Talking CB radio antenna.
RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
The antenna end of the cable has no access.
It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.

On 3/4/23 4:49 PM, Thomas wrote:
> Talking CB radio antenna.
> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
>

If you have or can borrow a multimeter, disconnect cable from radio,
pull it back near the antenna, and check for short or open.

Would not recommend a splice as it may distort waveform or signal strength.

Even if it means working with a solder joint at the antenna, best to
replace entire cable.

Assuming it's a trunk mount, can you not run cable under the car to radio ?

Good Luck, and have fun ;-)

Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
> Talking CB radio antenna.
> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?

If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to see it.

Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication that it
is powered on?

> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
>

On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅ wrote:
> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
> > Talking CB radio antenna.
> > RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
> > The antenna end of the cable has no access.
> > It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to see it.
>
> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication that it
> is powered on?
> > It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
> > The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
> > I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
> > I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
> >
Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but no tx that I get answers on.
The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the car door closes on it.
I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action going on in the base for me to damage.
My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
The coax is maybe 15 feet.

In alt.home.repair, on Sat, 4 Mar 2023 15:08:05 -0800 (PST), Thomas
<canope234@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01?PM UTC-5, ? Mighty Wannabe ? wrote:
>> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
>> > Talking CB radio antenna.
>> > RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
>> > The antenna end of the cable has no access.
>> > It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
>> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to see it.
>>
>> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication that it
>> is powered on?
>> > It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
>> > The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
>> > I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
>> > I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
>> >
>Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but no tx that I get answers on.
>The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the car door closes on it.

>I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action going on in the base for me to damage.
>My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
>I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
>The coax is maybe 15 feet.

You can be the judge if this will help.

Disconnect the antenna from the radio. On the far side of the possible
break use a hat pin** to pierce the cable. The shielding won't have
broken, only the center wire, right? But still first check the braid
and then aim the hat pin for the center wire and measure the resistance
from the radio end of the center wire to the pin. Keep probing until
you hit the center wire. I've used pins and I may have once used it for
coax. **a longer than average pin with a knob on top. Corsage pins
are almost as good. Straight pins will work of course but are harder
to use.

Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 6:08 PM:
> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅ wrote:
>> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
>>> Talking CB radio antenna.
>>> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
>>> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
>>> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
>> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to see it.
>>
>> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication that it
>> is powered on?
>>> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
>>> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
>>> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
>>> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
>>>
> Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but no tx that I get answers on.

I don't think you can hear any CB traffic if your coax cable is broken.
If you don't get replies on your tx, then the tx stage of your CB
circuit board might be fried, or your mike is wonky, or nobody bothers
to reply to your tx.

> The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the car door closes on it.
> I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action going on in the base for me to damage.
> My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
> I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
> The coax is maybe 15 feet.

On 3/4/23 6:08 PM, Thomas wrote:
> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅ wrote:
>> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
>>> Talking CB radio antenna.
>>> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
>>> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
>>> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
>> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to see it.
>>
>> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication that it
>> is powered on?
>>> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
>>> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
>>> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
>>> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
>>>
> Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but no tx that I get answers on.
> The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the car door closes on it.
> I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action going on in the base for me to damage.
> My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
> I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
> The coax is maybe 15 feet.

The center conductor of the coax is directly connected to the antenna
itself, by way of the loading coil in the base.

So clip one meter lead to center pin on radio end and, other lead to
antenna (assuming the metal antenna is not covered with plastic or
something)

On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 7:20:53 PM UTC-5, retired1 wrote:
> On 3/4/23 6:08 PM, Thomas wrote:
> > On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅ wrote:
> >> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
> >>> Talking CB radio antenna.
> >>> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
> >>> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
> >>> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
> >> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to see it.
> >>
> >> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication that it
> >> is powered on?
> >>> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
> >>> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
> >>> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
> >>> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
> >>>
> > Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but no tx that I get answers on.
> > The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the car door closes on it.
> > I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action going on in the base for me to damage.
> > My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
> > I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
> > The coax is maybe 15 feet.
> The center conductor of the coax is directly connected to the antenna
> itself, by way of the loading coil in the base.
>
> So clip one meter lead to center pin on radio end and, other lead to
> antenna (assuming the metal antenna is not covered with plastic or
> something)
Excellent. Learned something new. I did like Micky's out of the box thinking before I understood the path.
Weather permitting I will test tomorrow and reply.
So, if open, can I splice? I don't really think the cb is bad.

On 3/4/23 7:32 PM, Thomas wrote:
> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 7:20:53 PM UTC-5, retired1 wrote:
>> On 3/4/23 6:08 PM, Thomas wrote:
>>> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅ wrote:
>>>> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
>>>>> Talking CB radio antenna.
>>>>> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
>>>>> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
>>>>> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
>>>> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to see it.
>>>>
>>>> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication that it
>>>> is powered on?
>>>>> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
>>>>> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
>>>>> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
>>>>> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
>>>>>
>>> Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but no tx that I get answers on.
>>> The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the car door closes on it.
>>> I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action going on in the base for me to damage.
>>> My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
>>> I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
>>> The coax is maybe 15 feet.
>> The center conductor of the coax is directly connected to the antenna
>> itself, by way of the loading coil in the base.
>>
>> So clip one meter lead to center pin on radio end and, other lead to
>> antenna (assuming the metal antenna is not covered with plastic or
>> something)
> Excellent. Learned something new. I did like Micky's out of the box thinking before I understood the path.
> Weather permitting I will test tomorrow and reply.
> So, if open, can I splice? I don't really think the cb is bad.

If you have never spliced coax before, it is not a simple process.
Usually needs special tools, but can be done with wire cutters and knife
if very careful.

Take a look here: https://www.wikihow.com/Splice-Coax-Cable

retired1 wrote on 3/4/2023 8:03 PM:
> On 3/4/23 7:32 PM, Thomas wrote:
>> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 7:20:53 PM UTC-5, retired1 wrote:
>>> On 3/4/23 6:08 PM, Thomas wrote:
>>>> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅
>>>> wrote:
>>>>> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
>>>>>> Talking CB radio antenna.
>>>>>> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson
>>>>>> little wil.
>>>>>> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
>>>>>> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
>>>>> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to
>>>>> see it.
>>>>>
>>>>> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication
>>>>> that it
>>>>> is powered on?
>>>>>> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and
>>>>>> splice it?
>>>>>> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
>>>>>> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna
>>>>>> movement.
>>>>>> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is
>>>>>> about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
>>>>>>
>>>> Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but
>>>> no tx that I get answers on.
>>>> The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the
>>>> car door closes on it.
>>>> I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action
>>>> going on in the base for me to damage.
>>>> My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
>>>> I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The
>>>> base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
>>>> The coax is maybe 15 feet.
>>> The center conductor of the coax is directly connected to the antenna
>>> itself, by way of the loading coil in the base.
>>>
>>> So clip one meter lead to center pin on radio end and, other lead to
>>> antenna (assuming the metal antenna is not covered with plastic or
>>> something)
>> Excellent. Learned something new. I did like Micky's out of the box
>> thinking before I understood the path.
>> Weather permitting I will test tomorrow and reply.
>> So, if open, can I splice?  I don't really think the cb is bad.
>
> If you have never spliced coax before, it is not a simple process.
> Usually needs special tools, but can be done with wire cutters and
> knife if very careful.
>
> Take a look here: https://www.wikihow.com/Splice-Coax-Cable
>

I don't think his car door pinching can break the core wire in a coaxial
cable. The core wire should have high copper content and you need to
deliberately bend the cable at sharp angle numerous times before the
core wire would break.

On Sat, 4 Mar 2023 16:32:34 -0800 (PST), Thomas wrote:

> Excellent. Learned something new. I did like Micky's out of the box
> thinking before I understood the path.

Micky's 'out of the box thinking' is the traditional way to screw with a
neighborhood ham who is interfering with other signals, assuming you can
get to his antenna feed some dark night.

On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 8:13:11 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅ wrote:
> retired1 wrote on 3/4/2023 8:03 PM:
> > On 3/4/23 7:32 PM, Thomas wrote:
> >> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 7:20:53 PM UTC-5, retired1 wrote:
> >>> On 3/4/23 6:08 PM, Thomas wrote:
> >>>> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅
> >>>> wrote:
> >>>>> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
> >>>>>> Talking CB radio antenna.
> >>>>>> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson
> >>>>>> little wil.
> >>>>>> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
> >>>>>> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
> >>>>> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to
> >>>>> see it.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication
> >>>>> that it
> >>>>> is powered on?
> >>>>>> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and
> >>>>>> splice it?
> >>>>>> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
> >>>>>> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna
> >>>>>> movement.
> >>>>>> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is
> >>>>>> about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
> >>>>>>
> >>>> Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but
> >>>> no tx that I get answers on.
> >>>> The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the
> >>>> car door closes on it.
> >>>> I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action
> >>>> going on in the base for me to damage.
> >>>> My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
> >>>> I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The
> >>>> base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
> >>>> The coax is maybe 15 feet.
> >>> The center conductor of the coax is directly connected to the antenna
> >>> itself, by way of the loading coil in the base.
> >>>
> >>> So clip one meter lead to center pin on radio end and, other lead to
> >>> antenna (assuming the metal antenna is not covered with plastic or
> >>> something)
> >> Excellent. Learned something new. I did like Micky's out of the box
> >> thinking before I understood the path.
> >> Weather permitting I will test tomorrow and reply.
> >> So, if open, can I splice? I don't really think the cb is bad.
> >
> > If you have never spliced coax before, it is not a simple process.
> > Usually needs special tools, but can be done with wire cutters and
> > knife if very careful.
> >
> > Take a look here: https://www.wikihow.com/Splice-Coax-Cable
> >
> I don't think his car door pinching can break the core wire in a coaxial
> cable. The core wire should have high copper content and you need to
> deliberately bend the cable at sharp angle numerous times before the
> core wire would break.
I have a backup cb in another car to swap out. Pita but doable.
I will do the coax test first, i hope it is good. If so, the swap will tell..
Everything is about 15 years old.

Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 9:51 PM:
> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 8:13:11 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅ wrote:
>> retired1 wrote on 3/4/2023 8:03 PM:
>>> On 3/4/23 7:32 PM, Thomas wrote:
>>>> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 7:20:53 PM UTC-5, retired1 wrote:
>>>>> On 3/4/23 6:08 PM, Thomas wrote:
>>>>>> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
>>>>>>>> Talking CB radio antenna.
>>>>>>>> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson
>>>>>>>> little wil.
>>>>>>>> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
>>>>>>>> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
>>>>>>> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to
>>>>>>> see it.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication
>>>>>>> that it
>>>>>>> is powered on?
>>>>>>>> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and
>>>>>>>> splice it?
>>>>>>>> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
>>>>>>>> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna
>>>>>>>> movement.
>>>>>>>> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is
>>>>>>>> about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but
>>>>>> no tx that I get answers on.
>>>>>> The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the
>>>>>> car door closes on it.
>>>>>> I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action
>>>>>> going on in the base for me to damage.
>>>>>> My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
>>>>>> I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The
>>>>>> base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
>>>>>> The coax is maybe 15 feet.
>>>>> The center conductor of the coax is directly connected to the antenna
>>>>> itself, by way of the loading coil in the base.
>>>>>
>>>>> So clip one meter lead to center pin on radio end and, other lead to
>>>>> antenna (assuming the metal antenna is not covered with plastic or
>>>>> something)
>>>> Excellent. Learned something new. I did like Micky's out of the box
>>>> thinking before I understood the path.
>>>> Weather permitting I will test tomorrow and reply.
>>>> So, if open, can I splice? I don't really think the cb is bad.
>>> If you have never spliced coax before, it is not a simple process.
>>> Usually needs special tools, but can be done with wire cutters and
>>> knife if very careful.
>>>
>>> Take a look here: https://www.wikihow.com/Splice-Coax-Cable
>>>
>> I don't think his car door pinching can break the core wire in a coaxial
>> cable. The core wire should have high copper content and you need to
>> deliberately bend the cable at sharp angle numerous times before the
>> core wire would break.
> I have a backup cb in another car to swap out. Pita but doable.
> I will do the coax test first, i hope it is good. If so, the swap will tell.
> Everything is about 15 years old.

Why don't you park the two cars side by side and then transmit on this
one to see if you can hear yourself on the other one? I'd bet my money
on your mike not working. If you cannot hear yourself, pull the mike
from the other car and try again.

On Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 12:02:17 AM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅ wrote:
> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 9:51 PM:
> > On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 8:13:11 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅ wrote:
> >> retired1 wrote on 3/4/2023 8:03 PM:
> >>> On 3/4/23 7:32 PM, Thomas wrote:
> >>>> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 7:20:53 PM UTC-5, retired1 wrote:
> >>>>> On 3/4/23 6:08 PM, Thomas wrote:
> >>>>>> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:03:01 PM UTC-5, 😎 Mighty Wannabe ✅
> >>>>>> wrote:
> >>>>>>> Thomas wrote on 3/4/2023 4:49 PM:
> >>>>>>>> Talking CB radio antenna.
> >>>>>>>> RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson
> >>>>>>>> little wil.
> >>>>>>>> The antenna end of the cable has no access.
> >>>>>>>> It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
> >>>>>>> If your car door had pinched the cable then you should be able to
> >>>>>>> see it.
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Maybe your CB radio had blown a fuse. Can you see any indication
> >>>>>>> that it
> >>>>>>> is powered on?
> >>>>>>>> It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and
> >>>>>>>> splice it?
> >>>>>>>> The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
> >>>>>>>> I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna
> >>>>>>>> movement.
> >>>>>>>> I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is
> >>>>>>>> about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
> >>>>>>>>
> >>>>>> Antenna is on car top. CB works. I pick up the stronger signals but
> >>>>>> no tx that I get answers on.
> >>>>>> The cable has no visible damage other than it being bent where the
> >>>>>> car door closes on it.
> >>>>>> I would cut it and resolder in the mount but there is more action
> >>>>>> going on in the base for me to damage.
> >>>>>> My dilemma is I can buy a new antenna but then need it swr tuned.
> >>>>>> I have a multimeter but do not understand the first suggestion. The
> >>>>>> base end is sealed. "Pull it back near the antenna"?
> >>>>>> The coax is maybe 15 feet.
> >>>>> The center conductor of the coax is directly connected to the antenna
> >>>>> itself, by way of the loading coil in the base.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> So clip one meter lead to center pin on radio end and, other lead to
> >>>>> antenna (assuming the metal antenna is not covered with plastic or
> >>>>> something)
> >>>> Excellent. Learned something new. I did like Micky's out of the box
> >>>> thinking before I understood the path.
> >>>> Weather permitting I will test tomorrow and reply.
> >>>> So, if open, can I splice? I don't really think the cb is bad.
> >>> If you have never spliced coax before, it is not a simple process.
> >>> Usually needs special tools, but can be done with wire cutters and
> >>> knife if very careful.
> >>>
> >>> Take a look here: https://www.wikihow.com/Splice-Coax-Cable
> >>>
> >> I don't think his car door pinching can break the core wire in a coaxial
> >> cable. The core wire should have high copper content and you need to
> >> deliberately bend the cable at sharp angle numerous times before the
> >> core wire would break.
> > I have a backup cb in another car to swap out. Pita but doable.
> > I will do the coax test first, i hope it is good. If so, the swap will tell.
> > Everything is about 15 years old.
> Why don't you park the two cars side by side and then transmit on this
> one to see if you can hear yourself on the other one? I'd bet my money
> on your mike not working. If you cannot hear yourself, pull the mike
> from the other car and try again.
My mike is not preventing reception. Should know in a few hours after some jobs to do.
Thanks for the suggestions.

On Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 7:08:50 AM UTC-5, Thomas wrote:

The way to test coax is TDR, time domain reflectometry. (I said that authoritatively as if I'm an expert. I did this once in 1986 and there may be something better now.) It's a gadget that sends a signal down the line and checks for the reflection. An open gives one kind, a short another, other faults give you other results, and the amount of time shows you exactly where.

Of course you don't buy one, you borrow one from a ham or a school.

On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:00:01 PM UTC-5, retired1 wrote:
> On 3/4/23 4:49 PM, Thomas wrote:
> > Talking CB radio antenna.
> > RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
> > The antenna end of the cable has no access.
> > It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
> > It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
> > The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
> > I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
> > I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
> >
> If you have or can borrow a multimeter, disconnect cable from radio,
> pull it back near the antenna, and check for short or open.
>
> Would not recommend a splice as it may distort waveform or signal strength.
>
> Even if it means working with a solder joint at the antenna, best to
> replace entire cable.
>
> Assuming it's a trunk mount, can you not run cable under the car to radio ?
>
> Good Luck, and have fun ;-)
Everything tested ok.
I brought it inside to test. Bummer. I took it apart and replaced the coax and resoldered it all. Added new sealant (I used plumbers putty) no go.
Time for new. I do not know enough about the inner diodes hidden in shrink wrap. Opening that wrap was going to break whatever was inside so I hoped to get lucky.

On Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 1:25:37 PM UTC-5, Thomas wrote:
> On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:00:01 PM UTC-5, retired1 wrote:
> > On 3/4/23 4:49 PM, Thomas wrote:
> > > Talking CB radio antenna.
> > > RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
> > > The antenna end of the cable has no access.
> > > It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
> > > It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
> > > The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
> > > I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
> > > I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
> > >
> > If you have or can borrow a multimeter, disconnect cable from radio,
> > pull it back near the antenna, and check for short or open.
> >
> > Would not recommend a splice as it may distort waveform or signal strength.
> >
> > Even if it means working with a solder joint at the antenna, best to
> > replace entire cable.
> >
> > Assuming it's a trunk mount, can you not run cable under the car to radio ?
> >
> > Good Luck, and have fun ;-)
> Everything tested ok.
> I brought it inside to test. Bummer. I took it apart and replaced the coax and resoldered it all. Added new sealant (I used plumbers putty) no go.
> Time for new. I do not know enough about the inner diodes hidden in shrink wrap. Opening that wrap was going to break whatever was inside so I hoped to get lucky.

Ok, this officially sucks.
New Wilson little wil antenna, same as the old.
2 cb's, an mcb 30, the old, and a new president adams II.
The adams has a built in weather radio. I opted for this to get rid of my police scanner in the car. Local police no longer transmit where I am at. (Hanover twp Pa 18706).
The weather station is fine on the new adams. The tx/rx sucks all the way. I think the only thing I hear is skip from where you are, be it NJ or OH.
Install polarity is correct.
No swr meter until Saturday. I moved the stinger in up/down small increments with no change at all. Notta.
I swapped the old one in. It was cut about an inch or better up against the new. Up/down, no change at all.
The "skip" cancels when I touch the old or new.
I cannot fathom that this new rig gets no reception or tx at all.
This is on a nissan suv murano, same set up when it all worked.
I am less than a mile from I81 straight line of vision and could hear the traffic on a quiet night ish.
I have been using cb's for 40 years.
What can I be overlooking? Gotta be something so simple I am going to punch myself when I figure it out.
Bring on the crazy.

On Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 5:52:59 PM UTC-5, Thomas wrote:
> On Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 1:25:37 PM UTC-5, Thomas wrote:
> > On Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:00:01 PM UTC-5, retired1 wrote:
> > > On 3/4/23 4:49 PM, Thomas wrote:
> > > > Talking CB radio antenna.
> > > > RG58 cable goes from radio to antenna. The antenna is a Wilson little wil.
> > > > The antenna end of the cable has no access.
> > > > It is on my car and maybe closing the door pinched it?
> > > > It was working fine for years. Is there a surefire way to cut and splice it?
> > > > The splice will then be on top of the car in all nasty weather.
> > > > I also am not sure of current SWR but there has been no antenna movement.
> > > > I no longer have an SWR meter, I fried it. A new lil will is about 60 bucks for a cheaper one.
> > > >
> > > If you have or can borrow a multimeter, disconnect cable from radio,
> > > pull it back near the antenna, and check for short or open.
> > >
> > > Would not recommend a splice as it may distort waveform or signal strength.
> > >
> > > Even if it means working with a solder joint at the antenna, best to
> > > replace entire cable.
> > >
> > > Assuming it's a trunk mount, can you not run cable under the car to radio ?
> > >
> > > Good Luck, and have fun ;-)
> > Everything tested ok.
> > I brought it inside to test. Bummer. I took it apart and replaced the coax and resoldered it all. Added new sealant (I used plumbers putty) no go.
> > Time for new. I do not know enough about the inner diodes hidden in shrink wrap. Opening that wrap was going to break whatever was inside so I hoped to get lucky.
> Ok, this officially sucks.
> New Wilson little wil antenna, same as the old.
> 2 cb's, an mcb 30, the old, and a new president adams II.
> The adams has a built in weather radio. I opted for this to get rid of my police scanner in the car. Local police no longer transmit where I am at. (Hanover twp Pa 18706).
> The weather station is fine on the new adams. The tx/rx sucks all the way.. I think the only thing I hear is skip from where you are, be it NJ or OH.
> Install polarity is correct.
> No swr meter until Saturday. I moved the stinger in up/down small increments with no change at all. Notta.
> I swapped the old one in. It was cut about an inch or better up against the new. Up/down, no change at all.
> The "skip" cancels when I touch the old or new.
> I cannot fathom that this new rig gets no reception or tx at all.
> This is on a nissan suv murano, same set up when it all worked.
> I am less than a mile from I81 straight line of vision and could hear the traffic on a quiet night ish.
> I have been using cb's for 40 years.
> What can I be overlooking? Gotta be something so simple I am going to punch myself when I figure it out.
> Bring on the crazy.
Back in business but another question I cannot find a good answer to.
I am tuned equal at 1.7 on Channel 1 and 40.
On channel 19 where I want to be it falls to a perfect 1.0
Is it ok to be high on the ends and perfect where I am on ch 19?
I was expecting across the board numbers. Is it explainable for the mid channels being better?

In article <05c3af63-6d03-4eea-950f-43f661279f70n@googlegroups.com>,
canope234@gmail.com says...
> Back in business but another question I cannot find a good answer to.
> I am tuned equal at 1.7 on Channel 1 and 40.
> On channel 19 where I want to be it falls to a perfect 1.0
> Is it ok to be high on the ends and perfect where I am on ch 19?
> I was expecting across the board numbers. Is it explainable for the mid channels being better?
>
>

That is normal. If you look at the resonate curve of an antenna the SWR
will start off very high below the resonate frequency (where the antenna
is too long) and start dropping as you reach the resonate frequency and
then start back up (where the antenna is too short).

Anything below around 2:1 is usually fine.

On Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 4:49:50 PM UTC-4, Ralph Mowery wrote:
> In article <05c3af63-6d03-4eea...@googlegroups.com>,
> cano...@gmail.com says...
> > Back in business but another question I cannot find a good answer to.
> > I am tuned equal at 1.7 on Channel 1 and 40.
> > On channel 19 where I want to be it falls to a perfect 1.0
> > Is it ok to be high on the ends and perfect where I am on ch 19?
> > I was expecting across the board numbers. Is it explainable for the mid channels being better?
> >
> >
> That is normal. If you look at the resonate curve of an antenna the SWR
> will start off very high below the resonate frequency (where the antenna
> is too long) and start dropping as you reach the resonate frequency and
> then start back up (where the antenna is too short).
>
> Anything below around 2:1 is usually fine.
Thank you. I get to put the tools away. One last observation about this.
I am transmitting better on 19 than 1 or 40 correct? That is my only goal.

In article <411b87d0-5d2f-4123-a883-44e816573677n@googlegroups.com>,
canope234@gmail.com says...
> > Anything below around 2:1 is usually fine.
> Thank you. I get to put the tools away. One last observation about this.
> I am transmitting better on 19 than 1 or 40 correct? That is my only goal.
>
>

In theory you are. However there is not very much difference in range.
Sort of like switching on a 60 watt light buld outside at high noon in
bright sunlight.

There are two losses. One due to the very small extra loss in the coax
and the other maybe the transmitter will reduce power to protect the
final transistor in the transmitter due to a higher SWR.

On Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 7:25:41 PM UTC-4, Ralph Mowery wrote:
> In article <411b87d0-5d2f-4123...@googlegroups.com>,
> cano...@gmail.com says...
> > > Anything below around 2:1 is usually fine.
> > Thank you. I get to put the tools away. One last observation about this..
> > I am transmitting better on 19 than 1 or 40 correct? That is my only goal.
> >
> >
> In theory you are. However there is not very much difference in range.
> Sort of like switching on a 60 watt light buld outside at high noon in
> bright sunlight.
>
> There are two losses. One due to the very small extra loss in the coax
> and the other maybe the transmitter will reduce power to protect the
> final transistor in the transmitter due to a higher SWR.
Thanks Ralph and everyone. I learned quite a bit about this.
It makes me wonder how many cb's are returned to the store because they "don't work".