CB Radio SWR question...

[DK327]

So I bought a used Cobra 18 WX ST II CB radio last month, installed it under the radio in the DIN slot and paired it with a Wilson Little Wil magnet mount antenna. After tuning it, I've achieved 1:1 SWR on Channel 20 and 2:1 on 1 and 40.

I then bought a used 4' Firestik FS II antenna from a member here, along with the Drifter mount, installed and tested to see how it performed, compared to the Wilson mag mount. The SWR seemed to be a bit higher on Ch 20 (1.2:1) but lower on 1 and 40 (1.5:1)

The Wilson had better reception but also picked up more noise. I did radio checks with both antennas and got a good copy from same person so their performance seems to be comparable.

Here is my question... Why is the SWR like a "V" with Wilson but more like a "U" with the Firestik? Is it a steel whip vs a fiberglass thing or is it because Wilson is a foot shorter @ 3 feet? I love the idea of having low SWR across the entire band but also like hearing weaker guys coming thru...

Also, if possible, I'd love to be able to keep the SWR under 1.5:1 on 1 and 40 with the Wilson antenna, does anyone know a trick to do this?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MFreund]

The Wilson should be tuneable. Check the top, there should be allen bolts that you can loosen and adjust SWR.

I am not a fan of Firestick. The plastic breaks and wires corrode and then your radio could burn out the finals. I have never been able to get them to last.

As for shape, you can get different reception just by cloud cover change on the same day. "More noise" by the Wilson means it works better. Should be able to tune that out with rf gain knob

 

[loafer]

you will get better reception if the antenna is placed in the center of your roof. the Wilson rocks .I have the Wilson 1000

 

[having fun]

If you bought the Wilson NIB. It should have a pamphlet showing tuning procedures, and a graph where it's peak tuning is around the ch 20 range and showing where it tunes like a V or U you are stating from factory.

The more center on the roof helps, and the better the model you get also lowers the outer channels down like the fire stick.

I have the 5000. ch1-1.2, ch40-1.25, ch20-1.1