RK-56, SWR issue

[JCH]

Howdy, new here. I just bought an RK-56 a few weeks ago, using an old Cobra 25 LTD Classic, when i put my hand on the mic, my receive drops off on my radio. It's noticeable on the rx/tx meter on the radio and audibly. Any ideas what might be causing this. The radio does not do this with an old stock Cobra mic.

A separate issue, my SWR meter needle swings around depending on where i hold the mic, if my hand is near the meter, etc. I've got problems but don't know where. Might be my plastic bed on my Toyota causing the SWR issue, i do have the antenna mount grounded to frame via 10ga wire.

I appreciate any help.

 

[Beetle]

Check all the connections in the mike, especially the shield or shields. Sounds like a broken connection to ground.

For the SWR issue, best thing to do is bond everything together into one continuous metallic structure. This includes the four corners of the bed to the chassis/frame. The hinges on the hood, doors and tailgate. The exhaust/tailpipe.

 

[AudioShockwav]

What type of antenna are you using, and where do you have it mounted?

Might be my plastic bed on my Toyota causing the SWR issue,

Take a look at this thread:
http://www.worldwidedx.com/installation-station-setup/68964-high-swr.html

Regarding High SWR with a Plastic Pickup bed.

73
Jeff

 

[JCH]

It's a wilson 2000, load is just above the cab. Mounted in the front corner of the passenger side bed. I have it grounded, i'm working on grounding all the other body panel components. The mic gives me the reds since it's new, but that's the way it goes. I appreciate the information.

 

[JCH]

I think I have my SWR issue solved. Next question: could a broken mic shield wire adversely affect the SWR reading. I get SWR readings of 1.1 Ch 1 and 1.7 Ch 40 with the stock Cobra Mic, but around 3 or so with the RK, and it varies depending on where i hold the mic in relation to the radio, me etc (as I stated in my initial post). I'm thinking bad mic wire at this time? Any opinions?

FYI, I ran ground strips from my hood to the front quarters, and one more from my truck frame to the cab, seems to have solved my SWR issue. The linked thread was a big help since I have the same truck. Glad i found this place, I had to wing it back 15 yrs ago when I got into this stuff. Thanks a lot.

 

[hotrod]

I think I have my SWR issue solved. Next question: could a broken mic shield wire adversely affect the SWR reading. I get SWR readings of 1.1 Ch 1 and 1.7 Ch 40 with the stock Cobra Mic, but around 3 or so with the RK, and it varies depending on where i hold the mic in relation to the radio, me etc (as I stated in my initial post). I'm thinking bad mic wire at this time? Any opinions?

FYI, I ran ground strips from my hood to the front quarters, and one more from my truck frame to the cab, seems to have solved my SWR issue. The linked thread was a big help since I have the same truck. Glad i found this place, I had to wing it back 15 yrs ago when I got into this stuff. Thanks a lot.

if you have a broken wire it may be affecting yourreading. also turn down mic gain
all the way i find that background noise can make your swr needle jump like crazy
your swr with the stock mic sounds fair . also tells me being ch. 40 is higher than 1
ya should try shorting your whip by sliding it down farther or cutting 1/8 inch
of the bottom then reinsert it again then check.make sure your doors are all shut.
id have the rk56 checked out sounds like there might be wires touching or not making solid contact . just mho

 

[Beetle]

If there's a conductor in the mike cable that's carrying RF because of a bad connection or missing or broken shield, it can act as a counterpoise, and can certainly cause the SWR reading to change all over the place.

 

[JCH]

OK, i think the mic/mic cord is the problem. I really appreciate your help.

 

[hotrod]

If there's a conductor in the mike cable that's carrying RF because of a bad connection or missing or broken shield, it can act as a counterpoise, and can certainly cause the SWR reading to change all over the place.

thats what i was thinking but wasnt sure

 

[JCH]

JIC some one else has an issue, here are the fixes to my issues: My mic wire tested OK, I re-grounded my radio and fixed the mic issue.

Re-soldered my coax ends on, too, since I did a crappy job on the shield wire the first time. Ground straps from hood to body (as previously stated) and ground strap from cab to frame. Antenna bracket is grounded to frame via 12 ga. wire. Yielded very low SWR, 1.1 range.

It's difficult to find a good ground on this Jap truck, but we got it done.