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UHF Arial Problem

General Tech Talk

Moderators: toaddog, TWISTY, V8Patrol, Moderators

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Posts: 54
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 2:00 pm
Location: Elimbah Qld

UHF Arial Problem

Post by v8maverick »

Hi guys does any one know if there is a good way to check if your arail is working properly ive been haveing some problems getting people lately
and i think its my arail.
any ideas.?
Ford maverick with 5.0L EFI windsor
Posts: 24
Joined: Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:17 am
Location: nsw

Post by pete_49 »

Swr meter will help just check all the arial cable connections and makes sure they are clean and tight and your base mount is tight. Failing that take it to a cb shop and they will put a SWR meter on it and diagnose any probs,hope this helps.
Posts: 2297
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:23 pm
Location: Melbourne-Australia

Post by MightyMouse »

If you have a multimeter check for continuity - with the antenna unplugged.

Should have a low resistance circuit (<1 Ohm ) between the plugs outer and ground
Should have a low resistance circuit (<1 Ohm ) between the plugs inner and the antenna driven element ( or its mounting bolt if its insulated )

Should NOT have a circuit between the plugs out and inner.

If that doesn't help - then some expert assistance is required as suggested.
( usual disclaimers )

It seemed like a much better idea when I started it than it does now.
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:10 pm
Location: melbourne

Post by metak »

just to make you aware in case you don't know when I went to a 4x4 show the gme sales rep filled me in about db gain the higher it is the longer the range the down side you loose spread he explained it as the football vs pizza theory with the car being in the middle so if your having problems in the hills but not the flat it might be the problem
Posts: 54
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 2:00 pm
Location: Elimbah Qld

Post by v8maverick »

Thank guys ill check with me multimeter.
Ford maverick with 5.0L EFI windsor
Posts: 2297
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:23 pm
Location: Melbourne-Australia

Post by MightyMouse »

Yes metak that's correct.... the higher the gain the flatter the radiation pattern, instead of the transmitted power being directed up as well as out a higher gain antenna tends to flatten the radiation pattern.

Note : the transmitters power output doesn't change - its just "compressed" into a thinner vertical plane giving a greater effective radiating power

On flat country this does generate longer range BUT in hilly country this flat pattern can limit it.

Its a case if "nothing is for free" - so in practice a lower gain antenna may be more useful depending on the terrain you drive
( usual disclaimers )

It seemed like a much better idea when I started it than it does now.
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:33 pm
Location: toowoomba

Post by james0 »

i would just take it too your nearest coms shop, ive had 4 gme's come through the last two weeks with blown pa's, vswr meter will tell you the problem in 1 minute.
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