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SoCalRVer · 03-22-2013, 10:01 PM

New to Ham Radio and this forum. I have a small class C MH and previously had a CB antenna mounted atop the ladder. Gave up on CB and went to Ham 2 months ago. Replaced the CB antenna with a short 18" Comet dual band antenna with a spring. This is actually shorter than the CB antenna. Total height is 11' 8". Problem is the match on the radio is 2.0 to 1 and although I have no problem reaching the local repeater, I have better luck on the ARC simplex checkin with my HT. I get nothing with the FT1900 at high pwer. The MH is parked in the driveway facing the house. I did try an NGP antenna, but it brought my height to 14" and no spring.
So it does appear to be operating correctly with the repeater but just doesn't work well on simplex. Everyone tells me there's no ground. If so, how come it works with the repeater? Watts reading on the SWR meter shows appropriate power level readings, just 2.0 to 1 on match.

03-22-2013, 10:01 PM	#1
SoCalRVer Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 18	Mounting 2M antenna on ladder New to Ham Radio and this forum. I have a small class C MH and previously had a CB antenna mounted atop the ladder. Gave up on CB and went to Ham 2 months ago. Replaced the CB antenna with a short 18" Comet dual band antenna with a spring. This is actually shorter than the CB antenna. Total height is 11' 8". Problem is the match on the radio is 2.0 to 1 and although I have no problem reaching the local repeater, I have better luck on the ARC simplex checkin with my HT. I get nothing with the FT1900 at high pwer. The MH is parked in the driveway facing the house. I did try an NGP antenna, but it brought my height to 14" and no spring. So it does appear to be operating correctly with the repeater but just doesn't work well on simplex. Everyone tells me there's no ground. If so, how come it works with the repeater? Watts reading on the SWR meter shows appropriate power level readings, just 2.0 to 1 on match.