Copper Talk » Open Forum » Archived Messages » 2002 » Archived Messages 02/01/2002 to 04/31/2002 » Stop me from drilling a hole....???Read on « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ohiobiker
Posted on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 8:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I own a 1988 Ford E-150 Van, I was wanting to put my antenna on the spare tire mount on the left rear door,(driverside) Well that is where it is for now anyhow. Here is my problem: I can't get the #@%$# SWR to drop below 1 to 2.5, Just below the Red Zone, I am tuneing for 27.5 Megs....I have used a 108 whip and got it down to as low as 2 but that is it. In the past I have used the Wilson-1000 on the top of all my other vans but was wanting to use something different this time. I have a Wilson-5000 with the extention on it so the load clears the roof of the van at least by 6-9 inches, with this I can just barely get it out of the red. I have used several different lenghts of coax, different stinger lenghts and even a different load to be sure mine was good. I have tuned till I get so frustrated I just wanna run it as is, with a tuner. But I am not going to do that. I was wondering if you all had any sugestions. Grounding is great, have checked everything repeatedly, just won't come down. I will spend one more day trying to get it right(not a whole day mind you) If not I will then choose something else to use. the Wilson on the top works out well but this van is custom inside and makes drilling impossible, Plus I hate to have to climb up there to set it and if i need to remove it for some reason....Thanks all..........
OHIOBIKER...(seeing RED)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

BIG FOOT
Posted on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 10:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

could try a magnet mount on TOP of the van, and run the coax to the closest door that is NOT used much, or window, put eh MAGNET at ehe center of the top of the van ( measure it ) and make sure it is at LEAST a 3inch magnet..then use WILSON antenna above it or other brand
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dx431
Posted on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 12:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ohiobiker,
try the bumper mount for the whip. And be sure your coax is 18'and use the mini 8 coax.. I use the SS Whip on my Sierra and have a 1.2 VSWR all through the band.....even on the upper freqs.

i.e be sure the radio is well grounded also..i know those conversion vans can be a pain. :-)