Micom SWR Problems

[kd8gua]

Has anyone here installed a Micom in either a COV or POV using the F2265 tuner and a ball and spring mount for the whip, as opposed to the WIMA tuner base that is typically seen on COV installs?

I am unable to get any tuner matches on my Micom 2 with the 2265 tuner and 12' fiberglass whip. Yes, the tuner is on. I can, under certain conditions, get matches on amateur frequencies in the 10 and 12 meter range. However, I've increased the height of the standoff I have at the antenna tip, and now those matches are gone. I've grounded all of the metal parts of the 2265 tuner, and used GTO neon sign wire as the RF cable from the tuner to the antenna. The tuner is grounded to the car frame using flat grounding braid, and the radio chassis and DC negative are all grounded to the frame as well.

I don't understand how I can't get a single match, but yet some of the sketchiest looking installations on COV's work with acceptable power output and SWR. A number of installs that I've seen shouldn't even work, yet they work better than mine!

So, I need some advice! Thanks!

[lordmonar]

Is your whip actually 12'?

I have seen some fiberglass whips get opens when the electrical elements of the antenna are broken in the manufacturing or transport.  It is not common....but I have seen it.

[kd8gua]

I have the same whip the CAP uses. The three section fiberglass whip. I should probably check each section with a multi meter to make sure everything is connected.

[lordmonar]

I have the same whip the CAP uses. The three section fiberglass whip. I should probably check each section with a multi meter to make sure everything is connected.

that may be the problem....I had a three section whip that had a connection problem.....same sort of problems.