Wilson trucker 2000

[MNTSIDE]

So here's my problem
Had an older trucker 2000 on the truck and had no problem getting a 1.03 SWR reading, while adjusting I stripped one of the set screws and attempted to replace the upper mast , that didn't work out so bought a new antenna (trucker 2000).
Now I can't get the SWRs down below 1.38
I'm thinking Wilson has lowered there standards in construction of the antennas.Also tried a second new antenna and had the same results, anyone else having these issues???

All coax, mounts ,and studs are all new, and all measurements are being done using a AA35 zoom analyzer.

would be looking for any suggestions on an other brand of antenna that can be tuned a little better

Thanks

 

[undertaker]

1.38 swr is just fine..

 

[MNTSIDE]

1.38 swr is just fine..

Yes I know, but I'm always looking to make it the best it can be ....LOL

 

[Slowmover]

Under 2.1:1 fine.
1.5:1 optimal.
1.1:1 doesn’t really exist.

Otherwise identical vehicles one VIN digit apart will have differences. If the rest of the antenna system is new, 1:38:1 would make me happy.

An SWR meter doesn’t do a lot. Think of it as a set of GO/NO GO Feeler Gauges.

Your RigExpert AA35 can do a good bit more. How about other readings? What truck brand, model and/or spec? Pics of antenna mount. Etc.

My truck was showing an increase in SWR, so, while waiting in line yesterday afternoon at Blue Beacon — and finishing this morning — I removed, inspected and used onboard substitutes for every piece of gear from coax feed and back.

Took the WILSON 2000 pair off and put the Peterbilt OEM antennas back on. Wasn’t having much luck.

In the meantime SWR was 2.4-2.6:1 and nothing much was changing it no matter what I swapped or re-arranged.

Antennas cleaned polished tightened this morning and we were back to the normal readings: 1.01:1 without amp installed, and 1.14:1 with amp installed and running.

One antenna was loose going into coil.

At 1.8:1, yeah, I’d have kept searching.
1.4:1 I wouldn’t.

Got a decent bit of feedback on where to set mic gain. That was the apple pie for dessert.

Welcome to WWDX!!


.

 

[Slowmover]

Wilson 2000 are known for collecting condensation in the coil housing. Solution is to drill two (2) holes near outer edge and straight across from each other. Larger than 1/4”, but not much.

Vertical shell meets top & bottom flush, not dov-tailed. Stay “inside” (away) from vertical portion of shell. (Mine are 6.5+ years with this mod). Almost to that join, but not quite.

Dont let drill bit hit coil metal.

Just ease thru housing on the underside.

Re-check you have lock washers in all positions per Wilson diagram. (I’ve lost one inner tooth lock washer).

BELLS CB has parts list.

.

 

[MNTSIDE]

Wilson 2000 are known for collecting condensation in the coil housing. Solution is to drill two (2) holes near outer edge and straight across from each other. Larger than 1/4”, but not much.

Vertical shell meets top & bottom flush, not dov-tailed. Stay “inside” (away) from vertical portion of shell. (Mine are 6.5+ years with this mod). Almost to that join, but not quite.

Dont let drill bit hit coil metal.

Just ease thru housing on the underside.

Re-check you have lock washers in all positions per Wilson diagram. (I’ve lost one inner tooth lock washer).

BELLS CB has parts list.

.

Thanks for the reply slowmover
Yeah everthing is brand new, including the truck and showing on the ohm meter that all grounding is good ....
My biggest complaint here is that the old Wilson tune in mint and the stock fiberglass antenna that came on the truck tuned mint
But the new Wilson’s (and I’ve tried 2 of them) are not tuning in that well, and I know that a 1.4 or 1.3 is more than good , I guess I’m just over thinking it

 

[Slowmover]

Ohm meter use corresponds to DC Ground more so than to RF Bond (also called “ground”).

www.k0bg.com

For discussion on Bonding (and all other aspects of mobile radio installations).

Bonds across door hinges; from cab to frame at the four corners, etc.

 

[MNTSIDE]

Thanks for the reply slowmover
Yeah everthing is brand new, including the truck and showing on the ohm meter that all grounding is good ....
My biggest complaint here is that the old Wilson tune in mint and the stock fiberglass antenna that came on the truck tuned mint
But the new Wilson’s (and I’ve tried 2 of them) are not tuning in that well, and I know that a 1.4 or 1.3 is more than good , I guess I’m just over thinking it

Oh and I keep forgetting to mention
I’m tuning with a rig expert antenna analyzer and tryin to get resistance and the reactance right , got the R-to about 50ohms give or take but can’t seem to get the X- down below the upper teens ....

 

[Slowmover]

Oh and I keep forgetting to mention
I’m tuning with a rig expert antenna analyzer and tryin to get resistance and the reactance right , got the R-to about 50ohms give or take but can’t seem to get the X- down below the upper teens ....View attachment 43658

I need one (some form of analyzer).


What truck brand-model?

Factory or aftermarket mount?

Pix?

And, Welcome to WWDX!

.
.

 

[MNTSIDE]

I need one (some form of analyzer).


What truck brand-model?

Factory or aftermarket mount?

Pix?

And, Welcome to WWDX!

.
.

It’s a 2021 Peterbilt 389
All new coax and mounts. Not using the factory mirror mount

 

[Slowmover]

Back of the sleeper?

 

[MNTSIDE]

Back of the sleeper?

Driver side mirror
On a aluminum antenna bracket with a pro comm heavy duty stud

 

[M0GVZ]

Yes I know, but I'm always looking to make it the best it can be ....LOL

You will notice zero difference between 1:1 and even 1.5:1. Some things are just not worth chasing.

Notice you have it mounted on the driver's mirror which I find mildly amusing given your comment about the SWR. From an antenna point of view mirror mounting provides a very poor RF ground which affects signal strength and noise.

 

[Big Sky Boomer]

Wilson Antennas sold out several years ago. I wonder if manufacturing went to China? The old ones were made in Las Vegas. I went to the factory once but they wouldn't give me a tour. :-( The old Wilson company I believe is still around but they only deal with cell phone stuff now. I think Wilson is the best there is.