get the radio tuned up. I'm stuck with the factory settings for the time being until I find a tech who can improve my radio.
As for my installation being the problem, it could be. I just have it wired to the fuse panel, grounded under the dash. My power cables are not long enough to wire directly to the battery, but I figured since it's a stock radio and i'm not running any power, this is fine for now. I'm also not getting any engine noise in my receive like I was with my Cobra 19 Ultra III that I upgraded from.
as for the antenna being wrong, It's just a mag mount. stuck it to the center of my roof and I'm getting low SWR readings. hard to mess that one up isn't it?
Today I plan to drive out to an elevated spot and try calling CQ on LSB. I'll let you all know if this improves my luck. Generally I try on 38 where it's the busiest, maybe I need to try a less crowded channel. I have noticed that anytime i drive out on the prairie where it's a lot flatter, It's a lot easier to be heard locally. Sounds cleaner too.